PMEL Forum

Just a fun little poll to figure out who prefers which system and why. I've worked in both Air Force and Army systems and I currently used the E4448A Spectrum Analyzer with the 50 GHz sensor. Nice system, but not without its quirks. Also, the MMR/PSA that we have has the SSB Phase Noise option, which is nice but limited in how it works. So, vote away!

I prefer the 50GHz MMR, with the SSB option, but also with the 50, 26, 18 and 4GHz sensors (as if they were free or something)
Of course, now that most 8902s have worked their way into oblivion through attrition, not much choice...

I've reviewed and priced the 50Ghz PSA w/sensors but have never actually used one. The lab I work in hasn't found enough demand for work above 26.5 Ghz so we've kept our 8902A going.

When we have to I'll advise we buy the 50Ghz PSA/sensors.

I know it's vintage but I still like the 8902A.

I have both in my lab.  I do notice that when checking modulation it's faster on the 8902A.   But if you gotta take something on the road the PSA is the way to go.

Quote from: briansalomon on 01-31-2017 -- 09:49:45
When we have to I'll advise we buy the 50Ghz PSA/sensors.

I know it's vintage but I still like the 8902A.

I've found that the 50 GHz option is good but I've only used it mainly on lab equipment such as 40 GHz Signal Generators. The issue of harmonics is always still limited so I personally don't see a real justifiable reason to have the system. I only knew of one customer in my entire 8+ years of calibration that went past 50 GHz and they were a RF manufacturer. They had 110 GHz Power Sensors. As for everyone else? Not really a market.

Quote from: PurelyNonsense on 01-31-2017 -- 11:13:17
The issue of harmonics is always still limited so I personally don't see a real justifiable reason to have the system.

Even with a 50GHz system, harmonic would still be limited on a 26.5 system, but you would get much closer to the spec. We get off the wall stuff here, and some customers get whiny about limited cals, so it's handy to have the 50GHz within reach.

None of the above.  Rhode & Schwarz FSMR.  We run a couple 50 GHz units, only drawback is the NRP-Z37 sensors we use are 26.5 GHZ.

Quote from: Bryan on 01-31-2017 -- 17:11:40
None of the above.  Rhode & Schwarz FSMR.  We run a couple 50 GHz units, only drawback is the NRP-Z37 sensors we use are 26.5 GHZ.

No fair...lol

I am a huge fan of the Keysight PXA with the Analog Modulation Option.  I have not seen anything faster..  And it is as accurate as the PSA..  Plus it supports digital demodulation and cleaner sidebands..

We have added drivers for it in Metrology.NET.  If you are looking for some automated test solutions or drivers for it.

Mike

Just like calibrators, give 3 choices and they go for none of the above...

For what I do here.....I love the FSMR with the avionics package. Keysight said they may have a similar package on the market in a year, maybe it will be better than what R&S currently offers.

Quote from: griff61 on 02-02-2017 -- 10:54:08
Just like calibrators, give 3 choices and they go for none of the above...

Seriously.. You need to put the PXA on that list!  I am sure not many of the guys out there have had a chance to put their hands on the PXA, but me, I have fallen in love.  You can make a FM de-modulation measurement with deviation, rate and distortion from a *RST in 3 seconds!

Mike

Quote from: CalLabSolutions on 02-02-2017 -- 11:23:43
Seriously.. You need to put the PXA on that list!  I am sure not many of the guys out there have had a chance to put their hands on the PXA, but me, I have fallen in love.

Sadly, I'm stuck at an Army lab and can't get my hands on it. I'd love to give it a try, as well as other options. My question was directed towards guys who have only had a chance at the systems above. If Keysight comes out with a better option soon, I pray that it is all one piece, not two or three pieces put together in a mess.

I have written a lot of software for Keysight's calibration labs.  They use the PSA, but not in the N553x configuration.  Also, they use the 8902A, but not the 11722A & 11792.   

The N553x Sensor head adds 16 dB of signal loss + additional uncertainty.  So as a system it is not as good as using a power meter and sensor separately.

Also, the N553x does its transfer power at 0 dBm.  If you use the power meter and sensor down to -30 dBm you get much better uncertainties with either the PSA or the PXA.

Mike

And I would like to add, it is very easy to get Keysight Demo Equipment.  If anyone out there wants to get their hands on a demo PXA contact me.

Mike

I,m with Griff61. None of the above.  Choose the Rhode & Schwarz FSMR. I have seen the MMR & FSMR selected as a replacement for the 8902 and the FSMR-26 is a better unit than the MMR. The 8902 was a great standard, but is ancient technology.