- S94701A Test Plan Builder- S94702A VNA Plugin- KS8400A Test Automation Platform

Keysight TechnologiesAutomated Measurement Expert

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The Evolution of Multiport VNA Automation

The Keysight Automated Measurement Expert (AMX) is a smart software solution for automated multiport S-parameter measurements with the PXIe and benchtop vector network analyzers. Inheriting the proven frontend/backend structure from the conventional Measurement Wizard Assistant software, AMX provides an easy and efficient test solution for multiport RF components such as RF frontend modules (FEMs), antenna switch modules, and multiport interconnects. In addition, AMX has evolved to offer higher throughput with multisite parallel testing using the PXIe VNAs.

Easy, Fast and Flexible

AMX consists of the following software items:

– Keysight S94701A Automated Measurement Expert, Test Plan Builder

– Keysight S94702A Automated Measurement Expert, VNA Plugin

– Keysight KS8400A Test Automation Platform (TAP), Developer’s System

The AMX frontend Test Plan Builder automatically generates TAP test plan files that contain optimal VNA setups and test sequences from your DUT test plans. The AMX backend software consists of the TAP and VNA Plugin and performs automated multiport S-parameter tests according to the generated TAP plan files. This enables you to conduct complicated tests of multiport RF components easily by just editing your DUT test plans with the Test Plan Builder. There is no need to do any programming for the core VNA setup and measurement sequences.

The AMX backend software is remote controllable from an external control program through the TAP’s API, and you can build a fully automated test system in combination with a handler or a wafer prober. In the PXIe VNA based AMX system, you can perform multisite parallel measurements by running multiple VNA and TAP instances from the external control program.

TAP plan files

Frontend/backend structure of AMX

AMX Frontend: Test Plan Builder AMX Backend: TAP + VNA Plugin

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AMX Frontend: Test Plan Builder

The AMX frontend Test Plan Builder enables you to edit your DUT test plans and generate the corresponding TAP plan files for the AMX backend software. Its wizard GUI allows you to intuitively enter the test conditions such as the DUT information, cable connections, VNA’s sweep settings, and test limit values. In addition, you can define topologies of external test sets or RF switches which expand the number of VNA test ports. Enter all the required information and the Test Plan Builder outputs optimal DUT test sequences as TAP plan files.

You can use the Test Plan Builder by installing the AMX software to your PC or controller, and activating its Test Plan Builder capability with the S94701A license. Typically the Test Plan Builder is used on the PC where you edit your test plans, outside the VNA test system. In a PXIe VNA based systems, you can use the Test Plan Builder on the PXIe controller together with the TAP and VNA Plugin.

DUT tab:Enter the DUT information.

Topology tab:Enter the switch topology.

Test Steps tab:Enter test limit conditions and sweep settings.

Test Plan Builder GUI

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Combination with Excel

To efficiently edit a large test plan of a RF FEM which has a lot of operating modes, the Test Plan Builder allows you to edit the test plan in combination with Microsoft Excel. This enables you to see the entire picture across the modes in an Excel table. Once you’ve edited your test plan in the Excel template, you can import it into the Test Plan Builder to build and output the test sequence as a TAP plan file.

Editing test plans in Excel and importing to Test Plan Builder

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AMX Backend: Test Automation Platform & VNA Plugin

The combination of the TAP and the VNA Plugin forms the AMX backend software which makes the VNA setups and executes the test sequences in the PXIe controller, according to the TAP plan files generated by the Test Plan Builder. The KS8400A Test Automation Platform is the base software which acts as the test sequencer. And the S94702A VNA Plugin adds the VNA measurement capability to the TAP. The AMX backend software performs the multiport S-parameter measurements and the pass/fail tests for your DUT test plans. In addition, it supports other useful functions, including the Cal Wizard for performing the calibration using the 4-port ECal module, and the data logging function with the CSV and Touchstone SnP formats.

You can use the backend software by installing the TAP and AMX software to your PXIe controller or benchtop VNA and activating the TAP and AMX VNA Plugin capabilities with the KS8400A and S94702A licenses.

