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N5242A

Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP)Microwave

The Keysight N5242A is a premier-performance Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) from the PNA-X Series, designed for highly integrated and advanced active device tests up to 26.5 GHz. It features a built-in S-parameter test set, flexible measurement architecture, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface.

RF and MicrowaveSignal AnalysisVector Network Analyzer

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesLAN, GPIB, USB (Host/Device), External Reference, Trigger I/O
Display10.4 inch LCD Touch Screen
Warm-up Time90 minutes
Recommended Calibration Interval1 year

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Operating Temperature0 to 55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)426 mm × 235 mm × 483 mm
Weight25 kg
Rack Unit Height5U
Rack Mount KitOptional
Ventilation Clearance (Sides)15 cm (6 inches)
Ventilation Clearance (Rear)9 cm (3.5 inches)

General Specifications

ParameterValue
Model NumberN5242A
SeriesPNA-X Series
Product DescriptionPremier-performance Vector Network Analyzer
Number of Ports2
Front Panel Access Loops6 (standard)
Internal RF Transfer SwitchSolid-state in R1 reference-receiver path
Internal StorageHard Disk Drive

Measurement Performance

ParameterValue
Frequency Range10 MHz - 26.5 GHz
Dynamic Range (System Corrected)130 dB (at 10 Hz IFBW)
IF Bandwidth Range1 Hz - 15 MHz
Test Port Connector Type3.5 mm (female)
Number of Measurement Points1 to 20001
System Impedance50 Ohm
Channels32
Measurement Speed (Per Point)3.6 µs (at 15 MHz IFBW)
Pulsed Measurement Speed ImprovementUp to 30x faster than external (with Option 008)
IMD/Conversion Loss Measurement Speed ImprovementUp to 35x faster than external (with optional second source)

Source Specifications

ParameterValue
Source Power Output Range-90 dBm to +16 dBm (typical, without options)

Receiver Specifications

ParameterValue
Receiver Noise Floor-110 dBm (typical, 10 Hz IFBW)

System Calibration and Correction

ParameterValue
Calibration Methods SupportedSOLT, TRL, LRL, ECal, Response, Enhanced Response
Vector Error Correction TypesFull 2-port, 1-port, Response, Enhanced Response
Calibration Kit SupportYes
Automatic Calibration Module SupportYes

Sweep Capabilities

ParameterValue
Sweep TypeLinear, Log, Power, CW, Segment
Trigger TypesInternal, External, Manual, Bus

Display and User Interface

ParameterValue
Display TypeLCD
Display Size10.4 inch
Touchscreen CapabilityYes
Operating SystemWindows Embedded Standard

Connectivity and I/O

ParameterValue
LAN/Ethernet Ports1 (Gigabit Ethernet)
USB Ports (Host/Device)Multiple USB (Host), 1 USB (Device)
GPIB InterfaceYes (IEEE-488.2)
VGA/Display OutputVGA, DisplayPort
External Reference Input10 MHz
External Reference Output10 MHz
Trigger InputYes
Trigger OutputYes

Software and Control

ParameterValue
Programming InterfacesSCPI, COM
Remote Control CapabilitiesYes
Firmware UpdatesSupported

Environmental Characteristics

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-40 to +70 °C
Humidity Range15% to 80% RH, non-condensing (up to 40 °C); 15% to 60% RH, non-condensing (40 °C to 55 °C)

Regulatory Compliance

ParameterValue
EMC ComplianceCE, FCC
Safety ComplianceUL, CSA
Environmental CertificationsRoHS, WEEE

Physical Characteristics

ParameterValue
Rack MountableYes (2U)
CoolingFan

Power Requirements

ParameterValue
Line Frequency Range47-63 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption600 VA

Available Options and Upgrades

ParameterValue
Number of Synthesized Sources1 or 2 (optional second source)
Internal Combiners/Splitters OptionYes (Option 080 for 2-tone measurements)
Internal Attenuators OptionYes (Option 016, Source step attenuators)
Built-in Preamplifiers OptionYes (Option 021)
Pulse Measurement Capability OptionYes (Option 008, Internal pulse modulators and generators)
Mixer/Converter Measurement OptionYes (enabled by optional second internal source)
Noise Figure Measurement OptionYes (Option 025)
X-Parameter Measurement OptionYes
Extended Power Range OptionYes (Option UNR, Receiver attenuator)
Rear Panel Access Loops OptionYes
Internal Switches OptionYes (for signal conditioning)

Frequency Characteristics

ParameterValue
Frequency Resolution1 Hz
Frequency Reference Aging Rate±0.1 ppm/year
Frequency Reference Temperature Stability±0.05 ppm (0 to 55 °C)

Source Characteristics

ParameterValue
Source Harmonics< -60 dBc (typical)
Source Non-Harmonic Spurious< -50 dBc (typical)
Source Output Power Resolution0.01 dB

Measurement Characteristics

ParameterValue
Group Delay ApertureUser-selectable
Group Delay ResolutionVaries with aperture and frequency range

Connectivity

ParameterValue
LAN/Ethernet Standard10/100/1000Base-T
LXI ComplianceLXI Class C
USB Front Ports4x USB 2.0 Type A
USB Rear Ports2x USB 2.0 Type A, 1x USB 2.0 Type B (device)
Display Output ResolutionUp to 1920x1080
External Reference Frequency10 MHz
Digital I/O Port36-pin D-sub
LXI ClassC
External Monitor Output (Digital)DVI-D, DisplayPort
Digital I/O Port Type36-pin D-sub
Digital I/O Logic LevelTTL compatible

Software & Control

ParameterValue
Programming LanguagesSCPI, COM/DCOM, .NET, LabVIEW/VEE Drivers
Operating System VersionWindows Embedded Standard 7

Environmental

ParameterValue
Operating AltitudeUp to 2,000 m (6,560 feet)
Non-Operating AltitudeUp to 4,600 m (15,000 feet)

Power

ParameterValue
Power Consumption (Max VA)1300 VA
Power Factor>0.9

Source Performance

ParameterValue
Source Phase Noise (1 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset)< -100 dBc/Hz
Source Phase Noise (10 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset)< -92 dBc/Hz
Source Phase Noise (20 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset)< -85 dBc/Hz
Source Phase Noise (26.5 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset)< -82 dBc/Hz
Output Power Level Accuracy±0.6 dB (10 MHz to 26.5 GHz, Pout > -15 dBm)

Receiver Performance

ParameterValue
Maximum Input Power (Continuous)+27 dBm
Maximum Input DC Voltage±30 VDC

System Performance (Corrected)

ParameterValue
System Directivity (0.01 - 26.5 GHz)>42 dB
System Source Match (0.01 - 26.5 GHz)>40 dB
System Load Match (0.01 - 26.5 GHz)>40 dB
System Port Isolation (0.01 - 26.5 GHz, 10 Hz IFBW)>100 dB
System Transmission Tracking Magnitude (0.01 - 26.5 GHz)±0.05 dB
System Transmission Tracking Phase (0.01 - 26.5 GHz)±0.5 degrees

Technology

Vector Network Analysis

Applications

Microwave component characterization, Active device test, Amplifier intermodulation distortion (IMD) measurement, Mixer/converter conversion loss measurement, Pulsed S-parameter measurements, Noise figure measurement