Service Guide E8364-90038 5-3
PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers Theory of Operation
E8362C, E8363C, E8364C Network Analyzer System Operation
Network Analyzer System Operation
The PNA series network analyzer generates a phase-locked incident signal from the internal synthesized
source. By means of signal separation, the incident signal is divided into a reference signal and a test signal.
The reference signal is applied to the receiver group, while the test signal is applied to the device under test
(DUT) and then to the receiver group. The signals are downconverted and are next sampled and digitally
processed. Figure 5-1 is a simplified block diagram of the network analyzer system.
Figure 5-1 System Simplified Block Diagram
Functional Groups of the Network Analyzer
The operation of the network analyzer can be separated into six functional groups. Each group consists of
several major assemblies that perform a distinct function in the instrument. Some of the assemblies are
related to more than one group, and all the groups, to some extent, are interrelated and affect each other's
performance. The six major functional groups are:
• Synthesized Source Group
• Signal Separation Group
• Receiver Group
• IF Access Group
• Frequency Offset Group
• Digital Processor and Digital Control Group
• Power Supply Group