License Agreement

Please carefully read this License Agreement before opening the media envelope or operating the equipment.  Rights in the software are offered only on the condition that you agree to all terms and conditions of the License Agreement.  Opening the media envelope or operating the equipment indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions.  If you do not agree to the License Agreement, you may return the unopened package for a full refund.

In return for payment of the applicable fee, Agilent Technologies grants you a license in the software, until terminated, subject to the following:

Use.

•	Customer may use the software on one network analyzer instrument.

•	Customer may not reverse assemble or decompile the software.

Copies and Adaptations.

•	Customer may make copies or adaptations of the software:

•	For archival purposes, or

•	When copying or adaptation is an essential step in the use of the software with a computer so long as the copies and adaptations are used in no other manner.

•	Customer has no other rights to copy unless they acquire an appropriate license to reproduce which is available from Agilent Technologies for some software.

•	Customer agrees that no warranty, free installation, or free training is provided by Agilent Technologies for any copies or adaptations made by Customer.

•	All copies and adaptations of the software must bear the copyright notice(s) contained in or on the original.

Ownership.

•	Customer agrees that they do not have any title or ownership of the software, other than ownership of the physical media.

•	Customer acknowledges and agrees that the software is copyrighted and protected under the copyright laws.

•	Customer acknowledges and agrees that the software may have been developed by a third party software supplier named in the copyright notice(s) included with the software, who shall be authorized to hold the Customer responsible for any copyright infringement or violation of this License Agreement.

Transfer of Rights in Software.

•	Customer may transfer rights in the software to a third party only as part of the transfer of all their rights and only if Customer obtains the prior agreement of the third party to be bound by the terms of this License Agreement.

•	Upon such a transfer, Customer agrees that their rights in the software are terminated and that they will either destroy their copies and adaptations or deliver them to the third party.

•	Transfer to a U.S. government department or agency or to a prime or lower tier contractor in connection with a U.S. government contract shall be made only upon their prior written agreement to terms required by Agilent Technologies.

Sublicensing and Distributions.

•	Agilent Technologies may terminate this software license for failure to comply with any of these terms provided Agilent Technologies has requested Customer to cure the failure and Customer has failed to do so within thirty (30) days of such notice.

Updates and Upgrades.

•	Customer agrees that the software does not include future updates and upgrades which may be available for Agilent Technologies under a separate support agreement.

Export.

•	Customer agrees not to export or re-export the software or any copy or adaptation in violation of the U.S. Export Administration regulations or other applicable regulations.


Limited Warranty

Software.

Agilent Technologies warrants for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase that the software product will execute its programming instructions when properly install on the network analyzer instrument indicated on this package.  Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of the software will be uninterrupted or error free.  In the even that this software product fails to execute its programming instructions during the warranty period, customer’s remedy shall be to return the measurement card (“media”) to Agilent Technologies for replacement.  Should Agilent Technologies be unable to replace the media within a reasonable amount of time, Customer’s alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product and all copies.

Media.

Agilent Technologies warrants the media upon which this product is recorded to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.  In the event any media prove to be defective during the warranty period, Customer’s remedy shall be to return the media to Agilent Technologies for replacement.  Should Agilent Technologies be unable to replace the media within a reasonable amount of time, Customer’s alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product and all copies.

Notice of Warranty Claims.

Customer must notify Agilent Technologies in writing of any warranty claim not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the warranty period.

Limitation of Warranty.

Agilent Technologies makes no other express warranty, whether written or oral, with respect to this product.  Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness is limited to the 1 year duration of this written warranty.

This warranty gives specific legal rights, and Customer may also have other rights which vary from state to state, or province to province.

Exclusive Remedies.

The remedies provided above are Customer’s sole and excluseive remedies.  In no event shall Agilent Technologies be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost profit) whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

Warranty Service.

Warranty servicve may be obtained from the nearest Agilent Technologies sales office or other location indicated in the owner’s manual or service booklet.


Safety Notes

The following safety notes are used throughout this manal.  Familiarize yourself with each of the symbols and its meaning before operating this instrument.

 Caution.

The caution note denotes hazard.  It calls attention to a procedure which, if noy correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of the instrument.  Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

 Warning.

The warning note denotes a hazard.  It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life.  Do not proceed beyond a warning sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

 Instruction Manual.

The instruction manual symbol.  The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instructions in the manual.


General Information

The 85071C materials measurement software allows measurements of the complex permittivity (ε, epsilon) and permeability (μ, mu) for a wide range of solid materials.  It performs all of the necessary network analyzer control, calculation, and data presentation functions.

In brief, the software:

•	Controls the network analyzer to measure the complex S-parameter of a material sample,

•	Converts these S-parameters of the sample holder/sample material to S-parameters at the sample interface,

•	Calculates the complex material parameters, ε and μ,

•	Displays the measurement results in a variety of graphical and tabular formats,

•	Facilitates these functions:

•	Printing or plotting the results,

•	Saving the results to disk,

•	Saving test setups to disk.

Calibration of the measurement system is performed manually on the network analyzer to allow full flexibility in the use of calibration kits and techniques.  From this point on the software is used to calculate and analyze the constituent materials parameters.

Topics in this section are:

•	About this Manual

•	Summary of the Calculation Models

•	Description of the Software

•	Equipment Required

Items Supplied with the Software

These items constitute the 85071 materials measurement software:

•	Agilent Technologies 85071C CD (containing the 85071C software and this help manual)


Summary of the Calculation Models

The following paragraphs summarize the calculation models.  For details, see Chapter 8, “Software Reference.”

Reflection/Transmission Mu and Epsilon Nicholson-Ross Model

This is an adaptation of the classical Nicholson-Ross-Weir technique described in the literature and in Agilent Technologies Product Note 8510-3.  This technique characterizes both dielectric and magnetic properties of a material sample from reflection and transmission measurements.

Reflection/Transmission Epsilon Precision Model

This model is based on recently published work by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.  It is an accurate technique which is independent of the placement of the sample in the sample holder.

Reflection/Transmission Epsilon Fast Model

This is a faster technique for characterizing the dielectric constant of a material.  Both the “fast” and “precision reflection/transmission epsilon” models are immune to the sample half-wavelength calculation problems found with the Nicholson-Ross-Weir technique.

Reflection-Only Epsilon Short-Backed Model

This characterizes the dielectric properties of a material in a coax or waveguide transmission line backed by a short circuit (or bonded to a ground plane).  It is simple and best for liquids or powders.

Reflection-Only Epsilon Arbitrary-Backed Model

This characterizes the dielectric materials backed by an arbitrary but repeatable termination.  It is simple and best for thin film measurements.

