Keysight Technologies USB Preamplifiers

Keysight Technologies USB Preamplifiers U77/A 1 MHz to 4 GHz U77/C 1 MHz to 6. GHz U77/F to GHz Technical Overview

Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Key Features and Benefits Automatic gain correction value with temperature compensation and transfer of calibration data (noise figure and S-parameters) through USB plug and play features for improved noise figure measurements with Keysight N94/1B UXA and N91//3A/B X-Series signal analyzers Excellent noise figure and optimized gain with the X-Series signal analyzers; improves measurement accuracy and minimizes uncertainty Provides ultra-broadband operating frequency from 1 MHz up to GHz for various applications Rugged and portable design for benchtop measurements or remote front-end applications Benchtop/Remote Front End Use In many RF systems, noise figure is known as a key parameter for characterizing a receiver and its ability to detect weak incoming signals combined with self-generated noise. The presence of these signals are typically low level, so adding a reliable preamplifier will greatly increase the sensitivity of your measurement system. The Keysight Technologies, Inc. U77/A/C/F USB preamplifiers are designed to increase signal analyzer sensitivity for measuring low-level signals by reducing instrument noise figure. Reduced instrument noise figure also reduces noise figure measurement uncertainty in most cases. Powered on a USB platform, compact and portable, the USB preamplifiers eliminates the need for an external power supply and is ideal for either benchtop measurements or on remote front end applications. When connected to the Keysight X-Series signal analyzers, the USB preamplifiers can automatically configure the signal analyzer to detect the specific preamplifier connected. The preamplifier will then download the embedded calibration data such as gain, noise figure and S-parameters. The calibration data provides accurate correction data and more repeatable results for each measurement made. The combined solution of the Keysight U77/A/C/F USB preamplifiers and the X-Series signal analyzers delivers the most efficient test setup, highest accuracy and lowest measurement uncertainty for noise figure measurement applications up to GHz. Improve Noise Figure Measurements Adding a preamplifier to a noise figure measurement system can significantly reduce the overall system noise figure. The total system noise is dominated by the noise figure of the preamplifier. F sys 1 F new = F pa + G pa Where F and G are noise figure and preamplifier gain, both in linear terms. NF sys = 1 log (F sys ) in For systems with a single preamplifier, where the gain of the preamplifier is greater than or equal to the spectrum analyzer noise figure, the system noise figure is approximately equal to the noise figure of the preamplifier.

3 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Increase Sensitivity and Speed Measurement system sensitivity for measuring low-level signals can be improved by adding a preamplifier. Alternatively, boosting the sensitivity of your signal or spectrum analyzer with the U77/A/C/F USB preamplifiers can provide a means for achieving a faster measurement speed. An analyzer with low noise figure allows you to use a wider resolution bandwidth, yet achieve the same sensitivity. Sweep times can improve one hundred times for each decade increase in bandwidth. The U77/A/C/F USB preamplifiers have gain and noise figure characteristics that optimize dynamic range and sensitivity. Low Noise Amplifier Measurements Keysight X-Series signal analyzer Keysight X-Series signal analyzer Keysight SNS noise source Keysight SNS noise source Figure 1. USB Preamplifier calibration setup Keysight USB preamplifier LNA (DUT) Figure. LNA noise figure measurement setup Figure above shows the typical setup with a Keysight X-Series signal analyzer for noise figure measurements on a low noise amplifier (LNA) device using the Y-factor measurement technique. The method begins with the calibration setup shown in Figure 1; connecting the USB preamplifier and noise source to the X-Series signal analyzer, setting a start and stop frequency, then calibrate the system through the noise figure measurement application on the signal analyzer. The next step is to insert the LNA and observe the gain and noise figure for the measurement as shown in Figure. The built-in uncertainty calculator for the signal analyzer will perform the calculation work for you by importing uncertainties from the specification guide, calibration data from the SNS (noise source), and the gain, noise figure, and match terms of the USB preamplifiers. The uncertainty calculator will also import the LNA noise figure and gain terms from the previous measurement. Keysight USB preamplifier

