Keysight PNA-X Series User Manual

Measurement automation
Keysight’s PNA network analyzers provide several interface methods for automating
antenna measurements. Applications can be run using external computers or control-
lers. User loaded applications can be executed directly from the PNA’s internal Micro-
soft Operating System. Measurement automation allows the user to quickly and easily
control the PNA for operations such as frequency sweeps and making antenna pattern
measurements.
The PNA Series network analyzers have two connections for communicating with
external software, GPIB and LAN. The protocol used to communicate with the analyzer
determines which physical connection will be used.
There are two methods available to remotely control the PNA: Component object model
(COM) and Standard Commands for Programmable Instrumentation (SCPI). The COM
protocol requires a LAN connection. SCPI protocol can be used directly over GPIB or you
can use the Standard Instrument Control Library (SICL) I/O libraries with a LAN connec-
tion.
COM uses a binary protocol, allowing the user to directly invoke a PNA feature. This is
more efcient than SCPI, a text based instrument language. COM typically executes
faster than SCPI and is generally easier to use.
With SCPI a text string is sent to the PNA, the PNA SCPI parser must rst decode the
text string to determine that the user has asked for specic information, then the parser
calls the routine to get the information.
With either COM or SCPI, the best throughput is attained by using the PNA’s internal
PC to execute your test code. However, if your test code uses too much of the system
resources (CPU cycles and/or memory), it will slow the PNA’s performance.
For additional information refer to the PNA internal help le, or download the le from
www.keysight.com/nd/pna. Additional COM/DCOM information can be found in Ap-
plication Note 1408-13, Keysight literature number 5980-2666EN.
Customers can either develop their own software or work with one of Keysight Technolo-
gies’ channel partners to develop the code. Keysight channel partners have software
available for PNA drivers.
72 | Keysight | Antenna Test – Selection Guide

Keysight PNA-X Series Specifications

General

Output Power	+13 dBm (typical)
Number of Ports	2 or 4
Dimensions	426 mm (W) x 470 mm (D)
Power Requirements	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Frequency Range	10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (varies by model)