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Date

HP 8662A Verification Tape (08662-10001)

 

Hello,
I got my hands on an 8662A verification tape. I posted the booklet/manual that came with it in the files section (/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment/files/8662A).
I do not have the 9825 controller to read the tape. It may not be readable at all due to age. From the outside, it appears to be unused.

Anyways - if anyone has the means to read the tape, please let me know and I will send it to you (US preferred to limit shipping expense). The only ask I have is - if feasible - to post the contents/files in this forum. I do not know whether these programs are stored in a binary format that will only work for a 9825 or in a higher-level programming language that could be converted to a different platform (e.g. HP Basic on HP9000/300).

Regards,
Wolfgang, KI7PFX


Re: HP 3456A Problem Solved

 

I would tend to liberally solder ground wires for distribution. It may be more obvious that only several points are needed. Drilling on a HP circuit board seems like a really bad idea. Especially given the age. Unless maybe they are safely at the edge.
But thanks to the thread when the day comes on my 3 X 3456a's I know what to watch for.
Thank you
Paul


Re: Free (for shipping cost) -- Several HP paper manuals

 

Sorry for the delay in getting back to the several folks who responded.
All the manuals are now spoken for (some of them several times!).

I'll try to get back to the lucky winners in the next day or two with
shipping costs. Apologies in advance if there are further delays; I got
a couple of time-sensitive projects dumped on me last week.

John
----

On 3/3/20 2:55 PM, John Ackermann N8UR wrote:
I have the following manuals available for the cost of shipping from
45409. Most are originals though a couple are good quality copies, and
most are in HP binders.

1. 3585B Operating, Service Vol. 1, and Service Vol. 2 (3 binders)

2. 8712ET/ES and 8714ET/ES Service Guide

3. 8920A, 8920B User's Guide Rev. B and
HP8920B HPIB Programmer's Guide with IBASIC (2 binders)

4. 8901B Modulation Analyzer Operation and Service

5. 8753C User's Guide and Quick Reference

6. 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer Operating Manual (probably a copy)

7. 8640B Signal Generator User and Service (original bound version)

8. 8902A Service Manual volumes 2, 3, and 4 (3 binders)

Thanks,
John


Re: HP 3456A Problem Solved

 

The Service Note states Serial Number Prior to 2201A06299. I haven't checked the serial number on mine but would be surprised that they changed the construction of those grounds. Maybe so.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Seiter" <d.seiter@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:03:10 AM
Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] HP 3456A Problem Solved

Which versions of the 3456A does this apply to?? Or all three(?)
-Dave
On Saturday, March 7, 2020, 08:13:45 PM PST, n4buq <n4buq@...>
wrote:

A few weeks ago, I reported a problem with my 3456A where it would fail at
startup with "--------" on the readout and fail Test 3.? I reseated one of
the microprocessors and the problem seemed to go away.? Since Service Note
3456A-13A states to discard the chip sockets for all three microprocessors
and solder them to the board, I figured the problem was in those red chip
sockets and decided instead to replace them with good quality machined
sockets as I believe others have done as well.

Unfortunately, after replacing all three sockets, the problem persisted so I
started down the troubleshooting steps in the manual and one of the very
first things it says to check is +5V on U13 (one of the microprocessors).? I
was surprised to find that to be at 4.7V or, possibly, a few hundredths
under that.? Since I had replaced all the electrolytics in the power supply,
an off voltage like that was something I did not expect at all.? Checking
that rail at the power supply board, though, showed it to be around 5.1V.

Knowing that Service Note 3456A-14A addresses an issue with faulty grounds
(via some riveted ground lugs), I decided to ensure the In Guard board was
properly grounded so I jumpered one of the GND test points on that board to
one of the GND pins on the power supply board and the meter immediately
started working.? If I remove the jumper, the meter stops in its tracks and
restarting it produces that same "--------" and failed Test 3.

I can detect about 0.5 ohms from the pin that connects to the power supply
and the pin that connects GND to the In Guard board and apparently that's
just enough resistance to drop the voltage low enough to cause the processor
to stop so better grounding is in order.

