Agilent Technologies E4438C Option HEC User’s and Service Guide Supplement
Agilent Technologies E4438C Option HEC User’s and Service Guide Supplement Use this manual with the following documents: E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator User’s Guide Part Number E4400-90503 E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator, Service Guide Part Number E4400-90511 Manufacturing Part Number: E4400-90611 Printed in USA March 2005 © Copyright 2004, 2005 Agilent Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
Safety Notes The following safety notes are used throughout this document. Familiarize yourself with each of these notes and its meaning before performing any of the procedures in this document. WARNING Warning 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 note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard.
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Contents E4438C Option HEC Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Verifying Option HEC Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Connecting the System for Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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E4438C Option HEC User’s and Service Guide Supplement 1
E4438C Option HEC Description Description The Agilent E4438C Option HEC synchronizes two or more ESG baseband generators using an external baseband generator clock input. Trigger resolution of 500 ps is caused by the phase noise of the sampling clock. This is a conservative number based on measurements made on the stability of the phase between the two outputs. Both ESG’s baseband generator accept input clocks (200 to 400 MHz) and are driven by the same external sampling clock source.
E4438C Option HEC Verifying Option HEC Functionality Verifying Option HEC Functionality The following procedure verifies that the Option HEC external clock feature is functioning correctly. This procedure creates a single sideband carrier signal using a baseband generator. The signal appears as a single tone offset from the carrier by 500 kHz. The external clock frequency is then reduced from 400 MHz to 200 MHz or by a factor of 2.
E4438C Option HEC Verifying Option HEC Functionality 2. Connect the 10 MHz Reference from the Source (External Clock) to the 10 MHz Reference In of the E4438C Option HEC. 3. Connect the 10 MHz Reference Out from the E4438C Option HEC to the Spectrum Analyzer 10 MHz Reference In. Enable the Spectrum Analyzer to utilize the external reference. Refer to Figure 2. 4. Connect the E4433B RF Output on the front panel to the E4438C “Baseband GEN CLK IN” on the rear panel. Refer to Figure 2.
E4438C Option HEC Instrument Setup Instrument Setup E4423B or E4433B External Clock Set the External Clock as follows: [Frequency] [400 MHz] [Amplitude] [0 dBm] [RF On] (toggle the hardkey) NOTE The E4438C Option HEC sample rate for the DUT’s Ext Clk Freq = 4 × (Arb sample rate). E4438C Option HEC Set the E4438C Option HEC as follows: [Preset] [Frequency] [1 GHz] [Amplitude] [0 dBm] [Mode] Dual ARB > Select Waveform. Using the arrow key select SINE_TEST_WFM on the display, then Select Waveform (*NONE*).
E4438C Option HEC Instrument Setup Enable the “External Clock In” [Mode] Dual ARB > ARB Setup > More (1 of 3) > More (2 of 3) > VCO Clock > Ext (toggle). NOTE There should be three sets of softkeys under ARB setup. E4440A Spectrum Analyzer Set the Spectrum Analyzer as follows: [FREQUENCY Channel] [1 GHz] [Span X Scale] [5 MHz] [AMPLITUDE Y Scale] [Ref Level] [10 dBm] [BW/Avg] Video BW (toggle from Auto to Man) [10 kHz] [Res BW] (toggle from Auto to Man) [10 kHz] [Peak Search] (display should read 999.
E4438C Option HEC Instrument Setup E4423B or E4433B External Clock with new Frequency Change the frequency of the External Clock as follows: [Frequency] [200] MHz E4438C Option HEC DAC alignment Align the DAC in the E4438C Option HEC as follows: [Mode] Dual ARB > ARB Setup > More (1 of 3) > More (2 of 3) > Align DAC When the frequency is changed or the RF Power is disrupted on the External Clock, each I/Q Input DACs settles in 1 of 4 states and will need to be re-aligned to a known state.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources Using two or more baseband generators can present some challenges when it comes to synchronizing the outputs and insuring a repeatable time-invariant relationship between the outputs of the two generators.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources Trigger using Function Generator External hardware is used to synchronize the trigger to the external clock. The synchronized trigger is then split and routed to the Pattern Trigger Input of the ESG’s. The trigger cable length must be the same. NOTE The external trigger signal is re-latched inside each ESG. This is not a problem as long as the ESGs share a common clock and the input trigger does not fall on a clock edge.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources Trigger using External Clock The following section introduces a technique using the internal baseband generator (phase coherent with the external clock) that will allow < ± 0.5 ns timing resolution.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources Equipment Required For best results, the Agilent Technologies equipment listed below is recommended. • E4423B, E4433B, or E4438C Option 501 and UNJ (ESG-C Signal Generator) • E4438B Option HEC (two ESG Vector Signal Generators ) (to demonstrate timing control) • 54815A (Infinium Oscilloscope) • BNC Cables • SMA Cables NOTE Identify one of the two E4438C Option HEC Signal Generators as the “Master” and the other as the “Slave” unit.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources Figure 7 12 Connection Diagram for Multiple Sources User’s and Service Guide Supplement
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources 54815A Infinium Oscilloscope 1. Turn the power On. 2. Select Channel 1 from the setup menu. This can be accomplished by using the channel keys above each input BNC connector or by clicking the mouse with the pointer on the right-hand button to enable the graphical interface. 3. Set Scale to 1.0 V/div, dc Coupling, 50 Ω Input and an Offset of 3.0 VDC. Refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 Channel Setup on the Oscilloscope 4.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources 5. Set the Sampling Rate to Automatic, 100.0 MSa/sec. Refer to Figure 9. 6. Insure that all 4 traces are active. Figure 9 Oscilloscope Display ESG-B E4433B “External Clock” Set the E4433B “External Clock” as follows: [Frequency] [400 MHz] [Amplitude] [0 dBm] [RF] [On] (toggle the hardkey) NOTE 14 The E4438C Option HEC sample rate for the DUT’s Ext Clk Freq = 4 × (Arb sample rate).
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources ESG-C E4438C Option HEC “Master” Instrument Set the E4438C “Master” as follows: 1. [Preset] > [Mode] > Dual ARB > Select Waveform. Using the arrow keys to select RAMP_TEST_WRM on the display, then Select Waveform (*NONE*). Verify the following: Refer to Figure 10. • Sample Clock: 100.000 MHz • IQ Mod Filter: Through • Ref Freq: 10.000 MHz (Int) • Trig Type: Continuous (Free Run) 2.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources 3. Select ARB Setup > More (1 of 3) > More (2 of 3) > VCO CLOCK Ext > [Return] ARB “On.” Refer to Figure 11. 4. Adjust the trigger level control on the oscilloscope for a stable display. 5. Align the DACs: [Mode] Dual ARB > ARB Setup > More (1 of 3) > More (2 of 3) > Align DAC NOTE Changing or disrupting the external clock frequency can cause the DACs to become misaligned. Press the align DACs softkey after changing the clock frequency.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources ESG-C E4438C Option HEC “Slave” Instrument Set the E4438C “Slave” as follows: 1. Select [Preset] > [Mode] > Dual ARB > Select Waveform. Using the arrow keys to select RAMP_TEST_WRM on the display, then Select Waveform (*NONE*). 2. Select Trigger > Single. Verify the following: Refer to Figure 12. • Sample Clock: 100.000 MHz • IQ Mod Filter: Through • Ref Freq: 10.
E4438C Option HEC Repeatable Triggering for Multiple Baseband Sources 3. Select ARB Setup > More (1 of 3) > More (2 of 3) > VCO CLOCK Ext > [Return] ARB “On.” Refer to Figure 13. 4. Align the DACs: [Mode] Dual ARB > ARB Setup > More (1 of 3) > More (2 of 3) > Align DAC 5. Adjust the trigger level control on the oscilloscope for a stable display.
E4438C Option HEC SCPI Commands SCPI Commands This softkey is one of the choices in both the Preset Language menu and the Remote Language menu. Press the Preset language softkey or the Remote Language softkey to view these menus. SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is the language chosen for remote implementation of all supported instrument features. Choosing SCPI in the Preset Language menu allow you to select this remote language as the default after a normal preset.
E4438C Option HEC Performance Characteristics Performance Characteristics The typical performance for the E4438C Option HEC is shown in Table 1. All other specifications are the same as those of the standard E4438C Vector Signal Generator. The baseband generator external clock input connector replaces the baseband reference input connector. Specifications can be viewed or printed from the ESG Series Data Sheet (a condensed version of the specifications), visit our web site at http://www.agilent.
E4438C Option HEC Safety and Regulatory Information Safety and Regulatory Information Introduction Review this product and related documentation to familiarize yourself with safety markings and instructions before you operate the instrument. This product has been designed and tested in accordance with international standards. Before Applying Power Verify that the product is configured to match the available main power source.
E4438C Option HEC Safety and Regulatory Information Warnings WARNING The WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like, which if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. Warnings applicable to this instrument are: WARNING If this instrument is not used as specified, the protection provided by the equipment could be impaired.
E4438C Option HEC Safety and Regulatory Information WARNING If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only. Cautions CAUTION The CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like, which if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data.
E4438C Option HEC Safety and Regulatory Information Instrument Markings ! When you see this symbol on your instrument, you should refer to the instrument’s instruction manual for important information. This symbol indicates hazardous voltages. The laser radiation symbol is marked on products that have a laser output. This symbol indicates that the instrument requires alternating current (ac) input. The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.
E4438C Option HEC 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.
E4438C Option HEC Contacting Agilent 26 User’s and Service Guide Supplement
