Keysight E8363A Network Analyzer: High-Performance RF and Microwave Testing Solution
Keysight E8363A Network Analyzer: High-Performance RF & Microwave Testing Solution
I. Product Overview
The Keysight E8363A is a high-performance vector network analyzer (VNA) from the PNA series, designed for RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave device testing. It is widely used in wireless communications, aerospace, defense electronics, and semiconductor testing, offering high-precision S-parameter measurements, time-domain analysis, and noise figure testing.
This article provides a detailed introduction to the E8363A from three perspectives: key specifications, operating instructions, and typical applications, helping users quickly master its capabilities and optimize testing workflows.
II. Key Specifications of E8363A
1. Frequency Range & Dynamic Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz ~ 40 GHz (extendable to 67 GHz) |
| Dynamic Range | >130 dB (typical) |
| Measurement Speed | Fastest 5 μs/point (rapid sweep mode) |
| Output Power | -50 dBm ~ +13 dBm (adjustable) |
2. Measurement Accuracy & Stability
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Accuracy | ±0.03 dB (after calibration) |
| Phase Accuracy | ±0.3° (after calibration) |
| Trace Noise | <0.002 dB RMS (1 kHz IFBW) |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.01 dB/°C (typical) |
3. Other Key Features
Port Configuration: 2-port (standard), expandable to 4-port
Calibration Methods: SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Thru), TRL, LRM
Data Interfaces: GPIB, LAN, USB 2.0
Display Resolution: 12.1-inch touchscreen (1024×768 pixels)
III. Operating Instructions
1. Hardware Connections
(1) Device Under Test (DUT) Connection
Use high-quality RF cables (e.g., 3.5mm or N-type) to connect the E8363A’s Port 1 and Port 2 to the DUT.
For differential devices (e.g., balanced filters), use differential probes or baluns.
(2) Calibration Procedure
Select Calibration Kit: Match the calibration kit model (e.g., 85052D) in the instrument menu.
Perform SOLT Calibration: Connect Short, Open, Load, and Thru standards sequentially.
Verify Calibration: Check if S11/S22 reflection coefficients are close to 0 dB (ideal match).
2. Basic Measurement Operations
Set Frequency Range
Press 【FREQ】, then enter Start and Stop frequencies (e.g., 1 GHz ~ 20 GHz).
Select Measurement Parameters
Press 【S-Parameter】 to choose S11 (reflection), S21 (transmission), etc.
Adjust Sweep Points & IF Bandwidth
Increase points (e.g., 1601) for higher resolution; reduce IF BW (e.g., 10 Hz) to minimize noise.
Save & Export Data
Supports **.CSV**, **.S2P** formats for post-processing (e.g., ADS simulation).
3. Advanced Functions
(1) Time-Domain Analysis (TDR/TDT)
Purpose: Locate impedance discontinuities in transmission lines (e.g., PCB defects).
Steps:
Press 【Transform】→【Time Domain】.
Set time-domain gating to isolate specific reflections.
(2) Noise Figure Testing (Option Required)
Application: Evaluate noise performance of amplifiers/mixers.
Required Option: N4000A Noise Figure Test Kit.
(3) Mixer Testing (Option Required)
Purpose: Measure conversion loss, isolation, etc.
Required Option: S93080B Mixer Test Software.
IV. Typical Applications
1. Wireless Communication Device Testing
Devices: Filters, amplifiers, antennas, couplers
Key Metrics:
S11/S22 (return loss >15 dB)
S21 (insertion loss <3 dB)
2. Aerospace & Defense Electronics
Devices: Radar components, satellite comms modules
Requirements:
High dynamic range (>120 dB) for weak signal detection
Phase stability (±0.5°) for beamforming systems
3. Semiconductor Device Characterization
Devices: GaN HEMT, SiC power devices
Notes:
Use DC bias modules (e.g., N469x series) for gate/drain voltage.
Avoid overdrive (Output Power ≤ 0 dBm) to prevent damage.
4. High-Speed Digital Signal Integrity
Devices: PCB traces, connectors
Methods:
TDR for impedance consistency analysis.
Eye diagram generation (requires BERT/oscilloscope).
V. Conclusion
The Keysight E8363A is a high-precision, multifunctional VNA suitable for R&D, production, and QA. Its wide bandwidth, low noise, and high dynamic range make it ideal for 5G, mmWave, radar, and semiconductor applications.
Selection Guide
Basic RF Testing: E8363A (2-port) + 85052D Cal Kit.
Complex Systems: E8363A (4-port) + N4000A Noise Option.
mmWave Extension: Pair with VDI frequency extenders (up to 67 GHz).
