Agilent N5508A Microwave Source Hardware Reference Second edition, May 2012 Agilent Technologies
Notices © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004-2012 Manual Part Number No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws. N5508-90001 Edition Second edition, May 2012 Printed in USA Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Contents 1 General Information Overview 8 Figure 1. N5508A microwave source Option 002 9 Figure 2. N5508A microwave source Standard Model Front-Panel Interfaces Figure 3. N5508A front panel 10 ACT (STATUS) 10 ERR (STATUS) 10 LSN (GPIB) 10 POWER 11 RMT (GPIB) 11 SRQ (GPIB) 11 TLK (GPIB) 11 mW LO (OUTPUT) 11 VOLTAGE CONTROL (INPUT) 12 8 9 10 Option 002 Front-Panel Interfaces 13 Figure 4. N5508A Option 002 front panel IF (OUTPUT) 14 RF SIGNAL (INPUT) 14 13 Rear-Panel Interfaces 15 Figure 5.
2 Technical Data General Specifications 20 Table 1. Environmental and mechanical specifications 20 Standard Model Specifications 21 RF output 21 Table 2. RF output specifications 21 Spectral purity 21 Configuration 1: all oscillators locked 22 Table 3. Configuration 1: all oscillators locked 22 Configuration 2: 100 and 600 MHz oscillators locked 23 Table 4. Configuration 2: 100 and 600 MHz oscillators locked 23 Configuration 3: 600 MHz free-running oscillator 24 Table 5.
Connector wear and damage 35 SMA connector precautions 36 Cleaning procedure 36 Table 13. Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent 37 General Procedures and Techniques 38 Figure 10. GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors Connector removal 39 38 Instrument Removal 41 Half-Rack-Width instrument 41 To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack 41 Figure 11.
Agilent N5508A Hardware Reference
N5508A Microwave Source Hardware Reference 1 General Information Overview 8 Standard Model Front-Panel Interfaces 10 Option 002 Front-Panel Interfaces 13 Rear-Panel Interfaces 15 Agilent Technologies 7
1 General Information Overview The Agilent N5508A programmable microwave source is a half-rack-width System II unit that ouputs a signal between 2.4 GHz and 26.4 GHz in 600 MHz steps. The signals are output at levels from 0 dBm up to +16 dBm (+10 dBm above 7.2 GHz). The signal is derived from a 600 MHz oscillator which either free-runs or is phase-locked to a reference chain.
General Information 1 Option 002 Option 002 adds tunable source capability to the N5508A unit. It upconverts a synthesized signal generator’s output into the 2.4 GHz to 26.5 GHz range. It has the same microwave source as the standard unit and a mixer with a second YIG-tuned filter. The tunable source can also function in the E5505A phase noise measurement system as a microwave source.
1 General Information Standard Model Front-Panel Interfaces This section describes the function of the front-panel interfaces on the N5508A downconverter. Figure 3 shows the front panel. The interface descriptions appear in alphabetical order. N5508A 2.4-25.8 GHz Microwave Source RMT GPIB LSN TLK INPUT SRQ STATUS ACT ERR OUTPUT VOLTAGE CONTROL W LO POSSIBLE OUTPUT POWER +23 dBm 10 VOLTS MAX 2.4 - 25.
1 General Information POWER This switch puts the instrument in active operation or standby mode. It is a standby switch and not a LINE switch. The detachable power cord is the test set’s disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply before other parts of the instrument or system. RMT (GPIB) The remote indicator LED illuminates when the unit is enabled for GPIB control. SRQ (GPIB) The service request LED illuminates when the instrument requests service.
1 General Information VOLTAGE CONTROL (INPUT) This connector accepts an external tuning voltage from the phase noise test set for the 10, 100, or 600 MHz oscillators. Limits • Maximum voltage: ±10 V • Maximum frequency shift (10 MHz): ±0.