4 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Mixer Measurements For noise figure measurements on frequency-converting devices such as mixers, a more complicated setup is required. Figure 4 shows a setup using a low pass filter (LPF) after the mixer (DUT) to remove any LO feed through. First the measurement system will require calibration (Figure 3) which includes calibrating with the LPF to include it in the measurement system. When the calibration process is complete, the DUT will be inserted between the low pass filter and the SNS source with the LO input being connected to a source. Noise figure measurements can now be carried out for the DUT. Built-in uncertainty calculators do not work for frequency converting devices. For this application, you will need the RF (input) and IF (output) VSWR from the data sheet of the mixers to estimate the uncertainty of the system being measured. Keysight X-Series signal analyzer Keysight X-Series signal analyzer Keysight SNS noise source Low Pass Filter LPF Keysight USB preamplifier Source Low Pass Filter LO RF DUT LPF IF Keysight SNS noise source Keysight USB preamplifier Figure 3. USB preamplifier calibration setup Figure 4. Mixer noise figure measurement setup

Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview s* s refer to the performance standards or limits against which the U77A/C/F USB preamplifiers are tested. Typical characteristics are included for additional information only and they are not specifications. Those are denoted as typical, nominal or approximate and are printed in italic. s subject to change. U77/A U77/C U77/F Frequency 1 MHz to 4 GHz 1 MHz to 6. GHz to GHz Gain () 1 to 1 MHz: > 16 1 MHz to 4 GHz: >.F + 17 Input return loss (Input SWR) 1 to 1 MHz: > (3.7) 1 MHz to GHz: > 13. (1.4) to 3 GHz: > 11. (1.73) 3 to 4 GHz: > 1 (1.93) 1 MHz to 6. GHz: > 16.1 +.6F to GHz: > 16. +.3F 1 MHz to 4 GHz: > 1 (1.43) 4 to 6. GHz: > (.3) Output return loss (Output SWR) 1 MHz to 4 GHz: > 1 (1.9) 1 MHz to 4 GHz: > 1 (1.9) 4 to 6. GHz: > 11 (1.7) Noise figure 1 to 1 MHz: <. 1 MHz to 4 GHz: < 1 MHz to 4 GHz: < 6 4 to 6 GHz: < 6 to 1 GHz: < 4 1 to 6. GHz: < Plug and play USB connection Yes Yes Yes Optimized gain slope for better spectrum analysis Yes Yes Yes Automatic gain compensation Yes Yes Yes Automatic temperature compensation Yes Yes Yes * s are tested and measured with an operating temperature of 3 C. * F signifies frequency in GHz GHz to 4 GHz: > (.3) 4 to 44 GHz: > 6 (3.) 44 to GHz: > (3.7) U77F to 4 GHz: > 1 (1.9) 4 to 4 GHz: > 11 (1.7) 4 to GHz: > (.3) U7F to 4 GHz: > 1 (1.9) 4 to 6. GHz: > 11 (1.7) 6. to 4 GHz: > (.3) 4 to GHz: > 6 (3.) to 4 GHz: < 1 4 to 4 GHz: < 4 to 44 GHz: < 9 44 to GHz: < 1 Supplemental characteristics U77/A U77/C U77/F Data storage EEPROM EEPROM EEPROM Bias voltage and current USB Vdc at 36 ma USB Vdc at 4 ma USB Vdc at 46 ma Survival input power + 17 m + 17 m + 1 m Power dissipation (typical) 1. W W.3 W Temperature coefficient (typical).9 /C.3 /C.1 /C Pin depth to. mm ( to. in) to. mm ( to. in) to. mm ( to. in) RF connector 3. mm (m) 3. mm (m).4 mm (m)

6 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Amplitude accuracy (typical) Total measurement uncertainty, 9th Interpolation error, σ.1 to 3.6 GHz.36.36 1 3. to.4 GHz..67.3 to 13.6 GHz.91.1 3 13. to 17.1 GHz.96.34 4 17. to 6. GHz.16.113 6.4 to 34. GHz.13.1 6 34.4 to GHz.3.343 Input VSWR (typical) Model Frequency range 9th percentile VSWR U77/A.1 to 4 GHz 1.11 U77/C.1 to 6. GHz.73 U77/F to GHz.6 Note: The 9th percentile VSWR shown is actually the 9th percentile of a Rayleigh distribution that would give similar mismatch uncertainty to that from an observed example preamplifier. The actual 9th percentile distribution is smaller than this, but it only modestly matches a Rayleigh distribution. Still, Keysight recommends using the methods outlined in Application Note Fundamentals of RF and Microwave Power Measurements (part number 9-91EN) and companion Average Power Sensor Measurement Uncertainty Calculator to compute mismatch uncertainty. Use this 9th percentile VSWR information and the Rayleigh model (Case C or E in the application note) with that process.