AMX backend (TAP and VNA Plugin)

Cal Wizard

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Expanding the Number of Test Ports with Switches

Using an external test set or RF switches is a cost-effective solution for expanding the number of VNA test ports. AMX comprehensively supports this need with the frontend Test Plan Builder and the backend plugins for the M9161D PXI solid state dual SP4T switch modules and E5092A configurable multiport test set. The switch configurations and connection patterns can be defined in the topology and connections settings of the Test Plan Builder. The switch control during the execution of the Cal Wizard and DUT test sequence is performed by these AMX plugins.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><test_set label="Dual SP4T" in_ports="2">

<switches><switch in_ports="1" out_ports="4"/><switch in_ports="1" out_ports="4"/>

</switches><connections>

<connection switch_from="0" port_from="1" switch_to="1" port_to="1"/>

<connection switch_from="0" port_from="2" switch_to="2" port_to="1"/>

</connections></test_set>

Selecting additional instrument plugins

Switch Topology in Test Plan Builder

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Controlling DUT Mode

When testing RF FEMs for mobile handsets, the DUT mode must be switched using the RFFE or parallel control signals. For the PXIe VNA based system, the AMX M9341B plugin enables the M9341B PXIe I/O module to output the RFFE and parallel control signals from its 8-bit I/O port, as well as the DC voltages from its analog output ports. For both benchtop and PXIe VNA based systems, the AMX E5092A plugin enables the E5092A multiport test set to output the parallel control signals from its control lines, along with controlling its internal RF switches. The sequence of these DUT mode control signals is defined in the Test Plan Builder.

Unlike the conventional MWA software, AMX can aggregate the measurements of multiple modes into the same VNA channel if the modes are to be measured with the same test ports, calibration, and stimulus setting. The measurements of those modes are executed by repeating the sweeps in one channel while switching test limit values for each mode. For example, an RF switch block or a variable-gain LNA block in the RF FEM can be tested with one VNA channel by changing their switch state or gain setting. This capability allows you to test RF FEMs with more modes within the limited VNA channel resource.

Controlling External Instruments

The AMX external instrument controller plugin allows controlling external instruments such as a DC power supply and a digital multimeter by executing GPIB commands via the USB-GPIB converter or LAN. The GPIB command execution patterns in the test sequence are defined in the Test Plan Builder.

Controlling DUT mode and external instruments

USB-GPIBor LAN

DC voltage outputsDC measurementS-parameter

MeasurementParallel control

DUT

DUT

S-parameterMeasurement

RFFE/parallelDC voltage outputs

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Flexible Test Configuration

You can easily configure your test systems depending on your test needs. Here are examples of typical test system configurations.

In the manual handling test configuration for DVT (design validation test), the test is performed by directly operating on the TAP GUI.

In the fully automated test configuration for manufacturing, the whole test system including the VNA and the handler or prober is controlled with your external control program. The external control program sends the TAP plan files to the TAP instance and executes the test sequence remotely through the TAP’s API. The TAP is operated in its remote mode without having a GUI.

In the multisite parallel test configuration using the PXIe VNAs, multiple TAP instances are controlled from the external control program. By letting the VNA site-2 be triggered by the external trigger signal output from the VNA site-1 along with a proper trigger delay, you can avoid the mutual interference between the two adjacent DUTs which are measured with the same swept frequencies.

To use remote control from an external PC, the AMX and TAP must be installed on the PC, in addition to the PXIe controller. But no AMX and TAP licenses are required for the external PC.

TAP +Plugins

PXIecontroller

DUT

Site 1

Site 2

Handler/prober

GPIO

GPIOControl program

Handler/prober

LAN(TCP/IP)

LAN(TCP/IP)

External PC

External PC

PXIe controller

TAP +Plugins

TAP +Plugins

TAP +Plugins

Control program

Typical configuration for DVT

Typical configuration in manufacturing (single site)Typical configuration in manufacturing(dual site: 2 TAP

instances in PXIe controller)

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Automated Measurement Expert, Product License StructureFrontend

S94701A Automated measurement expert, test plan builder

S94701A-1FP Fixed perpetual license

S94701A-1TP Transportable perpetual license

S94701A-1FL Fixed 1-year license

S94701A-1TL Transportable 1-year license

Backend

S94702A Automated measurement expert, VNA plugin

S94702A-1FP Fixed perpetual license

S94702A-1TP Transportable perpetual license

S94702A-1FL Fixed 1-year license

S94702A-1TL Transportable 1-year license

KS8400A Test automation platform, developer’s system 1

R-D5A-001-A Node-locked (fixed) perpetual license

R-D5A-004-D Transportable perpetual license

R-D6A-001-L 12 months upgrades and support - node-locked

R-D6A-004-L 12 months upgrades and support - transportable

Order Configuration Examples

Case-1: R&D or DVTThree test engineers create test plans on their PCs and test DUTs by sharing a VNA.

– Order three copies of the S94701A license for the test engineers’ PCs. 2 – Order the S94702A and KS8400A license for the VNA. 3

Case-2: R&D or DVTTest engineers create test plans and test DUTs on a PXIe VNA test system.

– Order the S94701A, S94702A, and KS8400A license for the VNA. 2, 3

Case-3: Manufacturing testThree test engineers create test plans on their PCs and DUTs are tested by ten VNAs.

