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Agilent AN 1287-2 Exploring the Architectures of Network Analyzers Application Note Table of Contents 2 Introduction 2 Network Analyzer Architecture 3 Coupling Signals 6 Directional Bridges 6 Network Analyzer Detection 8 Comparing Dynamic Range 9 The Spectrum Analyzer Alternative 9 The Test Set 10 Other Considerations 10 Suggested Reading Introduction Network Analyzer Architecture Network analyzers have become one of the most Network analyzers differ in form and function important measurement tools for characterizing from another tool commonly used to characterize the performance of high-frequency components communications systems and components, the spec- and devices. A modern vector network analyzer trum analyzer (see Figure 1). Spectrum analyzers can measure a component's magnitude, phase, and measure unknown external signals. In contrast, group delay, show port impedances on a Smith network analyzers utilize synthesized-frequency chart, and, with time-domain capability, show the sources to provide a known test stimulus that can distance from a test port to an impedance mismatch sweep across a range of frequencies or power levels. or circuit fault. Understanding a network analyzer's Network analyzers also can perform ratioed meas- capabilities and operation can help an operator urements (including phase), which require multi- derive optimum performance from the instrument. ple receivers. These measurements cannot be per- formed with a spectrum analyzer, even when it Agilent Technologies offers an extensive line of RF is complemented by a tracking generator. and microwave network analyzers for applications from DC to 110 GHz. These analyzers are available Spectrum analyzers are generally employed to with a variety of test sets and calibration kits and measure signal characteristics such as carrier can be equipped with such options as time-domain level, sidebands, harmonics, and phase noise. They capability for making distance-to-fault evaluations are usually configured as a single-channel receiver in transmission lines. Agilent also supplies linear