Reflection-Only Mu and Epsilon Single/Double Model

This is the only reflection model capable of permeability measurements.  It is slow and requires two measurements.  It is best for liquids or powder measurements.


About this Manual

This manual is a complete guide to using the 85071C software to make materials measurements.  As outlined below, it explains how the system works, how to set it up, how to use the software, now to check the system, and where to find reference material.

General Information introduces the idea of material measurements with a network analyzer.  It explains the functions of the analyzer, computer, software, and sample holder in making measurements.

Getting Started lists required system equipment, tells how to configure, load, and install the hardware and software, and presents operator interface techniques.  It also discusses display and organization (data presentation, entry prompts, instructions).  At this point, the user is ready to make a measurement.

Measurement Tutorial provides a general overview of the software.  It also discusses calibration, sample holders and material preparation, and the data reduction models.

A step-by-step, guided example of a calibration and measurement with the 85071 software concludes this chapter.  First-time users are urged to perform the sample measurement procedures outlined in this chapter.

Advanced Measurement Techniques describes several advanced aspects of using the software.

In Case of Difficulty presents common measurement hang-ups and solutions, error messages and what to do about them, and helpful hints.

Operator's Check is a simple procedure to check the integrity of the software.

Literature lists material measurement related material.

Software Reference is designed to serve as a reference for each function and setup parameter in the software.  Each menu, menu choice, and entry parameter is explained in this chapter.

Glossary defines important words and concepts of this manual.

Index tab lists the words, topics, softkeys, hardkeys, and error messages of the software and this help file.

Find tab allows you to find terms and phrases used in this help file.

What This Manual Covers

This manual covers the software it was shipped with:

Software revision:  C1.00 or above


Description of the Software

Software Features

•	Completely controls the network analyzer.

•	Guides you through the measurement sequence.

•	Authomatically computer ε and μ (permittivity and permeability).

•	Offers a variety of data formats and displays.

•	Nicholson-Ross model provides sample position invariance.

•	One-port arbitrary backed model measures thin samples accurately.

•	One-port permittivity and permeability reflection-only model.

•	Air gap correction improves accuracy of transmission line methods.

•	Compatible with free space measurements.

Software Reference contains a complete listing of the menus associated with this product.


Equipment Required

The equipment required to make a measurement measurement is detailed in Getting Started.


Measurement Tutorial

The following topics provide an introduction to the 85071 materials measurement software:

This section provides a tutorial introduction to the 85071C materials measurement software.  The following topics are addressed.

General Overview summarizes the measurement process.

Calibration Considerations discusses calibrating the network analyzer for use with the software.

Sample and Sample Holder Considerations compares the different types of sample holders and the preparation of materials samples.

Measurement Models reviews each of the data reduction models available for use with the software.

Waveguide Calibration and Measurement Example is a step-by-step example procedure of a waveguide calibration and measurement.


General Overview

The software is designed to calculate materials properties, complex ε and μ, from the S-parameter measurements of a sample in waveguide or coaxial transmission line or free space.

Sample Shapes

Each type of “transmission line” requires a different shape sample and sample holder.

Transmission Line	Sample Shape	Sample Holder
waveguide	brick-shaped	Section of waveguide transmission line
coax	donut-shaped	Precision connector (such as APC-7) at each port and a precision center conductor
Free space	flat	varies

Calibrating the System

The software requires that you manually calibrate the network analyzer measurement system before making a measurement.  Calibration removes measurement uncertainties from the system.  If possible, calibrate with the sample holder connected to PORT 2.  (See Calibration Considerations and Sample and Sample Holder Considerations).

After calibration, minimize changes to the measurement system such as cable movement and temperature variations.  More detailed information on the calibration process can be found in the network analyzer’s documentation.  See Waveguide Calibration and Measurement Example for an example.

Measuring the MUT’s S-Parameters

After calibration, the network analyzer measures the S-parameter of the sample holder and sample material.  The measurements may be reflection measurements, transmission measurements, or both.  The raw measurements of the sample holder and sample material are then vector error corrected using the system error model obtained during the calibration process.  The correct S-parameters are transferred to the computer

Converting the S-Parameters to ε andμ

The computer mathematically rotates the S-parameters through the appropriate lengths of transmission line.  These lengths are input to the software as part of Measurement Definition.  At this point the S-parameters represent the S11 and S22 input reflection coefficients at the sample interfaces, the S21 and S12 transmission through the sample, or both.  The software uses the S-parameters at the sample interface to calculate the complex permittivity and permeability.

Various mathematical models are available with the 85071C for converting the S-parameters of the material sample to permittivity and permeability.  Descriptions of each model are presented in Software Reference.  Some of the models use iterative calculation routines.  As with all iterative routines, it is important to provide an estimate of the solution to start the calculation.  The software has built-in algorithms for obtaining estimates to start the calculations.  Unpredictable results can be overridden with the verify estimate command in the Measure menu.  This presents the estimate that the software is using when making the materials parameters calculations at the first frequency.  If incorrect, the estimate may be overridden at this point.


Calibration Considerations

Take care to store, maintain, and clean the calibration standards properly.  Refer to Agilent Technologies Application Note 326:  Coaxial Systems Principles of Microwave Connector Care for reference information.

Calibration Notes

Calibrate the system with the sample holder connected to the cable (or waveguide adapter) at PORT 2 for best results.  If this is not possible, calibrate at the connection interface to the sample holder.  For a coaxial holder, this is at the end of the test cables that attach to the sample holder.  For the waveguide holder, this is at the waveguide ends of the coax-to-waveguide adapters.

•	Set frequency before calibration

•	Calibrate the system manually, from the front panel of the network analyzer

•	Calibrate with the sample holder in place if possible (see Sample and Sample Holder Considerations for details)

•	Minimize cable movement after calibration

•	Use a sample holder with the same length as the sample to avoid holder losses

It is reccomended that the software be used to set the network analyzer to the desired start, stop, number of points and sweep mode.  See Measure menu for details.  The software also allows you to setup the instrument manually.  If you choose this option, the following considerations should be considered.

8510 Considerations

Calibrations and measurements should be made with the signal source in a synthesized mode of operation at each measurement frequency.  With the 8510 this dictates the use of the stepped CW (STEP in the stimulus menu) sweep mode.  When the 8510 is used in the stepped CW mode, 128 averages can be used without affecting the measurement speed appreciably.

Note.  Measurements with the 8350 sweeper are not supported with the 85071 software.

8719, 8720, 8722, 8753 Considerations

Calibrations and measurements should be made with the signal source in a frequency step mode of operation at each measurement frequency.  There is a minimum sweept time which allows the analyzer to operate in the step mode.  This minimum sweep time is a function of sweep range, IF bandwidth, and the number measurement frequencies.

