Anyone using Fluke 96270A (reference source) yet?

[Bryan]

This and the 96040A are the replacement for the 9640A.
96207A includes a microwave (27GHz) output.
Additional options for it includes HF leveling kit (R&S sensor(s)) Keysight splitter, Low level output.
Boss wants me to make the case for one, seems to offer convenience but not something that we can support ourselves.

[Amesaquz]

How can I know everything same you?

[measure]

Bryan,

I just saw your post and wanted to let you know I have recently used the 96270A in conjunction with MET/CAL (the unit is fully supported in Ver. 8.3.2.37) to develop procedures for spectrum analyzers and find it very convenient with broad functionality. Not only does it offer the 1 mHz - 4 GHz performance similar to, but improved over, the original 9640A, as well as the additional 1 mHz - 27 GHz µW output you refer to, but, in addition, the frequency counter range (extended to 300 MHz) and functions (selectable input impedance) have been improved, along with significantly better phase noise performance over its predecessors.

If you decide to purchase a 96270A, I recommend you purchase Model configuration 96270A/LL/HF (27 GHz RF Reference Source, with Microwave Output Low-Level Attenuator, and HF Leveling Kit). With the base unit and the above options, you can perform virtually every required test on a spectrum analyzer, except TOI, or other test(s) requiring two µW signal generators, utilizing the 96270A 27 GHz output as a one of the µW signal generators (the 96270A can emulate the HP 8662A, 8663A, 8340A, 8360 B-Series, and Agilent E8257 Series over GPIB). The HF Leveling Kit includes a Rohde & Schwarz NRP-Z55, 40 GHz power sensor, an Agilent 11667B power splitter, plus a metrology-grade microwave cable and precision APC-3.5 millimeter adapter. If you also purchase a spare R&S power sensor (Option 96000SNS) you'll be able to cover just about any type of splitter or other characterization required up to 27 GHz.

FYI, The power meter functionality built into the 96270A supports Rhode & Schwarz NRP-Z series thermal sensor models: 51, 52, 55.03, 55.04, 56, 57, and 58.

Hope this helps!

[silv3rstr3]

Not sure how true this is but a friend told me that Fluke won't calibrate this.  And that where you do have to send it to get calibrated is in Europe so you'd be without the standard 2 months out of the year.

[Bryan]

silv3rstr3 they are supported in the UK & you are dead on about the 2 month deal (66 days with Christmas in there)  We bought with Gold Support plan and decked out as measure suggests in his post.  I think I screwed myself though because for record keeping I broke it in pieces and run those model sensors at 24 mo and the 96270A at 12 mo so I only sent the 96270A, as for the sensors I believe they actually will go to R&S with Fluke as a middleman.  I am told Fluke Everette had plans to support them but it did not materialize.
It seems to be a nice piece and is convenient with it's power sensors & leveling but with that 2 month absence my advice is either don't get too fond of it or get two.

[silv3rstr3]

I think that's pretty sh!tty they won't support their own equipment like that.  We checked out a demo unit and we were pretty impressed until we found out it costs $80,000!!  But it's inevitable my 3335A is going kick the bucket eventually..... 

[CalLabSolutions]

We created an automated verification procedure for the Fluke 9640... I am very confident we can do one for this instrument as well.

Mike

[silv3rstr3]

We have everything to do it except for the phase measurement system.  Kind of hard to justify us getting one because all our customer's have been fine with a limited calibration on their generators for a long time.  Our PSA's phase noise option is limited so doing a LPNX is out of the question.

[measure]

It's been about six months since this post was last updated. Following up on previous comments indicating a two month turnaround time, with service performed in Europe on the 96270A, I contacted Fluke for confirmation. Currently, Fluke states a turnaround time of 1~2 weeks for routine verification/recalibration is normal, with service and support for the product performed/available in the USA.

As Bryan pointed out, the 96270A cal interval is 1 year vs. the R&S power sensors' (options 96270A/HF, 96000SNS) 2 year interval, but the power sensors need not be calibrated simultaneously with the 96270A to achieve the combined, published specifications of the 96270A and sensors, allowing the latter's calibration to be performed independently by R&S or other qualified facility.

[CalLabSolutions]

We are adding support for the R&S Power Sensors to our PS-Cal Software.  Should be done with that by Q1 2017.   We have developed procedures for the older 9460A, so I don't see any reason most labs couldn't support the 96270A in house.

Mike.