Handheld VNA performs calibrations

The QuickCal option lets a technician perform a calibration without the kit.

-- Test & Measurement World, 2/2/2010 7:00:00 AM

Antenna installations need verification and maintenance to operate as designed. Agilent Technologies' FieldFox handheld vector network analyzer lets technicians measure cable loss, insertion loss, VSWR, return loss, and distance to fault with Smith Charts polar plots, group-delay plots, and frequency plots. The FieldFox comes in two base models that cover the range of 2 MHz to 4 GHz or 2 MHz to 6 GHz. The instrument's black-background screen makes it easy to see at night.

To make antenna and cable measurements, technicians must calibrate out measurement errors caused by temperature fluctuations. Technicians typically need a calibration kit, but the FieldFox with the QuickCal option lets a technician perform a two-port calibration without the kit. You can still perform manual calibration without the QuickCal option by using an optional kit that provides open circuits, short circuits, and calibrated loads.

When equipped with option 122, the FieldFox can make full two-port S parameter (S11, S21, S12, S22) measurements. Thus, a technician can make all S-parameter measurements with having to disconnect the instrument as would happen with one-port capabilities. All four S parameters are viewable at the same time. It's also a power meter when you add the optional USB power sensor. With the power meter option, the FieldFox can measure RF power at frequencies up to 24 GHz.

Prices range from $12,000 to $22,000. Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox.