Agilent Technologies E444xA Option H26 User’s and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies E444xA Option H26 User’s and Service Guide This guide applies to firmware revision A.06.
Warranty Statement THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AGILENT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Definitions • Specifications describe the performance of parameters covered by the product warranty (temperature - 0 to 55 °C, unless otherwise noted.) • Typical describes additional product performance information that is not covered by the product warranty. It is performance beyond specification that 80% of the units exhibit with a 95% confidence level over the temperature range 20 to 30 °C. Typical performance does not include measurement uncertainty.
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Contents 1. Overview Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Maximum Input Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 VSWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 Overview
- Overview Description Description The Agilent Technologies E444xA Option H26 consists of a high band preamp with a nominal gain of 27 dB at the front end of the spectrum analyzer. The performance and ease of use come from the high gain of the preamplifier, the ability to switch the preamp in and out and the use of the instruments flatness correction tables to reduce the amplitude errors. The preamp has a frequency range from 3 GHz to the upper frequency limit of the analyzer. Refer to Table 1-1.
Overview Description If the instrument preamp is “ON” and sweeping from below 3 GHz to above 3 GHz, the instrument will automatically switch the highband preamp to the “ON” state above 3 GHz. Refer to Figure 1-1. Figure 1-1 Lowband vs. Highband Frequency Diagram for E4440A1 * The “3.05 GHz” switch point occurs when sweeping from below 3 GHz to above 3 GHz. The highband preamp low frequency point is extended down to 3.0 GHz if the start frequency is set to 3.0 GHz.
- Overview Characteristics Characteristics Table 1-2 Option H26 Nominal Performance when the Preamp is On Description Nominal Performance E4440A, E4443A, E4445A E4446A, E4448A 27 dB 27 dB n/a 24 dB DANL to +16 dBm DANL to +20 dBm Supplemental Information Preamp Gain 3 GHz to 30 GHz Above 30 GHz Amplitude Measurement Range Max Safe Input Level Avg Total Power page 1-5 +20 dBm +20 dBm –6 dBm –6 dBm See Caution below Gain compression 1 dB Gain Comp Pointa Table 1-3 on page 1-5 VSWR page
Overview Characteristics Maximum Input Level The maximum allowable input level without damage is +20 dBm when the preamp is on. The input level calculation varies for different PSA models. See below. E4440A, E4443A and E4445A: As mentioned, the maximum allowable input level without damage is +20 dBm when the preamp is on. This is not the power at the input connector minus the on-screen input attenuator setting.
- Overview Characteristics VSWR The VSWR graphs show the nominal instrument VSWR from 3 GHz to 26.5 GHz for the E4440A (see Figure 1-2), and from 3 GHz to 50 GHz for the E4448A (see Figure 1-3) with the Option H26 Preamp On, and 0 dB attenuation. The graphs show the behavior of two instruments, an E4440A and an E4448A. The E4443A and E4445A will have similar behavior to the E4440A and likewise the E4446A will have similar behavior to the E4448A. Figure 1-2 Nominal E4440A Instrument VSWR 3 GHz to 26.
Overview Characteristics Displayed Average Noise Level (Preamp Off) Due to the additional length of RF cable, and insertion loss of the RF switch by the inclusion of option H26, the standard instrument displayed average noise level (DANL) (H26 Off) may be nominally degraded.
- Overview Characteristics Noise Figure Measurement Personality and Option H26 This section provides nominal performance information for the PSA series, Option 219, Noise Figure Measurement as it relates to the Option H26, High Band Preamp. CAUTION Excessive Relay Switch wear can occur if the instrument is sweeping from a start frequency of 3.05 GHz and below to above 3.05 GHz. This is different than when operating in the SA Mode.
Overview Characteristics a. The Special Option H26 preamp can reduce the total NF measurement uncertainty substantially above 3 GHz because it will reduce the effective noise figure of the measurement system, and thus it will reduce the sensitivity of the total NF uncertainty to the Instrument Gain Uncertainty. But if the signal levels into the preamp are large enough, the preamp may experience some compression.
- Overview Characteristics Nominal values of Noise Figure are given in Figure 1-4 and Figure 1-5. Figure 1-4 Nominal E4440A Instrument Noise Figure; 3 GHz to 26.
Overview Characteristics Preamp ON: Computed Measurement NF Uncertainty vs. DUT Gain, > 3 GHz (Non-warranted Frequency Range) Assumptions: Measurement Frequency 12 GHz, Instrument NF = 6.4 dB1, Instrument VSWR = 1.52, Instrument Gain Uncertainty = 2.2 dB, Instrument NF Uncertainty = 0.05 dB, Agilent 346B Noise Source with Uncertainty = 0.2 dB, Source VSWR = 1.25, DUT input/output VSWR = 1.5. Figure 1-6 NF Uncertainty vs.
- Overview Performance Verification Performance Verification To verify the performance of the E444xA Option H26, refer to Figure 1-7. In this example, an 83650B Synthesized Sweeper was used, but a similar RF source could also be used. CAUTION The Damage Level is reduced to +20 dBm when the Option H26 is enabled. 1. Set the Signal Source to 5 GHz at –30 dBm. Verify the RF Power using a power meter. Connect the source to the PSA RF Input. 2. Measure the amplitude on E444xA H26 with preamp off. 3.
Overview Block Diagram Block Diagram Refer to Figure 1-8. The preamp and high frequency transfer switch are located between the first attenuator and the second attenuator. Figure 1-8 E4440A, E4443A, and E4445A H26 Block Diagram Refer to Figure 1-9. The preamp and high frequency transfer switch are located between the attenuator and the highband mixer/preselector.
- Overview Replaceable Parts Replaceable Parts Table 1-6 E4440A, E4443A, and E4445A Option H26 Replaceable Parts Agilent Part Number Quantity Microwave amplifier 0955-1663 1 Bracket, Option H26 E4440-00051 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Switch In) E4440-20302 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Amp In) E4440-20303 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Amp Out) E4440-20304 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Switch Out) E4440-20305 1 Cable assembly, switch control E4440-60427 1 Board Assembly, PSA H26 E444
Overview Replaceable Parts Table 1-7 E4446A, and E4448A Option H26 Replaceable Parts Agilent Part Number Quantity 0955-1617 1 Transfer switch 50 GHz 87222-60015 1 Attenuator bracket E4440-00020 1 Cable Assembly, ribbon, 10 conductor E4440-60071 1 Board Assembly, PSA H26 E4440-60358 1 Bracket, Option H26 E4446-00008 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Switch In) E4446-20060 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Amp In) E4446-20061 1 Semi-rigid cable assembly (Amp Out) E4446-20062 1 Semi-rigid c
- Overview Contacting Agilent Contacting Agilent By internet, phone, or fax, get assistance with all your test and measurement needs. This information supersedes all prior HP contact information. Online assistance: www.agilent.
2 Example Measurements
Example Measurements What is in This Chapter What is in This Chapter This chapter demonstrates analog and digital analyzer measurements with the Agilent E444xA Option H26 and how it relates to a signal with the preamp “ON” or “OFF.” • “Equipment for Test Set-ups” on page 2-3. • “Analog Test Set-up” on page 2-4. • “Digital Test Set-up” on page 2-6. To find descriptions of specific analyzer functions, refer to the Agilent Technologies PSA Series Spectrum Analyzers User’s and Programmer’s Reference Guide.
Example Measurements Equipment for Test Set-ups Equipment for Test Set-ups Use the following equipment to set-up the Option H26 for an analog or digital measurement. Table 2-1 Required Test Equipment Test Equipment Quantity Recommended Model Various Adapters n/a n/a Various cables n/a n/a Synthesizer Sweeper 10 MHz to 50 GHz 1 83650B1 Attenuator 20 dB or greater 1 8490D 1. An 83630B can be used with the E4440A, E4443A, or E4445A.
Example Measurements Equipment for Test Set-ups Analog Test Set-up Using the Agilent Technologies E444xA Option H26 will allow the user to view low amplitude analog signals. Use the following instrument set-ups for viewing an analog signal. Use the “Front Panel Key Select” on page 3-3 and “GPIB Control of Preamp Gain” on page 3-4 to control the instrument while making measurements.
Example Measurements Equipment for Test Set-ups In the example, a low amplitude, 26 GHz signal is generated with the Agilent 83650B. The amplitude was further reduced by using an 8490D coaxial attenuator, which produced a signal that was hidden in the noise floor of the spectrum analyzer in normal operation. Refer to Figure 2-2, “Analog Input Signal with Preamp OFF.
Example Measurements Equipment for Test Set-ups Digital Test Set-up Using the Agilent Technologies E444xA Option H26 will allow the user to view low amplitude digital signals. Use the following instrument set-up to view an example of a digital signal. Use the “Front Panel Key Select” on page 3-3 and “GPIB Control of Preamp Gain” on page 3-4 to control the instrument while making measurements.
Example Measurements Equipment for Test Set-ups This produced the multi-tone signal as shown in Figure 2-5, “Digital Input Signal with Preamp OFF.” Notice that we cannot detect the carrier signal at 20 GHz. Figure 2-5 Digital Input Signal with Preamp OFF Preamp Control "OFF" When the Option H26 highband preamplifier is turned on, the noise floor of the spectrum analyzer is reduced thus revealing the carrier signal at 20 GHz. Refer to Figure 2-6, “Digital Input Signal with Preamp ON.
Example Measurements Equipment for Test Set-ups 2-8 Chapter 2
3 User Interface
User Interface What is in This Chapter What is in This Chapter This chapter provides instructions on using the preamp via the front panel, through GPIB commands, accessing the flatness compensation table reloading and recreating the flatness correction table for your instrument. • “Front Panel Key Select” on page 3-3. • “GPIB Control of Preamp Gain” on page 3-4 • “Flatness Compensation Table” on page 3-5.
User Interface Front Panel Key Select Front Panel Key Select AMPLITUDE Y Scale Activates the reference level function and accesses the amplitude menu keys only while the instrument is in Spectrum Analysis mode. Amplitude menu keys allow you to set functions that affect the way data on the vertical axis is displayed or corrected. Int Preamp On Off Agilent E444xA with Option 1DS and H26 turns the internal preamps on and off.
User Interface GPIB Control of Preamp Gain GPIB Control of Preamp Gain The following SCPI commands apply to the Agilent E444xA Option 1DS and H26. Refer to Agilent Technologies PSA Spectrum Analyzer User’s and Programmer’s Reference Guide, to locate SCPI command subsystems and subsections that apply to the standard functions of the Agilent Technologies E444xA PSA-Series Spectrum Analyzer.
User Interface Flatness Compensation Table Flatness Compensation Table The following sections will cover the following: • “Accessing the Flatness Compensation Table” on page 3-5. • “GPIB Control of the Flatness Compensation Table” on page 3-5 • “Reloading the Flatness Correction Table” on page 3-6. • “Recreating the Flatness Correction Table” on page 3-7.
User Interface Flatness Compensation Table Preamp Compensation Table Command Interface The following command turns on or off the correction system. [:SENSe]:CORRection:CSET:ALL[:STATe] OFF|ON|0|1 The following command turns on or off the correction file to be used1.
User Interface Flatness Compensation Table Recreating the Flatness Correction Table This section is provided in the event that both the disk and the internal correction tables become corrupt or lost. This procedure can be used to re-create the flatness correction table. Table 3-1 Required Test Equipment (recreating) Test Equipment Quantity Recommended Model Various Adapters n/a n/a Various cables n/a n/a 1 83650B1 Synthesizer Sweeper 10 MHz to 50 GHz 1.
