I am using a PNA network analyzer (E8362/3/4A or B). How do I know if the network analyzer receivers are compressed?
When testing active devices, especially amplifiers, users should pay attention to the output power levels of their devices and the power incident upon the network analyzers receivers. Using the receivers in compression can make it difficult to differentiate between device compression and test system error. The procedure below describes a method to determine whether the internal network analyzer receivers are compressed or not. This procedure requires that the network analyzer be equipped with receiver attenuators. On the MW PNA analyzers, receiver attenuators are available with Option 016. Receiver attenuators are not available for the lower cost MW PNA-L models. Connect your test device between ports 1 and 2 and set up an S21 and B channel measurement. Then change the receiver attenuator settings and examine the S21 and B. If the receivers are not compressed, the traces should only vary by the amount of attenuation, and not have other variations. If the receivers are compressed, you w