7 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Typical Performance U77/A 1 MHz to 4 GHz USB preamplifier 4 3 3 1 1.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. 1 9 7 6 4 3 1.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. Gain Noise Figure Figure. U77/A Gain versus frequency (typical) Figure 6. U77/A Noise figure versus frequency (typical) 1 1 3 3 4.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. Input Return Loss 1 1 3 3 4.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. Output Return Loss Figure 7. U77/A return loss versus frequency (typical) Figure. U77/A Output return loss versus frequency (typical) m 1 1 1.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. Output P1 1 3 4 6 7 9 1.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. Reverse Isolation Figure 9. U77/A Output P1 versus frequency (typical) Figure 1. U77/A Reverse isolation versus frequency (typical)

Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview 6 4 3 m 1 1.1.1 1.1 1.1.1. 3. 3. 4. Third Order Intercept (TOI) Figure 11. U77/A Third order intercept (TOI) versus frequency (typical) Typical Performance U77/A 1 MHz to 6. GHz USB preamplifier 4 3 3 1 1.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. 1 9 7 6 4 3 1.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. Gain Noise Figure Figure 1. U77/C Gain versus frequency (typical) Figure 13. U77/C Noise figure versus frequency (typical) 1 1 3 3 4.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. Input Return Loss 1 1 3 3 4.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. Output Return Loss Figure 14. U77/C Input return loss versus frequency (typical) Figure 1. U77/C Output return loss versus frequency (typical)

9 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview m 1 1 1.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. Output P1 1 3 4 6 7 9 1.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. Reverse Isolation Figure 16. U77/C Output P1 versus frequency (typical) Figure 17. U77/C Reverse isolation versus frequency (typical) 6 4 3 m 1 1.1 3.4 6.7 1 13.3 16.6 19.9 3. 6. Third Order Intercept (TOI) Figure 1. U77/C Third order intercept (TOI) versus frequency (typical) Typical Performance U77/F to GHz USB preamplifier 4 3 3 1 1 14 6 3 3 44 1 9 7 6 4 3 1 14 6 3 3 44 Gain Noise Figure Figure 19. U77/F Gain versus frequency (typical) Figure. U77/F Noise figure versus frequency (typical)

1 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 4 14 6 3 Input Return Loss 3 44 4 14 6 3 Output Return Loss Figure 1. U77/F Input return loss versus frequency (typical) 3 44 44 Figure. U77/F output return loss versus frequency (typical) 1 1 1 3 4 m 6 7 1 1 9 14 6 3 3 44 14 Output P1 Figure 4. U77/F Reverse isolation versus frequency (typical) 14 6 1 1 4 3 6 m 3 Reverse Isolation Figure 3. U77/F output P1 versus frequency (typical) 4 1 1 6 3 14 6 3 3 44 Third Order Intercept (TOI) Figure. U77/F third order intercept (TOI) versus frequency (typical) 4 6 6. 11.6 16.4 1. 6 3. 3.6 Output P1 Psat Figure 6. U77/F output power versus frequency (typical) 4.4 4.

11 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview - -1-1 - - -3-3 -4 14 6 3 3 44 Output Return Loss Figure 7. U7F output return loss versus frequency (typical) Environmental s Keysight U77/A/C/F USB preamplifiers fully comply with Keysight s product operating environmental specifications. The following are the summarized environmental specifications for these products. Temperature range Operating to C Storage 4 to 7 C Relative humidity Operating % to 9 % RH at 4 C Storage 9 % RH at 6 C Shock End-use handling shock 1.6 m/s Transportation shock g, m/s Vibration Operating Random: to Hz,.1 g rms Survival Random: to Hz,.9 g rms Swept sine: to Hz,. g rms ESD immunity Direct discharge 6 kv per IEC 61-4- Air discharge 1 kv per IEC 61-4-

