Agilent Technologies PSA Series Getting Started Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Agilent Technologies Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. PSA Series
  6. Getting started manual

Agilent Technologies PSA Series Getting Started Manual

Spectrum analyzers
Hide thumbs Also See for PSA Series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Getting Started Guide
PSA Series Spectrum Analyzers
This manual provides documentation for the following instruments:
E4440A (3 Hz - 26.5 GHz)
E4443A (3 Hz - 6.7 GHz)
E4445A (3 Hz - 13.2 GHz)
E4446A (3 Hz - 44 GHz)
E4447A (3 Hz - 42.98 GHz)
E4448A (3 Hz - 50 GHz)
Manufacturing Part Number: E4440-90608
Supersedes: June 2008
Printed in USA
November 2012
© Copyright 2001-2012 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Agilent Technologies PSA Series

Summary of Contents for Agilent Technologies PSA Series

  • Page 1 E4445A (3 Hz - 13.2 GHz) E4446A (3 Hz - 44 GHz) E4447A (3 Hz - 42.98 GHz) E4448A (3 Hz - 50 GHz) Manufacturing Part Number: E4440-90608 Supersedes: June 2008 Printed in USA November 2012 © Copyright 2001-2012 Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  • Page 2 Notice The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
  • Page 3 This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and Pollution Degree 2 CAUTION per IEC 61010 Second Edition and IEC 664 respectively. If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the WARNING equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1. Installation and Setup Initial Inspection ............... 9 Power Requirements .
  • Page 6 Before Calling Agilent Technologies ........

  • Page 7: Installation And Setup

    Installation and Setup...
  • Page 8 Installation and Setup This chapter provides the following information that you may need when you first receive your spectrum analyzer: • “Initial Inspection” on page 9 • “Power Requirements” on page 11 • “Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time” on page 14 •...

  • Page 9: Initial Inspection

    Retain the shipping materials for future use, as you may wish to ship the analyzer to another location or to Agilent Technologies for service. Verify that the contents of the shipping container are complete. The following table lists the items shipped with the analyzer.
  • Page 10 • Keep the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection. • If you must return an analyzer to Agilent Technologies, use the original (or comparable) shipping materials (see “Returning an Analyzer for Service” on page 79).

  • Page 11: Power Requirements

    Installation and Setup Power Requirements Power Requirements The only physical installation of your Agilent spectrum analyzer is a connection to a power source. Line voltage does not need to be selected. This analyzer does not contain customer serviceable fuses. WARNING Failure to ground the analyzer properly can result in personal injury.

  • Page 12: Ac Power Cord

    Installation and Setup Power Requirements Table 1-1. Power Requirements Description Specification Voltage, Frequency 100 to 120 Vrms, 50/60/400 Hz 220 to 240 Vrms, 50/60 Hz Power Consumption, On Base Fully Loaded < 260 W < 450 W Power Consumption, Standby <...

  • Page 13: Instrument Maintenance

    Cleaning the Instrument WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Agilent Technologies E4440A Series from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

  • Page 14: Turning On The Analyzer For The First Time

    Record the firmware revision and serial number, and keep it for reference. If you should ever need to call Agilent Technologies for service or with any questions regarding your analyzer, it will be helpful to have this information readily available.

  • Page 15: Why Aren't All The Personality Options Loaded In Memory

    Installation and Setup Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time calibrated measurement. To meet its specifications, the analyzer must meet operating temperature conditions. It is normal to hear clicking when the Auto Alignment function is on. See NOTE “Running Internal Alignments” on page 18 for more information.

  • Page 16: Using An External Reference

    Installation and Setup Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time Using an External Reference 1. To use an external frequency reference, connect it to the EXT REF IN connector on the rear panel (see “Rear-Panel Features” on page 29). 2.

  • Page 17: Firmware Revision

    System More Show System . If you call Agilent Technologies regarding your analyzer, it is helpful to have this revision and the analyzer serial number available. You can get automatic electronic notification of new firmware releases and other product updates/information by subscribing to the Agilent Technologies Test &...

  • Page 18: Running Internal Alignments

    Installation and Setup Running Internal Alignments Running Internal Alignments Each time the analyzer is powered on, the internal alignment routine runs automatically. The analyzer was shipped from the factory with the Alignments mode set to Auto. This setting enables the alignment routine to run automatically either every 24 hours, or when the internal analyzer temperature changes by 3C.