While I'll probably go with the Service Note's recommendation and replace the
rivets with #2-56 screws, nuts, and lock washers, I'm wondering why it might
not be a better plan to simply route ground wiring from pin to pin as
needed.? I see where that was done from the factory from one or two other
pins and it would seem that a separate, soldered wire might be better off
since tiny screws might tend to need cinching up from time to time to ensure
they're still tight.

Has anyone here performed the rivet replacement?? I suppose I'll stick with
that since it's recommended (and will include a drop of DeoxIT under each
lug as well) but was just curious as to whether a separate wire would be a
better plan.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ








Re: HP 3456A Problem Solved

 

Barry

The argument for restoring the original ground points has often to do with "ground loops" inside the unit. While not obvious most measurement levels, there are possible unexpected anomalies or even errors you are unaware of which can occur specifically when making very low readings, etc

Dave

On 3/7/2020 11:13 PM, n4buq wrote:
A few weeks ago, I reported a problem with my 3456A where it would fail at startup with "--------" on the readout and fail Test 3. I reseated one of the microprocessors and the problem seemed to go away. Since Service Note 3456A-13A states to discard the chip sockets for all three microprocessors and solder them to the board, I figured the problem was in those red chip sockets and decided instead to replace them with good quality machined sockets as I believe others have done as well.

Unfortunately, after replacing all three sockets, the problem persisted so I started down the troubleshooting steps in the manual and one of the very first things it says to check is +5V on U13 (one of the microprocessors). I was surprised to find that to be at 4.7V or, possibly, a few hundredths under that. Since I had replaced all the electrolytics in the power supply, an off voltage like that was something I did not expect at all. Checking that rail at the power supply board, though, showed it to be around 5.1V.

Knowing that Service Note 3456A-14A addresses an issue with faulty grounds (via some riveted ground lugs), I decided to ensure the In Guard board was properly grounded so I jumpered one of the GND test points on that board to one of the GND pins on the power supply board and the meter immediately started working. If I remove the jumper, the meter stops in its tracks and restarting it produces that same "--------" and failed Test 3.

I can detect about 0.5 ohms from the pin that connects to the power supply and the pin that connects GND to the In Guard board and apparently that's just enough resistance to drop the voltage low enough to cause the processor to stop so better grounding is in order.

While I'll probably go with the Service Note's recommendation and replace the rivets with #2-56 screws, nuts, and lock washers, I'm wondering why it might not be a better plan to simply route ground wiring from pin to pin as needed. I see where that was done from the factory from one or two other pins and it would seem that a separate, soldered wire might be better off since tiny screws might tend to need cinching up from time to time to ensure they're still tight.

Has anyone here performed the rivet replacement? I suppose I'll stick with that since it's recommended (and will include a drop of DeoxIT under each lug as well) but was just curious as to whether a separate wire would be a better plan.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

--
Dave
Manuals@...
www.ArtekManuals.com
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.


Re: Testing dummy loads with a VNA

 

Thanks, Robert (and others who've assisted here with this query).

A bit of background might be appropriate. I'm just a hobbyist and radio ham, albeit a bit more advanced than most. I bought this analyser 20 years ago when 1.3Ghz was still pretty respectable! I got it cheap because the polar plot function no longer worked. It's been in storage up until last Xmas, when I finally found time to devote to re-commissioning it. One or two other faults had arisen over the time it had not been used, so it took a while. However, I now believe it's back to full functionality again - but I needed to test it, hence the original question. I have about a dozen 50 ohm dummy loads of all sizes lying around so that seemed like the obvious thing to use for testing purposes. I just want to know if it really works! Once I've established that I've fixed the polar plotting I can then go on to learn the intricacies of vector network analysis on a proper, rigorous basis. This analyser is a keeper AFAIC. I'm not going to be selling it as 1.3Ghz is more than enough for my needs. All it is missing now is one cal knob, but that's another story. I hope this clarifies things a bit better.
Thanks again.


Re: HP 651B Oscillator restoration and an OOPS!!

