Probe for Network Analyzer

[ptarantino]

Hi, I am a recent graduate who has finally gotten into the EE field. My company recently purchased an Agilent 5070B Network Analyzer, which I will be using to test various RFID tags and antennae. I am fairly confident in using the Network Analyzer, as I had some training in school with a similar model. However, having never purchased such things before, I am having trouble finding the best probe set for this application.

The RFID antennae I will be examining are in the 915 MHz range, and the Network Analyzer is a two-port model. If any of you could recommend a company and part number, I would be very grateful.

Thanks!

 

[analogkid2digitalman]

Does Agilent offer any probes for this application?

Wheels within wheels / In a spiral array
A pattern so grand / And complex
Time after time / We lose sight of the way
Our causes can't see / Their effects.

 

[ptarantino]

Agilent's site was the first place I looked. However, it appears that there is only one applicable product, the 85024A High-Frequency Probe. The reason I hesitate to purchase this is that I am not sure if it is overkill for what I am trying to do. For instance, can I get reasonable results from just probing with precisely-trimmed coax cable? Now that I am in a position to order such things, I want to make sure I go with the best choice.

 

[Higgler]

When you say "probe", is that just an antenna? or is it similar to an oscope probe?

If you need an antenna probe, make it yourself with coaxial cable. quarter wavelength is about 3 inches long.

kch

 

[SolderingGunslinger]

Did your Employer purchase the Calibration kit with the Network Analyzer? If not, purchase one.

You didn't mention the purpose for the probes. Calibrated antennas are available from many sources.

Cables which connect the Network Analyzer to the device(s) under test are rendered "Invisible" to the Network Analyzer by calibrating through the cables to a calibrated short, open and load.

I regularly use calibrated cables, but haven't ever used (or seen for that matter) formal probes...then again, I mainly use a network analyzer for broadcast purposes where connections are made with BNC, TNC, N, SMA and SMB and even GR connectors. (Heaven forbid I ever need to use a PL-259)

Please post here when you find probes.

I remain,

The Old Soldering Gunslinger