Choosing a network analyzer
The frequency and sensitivity requirements of your antenna system will determine the
network analyzer specifications. Keysight offers three families of network analyzers: the
PNA Series, the PNA-L Series and the ENA Series. Keysight has developed options for
the PNA Series specifically for antenna measurements. Because of these options, the
PNA Series is often the preferred analyzer for antenna solutions. However, there are
applications which do not require these options and the lower cost PNA-L Series or ENA
Series analyzers may be the right solution. For secure environments, a PNA or PNA-L Se-
ries analyzer must be used. Select an analyzer from the following table that meets your
frequency and sensitivity requirements.
Refer to the ENA data sheet, literature number 5988-3780EN or the PNA and PNA-L
data sheets, literature numbers 5988-7988EN and 5989-0514EN for more detailed
information.
Table 1. Keysight network analyzer typical values
Family Model/option
(std./configurable
test set)
Frequency range
Frequency stepping speed
(10 MHz/pt at max IF BW
with no band crossings
at 1 GHz)
Sensitivity at test
port with 1 kHz IF
BW at Fmax
Sensitivity at direct receiver
input with 1 kHz IF BW (w/
Option 014 for PNA) at Fmax
Power out
at Fmax
ENA
E5070C
300 kHz
to 3 GHz
*
< –90 dBm
**
+10 dBm
E5071C
300 kHz to
8.5/20 GHz
*
<–103 dBm/-86 dBm
**
+5 dBm
PNA-L
N5230C
Option 020/025
300 kHz to 8.5 GHz
160 μs
< –99 dBm
< –108 dBm
+10 dBm
N5231A 2/4-port
300 kHz to 13.5 GHz 160 μs
< –90 dBm
< –106 dBm
+2 dBm
N5232A 2/4-port
10 MHz to 20 GHz
160 μs
< –86 dBm
< –97 dBm
+10 dBm
N5234A 2-port
10 MHz to 43.5 GHz
160 μs
< –80 dBm
< –86 dBm/-95 dBm
–5 dBm
N5235A 2-port
10 MHz to 50 GHz
160 μs
< –80 dBm
< –78 dBm/-93 dBm
–9 dBm
PNA
E8362C/N5222A
10 MHz to 20 GHz
278 μs/100 μs
< –100 dBm/-94 dBm
< –114 dBm/-110 dBm
+3 dBm/
+13 dBm
E8363C/N5224A
10 MHz to 40 GHz
278 μs/100 μs
< –94 dBm/-94 dBm
< –105 dBm/-108 dBm
–4 dBm/
+11 dBm
E8364C/N5225A
10 MHz to 50 GHz
278 μs/100 μs
< –94 dBm/-94 dBm
< –103 dBm/-105 dBm
–10 dBm/
+8 dBm
E8361C/N5227A
10 MHz to 67 GHz
278 μs/100 μs
< –79 dBm/-94 dBm
< –88 dBm/-103 dBm
–5 dBm/
+5 dBm
PNA-X
N5242A
10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
100 μs
< –100 dBm
< –115 dBm
+11 dBm
N5244A
10 MHz to 43.5 GHz
100 μs
< –100 dBm
< –100 dBm
+5 dBm
N5245A
10 MHz to 50 GHz
100 μs
< –100 dBm
< –115 dBm
–8 dBm
1. Note: Option H11 sensitivity is typically –127 dBm * Data not available ** Option not available
What to do if the sensitivity requirement cannot be met
If the AUT is located far from the analyzer, requiring long cables, then the loss caused
by the cables could be significant, reducing accuracy and dynamic range. You may also
be unable to find an analyzer that meets your sensitivity requirements. In this situation,
downconverting the signal to an IF signal by using the 85309 LO/IF distribution unit with
85320A/B remote mixers brings the measurement closer to the AUT. This reduces RF
cable loss and maximizes accuracy and dynamic range. Options H11 and 014 on the PNA
network analyzers both support a remote mixing configuration. Refer to “Receive site
configuration with external mixing” to configure your system.
28 | Keysight | Antenna Test – Selection Guide