3-6 Service Guide N5230-90014
Tests and Adjustments PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers
About System Verification and Performance Tests N5230A
About System Verification and Performance Tests
The performance of the network analyzer is specified in two ways: system specifications, 
and instrument specifications. It is the end user’s responsibility to determine which set of 
specifications is applicable to their use of the PNA.
A network analyzer measurement “system” includes the analyzer, calibration kit, test 
cables, and any necessary adapters. The system verification software in the PNA is 
used to verify the system’s conformance to the “system” specifications. A “pass” 
result demonstrates that the analyzer, test cables, and adapters, perform correctly as a 
system. It DOES NOT demonstrate that any one component performs according to its 
individual specifications. A change to any part of this measurement system requires a 
re-verification of the system.
Instrument specifications specify the network analyzer’s uncorrected measurement port 
characteristics and its output and input behavior. The PNA performance tests are 
used to verify the analyzer’s conformance to “instrument” specifications.
System Specifications
System specifications specify warranted performance of the measurement system when 
making error-corrected measurements using the same calibration kit and test cables used 
during the system verification routine. System specifications are applicable only when the 
measurement system is used to make error-corrected measurements.
The analyzer's system specifications are described in the Agilent PNA Series Network 
Analyzer Technical Specifications and also in the analyzer’s on-line help system in the 
section titled “Corrected System Performance”.
System specifications are expressed in two ways:
• residual errors of the measurement system shown as tabular specification values
• graphs of measurement uncertainty versus reflection and transmission coefficients
System specifications are verified in one of the following ways:
• Complete the system verification procedure using a certified verification kit and 
certified calibration kit that will be used for future measurements, or
• Complete all of the performance tests using a certified calibration kit that will be used 
for future measurements. This alternative verifies both the system specifications and 
the instrument specifications for the analyzer.
Instrument Specifications
The analyzer's instrument specifications are described in the Agilent PNA Series Network 
Analyzer Technical Specifications and also in the analyzer’s on-line help system in the 
sections titled “Uncorrected System Performance”, “Test Port Output”, and “Test Port 
Input”.
These specifications apply when the analyzer is used to make either raw or error-corrected 
measurements.