If an “arrow” follows along the trace of the network analyzer CRT as a sweep is taken, the analyzer is in step mode.  If not, either reduce the IF bandwidth (the preferred tactic) or increase the sweep time enough for the analyzer to operate in step mode.

8712, 8714 Considerations

Calibrations and measurements should be made with the signal source in a frequency step mode of operation at each measurement frequency if possible.  This mode of operation is avaliable on the ES and ET models.  Set the system bandwidth to ‘Narrow’ or ‘Fine’.

Reflection/Transmission Test Set Considerations

Reflection/transmission test sets are subject to some limitations

Examples of such tests sets are the 85044 (used with the 8753) and the build-in 8572 test set.  These test sets are also standard for all models with the ET suffix.  These are the limitations:

•	“Refl/Tran u & e N-R” model:  supported in the accurate sample position definition mode only

•	“Refl/Tran e Prec’n” model:  not supported

•	“Refl/Tran e Fast” model:  supported in the accurate sample position definition mode only


Sample and Sample Holder Considerations

Sample Holder

The software assumes that the sample holder is well matched and has negligible loss.  Only the phase shift of the known lengths of transmission line is accounted for.  Use only a precision, well-matched sample holder.  Connect it to PORT 2 prior to calibration.  Any reflections off the input or output of the sample holder will degrade the calculated material parameters.

For best measurement results, the sample should fill the cross-section of the transmission line with no air gaps.

Coaxial versus Waveguide Sample Holders

Coaxial sample holders have the inherent advantage of being broadband.  They are however, typically harder to construct for the east of sample loading.  Coaxial samples also require more preparation.  Waveguide sample holders are limited to use in the waveguide frequency band.  However, they can be easy to fabricate and require less sample preparation.

Free Space

Free space samples should be flat; material preparation may be unnecessary.  This type of material measurement is broadband.  Rather than the material being contained within a transmission line, antennas radiate energy through the sample.  Air gaps are not a problem with this technique.

Dimensions of Holder and Sample

The sample holder length, distance to sample, and sample thickness are entered in the Measure menu, Define measurement selection.  The thickness and distance information needs to be characterized as accurately as possible.

Sample Holder Length

This is the length of transmission line added to the measurement path after calibration.  For both coaxial and waveguide lines, it is the distance between the outer conductor mating surfaces.  In other words, it is the actual length added to the transmission path when the sample holder is tightened in place.  It should be calibrated out or precisely measured.

To calibrate out the sample holder length:  connect the sample holder to PORT 2 during calibration as shown below.  Then calibrate the system using the sample holder as one of the calibration reference planes.  Note that since additional transmission line is not added after calibration, the holder length is 0 (zero).

To calibrate without the sample holder in place, measure the holder mechanically as precisely as possible.  Enter this length in the sample holder menu.  As shown below, the calibration reference planes are the ends of the waveguide adapters (or coax cable ends).

To verify the sample holder length after calibration:

•	Attach the sample holder to the calibration reference planes.

•	Measure the sample holder “empty”.

•	If the dielectric constant is calculated as about 1.0006 (air), the length is correctly entered.

•	If the value is not about 1.0006, vary the entered length and use the recalculate feature to close in on the correct number.

•	If the value does not approach 1.0006, recalibrate the system (see Waveguide Calibration and Measurement Example for an example).

Distance to Sample

This dimension is the distance from the PORT 1 calibration reference plane to the sample.  It should be precisely measured when required by the model.  Any inaccuracy in this distance causes the “ rotated” S-parameters to be in error.  This is the most difficult distance measurement to make in that the sample must be loaded in the sample holder to measure the distance.  Some of the models do not depend on precisely knowing the position of the sample in the sample holder.

In many cases, the simplest way to determine the distance to sample, is to place it flush with the port 1 calibration reference plane.  Then the distance is simply 0 (zero), and 0 should be entered in the sample holder … menu.

Sample Thickness

This should be measured by the most accurate mechanical means available (micrometer, vernier caliper, etc.).  Uncertainty in the sample thickness will cause inaccuracies in the calculated materials parameters.  The inaccuracy due to thickness errors increases with frequency and increases with the magnitude of ε and μ.

where, for [image] mode in rectangular waveguide:

Other Factors

These include sample composition and fit.  It is important that the sample be uniform and completely fill the guide in the transmission line sample holder.  Any air gaps between the sample and the center or outer conductor will cause measurement errors.  The sample should fit tightly in the holder and be free of nicks.

Air Gap Correction

Gaps between the sample and its transmission line holder may dominate the uncertainties of the measurement, especially for high permittivity materials.  The air gap correction function of the software moderates this effect.  This function is part of the Measure menu, Define measurement.

Air gap correction applies to coax and waveguide measurements, not free space.  It is based on work presented in NIST technical note 1355 .


Measurement Models

Six different measurement/calculation models are available in the software.  Each model has different advantages and limitations.  The use of each model is determined by several factors:

•	Optimum sample length

•	Measured S-parameters

•	Desired measurement paramteres

•	Speed versus accuracy trade-offs

For details, select measurement model of interest menu or refer to  Software Reference


Waveguide Calibration and Measurement Example

This is an example of an X-band waveguide calibration and measurement with a 8720 vector network analyzer system.  If you are not familiar with network analyzers, waveguide, or the calibration process, you should read and perform this example sequence before measuring your MUT.

If you are using another network analyzer or a coaxial-based measurement, you may have to adapt this sequence to your setup.  The basic sequence for all of the analyzers is quite similar, but if you need additional, specific information, refer to the documentation of the network analyzer.

Before you can make a measurement, you must manually calibrate the network analyzer.  In the case of waveguide, you must first load the waveguide calibration kit information into the network analyzer before the computer takes control of the system.  This process varies according to the network analyzer being used.  Then you can proceed with the calibration (including setting the frequency range).

Note.  If you have not yet configured the hardware or loaded the software for your system, refer to Getting Started.

•	How to perform a waveguide calibration

•	How to measure a material sample

•	Conclusion


Advanced Measurement Techniques

This chapter focuses on several topics intended to help you make more accurate measurements and analyze them on different platforms.

The topics are these:

•	Traceable reference measurements and materials

•	Air gap correction

•	Sample holder length/loss

•	Accessing Windows data files


Traceable Reference Measurements and Materials

The accuracy of material measurement procedures and the traceability of such measurements can be established by measuring reference materials with an 85071 material measurements system.

Reference materials and a measurement service are currently available through NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, formely National Bureau of Standards). Agilent Technologies is not part of the traceability chain and recommends that, for additional information, you contact NIST.  Refer to “NIST Calibration Services User’s Guide,” NIST Special Publication 250 (1990 or later).

One of the measurement services offered by NIST uses the same algorithm as the 85071 software.


Air Gap Correction

Air gap correction refers to correcting errors due to the sample not completely filling the cross-section of the transmission line.  This applies to both coaxial and waveguide transmission lines. For details, see MeaMeasure sure menu in the Software Reference.


Sample Holder Length/Loss

To reduce measurement uncertainties due to the sample holder,

•	Use a well-matched sample holder with minimum loss.

•	Calibrate with the sample holder at PORT 2.

•	If you add the sample holder after calibration, match its length to that of the sample if possible.

For details regarding sample holders, see "Sample and Sample Holder Considerations" in the Measurement Tutorial.


Accessing Windows Data Files

The data files created the 85071 Material Measurement Software can be imported directly into Lotus® 1-2-3® or Microsoft® Excel for further calculations.  There is no difference between the file formats for bringing the data into Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, or anything else; the one file will import into almost any other program since it is in a tab seperated, ASCII format.  Another technique is to copy the table to the clipboard.  The data can then be pasted into Lotus, Excel or any similar program.


In Case of Difficulty

Although the 85071C materials measurement software has been designed for convenience and ease of use, problems can arise.

•	Common problems and solutions

•	Contact Agilent Technologies...

•	Windows error messages


Common Problems and Solutions

Listed below, in alphabetic order, are some common problems and their solutions.  To deal with problems associated with a specific instrument (like the computer, printer, or network analyzer) refer to its manual.

Cables should be held in the same position during measurement as during calibrations.  They should be given time to stabilize prior to calibration.  Excessive flexing can result in measurement inaccuracies.  With waveguide systems, allow the test port (usually port 2) to waveguide flange cable to maintain the same position (don’t flex or bend it) long enough to minimize phase changes.

Non-repeatable measurements may be the result of excess cable flexing, poor or inconsistent contact of the MUT with the surfaces of the waveguide or coaxial sample holder, non-perpendicular sample faces, or changing location of the sample within the sample holder.

Program won’t run usually results from improper installation.

•	Details appear in Hardware Requirements and Software Requirements Requirements.


Before You Contact HP...
Contact Agilent Technologies

If problems persist and you want to contact Agilent Technologies, first

•	Save a copy of the setup file

Then log this information:

•	Product:  85071C

•	Software revision:

•	Computer:

Operating system

Type of HP-IB or GPIB card

•	Network analyzer (and test set):

Network analyzer revision:

Network analyzer options:

•	Problem description:

•	Is the problem intermittent?

•	How can one duplicate the problem?

For more information about Agilent Technologies test and measurement products, applications, services,

and for a current sales office listing, visit our web site.

www.hp.com/go/tmdir

You can also contact one of the following centers and ask for a test and measurement sales representative.

United States:

Agilent Technologies Company

Test and Measurement Call Center

P.O. Box 4026

Englewood, CO 80155-4026

1 800 452 4844

Canada:

Agilent Technologies Canada Ltd.

5150 Sectrum Way

Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5G1

(905) 206 4725

Europe:

Agilent Technologies

European Marketing Centre

P.O. Box 999

1180 AZ Amstelveen

The Netherlands

(31 20) 547 9900

Japan:

Agilent Technologies Japan Ltd.

Measurement Assistance Center

9-1, Takakura-Cho, Hachioji-Shi,

Tokyo 192, Japan

Tel: (81) 426-56-7832

Fax: (81) 426-56-7840

Latin America:

Agilent Technologies

Latin American Region Headquarters

5200 Blue Lagoon Drive, 9th Floor

Miami, Florida 33126, U.S.A.

(305) 267 4245/4220

Australia/New Zealand:

Agilent Technologies Australia Ltd.

31-41 Joseph Street

Blackburn, Victoria 3130, Australia

1 800 629 485

Asia Pacific:

Agilent Technologies Asia Pacific Ltd.

17-21/F Shell Tower, Times Square,

1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay,

Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2599 7777 Fax: (852) 2506 9285


Windows Error Messages

Before contacting Agilent Technologies, be sure to log any error messages or warnings.  The messages usually are in the form of a dialog box and often can be used to reveal the nature of the problem.


Operator's Check

The 85071C materials measurement software consists of just software and the manual.  Thus the operator’s check consists of successfully installing and running the software.

If you have problems installing or running the software, you can check the integrity of the software CD by taking it to another computer, and trying to copy the files onto other disks.  If you are unable to do so, you may have a faulty CD.  Contact Agilent Technologies for a replacement.  See Contact Agilent Technologies for a list of Aligent Technologies sales and service offices.


Ordering Supplies

This chapter lists the part number of the materials measurement manual and other materials measurement literature.


Literature

A variety of materials measurement literature exists.  This list is by no means complete but should prove helpful in providing directions for further reading.  It is divided in two sections:  Agilent Technologies literature and public technical papers.


Hewlett-Packard Literature
Agilent Technologies Literature

To order literature, contact the  nearest Agilent Technologies office.

•	“Basics of Measuring the Dielectric Properties of Materials,” application note 1217-1, part number 5091-3300E, March 1992.

•	“16451B Dielectric Test Fixture,” data sheet, part number 5950-2368, May 1989.

•	“LCR Meters, Impedance Analyzers, and Test Fixtures,” selection guide, part number 5952-1430, January 1990.


Public Technical Papers

To obtain copies of these papers, contact the organization or publisher listed.

•	M. Afsar et al; “Measurement and the Properties of Materials”; proceedings of the IEEE, volume 74, number 1, January 1986.  This is an excellent short survey of many methods.  Taken together, the methods span a wide frequency range.  With its 187 references, it is a good starting point for beginners.

•	H. M. Altschuler; “Dielectric Constant”; chapter 9 of Handbook of Microwave Measurements by M. Sucher and J. Fox; Wiley, 1963.  This is a good technical reference covering high frequency techniques.  It contains detailed procedures and equations (but using a slotted line instead of a network analyzer).

•	ASTM; “Standard Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials”; Standard D-150-87; American Society for Testing and Materials; Philadelphia, PA 19103.  The US authority on testing methods features great technical depth on parallel-plate capacitor methods for low frequencies.

•	Richard G. Geyer; “Electrodynamics of Materials for Dielectric Measurement Standardization”; proceedings of the IEEE, IM-TC, January 1990.  A review of measurement concerns, standards, and traceability with examples of state-of-the-art measurements including NIST X-band cavity and the first public reference to Baker-Jarvis enhancement to S-parameter technique.

•	Richard G. Geyer; “Dielectric Characterization and Reference Materials,” NIST Technical Note 1338.

•	Baker-Jarvis; “Transmission/Reflection and Short-Circuit line Methods,” NIST Technical Note 1341.

•	Baker-Jarvis; “Transmission/Reflection and Short-Circuit Line Methods for Measuring Permittivity and Permeability,” NIST Technical Note 1355.

•	Deepak K. Ghodgaonkar et al; “Free Space Method for Measurement of Dielectric Constants and Loss Tangents at Microwave Frequencies”; IEEE Transactions on IM volume 37 number 3, June 1989.  This describes the work at Penn State’s Center for Engineering of Electronic/Acoustic Materials.  The topic is the free-space method using spot-focusing antennas with an 8510B and TRL calibration.

•	Arthur R. von Hippel, ed; Dielectric Materials and Applications; MIT Press, 1954.  This book is 45 years old, but still is considered an important reference on dielectrics and measurements; a good introduction to basics.


Software Reference

This chapter details the operations of each menu, command, and entry parameter in the 85071C material measurement software.  To learn how to perform basic software operations, refer to Getting Started.  To see how to perform a typical calibration and measurement sequence, see Measurement Tutorial.   The figure belows shows the avaliable menu choices and the toolbar.

File

Save or recall measurement setups or previous measurement results.  Print copies of the measurement results in a tabular or graphical format.

Edit

Copy the measurement results to the clipboard.  Either graph or the tabular listing can be copied.  This allows your measurements results to be pasted into other applications.

View

Select what you want to view.  Selections include the toolbar, status bar, table of the measurement data and chart of the measurement data.

Measure

Trigger a measurement; recalculate without re-measuring the MUT; set measurement model, define sample holder and set measurement attributes.

Chart

Select the format to be displayed on the chart.  Choices include εr’, er’’, tanδ, μr’, μr’’, tanδm and Cole-Cole.  Set scale factors or “autoscale”.  Select from linear, semi-log, or log-log representations.

Table

Choose between a tabular formatting of real and imaginary or real and tanδ.

Display

Display current measurement data; save/display up to 3 memory traces; compare data to reference trace with trace math.  Turn the marker on or off.

Preferences

Select your preferences of fonts, colors, and annotations used to plot and list the measurement data.

Help

On line help including the product manual.

ToolBar

Provides single click access to the most important menu items.


File

Clicking on the File menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Open Setup File - Allows the user to open a peviously saved setup file.  This file contains all the all the information pertaining to the measurementsetup  including the calibration, previous measurements and other preferences chosen at the time the file was saved.

Choose the file you desire and click OK.

•	Save Setup File - Allows the user to save the current setup.  The file created contains all the information pertaining to the measurement including the calibration, previous measurements.  If the current setup has not previously been saved, this choice is treated as ‘Save Setup File As’ described below.

•	Save Setup File As - Allows the user to save the current setup.  The file created contains all the information pertaining to the measurement including the calibration and previous measurements.

Enter the desired file name and click OK.

•	Open Data File - Allows the user to open a peviously saved data file.  This file contains all the information pertaining to a measurement.

Choose the file you desire and click OK.  Next, you will be asked to select were you what to store the data.

Make your selection and click OK.

•	Save Data File  - Allows the user to save measurement data. First you will be asked which of the valid sets of data you want to save. The measurement is saved as tab seperated text.  This file is compatable with most spreedsheet programs.

Make your selection and click OK.  Next enter the desired file name and click OK.

•	Print Chart –  Prints the Chart (graph)

•	Print Chart Preview – Shows what the printed chart will look like.  Use Printer setup to change the orentation of the printed chart.

•	Print Table - Prints the Table (listing)

•	Print Table Preview – Shows what the printed table will look like.  Use Printer setup to change the orentation of the printed table.

•	Printer Setup – Allows the printer to be setup.  Exact behavior depends on the selected printer.


Edit

Clicking on the Edit menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Copy the chart – Copies the chart (graph) to the clipboard.  This allows this image to be pasted into other applications.

•	Copy the table – Copies the table (listing) to the clipboard.  This allows this text to be pasted into other applications such as spreadsheets.


View

Clicking on the View menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Toolbar – Toggles the toolbar.  When checked, the toolbar is visible.

•	Status Bar– Toggles the Status Bar.  When checked, the Status Bar is visible.

•	Chart only – When checked, only the Chart is shown.

•	Table only – When checked, only the Table is shown.

•	Chart and Table– When checked, both the Chart and Table are shown.


Measure

Clicking on the Measure menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Trigger Measurement

This choice causes a measurement to be triggered.  If the Reflection-Only Epsilon Arbitrary-Backed Model is selected (instructions follow)  the dialog below will appear.

This model requires two measurements.  One with the sample holder with only the backing and one with the sample backed.  When both measurements are made, the Calculate button will become active.  Pressing this button causes the material parameters to be calculated.  If the Reflection-Only Mu and Epsilon Single/Double Model is chosen, the dialog box below will appear.

This model also requires two measurements.  After both measurements, pressing Calculate will calue the material properties to be calculated.

•	Retrieve Measurement

Clicking on this menu item reveals two choices.

Selecting Retrieve is similar to Trigger Measurement except a new measurement is not triggered.  The existing measurement is used.  Retrieve with pause is the same as retrieve except the following dialog box (for S11) appears for each of the required S-parameters.

•	Define Measurement

Selecting this choice causes a property sheet with five pages to appear. This selection below allows the user to define the frequency range and sweep type used in the measurement.

The Measurement Model page allows selection of the model used to calculate the material parameters.

The Verify estimate check box allows the user to select the initial estimate for the models.  When selected, the following dialog box will appear after the measurement is made.

The Sample Holder page allows the definition of the sample holder and sample.

Checking the Correction on choice can activate gap Correction.  Depending on the type of sample holder defined, one of the two Gap Correction pages will appear.

The Lookup table property page allows many of the selections to be made for a variety of common coaxial and waveguide transmission lines.  Select the transmission line of interest, check the desired parameters and click on Apply.  The appropriate items will be changed.

•	Forward only

Selecting this item will cause only the forward S-parameters ( S11 and S21) to be used to calculate the material parameters.  This is the only valid choice for analyzers with transmission/reflection test sets.


Chart

Clicking on the Chart menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	e’  – The real part of the complex permittivity (the dielectric constant) is plotted vs. frequency.

•	e’’ – The imaginary part of the complex permittivity (the loss factor) is plotted vs. frequency.

•	Loss tangent e  – The ratio of the imaginary part (the loss factor)  to the real part (the dielectric constant)  of the complex permittivity (loss tangent) is plotted vs. frequency.

•	Cole-Cole e – loss factor is plotted vs the dielectric constant.

•	u’  – The real part of the complex permeability is plotted vs. frequency.

•	u’’ – The imaginary part of the complex permeability is plotted vs. frequency.

•	Loss tangent u  – The ratio of the imaginary part (μ’’) to the real part (μ’) of the complex permeability is plotted vs. frequency.

•	Cole-Cole u – μ’’ is plotted vs μ’.

•	Autoscale – Autoscales the plot.

•	Set Scale – Allows the horizontal and vertical scales to be set.  Also allows the data to be plotted in a log, semi-log or log-log format.

Default – Resets the scale to their default values.


Table

Clicking on the Table menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Real and imaginary – Lists the real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity and permeability.

•	Real and tan d – Lists the real (ε’ and μ’) and loss tangent (ε’’/ε’ and μ’’/μ’) of the complex permittivity and permeability.


Display

Clicking on the Display menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Data->Memory – This allows the current measurement to be copied to one of the memory locations.  This allows new measurements to be compared to previous measurements.

•	Traces Displayed – This allows the choice of which valid measurements are to be displayed.

•	Trace Math – Trace math is performed between two or more measurements.  This allows measurements to be compared.  All displayed measurements can be displayed as either the difference from or ratio to another measurement.

Marker – This toggles the marker on and off.


Preferences

•	Title – This selection allows you to type in a title for your measurement, select the font that you want your title to be printed with and select the color of the font.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Replace the default title with the one desired.  Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satisfied or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows you to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Subtitle  – This selection allows you to type in a subtitle for your measurement, select the font that you want your subtitle to be printed with and select the color of the font.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Replace the default subtitle with the one desired.  Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satisfied or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows you to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Time and Date – This selection allows you to set the time and date. It also allows you to select the font that you want the date and time to be printed with and select the color of the font.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satisfied or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows you to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Parameter font  – This selection allows you to select the font that you want the parameter (ε’, ε’’ etc)  to be printed with and select the color of the font.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Scale font  – This selection allows you to select the font that you want your scale parameters to be printed with and select the color of the font.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Grid  – This selection allows you to select the grid line width and select the color of the grid.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Moving the slider will change the line width.

Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the grid lines.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Table font  – This selection allows you to select the font that you want your table to be printed with and select the color of the font.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Data  – This selection allows you to type in a label for your data, select the font that you want your data label to be printed with and select the color of the font and the line used to plot the data.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Replace the defalut label with the one desired.  Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Memory 1  – This selection allows you to type in a label for Memory 1, select the font that you want the memory 1 label to be printed with and select the color of the font and the line used to plot memory 1.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Replace the defalut label with the one desired.  Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Memory 2  – This selection allows you to type in a label for Memory 1, select the font that you want the memory 3 label to be printed with and select the color of the font and the line used to plot memory 3.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Replace the defalut label with the one desired.  Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	Memory 3  – This selection allows you to type in a label for Memory 3, select the font that you want the memory 3 label to be printed with and select the color of the font and the line used to plot memory 1.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Replace the defalut subtitle with the one desired.  Clicking on the ‘Font’ button causes the font selection dialog box to appear as shown.

Select the desired font and size.  A sample of the font will be displayed.  Click on OK when satified or Cancel to revert back to the previously selected font.  Clicking on the ‘Color’ button allows yoy to select the color of the font.  The color dialog box will appear.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

Select the desired color and click OK or click Cancel.

•	GPIB/Instrument – This selection allows to configure your measurement system.  When selected, the following dialog box appears.

Fill in the requested information or press ‘Find’ to automatically find all the instruments connected to all the installed GPIB cards.  This takes several minutes.  The ‘Test’ buton allows you to confirm your entries.

•	Save as default – This selection saves the currently selected preferences in a file.  This information will be used each time the program is started.

•	Reset default– This selection restores the previously saved preferences.  This puts the software in a startup state.


Help

Clicking on the Help menu item causes the choices shown below to appear.

•	Help topics – This causes this help file to run.

•	About 85071 – Gives information about the program.


ToolBar

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Open Setup

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Open Data

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Save Setup

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Save Data

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Copy the Chart

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Copy the Table

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Print Chart

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Print Table

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Chart and Table

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Chart only

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Table only

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Trigger Measurement

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as e'

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as e''

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Loss tangent e

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Cole – Cole e

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as u'

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as u''

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Loss tangent u

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Cole – Cole u

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Autoscale

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Set scale..

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Set scale..

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as real and imaginary

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as real and tan d

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Data->Memory...

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Trace Math...

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as Traces Displayed...

Clicking on this toolbar item is the same as About 85071...


Glossary

The following entries are defined in terms of material measurements with the 85071C software.

absorption

to take in electro-magnetic energy, usually as heat

absorption bands

distinct frequency bands at which electro-magnetic energy is strongly coupled into a material and absorbed

AC loss

dielectric loss (as D for capacitors, but excluding DC “leakage”)

Baker-Jarvis method

a 2-port S-parameter transmission line method, using new algorithms that promise to eliminate the “multiple half wavelength drop-outs” of the Nicolson-Ross method; does not yield μ*

Cole-Cole plot

data format, with ε’’ on vertical axis and ε’ on horizontal axis, with frequency as the independent parameter not displayed; lossy materials with relaxation mechanisms follow a semi-circle on these plots

conductivity

usually ionic dielectric loss; in dielectric measurements, does not mean true conduction (movement of electrons)

D

dissipation factor; usually measured for capacitors; D=tan δ

Debye functions

Simplified model to explain dielectric properties versus frequency, assuming that a simple rotational relaxation phenomenon is acting

δ

angle formed between the j-axis and vector representing the sum of storage and loss vectors; δ is small (nearly 0°) for low-loss materials, and large (up to about 45°) for lossy materials; see tan δ (used more often)

dielectric after-effect

polarization in a material lags behind the applied field in time; modeled by relaxation process; related to losses

dielectric constant

κ ratio of electric field storage capacity in a material to that of free space; usually means real (lossless) case only

dielectric loss

energy “lost” (absorbed) in material when applying an AC electric field; may be due to ionic, polar, atomic, or electronic mechanisms

dipolar

dielectric mechanism; see “rotational”

dipole

a structure where the net charge distribution can be represented by the two equal and opposite charges seperated by distance

dispersion

propogation characteristics change with frequency

dissipation factor

D; ratio of energy lost to energy stored (per cycle) in a system; same as tan δ, inverse of Q

 symbol for absolute permittivity; [image] is used more often

 symbol for relative permittivity (to free space); if complex, εr*=εr’-jεr’’

homogeneous

having uniform properties throughout; non-homogeneous materials are usually mixtures of two materials

induced dipoles

temporary dipoles, created by electric fields

ionic

a dielectric mechanism (fairly strong, lossy, operating at all frequencies), where mobile ionic charges migrate in a material

isotropic

properties do not vary with orientation; non-isotropic materials are usually fibrous or crystalline

κ

symbol for dielectric constant, and always relative to free space; if complex, κ*=κ’-jκ’’; equivalent to

loss angle

see δ

loss factor

see κ’’ or

loss index

see κ’’ or

loss tangent

see tan δ

MUT

Material Under Test

Nicholson-Ross method

S-parameter method using 2-port transmission lines (see Product Note 8510-3)

penetration depth

distance through a lossy dielectric over which the field strength falls by 1/ε, due to energy absorption

permanent dipoles

molecular structures that inherently have a non-symmetrical charge distribution

permeability

measure of effect a material has on magnetic fields; ratio of flux over field

permittivity

measure of effect a material has on electric fields; ratio of flux over field

phase angle

see θ

phase defect angle

see δ

polar

having permanent electric dipoles

polarize

to align dipoles in electric field

power factor

sinδ (or cosθ)

Q

see quality factor

quality factor

ratio of energy stored to energy lost (per cycle) in a system inverse of tan δ and D

RAM

Radiation-Absorbing-Materials, Radar-Absorbing-Materials

relative permeability

μr, see μ

relative permittivity

see

relaxation constant

see r

relaxation time

see r

relaxation wavelength

free-space wavelength corresponding to the frequency 1/r

restricted mobility dipoles

dipoles (such as H2O molecules) which are “bound” to a host material, and so are restricted in their ability to become oriented in an electric field

Robers/von-Hipple

1-port short-backed reflection-only transmission line method to determine both e and u by moving the short by λ/4

rotational

a dielectric mechanism (relaxation, fairly strong, often lossy, at moderate frequencies), where permanent dipoles (often entire molecules) “rotate” to align with an electric field

susceptor

material that can “respond” to electro-magnetic fields

tan δ

ratio of ε’’/ε’; indicates “lossiness” of material; typically varies from about 1.5 (high loss) to 10-5 (very high loss)

τ

relaxation time constant; for a simple substance, the time it takes for 1/e of the constituent molecules to become aligned in response to an electric field

θ

angle between real-axis and vector representing sum of storage and loss vectors; θ=90°-δ

μ

symbol for permeability; use ur if relative to free space; if complex, u*-u’-ju’’ (imaginary part represents loss)


How to Begin a Waveguide Calibration
How to perform a waveguide calibration

Start the 85071 Software Program

Turn on the computer (it too should be connected to the analyzer with an HP-IB cable).  Start the program as explained in the Getting Started.

Set Up the Measurement

In general, the first step in setting up the system for calibration and measurement is to select the frequency range (a start and stop frequency, number of frequency points and sweep type).

The measurement frequency range:

•	Must match the calibration frequency range

•	Can be as wide as the bandwidth of the cal kit

•	Can be just part of the bandwidth of the cal kit

Click on Define Measurement  and select the Set Frequency property page to display the dialog box below

Use the dialog box to set the start and stop frequencies, the number of points and the sweep mode.

For this example, the following values are used:

•	Start Frequency:           8.2 GHz

•	Stop Frequency:           12.4 GHz

•	Number of Points:         51

•	Sweep Mode:                Linear

Define the Model

Select the Measurement Model property page.  This lets you select the measurement model.  Select Ref/tran u&e.

Define the Sample Holder

If you are using a coaxial system, or a different waveguide cal kit, enter the equivalent data.  The software lookup property page explained in Software Reference, contain tables of common waveguide cutoff frequencies.  The cutoff frequency for coaxial systems is 0 GHz.

This example assume this hardware configuration:

•	Cable connected to PORT 1

•	Waveguide adapter connected to PORT 1 cable

•	Cable connected to PORT 2

•	Waveguide adapter connected to PORT 2 cable

•	Sample holder connected to PORT 2 waveguide adapter

The sample holder must be defined by selecting the Sample Holder property page.  For this example fill in:

•	Sample holder length	0 inch

•	Distance to sample	0 inch

•	Sample thickness	.354 inch

•	Sample holder	Waveguide

•	Cutoff frequency	6.5600100218 GHz

Input this information as shown below.

Note.  Calibrate the system with the sample holder in place whenever possible.  This is the reason the sample holder length is set to zero.  This technique removes uncertainties in sample holder length and to a first order removes sample holder loss.  For details, refer to Sample and Sample Holder Considerations.

Perform the Calibration

The calibration consists of measuring known standards and using the results to characterize the three major sources of measurement error.  A full 2-port calibration consists of reflection, transmission, and isolation measurements.  Isolation should be omitted in most instances.  The default calibration standards are a pair of short circuits, a “thru,” and a load.

•	The shorts are

•	a flush short and a ¼ wavelength offset short, or

•	a 1/8 and 3/8 wavelength offset short

•	The “thru” consists of simply butting the two waveguide flanges together

•	Loads may be fixed, sliding, or offset.

Note.  In the following example, softkey and hardkey names may vary from cal kit to cal kit and from analyzer to analyzer.  Consult the network analyzer manual for details.

To begin the calibration, on the network analyzer,

1.	Press Local  CAL  CAL KIT  USER KIT.  The user kit should be defined as WR-90 (see network analyzer manual).

2.	Press Cal  CALIBRATE MENU  FULL 2-PORT  REFLECT’N to enter the first part of the calibration sequence.

Stabilize the Cable and Measure the First Standard (Flush Short)

Cable movement degrades measurement accuracy.  Before you calibrate, immobilize the cables and adapters:  lay the cables flat on a work surface or hold them in place.

Note.  Measurement degradation can result from changing the position of the cable between calibration and measurements.  Keep such changes and flexures to a minimum.

The reflection calibration softkeys should now be visible on the network analyzer display.  The top softkey is labelled “S(11):  SHORT.”  S11 means it is a reflection measurement at PORT 1.

1.	Connect a flush short to the PORT 1 waveguide adapter.

2.	Press S11:  SHORT to measure the short.

3.	Remove the short when the analyzer beeps or underlines the softkey label.

Measure the Second Standard (1/4 Wavelength Offset Short)

1.	Connect a ¼ wavelength offset short to the PORT 1 waveguide adapter.

2.	Press ¼ OFFS (immediately below the “(S11):  SHORT” softkey) to measure the short.

3.	At the beep or underline, remove it.

Measure the Third Standard (Fixed Load)

1.	Connect the fixed load to the PORT 1 waveguide adapter.

2.	Press FXD LOAD (immediately below the previous softkey) to measure the fixed load.

3.	At the beep and unerline, remove it.

Measure the Three Standards at PORT 2

Use the same three standards and the next three softkeys (in the S22 group) to calibrate PORT 2 as above.  Whereas the standards were connected directly to the waveguide adapter at PORT 1 of the analyzer, at PORT 2 connect the standards to the sample holder attached to the waveguide adapter.

Press REFLECT’N DONE after you have measured all of the standards once at each port (waveguide flange).

