August 4, 2016: Picotest has released a new probe adapter for the popular Keysight E5061B vector network analyzer. The Picotest J2160A Probe Adapterprovides a low noise, compact solution when using the E5061B T/R ports in a 2-port shunt thru measurement. The T/R ports are desirable for low frequency 2-port measurements, since these ports are semi-floating, allowing low impedance measurements without the use of a coaxial common mode transformer such as the Picotest J2102A. The floating ports allow milliohm measurements even at very low frequency and up to the 30MHz range of the T/R ports.
The current solution uses a resistive 6dB port splitter combined with coaxial cables to support this measurement. The J2160A is a slim profile adapter, converting the three E5061B BNC ports to two BNC ports for the 2-port measurement. The 6 dB resistive port splitter is included internal to the adapter so no external splitter or cables are required. The short connections are neater, consume less bench space, and can result in a lower noise measurement.
The adapter can also be combined with ultra-wide bandwidth DC blockers, such as the Picotest P2130A in order to make 2-port measurements of sensitive devices, such as opamps and voltage references, without the 50 ohm DC port loading, which could overload the device being measured and/or severely distort the measurement results.
The Picotest adapter also supports the extended 2-port shunt thru measurement, allowing higher impedance 2-port measurements by adding a series resistor to each port.
For more information, email charles@picotest.com.
