30 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements
A 2-port Insertion Loss measurement, available with option 110, is used to
measure the loss through a DUT (device under test) – or cable – over a specified
frequency range. The FieldFox signal source is transmitted out the RF OUT
connector, through the DUT, and into the RF IN connector. Both ends of the DUT
must be connected to the FieldFox, either directly or indirectly using the cable
used in the normalization cal.
‘Insertion’ loss simply means loss through a device, usually expressed in dB. It is
exactly the same measurement as “S21 Transmission” in NA Mode.
2-port Insertion Loss measurements are generally more accurate than 1-port
Cable Loss measurements.
NOTE A Normalization Cal is REQUIRED for making accurate 2-port CAT or NA
measurements. Learn how on page 64.
For highest accuracy, when measuring the DUT also attach any cable or adapter
that was used in the normalization cal.
How to make a 2-port Insertion Loss Measurement
1. Press Mode then CAT.
2. Then More then Insertion Loss (2-Port) .
3. Press Freq/Dist and enter Start and Stop frequency values of the
measurement.
4. Press Sweep 3, then select a Resolution setting.
5. Press Cal 5, then press Normalization. Perform normalization as explained
on page 64.
6. Connect the DUT and view the insertion loss measurement results.
When measuring very long lengths of cable, it may be necessary to increase the
sweep time. Learn how on page 26. Learn why in the Supplemental Online
Help: www.agilent.com/find/fieldsfoxsupport