The NSI 8720 System

The NSI 8720 Antenna Measurement System uses the Agilent 8720ES Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) for automated antenna pattern measurements. It operates from 50 MHz to 20 GHz and includes an internal synthesizer, tuned receiver, and GPIB interface to the NSI measurement workstation. For antenna measurements, the S-parameter test set is replaced by a direct sampler (option 012). Options are available for extending the frequency range to 40 GHz with the Agilent 8722ES. Lower cost options are also available with lower frequency range. The NSI 8720 is an ideal choice for cost- and space-conscious engineers in research and development, manufacturing, incoming inspection, or quality assurance. The NSI 8720 RF system includes the Agilent 8720ES, system cabling, components and documentation.
 
Description

Deliverables

Options

Specifications
 
 

 

Block Diagram

Equipment Layout

Facility Req'ts

Price & Delivery
 
 

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

System Description

The NSI 8720 antenna measurement system provides the instrumentation for either automated far-field antenna pattern or radar cross-section measurements. It uses an internal synthesized sweeper and a tuned receiver to provide amplitude and phase measurements. The direct sampler option (012) is used to bypass the S-parameter test set for improved system sensitivity. Option 012 adds RF loops that provide direct access to the A and B samplers in the port 1 and port 2 receivers. This allows for transmission measurements that bypass the receiver coupler for a 16 dB improvement in sensitivity. High source power and excellent receiver sensitivity combine to give the Agilent 8720ES a dynamic range of 100 dB. Receiver speed is approximately 1200 measurement points per second. The Agilent 8722ES is available as an option to extend operation to 40 GHz. Options are available for lower frequency operation, AUT and probe PIN switches. The NSI 8720 is compatible with NSI antenna measurement software.

Key Specifications:
 
Frequency Range: 0.05 to 20 GHz 
Max. Output Power +5 dBm
Sensitivity: -120 dBm, (IF BW = 10 Hz)
Dynamic Range: 115 dB (IF BW = 10 Hz)
Compression, direct sampler input (0.1 dB) -5 dBm

 
NSI also supports other frequency ranges and capabilities. Contact NSI Sales Dept. for a complete quotation.
 
 

NSI 8720
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

NSI 8720 System Deliverables

  • Agilent 8720ES microwave vector network analyzer (1)
  • Agilent 8720ES Option 012 for direct sampler access
  • RF cables, 7m (2)
  • System manual (1)
  • Equipment manual (1 set per unit)
NSI 8720
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

NSI 8720 Options
 
Option Description
010 Adds time domain capablity to Agilent 8720ES
012 Direct sampler access
016 Add Agilent 85331A SP2T 40 GHz PIN Switch
017 Add Agilent 85332A SP4T 40 GHz PIN Switch
018 Add Agilent 85332A H08 SP8T 40 GHz PIN Switch
019 Add Agilent 85383A SCU local control cable
020 Add Agilent 85384A PIN switch control cable
021 Add Agilent 83050A Amplifier, 2-20 GHz
022 Add SP2T 18 GHz PIN Switch
023 Add SP4T 18 GHz PIN Switch
024 Add SP8T 18 GHz PIN Switch
916 Extra set of manuals

NSI 8720
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

Agilent 8720ES Specifications

Agilent 8720ES Technical Specifications:
 
Parameter 0.05 0.05-2.0 2.0-8 8-20
Agilent 8720ES power (dBm) +5 +5 +5 +5
Average Noise Floor (IF BW=10 Hz) (dBm) -120 -120 -120 -118
Dynamic range (IF BW=10 Hz) 115 115 115 113
Compression lvl (dBm @ 0.1 dB)
(Direct sampler input)
-5  -5 -5 -5

NSI 8720
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

Facility Requirements

The following tables provide information on size, weight, power, and air conditioning requirements for commonly used NSI and Agilent products to aid in preparing your site for an RF Subsystem. Items shown are for planning purposes only, your system configuration may vary. Make sure your installation meets local building, electrical and fire codes, as well as any insurance regulations.

Size and Weight
 
Item Model No Wt (lbs) Size H x W x D (in)
Instrument rack E3661A 250 63.8" x 23.6" x 35.6"
Microwave receiver Agilent 8530A 114 17.5" x 17" x 20"
Microwave synthesizer Agilent 83631B 60 7" x 17" x 25.5"
LO/IF distribution unit Agilent 85309A 32 5.3" x 17" x 24"
GPIB extender Agilent 37204A 5 3.5" x 17" x 10"
Frequency converter Agilent 8511A/B 32 5.3" x 17" x 20"
Microwave network analyzer Agilent 8720ES 54 8.75" x 16.75" x 18"
NSI switch control unit NSI-RF-5915 5 3.5" x 17" x 12"
NSI DSP interface unit NSI-OP-5906D 5 3.5" x 17" x 12"
Measurement workstation NSI-PC-5500 25 6.25" x 17" x 19"
NSI 17" monitor   30 16" x 16" x 18"
HP laserjet printer   45 12" x 16" x 16"
NSI antenna range controller NSI-SC-5911A 15 7" x 17" x 12"
NSI standard beam controller   5 3.5" x 17" x 12"
NSI high speed beam controller NSI-RF-6002 5 3.5" x 17" x 12"
NSI Panther 6000 receiver NSI-RF-6001 5 1.75" x 17" x 13"

NSI 8720

Power and Cooling

Install adequate AC power at all necessary locations. All equipment operates on 110 VAC, 60 Hz facility power, unless otherwise specified. A 20A outlet is required for the equipment rack. Contact NSI for special facility accommodations. Make sure enough outlets are provided at each location, and that they can supply the required amount of current. Place air conditioning equipment, compressors and large power converters on a different AC circuit than that used for the RF subsystem equipment.
 
Item Model No Amps VA rating Btu per hour
Instrument rack E3661A 1.0 120 408
Microwave receiver Agilent 8530A 3.0 460 1564
Microwave synthesizer Agilent 83631B 3.3 400 1280
LO/IF distribution unit Agilent 85309A 1.0 120 408
GPIB extender Agilent 37204A 0.5 60 192
Frequency converter Agilent 8511A/B 0.9 95 323
Microwave network analyzer Agilent 8720ES 2.5 280 952
NSI switch control unit NSI-RF-5915 0.5 60 192
NSI DSP interface unit NSI-OP-5906D 0.25 30 96
Measurement workstation NSI-PC-5500 5.0 600 2040
NSI 17" monitor   2.0 220 748
HP laserjet printer   7.8 858 2917
NSI antenna range controller NSI-SC-5911A 3.0 330 1122
NSI standard beam controller   2.0 220 748
NSI high speed beam controller NSI-RF-6002 3.0 330 1122
NSI Panther 6000 receiver NSI-RF-6001 3.0 330 1122

NSI 8720
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 

Price & Delivery
 
 
 
NSI 8720 Antenna Measurement System CALL
Delivery 12 wks ARO

 
Price & delivery shown are US dollars for standard NSI 8720 configuration. NSI supports many system options and capabilities. Price & delivery will vary depending on your requirements. Contact NSI Sales Dept. for a complete quotation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NSI 8720
 
 
 
 
 
 

Copyright 2006 Nearfield Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please read our Legal/Privacy Policy