 

It is possible that someone ordered from them, ther returned existing stock that wasn't properly inspected. I was involved in Sprague shutting down their plant near Oralando, 30 years ago. That one wasn't reopened, because the machines and tools were ether shipped to other plants, or in some cases, sold as scrap metal.. Ithink that I still have a damaged spool of 'comonent lead', and a roll of metalized film that I kept from being sent out as scrap. Neither were full reels or rolls.

On Fri, Mar 6, 2020 at 12:46 PM David Campbell <k_8_b_y_p@...> wrote:
Being an EE with manufacturing, parts buying and engineering experience, these caps didn't even make it past check-in against the invoice on Receiving
they were that badly oxidised- so badly I could see it thru the packaging. Hand soldering, an inconvenience perhaps. Manufacturing? Possibly a real problem
if there are solderability issues. the oxidation was so bad I had to scrape it off with a hardened steel ruler to photograph it. Drawing the leads thru a cloth had no effect.

I contacted Vishay who said they bought and re-opened the old Sprague plant and were producing (something-whatever) and thats why they were advertised "Vishay-Sprague"
by Mouser, ALTHOUGH... no info on "Sprague" parts appeared on the Vishay site. Vishay said the date codes were 2018.

The Rep also said that this level of oxidation is not consistent with the date codes, which admits fraud. I dont know for a fact that fraud is ocurring, BUT
counterfeit goods from China is a plague these days. Its an absolute plague in the nuclear industry, so bad that DoE issued a inch-plus thick advisory
text for the Hanford site warning Engineers and Purchasing to carefully inspect goods.

I suppose its possible that old stock 'cans' (drawn cups/leads) were used in modern production- i have no way of knowing.
The date code is not necessarily reliable. Its printed on a heat shrink tubular sleeve. It can be forged easily. Maybe they
had old-stock caps and printed a? new label?

A 3 cent label, or throwing away a 50 cent old cap? Again, not saying Vishay did so, but it would be easy to do and to hide.

I do know from a LONG time riding a test and high volume repair bench to never trust an old electrolytic. Ive seen too many short, leak and explode and do circuit damage
especially in older gear with pass-transistor regulated supplies. One cap exploded and ended up buried in the false ceiling 10 foot up.
Used to see 'lytics that shorted destroy power transformers to fill the shop with smoke.

Power transformer / pass transistors, 200$ plus or not available. New caps? 50-ish?.

Mouser denied it six ways from Sunday but refunded my money. Vishay admitted the leads werent right. Both denied counterfeiting.
Vishay said Mouser didnt have counterfeit parts. How would they know?

I bought all new caps from DK for half the cost. Just more hand-tuning by testing and assembling combinations of the correct values/tolerance.
Trading time for $.

interesting trivia point- the 1100 uF NP cap in the '651 was an 'aerospace grade' part, rated at 200,000 feet operation by an old Sprague document.
It was odd that the end-plug was very thick with a hard plastic cover, and the 'anode-end crimp' was extra deep and wide... and only a 10V unit.


Re: 693B sweep oscillator restoration

 

You would be better off adding a transformer wired to buck the extra voltage. It won't generate a lot of heat, like the series resistir, and it won't degrade the line regulation. A transformer with a 12.6 Volt secondary would reduce the line voltage by that amount. A flimant transforme with a secondary rating equal ot higher than the load current, plus a box and some AC connectors are all that is needed. Measuer the output voltage. If it is higher, then reverse either the primary or secondary wiring to change from boost to buck mode.