1 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Mechanical Dimension Mechanical dimensions do not include RF cables and connectors Model Weight Pin depth Height Width Length U77/A U77/C U77/F.3 kg (.4 lbs) to. mm ( to. in) 3. mm (1.4 in) 6. mm (.36 in) 7. mm (.9 in) Figure. Mechanical dimensions for U77A and U77C USB preamplifiers Figure 9. Mechanical dimensions for U7A and U7C USB preamplifiers

13 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Figure 3. Mechanical dimensions for U77F USB preamplifier Figure 31. Mechanical dimensions for U7F USB preamplifier

14 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Ordering Information U77/A U77/C U77/F 1 MHz to 4 GHz USB Preamplifier¹ 1 MHz to 6. GHz USB Preamplifier¹ to GHz USB Preamplifier² 1. The product ships with one 3. (f) to Type-N (m) adapter.. The product ships with one.4 (f) to.4 (f) adapter. Recommended Signal Analyzers N94/1B UXA Signal Analyzers, 3 khz to.4/13.6/6./44//9/11 GHz www.keysight.com/find/uxa N93A/B PXA X-Series Signal Analyzers, 3 Hz to.4/13.6/6./43/44/ GHz www.keysight.com/find/pxa N9A/B MXA X-Series Signal Analyzers, 1 Hz to 3.6/.4/13.6/6. GHz www.keysight.com/find/mxa N91A/B EXA X-Series Signal Analyzers, 1 Hz to 3.6/7/13.6/6./3/44 GHz www.keysight.com/find/exa www.keysight.com www.keysight.com/find/mta www.keysight.com/find/amplifiers

1 Keysight USB Preamplifiers U77A/C/F - Technical Overview Evolving Since 1939 Our unique combination of hardware, software, services, and people can help you reach your next breakthrough. We are unlocking the future of technology. From Hewlett-Packard to Agilent to Keysight. For more information on Keysight Technologies products, applications or services, please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at: www.keysight.com/find/contactus Americas Canada (77) 94 4414 Brazil 11 331 71 Mexico 1 4 44 United States () 9 4444 mykeysight www.keysight.com/find/mykeysight A personalized view into the information most relevant to you. Keysight Services www.keysight.com/find/service Keysight Services can help from acquisition to renewal across your instrument s lifecycle. Our comprehensive service offerings one-stop calibration, repair, asset management, technology refresh, consulting, training and more helps you improve product quality and lower costs. Three-Year Warranty www.keysight.com/find/threeyearwarranty Keysight s committed to superior product quality and lower total cost of ownership. Keysight is the only test and measurement company with three-year warranty standard on all instruments, worldwide. And, we provide a one-year warranty on many accessories, calibration devices, systems and custom products. Keysight Assurance Plans www.keysight.com/find/assuranceplans Up to ten years of protection and no budgetary surprises to ensure your instruments are operating to specification, so you can rely on accurate measurements. Keysight Channel Partners www.keysight.com/find/channelpartners Get the best of both worlds: Keysight s measurement expertise and product breadth, combined with channel partner convenience. Asia Pacific Australia 1 69 4 China 1 19 Hong Kong 93 693 India 1 11 66 Japan 1 (41) 34 Korea 769 Malaysia 1 4 Singapore 1 37 1 Taiwan 47 66 Other AP Countries (6) 637 1 Europe & Middle East Austria 11 Belgium Finland 3 France 9333 Germany 67999 Ireland 1 37 Israel 1 9 3431 Italy 991 Luxembourg +3 Netherlands 33 Russia 96 Spain 14 Sweden Switzerland 33 Opt. 1 (DE) Opt. (FR) Opt. 3 (IT) United Kingdom 6637 For other unlisted countries: www.keysight.com/find/contactus (BP-6--17) www.keysight.com/find/mta DEKRA Certified ISO91 Quality Management System www.keysight.com/go/quality Keysight Technologies, Inc. DEKRA Certified ISO 91:1 Quality Management System This information is subject to change without notice. Keysight Technologies, 14-17 Published in USA, August 3, 17 991-446EN www.keysight.com