User Interface Flatness Compensation Table 4. Turn off the corrections on the PSA. [AMPLITUDE] > More 1 of 3 > Corrections > Apply Corrections > Off 5. Use Table 3-3 for the Source settings. Table 3-3 Source Instrument Settings Setting Value Frequency follows PSA frequency Power Level –35 dBm Procedure 1. Select 199 frequency points for use in the correction table. The first point should be 2.85 GHz and the final point should be the upper frequency limit of the PSA under test.
User Interface Flatness Compensation Table Table 3-4 A Sample Frequency Amplitude Sheet Point Frequency (GHz) Delta Amplitude (dB) Correction (dBm1) 1 2.8492 0 dB 0 dB 2 2.85 ___ dB – (___ dB) … ___ GHz ___ dB – (___ dB) 200 ___ GHz3 ___ dB – (___ dB) 1. The correction field will contain the negative, or opposite of the Amplitude field. The correction value is what the instrument uses rather than the Amplitude (or error) value. 2.
User Interface Flatness Compensation Table 3-10 Chapter 3
4 Appendix
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification DANL Manual Performance Verification The Displayed Average Noise Level manual performance verification measures the preamp “off ” DANL of Option H26. The test measures the noise in zero span with a 1 kHz resolution bandwidth, and then normalizes the amplitude to a 1 Hz bandwidth. DANL is defined as the average of the displayed trace. There is no practical method for manually reading the average of the trace.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-1 DANL (PSA with Option 1DS) Frequency Normalized DANL 100 kHz 1) 199 kHz 2) 201 kHz 3) 499 kHz 4) 501 kHz 5) 9.9 MHz 6) 10.1 MHz 7) 1.0 GHz 8) 1.2 GHz 9) 2.4 GHz 10) 2.6 GHz 11) 3.0 GHz 12) 5. Press Single and wait for 100 averages. 6. Press Display, Display Line, On. 7. Scroll the display line so that it bisects the trace. Read the display line amplitude and subtract 30 from the value.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-2 DANL (All PSA Instruments) Frequency Normalized DANL 1.1 GHz 19) 1.3 GHz 20) 2.0 GHz 21) 2.4 GHz 22) 2.6 GHz 23) 3.0 GHz 24) 3.1 GHz 25) 4.0 GHz 26) 5.0 GHz 27) 6.5 GHz 28) 6.7 GHz 29) 12.Press Single and wait for 100 averages. 13.Press Display, Display Line, On. 14.Scroll the display line so that it bisects the trace. Read the display line amplitude and subtract 30 from the value.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification 19.Repeat step 12 through step 15 for all frequencies listed in Table 4-4. Table 4-4 DANL (PSA E4440A, E4446A, E4448A) Frequency Normalized DANL 13.3 GHz 36) 14.0 GHz 37) 15.0 GHz 38) 16.0 GHz 39) 17.0 GHz 40) 18.0 GHz 41) 19.9 GHz 42) 20.1 GHz 43) 21.0 GHz 44) 22.4 GHz 45) 22.6 GHz 46) 24.0 GHz 47) 25.0 GHz 48) 26.4 GHz 49) 20.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-5 DANL (PSA E4446A, E4448A) Frequency Normalized DANL 36.5 GHz 59) 37.5 GHz 60) 38.5 GHz 61) 39.0 GHz 62) 40.0 GHz 63) 41.0 GHz 64) 42.0 GHz 65) 43.0 GHz 66) 43.9 GHz 67) 22.Record the results of Table 4-5 in the test record table for your model instrument later in this chapter. Refer to Table 4-7 on page 4-7. If the analyzer is an E4446A stop here. 23.Repeat step 12 through step 15 for all frequencies listed in Table 4-6.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-7 Model Number Verification Test Record Model Number Table Number E4440A Table 4-9 on page 4-10 E4443A Table 4-10 on page 4-13 E4445A Table 4-11 on page 4-15 E4446A Table 4-12 on page 4-17 E4448A Table 4-13 on page 4-20 Chapter 4 4 -7
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-8 Agilent E444xA Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Address: _____________________________________ Report No. ______________________ _____________________________________________ Date ___________________________ _____________________________________________ Model E4440A Serial No.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-8 Agilent E444xA Performance Verification Test Record 20 dB Fixed Attenuator ___________ ___________ ___________ Directional Bridge ___________ ___________ ___________ Directional Coupler ___________ ___________ ___________ Notes/comments: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Chapter 4 4 -9
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-9 Agilent E4440A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4440A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Displayed Average Noise Level Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty Note: Enter results with preamp on in the appropriate section based upon the ambient temperature when the test was performed. Preamp On 100 kHz (1)________ –159 dBm ±0.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-9 Agilent E4440A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4440A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 2.6 GHz (23)________ –152 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.0 GHz (24)________ –152 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.1 GHz (25)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 4.0 GHz (26)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 5.0 GHz (27)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-9 Agilent E4440A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4440A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 25.0 GHz (48)________ –141 dBm ±0.07 dB 26.4 GHz (49)________ –141 dBm ±0.