On Sat, Mar 7, 2020 at 6:58 PM David C <k_8_b_y_p@...> wrote:
1. I had a manual problem with my 651B, Found several manuals which had portions with teh same circuit boards as my unit and that was good enough to get by.
2. Barring blowing any of it in sensitive circuits such as open air variable caps, and having a DRY air stream (do NOT use wet compressed air) blow it out. Maybe with an intert gas duster can such as sold for computer keyboards.
Its possible to force moisture in circuits where it wont come out without heat.
3. Welcome to Oz. Tube gear is a specialty of mine. Its a particular problem. Several steps in general:

In general, for all tube gear:

a.) Replace ALL capacitors- electrolytic, tubular paper etc. Theyre probably 50-70 years old. Old caps are monsters waiting to do circuit damage. Ive seen many blow up.

b.) Check ALL bias resistors around each tube. A grid resistor going up in value can destroy a plate resistor or do damage other components or a tube.

c.) Its vital to clean tube pins. No one does it. I remanufacture old Drake ham gear and one of the first items is to spend two tedious hours with 600 grit sandpaper sanding the hard black oxides from the tube pins.
The pins were shiny when new (have replaced lots of them). The cleaned pins will scrape oxides from the inside of the socket pins, so don't do anything to a socket (unless its broken) except maybe spray some
cleaner thru them. Oxidised and bent tube pins can cause erratic operation a/o noise blamed on other circuit problems.

d.) high voltages, of course, are a problem. One can get dead working on tube gear. Learn/Practice the 'one hand in the pocket' rule around tube voltages.

e.) H fields. Build an E field generator to cancel them out.

f.) CRITICAL. Tube gear was made in the "107-115 VAC" AC line voltage era. Vacuum tubes use filaments (heaters) that are very sensitive to filament current (its a current vs. temperature square -function thing).
I just rebuilt a 1990s oscilloscope in which the 4 power supply regulator transistors were screaming hot (burned my finger touching the heat sink)- all because the AC line voltages here now
go to 126 VAC, on a scope intended for 115VAC max. I put a 15 ohm, 5W resistor in series with the power transformer and cooled the heat sinks down to 86 degrees F. Excess line voltage
can destroy tubes, if too high, shorten heater/cathode life, or too low, cause cathode poisoning. Many tubes require 5% filament voltage regulation and if operated from the AC line, may have no regulation built in.


Re: HP 8591 external reference connector (1250-1499)

 

I used these RA cables on a couple of my HP3325A Function Generators, until I can try to make my own version of the originals. I wonder if there is enough market? to try to sell them?

281414309052

Bnc-Male-RA-to-BNC-Male-plug-right-angle-type-Patch-Cable-Video-15cm-6inch-RG316/

On Sat, Mar 7, 2020 at 9:37 PM medasaro <medasaro@...> wrote:
Hi all,
I am working on getting an HP 89441A up and running (I am trying to measure the multi-path interference of received ATSC TV signals). Before I can dive into it, I need to gather the appropriate cables to interconnect the RF and IF sections. Most are straight forward (BNCs, a db-9 serial cable, etc) but the adapter needed to connect the reference output to reference input on the RF section is a bit, well, weird. According to Keysight Find-A-Part it is HP part number 1250-1499. Googling that part number brings up little in the way of sources, but indicates that it was also used on the 8590 series of spectrum analyzers. Taking a look at the back of my 8591, I could see that it indeed has one which is pictured below. Now the question is where can I get another one? Or, if I can't, will an ordinary BNC jumper work? Why does it need to be this special 1-piece adapter?




Thanks in advance,
Matthew D'Asaro

P.S. I bought the 89441A from a "reputable" surplus equipment dealer and paid $285 for freight service from LA to Seattle for it so it would arrive in good condition. It arrived strapped to a pallet but badly damaged because their ^*&#*&@ shipping department didn't bother to put a single bit of packing material around it. The RF and IF sections were literally placed upside down on top of each other in a bare cardboard box! The box arrived more or less intact, but the unit was not so lucky... I am working with the seller for a partial refund (I don't want to try to ship it back and neither does the seller) but really, people...

Attachments:


Re: Testing dummy loads with a VNA

 

Hi Jinxie,
You need your existing splitter (or better a 2 resistor 1 in 2 out one) an a Return Loss Bridge (RLB) either professional or one like this

Connect the SA output to the splitter, 1 splitter output to SA R input, other splitter output to RLB input (terminate any unused splitter outputs) RLB output to SA A input. RLB "REF" to known good load. and loa under test to RLB "Test".? zero and infinate calibration use another known good load and short on RLB test post.