– Order three copies of the S94701A license for the test engineers’ PCs. 2

– Order ten copies of the S94702A and KS8400A licenses for the VNAs. 3

1. See www.keysight.com/find/tap for more detail about license and support of KS8400A.2. The S94701A license is installed on the PC or PXIe controller where you edit your test plans.3. The S94702A and KS8400A licenses are installed to the PXIe controller or the benchtop VNA mainframe, depending on your test system configuration.

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Supported HardwareVector Network AnalyzerThe following VNAs are verified to operate with AMX:

– M9370/71/72/73/74/75A PXIe Vector Network Analyzers, 300 kHz to 4/6.5/9/14/20/26.5 GHz – M9485A PXIe Multiport Vector Network Analyzer, 1 MHz to 9 GHz 1

– E5080A ENA Vector Network Analyzer, 9 kHz to 4.5/6.5/9 GHz (benchtop)

Other instrumentsThe AMX plugins for the following instruments are available:

– M9341B PXIe Digital and Analog I/O Module 2, 3

– M9161D PXI Solid State Dual SP4T Switch Module 2, 3

– Benchtop instruments such as DC power supplies and digital multimeters 2

– E5092A Configurable Multiport Test Set 4

Calibration kit (for AMX ECal Wizard)The following ECal modules are verified to operate with AMX:

– N4431B RF Electronic Calibration Module (ECal), 4-port, 9 kHz to 13.5 GHz – N4433A Electronic Calibration Module (ECal), 4-port, 300 kHz to 20 GHz

1. For multisite parallel measurements with the M9485A and AMX, the M9485A must have a multiple chassis configuration and the source and receiver modules for each site must be independently installed into each chassis, respectively. Up to 4 chassis (4 sites) configuration is possible. The PXIe controller should be installed to the chassis-1 only.

2. The AMX plugins for these instruments are installed by the AMX installer, together with the AMX VNA plugin. The plugins can be activated in the bench / instruments settings in TAP.

3. In addition to activating the AMX plugins for these instruments, the standalone IVI driver of each instrument must be installed to the PXIe controller.4. The AMX E5092A plugin is not included in the AMX installer. It must be separately installed.

System and Installation Requirements for AMXRecommended minimum configuration for PC and PXIe controllers

– Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise (32- or 64-bit) – Microsoft Windows 8 or 8.1: Base, Professional or Enterprise (32- or 64-bit) – Microsoft Windows 10: Home, Professional, Enterprise or Education (32- or 64-bit) – At least 1 GB free disk space

Prerequisite drivers and software for PC and PXIe controllers

– Keysight IO Libraries Suite Version 17.0 or above (preinstalled in the M9037A PXIe controller) – Keysight License Manager – Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 or later

Prerequisite drivers and software for PXIe controller or E5080A ENA – Test Automation Platform, revision 7.4.79, 32-bit version 1

– VNA firmware revision A.12.55.xx or above

1. The KS8400A TAP used for the AMX must be the 32-bit version, even in the 64-bit OS.

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For more information on Keysight Technologies’ products, applications or services, please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:www.keysight.com/find/contactus

Americas Canada (877) 894 4414Brazil 55 11 3351 7010Mexico 001 800 254 2440United States (800) 829 4444

Asia PacificAustralia 1 800 629 485China 800 810 0189Hong Kong 800 938 693India 1 800 11 2626Japan 0120 (421) 345Korea 080 769 0800Malaysia 1 800 888 848Singapore 1 800 375 8100Taiwan 0800 047 866Other AP Countries (65) 6375 8100

Europe & Middle EastAustria 0800 001122Belgium 0800 58580Finland 0800 523252France 0805 980333Germany 0800 6270999Ireland 1800 832700Israel 1 809 343051Italy 800 599100Luxembourg +32 800 58580Netherlands 0800 0233200Russia 8800 5009286Spain 800 000154Sweden 0200 882255Switzerland 0800 805353

Opt. 1 (DE)Opt. 2 (FR)Opt. 3 (IT)

United Kingdom 0800 0260637

For other unlisted countries:www.keysight.com/find/contactus(BP-9-7-17)

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This information is subject to change without notice.© Keysight Technologies, 2017 - 2018Published in USA, April 11, 20185992-2287ENwww.keysight.com

PXIe Vector Network Analyzers www.keysight.com/find/pxivnaE5080A ENA Network Analyzer www.keysight.com/find/e5080aM9341B PXIe I/O Module www.keysight.com/find/m9341bM9161D PXI Dual Sp4t Switch www.keysight.com/find/m9161dE5092A Multiport Test Set www.keysight.com/find/e5092aTest Automation Platform www.keysight.com/find/tapAutomated Measurement Expert www.keysight.com/find/s94701a, www.keysight.com/find/s94702a

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