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-10 Agilent E4443A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4443A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Displayed Average Noise Level Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty Note: Enter results with preamp on in the appropriate section based upon the ambient temperature when the test was performed. Preamp On 100 kHz (1)________ –159 dBm ±0.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-10 Agilent E4443A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4443A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 2.6 GHz (23)________ –152 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.0 GHz (24)________ –152 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.1 GHz (25)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 4.0 GHz (26)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 5.0 GHz (27)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-11 Agilent E4445A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4445A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Displayed Average Noise Level Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty Note: Enter results with preamp on in the appropriate section based upon the ambient temperature when the test was performed. Preamp On 100 kHz (1)________ –159 dBm ±0.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-11 Agilent E4445A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4445A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 2.6 GHz (23)________ –152 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.0 GHz (24)________ –152 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.1 GHz (25)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 4.0 GHz (26)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 5.0 GHz (27)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-12 Agilent E4446A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4446A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Displayed Average Noise Level Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty Note: Enter results with preamp on in the appropriate section based upon the ambient temperature when the test was performed. Preamp On 100 kHz (1)________ –158 dBm ±0.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-12 Agilent E4446A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4446A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 3.0 GHz (24)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.1 GHz (25)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 4.0 GHz (26)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 5.0 GHz (27)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.5 GHz (28)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-12 Agilent E4446A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4446A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 28.0 GHz (51)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 29.0 GHz (52)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 30.0 GHz (53)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 31.0 GHz (54)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 32.0 GHz (55)________ –132 dBm ±0.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-13 Agilent E4448A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4448A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Displayed Average Noise Level Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty Note: Enter results with preamp on in the appropriate section based upon the ambient temperature when the test was performed. Preamp On 100 kHz (1)________ –158 dBm ±0.
Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-13 Agilent E4448A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4448A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 3.0 GHz (24)________ –151 dBm ±0.07 dB 3.1 GHz (25)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 4.0 GHz (26)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 5.0 GHz (27)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.5 GHz (28)________ –150 dBm ±0.07 dB 6.
- Appendix DANL Manual Performance Verification Table 4-13 Agilent E4448A Performance Verification Test Record Agilent Technologies Model E4448A Report No. ___________ Serial No. ___________ Date ___________ Test Description Minimum Results Measured Maximum Measurement Uncertainty 28.0 GHz (51)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 29.0 GHz (52)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 30.0 GHz (53)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 31.0 GHz (54)________ –140 dBm ±0.07 dB 32.0 GHz (55)________ –132 dBm ±0.
A I amplitude y scale 3-3 analog example 2-5 analog test setup 2-4 Int Preamp On Off key 3-3 int preamp on off key 3-3 B max safe input level 1-4 block diagram 1-13 N C noise figure personality 1-8 characteristics 1-4 O D option 219 1-8 DANL 1-4, 1-7 manual verification 4-2 description 1-2 digital example 2-7 digital test setup 2-6 displayed average noise level 1-7 parts, replaceable 1-14 performance verification 1-12 preamp flatness compensation table E equipment for test setup 2-3 example