Keysight E8363A Network Analyzer: High-Performance RF & Microwave Testing Solution
I. Product Overview
The Keysight E8363A is a high-performance vector network analyzer (VNA) from the PNA series, designed for RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave device testing. It is widely used in wireless communications, aerospace, defense electronics, and semiconductor testing, offering high-precision S-parameter measurements, time-domain analysis, and noise figure testing.
This article provides a detailed introduction to the E8363A from three perspectives: key specifications, operating instructions, and typical applications, helping users quickly master its capabilities and optimize testing workflows.
II. Key Specifications of E8363A
1. Frequency Range & Dynamic Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz ~ 40 GHz (extendable to 67 GHz) |
| Dynamic Range | >130 dB (typical) |
| Measurement Speed | Fastest 5 μs/point (rapid sweep mode) |
| Output Power | -50 dBm ~ +13 dBm (adjustable) |
2. Measurement Accuracy & Stability
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Accuracy | ±0.03 dB (after calibration) |
| Phase Accuracy | ±0.3° (after calibration) |
| Trace Noise | <0.002 dB RMS (1 kHz IFBW) |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.01 dB/°C (typical) |
3. Other Key Features
Port Configuration: 2-port (standard), expandable to 4-port
Calibration Methods: SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Thru), TRL, LRM
Data Interfaces: GPIB, LAN, USB 2.0
Display Resolution: 12.1-inch touchscreen (1024×768 pixels)
III. Operating Instructions
1. Hardware Connections
(1) Device Under Test (DUT) Connection
Use high-quality RF cables (e.g., 3.5mm or N-type) to connect the E8363A’s Port 1 and Port 2 to the DUT.
For differential devices (e.g., balanced filters), use differential probes or baluns.
(2) Calibration Procedure
Select Calibration Kit: Match the calibration kit model (e.g., 85052D) in the instrument menu.
Perform SOLT Calibration: Connect Short, Open, Load, and Thru standards sequentially.
Verify Calibration: Check if S11/S22 reflection coefficients are close to 0 dB (ideal match).
2. Basic Measurement Operations
Set Frequency Range
Press 【FREQ】, then enter Start and Stop frequencies (e.g., 1 GHz ~ 20 GHz).
Select Measurement Parameters
Press 【S-Parameter】 to choose S11 (reflection), S21 (transmission), etc.
Adjust Sweep Points & IF Bandwidth
Increase points (e.g., 1601) for higher resolution; reduce IF BW (e.g., 10 Hz) to minimize noise.
Save & Export Data
Supports **.CSV**, **.S2P** formats for post-processing (e.g., ADS simulation).
3. Advanced Functions
(1) Time-Domain Analysis (TDR/TDT)
Purpose: Locate impedance discontinuities in transmission lines (e.g., PCB defects).
Steps:
Press 【Transform】→【Time Domain】.
Set time-domain gating to isolate specific reflections.
(2) Noise Figure Testing (Option Required)
Application: Evaluate noise performance of amplifiers/mixers.
Required Option: N4000A Noise Figure Test Kit.
(3) Mixer Testing (Option Required)
Purpose: Measure conversion loss, isolation, etc.
Required Option: S93080B Mixer Test Software.
IV. Typical Applications
1. Wireless Communication Device Testing
Devices: Filters, amplifiers, antennas, couplers
Key Metrics:
S11/S22 (return loss >15 dB)
S21 (insertion loss <3 dB)
2. Aerospace & Defense Electronics
Devices: Radar components, satellite comms modules
Requirements:
High dynamic range (>120 dB) for weak signal detection
Phase stability (±0.5°) for beamforming systems
3. Semiconductor Device Characterization
Devices: GaN HEMT, SiC power devices
Notes:
Use DC bias modules (e.g., N469x series) for gate/drain voltage.
Avoid overdrive (Output Power ≤ 0 dBm) to prevent damage.
4. High-Speed Digital Signal Integrity
Devices: PCB traces, connectors
Methods:
TDR for impedance consistency analysis.
Eye diagram generation (requires BERT/oscilloscope).
V. Conclusion
The Keysight E8363A is a high-precision, multifunctional VNA suitable for R&D, production, and QA. Its wide bandwidth, low noise, and high dynamic range make it ideal for 5G, mmWave, radar, and semiconductor applications.
Selection Guide
Basic RF Testing: E8363A (2-port) + 85052D Cal Kit.
Complex Systems: E8363A (4-port) + N4000A Noise Option.
mmWave Extension: Pair with VDI frequency extenders (up to 67 GHz).