A Reflection test set like the HP 8502A contains these parts and an attenuator in a handy package.


Robert G8RPI.


Re: Testing dummy loads with a VNA

 

I think that an honest question regarding measuring SWR or return loss has gone off on a strange tangent. The answer to the question is relatively easy to answer if we know what frequency range is involved, and perhaps the type of connectors will be used and what the person currently has on hand.

What we don't know is what sort of equipment is available to the person who asked the question.

The S11 measurement is a very common one and is not "black magic" to perform. Usually the results are expressed as return loss (in decibels) or as voltage standing wave ratios.

Since there are several ways to make the measurement, what is needed to describe the procedure to the person asking for help, is to know what he currently has available to make the measurement. I assume that he doesn't want to spend a lot of money buying additional equipment.?

He asked for assistance, and that is what I offered. Possibly free advice is worth what you pay for it.

Stuart K6YAZ
Los Angeles, USA


Re: HP System One feet

 

Hi Guys, I have some of the System 1 feet (Black with release in center). Not sure how many or cosmetics, but if interested, $5 + postage ea...Contact me off list

Dan in Chandler, AZ


Re: HP 8591 external reference connector (1250-1499)

 

Thanks all. I have the right piece coming.

-Matthew


Re: HP 3456A Problem Solved

 

Which versions of the 3456A does this apply to?? Or all three(?)

-Dave

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, 08:13:45 PM PST, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:


A few weeks ago, I reported a problem with my 3456A where it would fail at startup with "--------" on the readout and fail Test 3.? I reseated one of the microprocessors and the problem seemed to go away.? Since Service Note 3456A-13A states to discard the chip sockets for all three microprocessors and solder them to the board, I figured the problem was in those red chip sockets and decided instead to replace them with good quality machined sockets as I believe others have done as well.

Unfortunately, after replacing all three sockets, the problem persisted so I started down the troubleshooting steps in the manual and one of the very first things it says to check is +5V on U13 (one of the microprocessors).? I was surprised to find that to be at 4.7V or, possibly, a few hundredths under that.? Since I had replaced all the electrolytics in the power supply, an off voltage like that was something I did not expect at all.? Checking that rail at the power supply board, though, showed it to be around 5.1V.

Knowing that Service Note 3456A-14A addresses an issue with faulty grounds (via some riveted ground lugs), I decided to ensure the In Guard board was properly grounded so I jumpered one of the GND test points on that board to one of the GND pins on the power supply board and the meter immediately started working.? If I remove the jumper, the meter stops in its tracks and restarting it produces that same "--------" and failed Test 3.

I can detect about 0.5 ohms from the pin that connects to the power supply and the pin that connects GND to the In Guard board and apparently that's just enough resistance to drop the voltage low enough to cause the processor to stop so better grounding is in order.

While I'll probably go with the Service Note's recommendation and replace the rivets with #2-56 screws, nuts, and lock washers, I'm wondering why it might not be a better plan to simply route ground wiring from pin to pin as needed.? I see where that was done from the factory from one or two other pins and it would seem that a separate, soldered wire might be better off since tiny screws might tend to need cinching up from time to time to ensure they're still tight.

Has anyone here performed the rivet replacement?? I suppose I'll stick with that since it's recommended (and will include a drop of DeoxIT under each lug as well) but was just curious as to whether a separate wire would be a better plan.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ




Re: HP System One feet

 

I have noticed the same issue. Five years ago those things seemed really common, now it took looking on eBay for a couple of months just to find a single set of four. That said, I am sure they are still out there - you just have to wait a bit sometimes for a set to come along.

-Matthew


Re: HP 3456A Problem Solved

Bob Albert
 

Larry, I had a similar symptom with my 3456A.? It was intermittent when I got it, but since it worked a good part of the time I decided to keep it and live with it.

After a while the intermittent stopped and it's been perfect ever since.? I decided it must be that it hadn't been used enough and some oxide built up in critical places.

