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The perfect addition to Keysight's noise figure solutions is the Keysight 346A noise source. It does not require many sources in various frequency bands because it is broadband (10 MHz to 18 GHz). By minimizing test signal reflection, the noise source's low SWR lowers measurement uncertainty. The extremely tiny change in reflection coefficient (<0.01) from ON to OFF is specifically made to accurately characterize devices that are sensitive to input impedance, such as GaAsFETs and several UHF amplifiers.
| ENR Range | 4.5 to 6.5 dB | ENR Automatic Download | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) | 5 - 7 dB | Frequency range | 10 MHz to 18 GHz |
| Maximum frequency | 18 GHz | Minimum frequency | 10 MHz |
| Minimum Frequency Range | 10 MHz | Temperature Compensation | No |
| Type | Noise Source | Works with | NFA, ESA - E Series, PNA - X, PSA Series, X - Series (PXA, MXA, EXA, CXA) |
| Keysight 346A | Keysight 346B | Keysight 346C |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection coefficient differential between on and off states is specified to be no greater than 0.01 | Reflection coefficient differential between on and off states is not specified, but is less than 0.1 typically | Reflection coefficient differential between on and off states is not specified, but is less than 0.1 typically |
| Specified output noise spectrum from 10 MHz to 18 GHz | Specified output noise spectrum from 10 MHz to 18 GHz | Specified output noise spectrum from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz |
| Nominal ENR is 6 dB over the specified frequency range | Nominal ENR is 15 dB over the specified frequency range | Nominal ENR is 15 dB over the specified frequency range |
| Not directly usable for Keysight 8970A IF attenuator calibration (Special Function 33). 10 dB of gain is required | Suitable for Keysight 8970A IF attenuator calibration (Special Function 33) | Suitable for Keysight 8970A IF attenuator calibration (Special Function 33) |
| Not directly usable for Keysight 8970B IF attenuator calibration. Refer to "Calibration, IF Attenuators" in the Keysight 8970B Operating Manual | Suitable for Keysight 8970B IF attenuator calibration. Refer to "Calibration, IF Attenuators" in the Keysight 8970B Operating Manual | Suitable for Keysight 8970B IF attenuator calibration. Refer to "Calibration, IF Attenuators" in the Keysight 8970B Operating Manual |
The Keysight 346A operates over a broadband frequency range of 10 MHz to 18 GHz, reducing the need for multiple sources across different bands.
It features an extremely small change in reflection coefficient (<0.01) from its ON to OFF states, specifically designed to accurately characterize devices highly sensitive to input impedance changes, such as GaAsFETs.
It is designed with a low Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR less than 1.3:1) which minimizes test signal reflections, thereby lowering measurement uncertainty.
The primary differences lie in the nominal ENR (6 dB for 346A, 15 dB for 346B and 346C), the frequency range (up to 18 GHz for A/B, up to 26.5 GHz for C), and the specified reflection coefficient limit which is tightest on the 346A.
It features a 3.5 mm (male) connector for the RF output and a BNC (female) connector for the input bias voltage.
It works seamlessly with standard noise figure analyzers and signal analyzers, including the NFA, ESA E-Series, PNA-X, PSA Series, and X-Series (PXA, MXA, EXA, CXA).
