Agilent FieldFox Microwave Analyzers - White Paper 5991-1300EN c20140919 [8] free download

File name FieldFox Microwave Analyzers - White Paper 5991-1300EN c20140919 [8].pdf

Keysight Technologies FieldFox Microwave Analyzers 4/6/6.5/9/14/18/26.5 GHz Introduction Today, accurate RF and microwave measurements are becoming increasingly necessary in harsh and hard-to-reach environments. These scenarios span a wide range of conditions: day or night, rain or shine, hot or cold; aboard a ship, in an aircraft, or in a vehicle. In these situations, a handheld instrument must be capable of making the required measurements with sufficient levels of performance and accuracy. Those attributes are important; however, given the expected operating conditions, physical and environmental specifications are equally important to the instrument and the user (Figure 1). This white paper presents general suggestions and specific examples regarding the essential attributes of handheld analyzers that will be used in harsh conditions. Figure 1. The ideal RF or microwave handheld analyzer must be capable of making accurate measurements in tough working conditions. Establishing a reference for "ruggedness" United States military specification US MIL-PRF-28800F provides a set of benchmarks for test equipment that will be used in the testing and calibrating of electrical and electronic equipment. The spec includes four classes that range from the "extremes of world climatic variation" (Class 1) to controlled, protected operational environments (Class 4). The 88-page specification is quite detailed, and section 3.8 uses 13 major categories to define the environmental requirements. Six of these are especially important in handheld analyzers: