ARKRF systems AutolabNF

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AutolabNF

Autolab-NF performs Noise figure measurements. The measurements include classic, fast and small signal modes. The Fast mode, available for 2-port measurements, allow virtual real time, full band measurements to be made.

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Autolab User interface and Calibration results chart.

Key Benefits

	2 and 3 port Noise Figure measurements
	Small signal and Noise source Methods
	Fast mode, real time noise measurements
	Spectrum Analyzer screen capture facility

Noise switch

For most systems a noise switch is required to provide switch able 28V power to the Noise source. The help system provides details on how to manufacture such a switch, some Spectrum Analyzers such as the Rohde and schwarz have a controllable output which provides this power in this case Autolab will use this facility.

For users who do not want to produce there own switch, ARK RF manufactures a suitable 28V generator which is powered by either 9V battery or any basic PSU (9-15V) 2.1mm jack connector.

Overview.

Autolab automates common laboratory measurements made on RF and Microwave devices and systems. Autolab's unique object orientated GPIB system allows test sequences to be abstractly executed with no regards to the actual equipment used to implement the tasks.

Autolab NF also supports Spectrum Analyzers with an RS232 or LAN port. Although slower, RS232 or LAN control allows a complete Noise figure measuring system to be created without any GPIB interface.

2-port Noise figure measurement control panel

For enhanced accuracy Autolab employs automated calibration and correction routines.

Autolab stores and displays measurement data using a very versatile charting system. Charts have a multitude of display and manipulation functions include markers, trace smoothing and visual onscreen editing.

Marker functions include unlimited data markers, delta markers and trace markers.

Charts can be copied and pasted into Microsoft Word in high-resolution Windows Metafile format (wmf) for documentation purposes.

Data can be saved to file along with comments in native '*.alb' file or in a textual ‘.csv’ format, this format allows the data to be loaded into most spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel. Saved data can also be reloaded back into an Autolab chart for re-display.

Hardware Requirements

Autolab works best with a Pentium II class 300MHz or greater PC running WindowsNT/2000/XP or windows 98.

A National Instruments GPIB card is required along with the associated GPIB-32.DLL software driver. HP/Agilent cards are supported through the SICL32.DLL interface file.

Other cards such as the Keithly/CEC 488.2 card may also function provided a NI compatible GPIB-32.DLL file is supplied with the card (Keithly and CEC cards supply this file).

Supported Equipment

Autolab is supplied with drivers for most common Spectrum Analyzers.