After reading your post, I know what to look for in case it acts up again.

Bob

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, 08:13:44 PM PST, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:


A few weeks ago, I reported a problem with my 3456A where it would fail at startup with "--------" on the readout and fail Test 3.? I reseated one of the microprocessors and the problem seemed to go away.? Since Service Note 3456A-13A states to discard the chip sockets for all three microprocessors and solder them to the board, I figured the problem was in those red chip sockets and decided instead to replace them with good quality machined sockets as I believe others have done as well.

Unfortunately, after replacing all three sockets, the problem persisted so I started down the troubleshooting steps in the manual and one of the very first things it says to check is +5V on U13 (one of the microprocessors).? I was surprised to find that to be at 4.7V or, possibly, a few hundredths under that.? Since I had replaced all the electrolytics in the power supply, an off voltage like that was something I did not expect at all.? Checking that rail at the power supply board, though, showed it to be around 5.1V.

Knowing that Service Note 3456A-14A addresses an issue with faulty grounds (via some riveted ground lugs), I decided to ensure the In Guard board was properly grounded so I jumpered one of the GND test points on that board to one of the GND pins on the power supply board and the meter immediately started working.? If I remove the jumper, the meter stops in its tracks and restarting it produces that same "--------" and failed Test 3.

I can detect about 0.5 ohms from the pin that connects to the power supply and the pin that connects GND to the In Guard board and apparently that's just enough resistance to drop the voltage low enough to cause the processor to stop so better grounding is in order.

While I'll probably go with the Service Note's recommendation and replace the rivets with #2-56 screws, nuts, and lock washers, I'm wondering why it might not be a better plan to simply route ground wiring from pin to pin as needed.? I see where that was done from the factory from one or two other pins and it would seem that a separate, soldered wire might be better off since tiny screws might tend to need cinching up from time to time to ensure they're still tight.

Has anyone here performed the rivet replacement?? I suppose I'll stick with that since it's recommended (and will include a drop of DeoxIT under each lug as well) but was just curious as to whether a separate wire would be a better plan.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ




HP 3456A Problem Solved

 

A few weeks ago, I reported a problem with my 3456A where it would fail at startup with "--------" on the readout and fail Test 3. I reseated one of the microprocessors and the problem seemed to go away. Since Service Note 3456A-13A states to discard the chip sockets for all three microprocessors and solder them to the board, I figured the problem was in those red chip sockets and decided instead to replace them with good quality machined sockets as I believe others have done as well.

Unfortunately, after replacing all three sockets, the problem persisted so I started down the troubleshooting steps in the manual and one of the very first things it says to check is +5V on U13 (one of the microprocessors). I was surprised to find that to be at 4.7V or, possibly, a few hundredths under that. Since I had replaced all the electrolytics in the power supply, an off voltage like that was something I did not expect at all. Checking that rail at the power supply board, though, showed it to be around 5.1V.

Knowing that Service Note 3456A-14A addresses an issue with faulty grounds (via some riveted ground lugs), I decided to ensure the In Guard board was properly grounded so I jumpered one of the GND test points on that board to one of the GND pins on the power supply board and the meter immediately started working. If I remove the jumper, the meter stops in its tracks and restarting it produces that same "--------" and failed Test 3.

I can detect about 0.5 ohms from the pin that connects to the power supply and the pin that connects GND to the In Guard board and apparently that's just enough resistance to drop the voltage low enough to cause the processor to stop so better grounding is in order.

While I'll probably go with the Service Note's recommendation and replace the rivets with #2-56 screws, nuts, and lock washers, I'm wondering why it might not be a better plan to simply route ground wiring from pin to pin as needed. I see where that was done from the factory from one or two other pins and it would seem that a separate, soldered wire might be better off since tiny screws might tend to need cinching up from time to time to ensure they're still tight.

