The Keysight (Agilent) 11590B Bias Network injects DC bias current into active devices within RF circuits while maintaining signal integrity across high-frequency applications. It supplies DC bias to the center conductor of coaxial transmission lines, enabling biasing of transistors, diodes, and other active components in amplifiers, mixers, and RF systems without degrading the RF signal path.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range
• Standard: 100 MHz to 12.4 GHz
• Option 001: 100 MHz to 18 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Insertion Loss (Maximum)
• 0.8 dB up to 12.4 GHz
• 1.2 dB up to 18 GHz (Option 001)
Return Loss (Minimum)
• 0.1 to 1.0 GHz: ≥ 16 dB
• 1.0 to 12.4 GHz: ≥ 19 dB
• 12.4 to 18.0 GHz (Option 001): ≥ 14 dB
RF Power (Maximum): +24 dBm
Bias Current (Maximum): 500 mA
Bias Voltage (Maximum): 100 V
Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C
Connectors
• Standard: Type N (female) RF ports; BNC (female) DC bias
• Option 001: 7mm/APC-7 RF ports; BNC (female) DC bias
– Key Features
An input capacitor acts as a DC block and high-pass filter. Identical vertical arms function as bias and bias-sense paths. The bias-sense port connects to high-impedance equipment, allowing voltage measurement at the RF output without current draw. An in-line filter suppresses inductance-related oscillations. Pair with the 11635A bias decoupling network to eliminate oscillation risk in bipolar transistor circuits.
– Typical Applications
RF and microwave semiconductor measurements; active device biasing in test setups; transistor and diode characterization in amplifier and mixer circuits.
– Compatibility & Integration
The 11590B integrates into RF and microwave measurement systems. Use with the 11635A bias decoupling network for optimal performance and oscillation mitigation in bipolar transistor applications.
