Agilent Releases Compact Network Analyzer

By Doug Lung
published

Agilent introduced a new compact network analyzer last week. The Model E5061B includes an S-parameter test set covering 5 Hz to 3 GHz with 120 dB dynamic range at greater than 1 MHz, a gain-phase test port (5 Hz to 30 MHz) and a built-in DC bias source. The unit is 10-inches deep. It replaces the Model E5061A, which has a more limited measurement range.

The specifications would indicate that the E5061B is not targeted for broadcast antenna evaluation in the field, but the company is offering time domain and fault-analysis as options. Another interesting option is the electronic calibration module. It replaces mechanical calibration standards with a USB-controlled solid-state module that allows the unit to quickly do a full two port calibration with only one connection.

Agilent said the network analyzer is available now, and has a base cost of $31,900.

Doug Lung
Doug Lung

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack.
A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.