Has anyone here performed the rivet replacement? I suppose I'll stick with that since it's recommended (and will include a drop of DeoxIT under each lug as well) but was just curious as to whether a separate wire would be a better plan.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ


Re: HP 8591 external reference connector (1250-1499)

 

Daun is right a bnc to bnc will work fine. Do it all the time. Any reasonable cable length will work.
Have fun
Regards
Paul
WB8TSL


Re: HP 8591 external reference connector (1250-1499)

 

All - Thanks. I am glad to hear that a regular piece of short quality BNC (HP 10502A or similar I presume) will work fine. I figured that the special form factor is just for mechanical convenience, but thought I would ask.

Daniel - I sent you email.

-Matthew


Re: Testing dummy loads with a VNA

 

Leave it to the ME to mess up the Ohm¡¯s law :) I meant of course F=ma vs I=V/R, and mass is then the equivalent of conductance, not resistance. D¡¯oh. - Kuba

7 mars 2020 kl. 10:29 em skrev Kuba Ober <kuba@...>:

?I can chime in as a ME wearing an EE hat :) I see S11 measurement as essentially a shaker table measurement where you are not allowed to touch anything but the interface plane. Imagine a shaker and a load cell + an accelerometer between the shaker and the DUT. Or think of holding a short slinky hanging down from your arm. Close your eyes - you can only feel the interface plane. Shake it in various ways and you get the slinky¡¯s S11 response.

Then stick a load cell with a test mass and another accelerometer stuck to it on the far end, and you get S12. Swap the ends and you can measure S22 and S21.

In one ¡°interpretation¡±, the load cell measures the mechanical equivalent of current. The accelerometer measures the mechanical equivalent of voltage. In such interpretation (one of many), mass is the equivalent of resistance (I=V*R vs F=a*m). If we let acceleration represent a higher derivative of voltage, you can also find mechanical equivalents for capacitance and resistance. If we let the velocity be the equivalent of voltage, then mechanical damping becomes equivalent to real impedance, and inertia is equivalent to imaginary impedance. And so on, and pardon for mathematical mistakes here. But the gist of it is: you can certainly derive mechanical analogues of electrical circuits. The reverse of it was an actual job description not too long ago, when analog computers simulated mechanical systems and were used to model such.

In an S-parameter test set - and anyone actually knowing what they talk about please correct me - directional couplers and RF switches do the job of separating the energy flow out of a port from the flow into the port.

Circulators are a particularly clever kind of a directional coupler that¡¯s connected back to itself (at least I think of them that way) - the energy can make it all the way back to the 1st port if the ports on the way reflect it ¡°back¡± - back into the respective ports, but forward in the circulator (there¡¯s an arrow on it that shows which way is ¡°forward¡±, at least on the few I got). A circulator is the RF equivalent of a lazy Susan :)

The ¡°problem¡± with bare VNAs is that the S-parameter test set is a separate device, and a costly one from what I gather, yet one without which the capability of the VNA is quite untapped. The ¡°bare¡± VNA is the RF power source and one or more fancy vector voltmeters. A test set is what connects those up in a circuit that allows a particular kind of very useful measurements (one- and two-port S-parameter measurements). It¡¯s what lets you use those load cells and accelerometers for something useful :)

Best not let the ME ramble too much, though.
Cheers, Kuba

7 mars 2020 kl. 7:41 em skrev Dave McGuire <mcguire@...>:

?On 3/7/20 6:43 PM, David C wrote:
dummy load is a termination with only an input!

If its a parallel connection, yes. Why not a series connection?

VNAs are intended to do "thru' measurments on systems of a
characteristic impedaance (probably 50 ohms)
Uhhh...wha?? No. That's one thing that they can do, but the
assertion that they are "intended" to only do thru measurements is
false. Very, very false.

Some are able to do "single port' i.e. connect the load across the TX
port and read that.
I've never seen a VNA that is unable to do "single port". And from
where I'm sitting right now I can throw a wad of gum at five different VNAs.

Thats not actually
a 'network analysis' because a dummy load is not exactly a network (read
about Fosters networks).
In fact is *is* exactly a network, and performing an S11 analysis on
one is in fact, by definition, network analysis.

Wow. Please read up on what a network is and what VNAs do.

-Dave

--
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA