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Agilent PNA Microwave Network Analyzers Application Note 1408-8 Amplifier Swept-Harmonic Measurements Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Swept-Harmonic Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Test Methodology Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Technique A1. Source Harmonics Not Filtered, Basic Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Technique A2. Source Harmonics Filtered, Basic Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Technique B. Source Harmonics Not Filtered, Scalar-Mixer Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Note: The step-by-step procedures in this application note were written for PNA (836xA/B) and PNA-L (N5230A) network analyzers with firmware revision A.04.06. If you have a PNA or PNA-L with a different firmware revision, the step-by-step procedures or screenshots may vary. The concepts and general guidelines still apply. Introduction This application note covers testing of an amplifier's harmonics, using the microwave (MW) PNA Series of vector network analyzers. Linear parameters, such as gain and return loss, are covered in Agilent Application Note 1408-7. Intermodulation distortion is covered in Agilent Application Note 1408-9. Amplifiers are a fundamental building block of microwave systems, and characterizing the performance of amplifiers is a critical factor in the design process. Network analyzers are traditionally used for linear amplifier measurements, while spectrum analyzers are used for nonlinear measurements such as harmonics and intermodulation distortion. However, many modern network analyzers, including the Agilent MW PNA Series, can be