1 General Information Option 002 Front-Panel Interfaces The front-panel on the N5508A Option 002 has two additional interfaces. Figure 4 shows the front panel. The interface descriptions on page 14 appear in alphabetical order. N5508A Opt 002 Microwave Source RMT GPIB LSN TLK SRQ STATUS ACT ERR INPUT OUTPUT RF SIGNAL RF 0 TO +5 dBm 2.4-26.5 GHz VOLTAGE CONTROL POSSIBLE OUTPUT POWER +23 dBm W LO POSSIBLE OUTPUT POWER +23 dBm 10 VOLTS MAX 2.4 - 25.
1 General Information IF (OUTPUT) The signal at this connector is the downconverter’s output. Limits • Nominal output level: 0 to +5 dBm (input signal ≥ –30 dBm) • Maximum output level: +15 dBm • Frequency (RF input 5 to 1500 MHz): 5 to 1500 MHz • Frequency (RF input 5 to 26.5 GHz): 300 to 900 MHz NO T E The IF amplifiers frequency response starts rolling off above 1200 MHz. Avoid using IF frequency between 1200 and 1500 MHz.
General Information 1 Rear-Panel Interfaces This section describes the function of the rear-panel connectors in alphabetical order. Figure 5 shows the rear panel, which is identical for the standard model and the option 002 model. 10 MHz IN 100 MHz OUT +8 dBm -2 dBm BUFFERED 10 MHz OUT 600 MHz OUT +20 dBm 0 dBm 10 MHz OVEN OUT TUNE SPAN OUT GPIB MULTIPLEXER OUT SEE USERS MANUAL ICES/NMB-001 ISM GRP.1 CLASS A N10149 SERIAL NUMBER LABEL 154258 LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A 50/60 Hz FUSE: T 3.
1 General Information 10 MHz OVEN OUT The signal at this connector is the output of the 10 MHz ovenized crystal reference oscillator. It is normally jumpered to the 10 MHz IN connector. Characteristics • Typical output power: +13 dBm • Output impedance: 50 Ω Operating considerations External tuning: Tune this signal by applying a voltage to the VOLTAGE CONTROL connector. 100 MHz OUT: -2 dBm The signal at this connector is an output of the 100 MHz reference oscillator.
1 General Information 600 MHz OUT: 0 dBm The signal at this connector is an output of the 600 MHz Output oscillator. Characteristics • Output impedance: 50 Ω • Typical output power: 0 dBm Operating considerations External tuning: Tune this frequency by applying a voltage to the VOLTAGE CONTROL connector. 600 MHz OUT: +20 dBm The signal at this connector is an output of the 600 MHz oscillator.
1 General Information IF LEVEL This output connector is not used for phase noise measurements. Power Connector (~ LINE) This is the connection for the AC power cord. The detachable power cord is the test set’s disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply before other parts of the instrument or system. For information on power requirements, see “General Specifications" on page 20.
N5508A Microwave Source Hardware Reference 2 Technical Data General Specifications 20 Standard Model Specifications 21 Option 002 Specifications 27 Agilent Technologies 19
2 Technical Data General Specifications This section contains environmental, mechanical, RF input, and IF ouput specifications and supplemental characteristics for the N5508A microwave source. Specifications describe the instrument’s warranted performance and apply after the warm-up period. These specifications are valid over the instrument’s operating/environmental range unless otherwise noted.
Technical Data 2 Standard Model Specifications RF output Table 2 RF output specifications Frequency Range 2.4 to 25.8 GHz Frequency Resolution 600 MHz Ouput Power: • 2.4 to 6.6 GHz • 7.2 to 25.8 GHz 0 to +16 dBm 0 to +10 dBm Spectral purity The internal reference oscillators of the N5508A can be locked together in three configurations, each with different phase noise performance and tuning bandwidths. Table 3 on page 22 through Table 5 on page 24 provide the specifications for each configuration.
2 Technical Data Configuration 1: all oscillators locked Best phase noise <100 Hz frequency offsets, narrow tuning sensitivity. Refer to Table 3. Table 3 Configuration 1: all oscillators locked Output Frequency Offset From Carrier (Hz) Spurious (dBc) 11 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 40M 10 to 100 1k to 100 MHz 2.4 to 3.0 GHz Typ. –50 –80 –100 –128 –138 –148 –152 –152 –152 –60 –80 Spec. –45 –75 –95 –123 –133 –143 –147 –147 –147 –50 –70 3.0 to 4.2 GHz Typ.
Technical Data 2 Configuration 2: 100 and 600 MHz oscillators locked Better phase noise <10 kHz frequency offsets, moderate tuning sensitivity. Refer to Table 4. Table 4 Configuration 2: 100 and 600 MHz oscillators locked Output Frequency Offset From Carrier (Hz) 11 10 2 100 1k 10k +2 –48 –98 –128 100k Spurious (dBc) 1M 10M 40M 100 1k to 100 MHz –138 –148 –152 –152 –145 –60 –80 2.4 to 3.0 GHz Typ. Spec. +7 –43 –93 –123 –133 –143 –147 –147 –147 –50 –70 3.0 to 4.
2 Technical Data Configuration 3: 600 MHz free-running oscillator Good phase noise <10 kHz frequency offsets, wide tuning sensitivity. Refer to Table 5. Table 5 k Configuration 3: 600 MHz free-running oscillator Output Frequency Offset From Carrier (Hz) 2.4 to 3.0 GHz Typ. 3.0 to 4.2 GHz Typ. 4.2 to 6.0 GHz Typ. 6.0 to 7.8 GHz Typ.
2 Technical Data AM noise Specifications apply for +10 dBm output power. All noise levels are in units of dBc/Hz. Refer to Table 6. Table 6 AM detector noise floor specifications (+10 dBm) Output Frequency 2.4 to 25.8 GHz Offset From Carrier (Hz) Spurious (dBc) 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 40M 10 Typ. –100 –110 –117 –133 –143 –153 –155 –155 –155 –60 –80 Spec.
2 Technical Data Table 7 RF output supplemental characteristics (continued) Tuning Range (sensitivity) Configuration 1 • ±0.25 ppm (0.05 ppm/volt) Configuration 2 • ±5 ppm (1 ppm/volt) Configuration 3 • ±100 ppm (20 ppm/volt) Tuning Port Voltage Range ±5 volts (overrange ±10 volts) Tuning Port Input Impedance • 2 kΩ Maximum Output Power vs. Frequency Figure 6 26 Maximum output power vs.
Technical Data 2 Option 002 Specifications RF output Table 8 Opt. 002 RF output specifications Frequency Range Frequency Resolution: 0.1 Hz Ouput Power: o 2.4 to 6.6 GHz o 7.2 to 25.8 GHz o 25.8 to 26.5 GHz 2.4 to 25.8 GHz 2.4 to 26.5 GHz Exceptions: o 0.2 Hz: 25.84 GHz ≤ Carrier Frequency <26.1 GHz o 0.2 Hz: 26.44 GHz ≤ Carrier Frequency ≤26.
2 Technical Data Configuration 1: all oscillators locked Best phase noise <100 Hz frequency offsets, narrow tuning sensitivity. Refer to Table 9. Table 9 Opt. 002 configuration 1 - all oscillators locked Output Frequency Spurious (dBc)1 Offset From Carrier (Hz) 12 10 100 –50 –80 –100 –119 –121 –124 –130 –130 –135 –147 –147 –60 –80 1k 3k 5k 10k 100k 1M 10M 40M 10 to 1k to 100 100 MHz 2.4 to 3.0 GHz Typ. Spec. –43 –73 –92 –112 –112 –114 –124 –124 –130 –142 –142 –50 –70 3.0 to 4.
Technical Data 2 AM noise These specifications apply for +10 dBm output power. All noise levels are in dBc/Hz. Table 10 Opt. 002 AM noise floor specifications (+10 dBm) Option 002 Output Frequency Offset From Carrier (Hz) 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 40M 10 1k to 40M –97 –107 –114 –130 –140 –150 –152 –152 –152 –60 –80 Spec. –92 –102 –109 –125 –135 –145 –147 –147 –147 –50 –70 Typ. 2.4 to 26.
2 Technical Data Supplemental characteristics The graphs in Figure 7 through Figure 9 show typical phase noise performance for the rear-panel output connectors of the N5508A unit.
Technical Data Figure 9 2 600 MHz output typical performance Agilent N5508A Hardware Reference 31
2 32 Technical Data Agilent N5508A Hardware Reference
N5508A Microwave Source Hardware Reference 3 Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors 34 General Procedures and Techniques 38 Instrument Removal 41 Instrument Installation 43 Agilent Technologies 33
3 Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors Taking proper care of cables and connectors protects your system’s ability to make accurate measurements. One of the main sources of measurement inaccuracy can be caused by improperly made connections or by dirty or damaged connectors. The condition of system connectors affects measurement accuracy and repeatability. Worn, out-of-tolerance, or dirty connectors degrade these measurement performance characteristics.
Preventive Maintenance 3 • Inspect the connectors before connection; look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly. • Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections and may damage the connector. • Minimize the number of times you bend cables. • Never bend a cable at a sharp angle. • Do not bend cables near the connectors. • If any of the cables will be flexed repeatedly, buy a back-up cable.
3 Preventive Maintenance SMA connector precautions Use caution when mating SMA connectors to any precision 3.5 mm RF connector. SMA connectors are not precision devices and are often out of mechanical tolerances, even when new. An out-of-tolerance SMA connector can ruin a 3.5 mm connector on the first mating. If in doubt, gauge the SMA connector before connecting it. The SMA center conductor must never extend beyond the mating plane.
Preventive Maintenance 3 Table 13 Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent Product Part Number Aero-Duster 8500-6460 Isopropyl alcohol 8500-5344 Lint-Free cloths 9310-0039 Small polyurethane swabs 9301-1243 WA RN IN G Cleaning connectors with alcohol should only be performed with the instruments’ mains power cord disconnected, in a well ventilated area. Connector cleaning should be accomplished with the minimum amount of alcohol.
3 Preventive Maintenance General Procedures and Techniques This section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in the system. Read this section before attempting to remove or install an instrument! Each connector type may have unique considerations. Always use care when working with system cables and instruments. GPIB Type Connector Figure 10 GPIB, 3.
3 Preventive Maintenance Connector removal GPIB connectors These are removed by two captured screw, one on each end of the connector; these usually can be turned by hand. Use a flathead screwdriver if necessary. GPIB connectors often are stacked two or three deep. When you are removing multiple GPIB connectors, disconnect each connector one at a time.
3 Preventive Maintenance When reconnecting this type of cable: • Carefully insert the male connector center pin into the female connector. (Make sure the cable is aligned with the instrument connector properly before joining them.) • Turn the silver nut clockwise by hand until it is snug, then tighten with an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (part number 8720-1765). Bent semirigid cables Semirigid cables are not intended to be bent outside of the factory.
Preventive Maintenance 3 Instrument Removal To remove an instrument from the system, use one of the following procedures. Required tools • #2 Phillips screwdriver • #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver Half-Rack-Width instrument To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack 1 Power off the system. • For details, see the system installation guide. 2 Remove the selected instrument’s power cord from the power strip in the rack.
3 Preventive Maintenance Front links Rear links Inst_lock_links 24 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 11 Instrument lock links, front and rear Benchtop instrument To remove an instrument from a benchtop system 1 Power off each instrument in the system. • For details, see the system installation guide or system user’s guide. 2 Unplug the selected instrument’s power cord from the AC power supply. 3 Remove the power cord and other cables from the front and rear of the instrument.
Preventive Maintenance 3 Instrument Installation To install or re-install an instrument in a system, use one of the following procedures. Required tools • #2 Phillips screwdriver • #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver Half-Rack-Width instrument To install the instrument in a rack Step Note 1 Make sure the system is powered off. • For details, see the system installation guide or system user’s guide.
3 Preventive Maintenance Benchtop instrument To install an instrument in a benchtop system 1 Make sure the system is powered off. • For details, see For details, see the system installation guide or system user’s guide. 2 Connect all cables to the instrument (front and rear), including the power cord. 3 Connect the power cord to the AC power source. 4 Power on the system. • For details, see the system installation guide or system user’s guide. 5 Set the instrument GPIB address, if necessary.