Measure the Transmission Standards

1.	Connect the two waveguide flanges together (with the sample holder between them).

2.	Press TRANSMISSION.

3.	Make all four s-parameter measurements, two forward and two reverse.

4.	Press TRANS.  DONE when all four softkey are underlined.

Conclude the Calibration

Finish the calibration without isolation.

1.	Press ISOLATION  OMIT ISOLATION  ISOLATION DONE and DONE 2-PORT CAL.

The network analyzer calculates the error-correction numbers and displays the notation “C2” at the upper left of the display when done.

You are now  ready to make a measurement on a sample.


Measure a sample Material
How to measure a sample material

With the sample holder between the two  waveguide flanges, measure a MUT, air (easily available, no fit problems).

1.	Select Trigger measurement.

2.	The software initiates the measurement, calculates the complex permittivity and permeability, and displays the results.  The initial results are presented on the scale of 0 to 20 in the ε’ versus frequency format as shown below.

Scale the Display

Each format is displayed in the scale last used for that format.

To change the scale of the software display:

•	Select Set scale in the Chart menu.

•	Select the Vertical Scale property page.

•	Select the three commands in turn to scale the y-axis.

Autoscale enables the software to automatically set the minimum and maximum values on the y-axis, based on the range of the measurement data.

Set scale presents a dialog box to allow you to enter minimum and maximum values for the y-axis.  (To duplicate the figure below, enter 2.0 for the value of Y-Maximum.)

Reset scales the y-axis as defined in the software.

Change the Format of the Data

Data can be formatted as one of seven  charts and one of two tables.

To change the chart format of the data displayed to e’’:

1.	Select Chart in the main menu.

2.	Select e’’.

A marker can be activated my clicking the left mouse button.  The position of the marker is determined by the position of the mouse pointer.   Additional information about the use of the mouse is given in the section on the Display menu.

Save the Measurement Data to Memory

Often it is important to compare two (or more) different materials or measurements.  To ease such comparisons, the software can display up to four separate traces:  the data trace, memory 1, memory 2, and memory 3.  The data trace is usually the calculated data of the current measurement (unless a previous measurement has been recalled from memory).  Coping data to one of the other trace is explained in the section on the Display menu.  Now the trace of memory 1 is a duplicate of the data trace, although it may not be visible (the two traces are on top of each other since they are the same).

The display below shows the results of changing the selected model and recalculating the results.

Compare the Traces with Trace Math

The Trace math lets you compare traces mathematically.  It allows you to divide a designated trace by the reference trace or subtract the reference trace from it.

Print or Plot the Data

Printing or plotting measurement data is as easy as selecting the appropriate command in the File menu.

Saving Information

The measurement setup information or measurement data can be saved using items in the File menu.

Changing Titles, Subtitles and other attributes.

Conclusion


Conclusion

After working through this measurement tutorial, you should be familiar with the main operating techniques and features of the 85071 materials measurement software.  Using the program is the best way to master it.   Software Reference, details each command and operation of the program.


Getting Started

This topic details the hardware and software requirements of the 85071C material measurement software.  Also covered are the installation procedures and basic operation of the software.  Details of the operation and use of the software are given in Measurement Tutorial, and Software Reference.

 Note: Before the 85071C material measurement software can be used to make measurements, the following must be accomplished:

•	A compatible GPIB interface card must be installed in the computer.

•	A compatible network analyzer must be connected to the GPIB card.

•	The 85071C dielectric measurement software must be installed on the computer.

When these items are complete, the software is ready to use.


Installation Procedure

To install the 85071C software on your computer, simply place the CD in the CD drive of the computer.  This will launch the installation program.  If the installation is not automatically launched, do the following.

•	Click on the Windows Start button.

•	Select the Control Panel under the Settings Menu

•	Double click on  Add/Remove Programs

•	Click on Install.

The install program will guide you through the rest of the installation.


Hardware Requirements

•	A PC capable of running one of the supported operating systems

•	The PC must have at least 10 Mbytes of free disc

•	The PC must have a CD-ROM drive

•	The PC must have one of the following IEEE-488 interface cards supported listed below installed and operational

  82335B

  82340A/B

  82341C/D

  82350A

  National Instrument Card

•	A compatible network analyzer

  8752A/C	300 kHz to 1.3 or 3 GHz

  8753A/B/C/D/E/ET/ES	30 kHz to 3 or 6 GHz

  8719A/C/D/ET/ES	50 or 130 MHz to 13.5 GHz

  8720A/B/C/D/ET/ES	50 or 130 MHz to 20 GHz

  8722A/C/D/ET/ES	50 MHz to 40 GHz

  8712ET/ES	300 kHz to 1.3 GHz

  8714ET/ES	300 kHz to 3 GHz

  8712B/C	300 kHz to 1.3 GHz

  8714B/C	300 kHz to 3 GHz

  8510B/C	45 MHz to 110 GHz

Note: The software will set the 8510B/C system bus.  It will set it to one more than the analyzer GPIB address if the analyzer address is even and one less if the analyzer address is odd.  For example, if the analyzer address is set to 16, the system bus will be set to 17 by the software.  If the analyzer address were set to 19, the system bus would be set to 18.  It is important that no two devices on the GPIB bus have the same address.

•	Transmission line fixtures and accessories

Waveguide airlines

11644A series waveguide calibration kits contain a 1/4 wavelength line and

a straight section which can also be used as sample holders. Contact Agilent Technologies for

information on third party suppliers of other waveguide transmission lines.

Coaxial airlines

8505X series coaxial verification kits contain airlines that can also be used

as sample holders. Contact Agilent Technologies for information on third party suppliers of other

coaxial transmission lines.

Accessories

Test port cables to connect fixture to network analyzer; adapters (as needed)

to adapt cables to fixture; calibration kit to match connectors on fixture.

Free space antennas and accessories

Antennas

Contact Aligent Technologies information on third party suppliers of free space antennas.

Accessories

Cables to connect antennas to network analyzer; adapters (as needed) to adapt

cables to antennas; free space calibration standards


Software Requirements

Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 or higher


Basic Operation
Basic Operation of the Software

After you have installed the software, the program can be started two ways.

1.  Double click on the program’s icon on your Window’s Desktop.

2.  Select the program from the Windows Start Menu.

The first time you run the program, you will be asked to identify the type of GPIB card installed in your computer and the model of network analyzer you are using.

Consult your GPIB manual and network analyzer manual for the correct information to enter.  Pressing the Test button will check for correct entry.  Pressing the Find button will automatically search for your correct configuration.  This process will take several minutes.

You are now ready to make measurements.  The Measurement Tutorial outlines the basic operations for making a measurement.  The Software Reference gives a complete description of the menus and dialog boxes.