  • Page 19: Printer Setup And Operation

    Installation and Setup Printer Setup and Operation Printer Setup and Operation A printer can be connected to your analyzer if it is equipped with an external I/O interface. Supported printers accept Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language Level 3 (PCL3) or 5 (PCL5). Refer to the documentation or specifications supplied with your printer, or contact the manufacturer to identify your printer’s language.
  • Page 20 Installation and Setup Printer Setup and Operation 1. Turn off the printer and the analyzer. 2. Using an IEEE 1284 compliant parallel printer cable, connect the printer to the analyzer parallel I/O interface connector on the rear panel (see “Rear-Panel Features”...

  • Page 21: Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

    Installation and Setup Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components (the possibility of unseen damage caused by ESD is present whenever components are transported, stored, or used). Test Equipment and ESD To help reduce ESD damage that can occur while using test equipment: •...

  • Page 22: Safety Information

    Installation and Setup Safety Information Safety Information WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective earthing ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall be inserted only in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the product dangerous.

  • Page 23: Front And Rear Panel Features

    Front and Rear Panel Features This chapter gives you an overview of the front and rear panels of your analyzer. For details on analyzer keys and remote programming, refer to the User’s and Programmer’s Reference. For connector specifications (including input and output levels), see the Specifications guide.

  • Page 24: Front Panel Overview

    Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Front Panel Overview This section provides information on the analyzer’s front panel, including: • Front Panel Connectors and Keys, see below • “Display Annotations” on page 26 Front-Panel Connectors and Keys Item Description Name AUDIO INPUT...
  • Page 25 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Item Description Name Vol. Control/ Not currently implemented. Earphones Supplies power for external high frequency probes and accessories (see “Accessories” on page 69). PROBE PWR Enable markers to obtain specific information about the displayed measurement Marker Keys Enables you to externally trigger measurements.

  • Page 26: Display Annotations

    Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Display Annotations Description Associated Function Keys Det/Demod, Detector Detector type Reference level Amplitude, Ref Level Active function block Refer to the description of the activated function. Screen title Display, Title Time and date display System, Time/Date Amplitude, Attenuation RF attenuation...
  • Page 27 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Description Associated Function Keys Remote operation annunciators Also see programming documentation System [LOCAL] O - indicates USB connected; flashing green center indicates bus activity R - remote operation L - GPIB listen T - GPIB talk S - GPIB SRQ Data invalid indicator...
  • Page 28 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Description Associated Function Keys : The number VAvg: voltage average Trace/Avg, Average Average shown indicates current average LgAv: log power average number. PAvg power average Display line annotation Display, Display Line Amplitude offset Amplitude, Ref Lvl Offst Amplitude scale or Amplitude, Scale/Div...

  • Page 29: Rear-Panel Features

    Front and Rear Panel Features Rear-Panel Features Rear-Panel Features Item Description Name Provides 28 V to drive a noise source. Used on Option 219 Noise Figure personality. NOISE SOURCE DRIVE OUT +28 V (PULSED) PRESEL TUNE Outputs tuning voltage for preselected harmonic mixer. A switched output of the analyzer’s internal 10 MHz frequency reference signal used to lock the 10 MHz OUT frequency reference of other test equipment to the analyzer.
  • Page 30 Front and Rear Panel Features Rear-Panel Features Item Description Name KYBD Enables connection of an external PS-2 keyboard using a 6-pin mini-DIN connector. Always turn off power before plugging in keyboard. This feature not fully implemented. Currently used only for firmware upgrades. The AC power connection.

  • Page 31: Key Overview

    Front and Rear Panel Features Key Overview Key Overview The keys labeled , and are all examples FREQUENCY Channel System Marker of front-panel keys. The front-panel keys are dark gray, light gray, green, or white in color. Front-panel keys that are white perform an immediate action rather than bringing up a menu.
  • Page 32 Front and Rear Panel Features Key Overview In other key menus, one key label will always be highlighted to show which key has been selected but the menu is immediately exited when a selection is made. For example, when you press the Orientation key (on the Print Setup...

  • Page 33: Front And Rear Panel Symbols

    Front and Rear Panel Features Front and Rear Panel Symbols Front and Rear Panel Symbols This symbol is used to indicate power ON (green LED). This symbol is used to indicate power STANDBY mode (yellow LED). This symbol is used to indicate the ON position of the power button.

  • Page 34: Packaging

    Front and Rear Panel Features Front and Rear Panel Symbols Indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the product.

  • Page 35: Making A Basic Measurement

    Making a Basic Measurement This chapter provides information on basic analyzer operation. For more information on making measurements, see the measurement guide for your analyzer.
  • Page 36 Making a Basic Measurement This chapter is divided into the following sections: • “Using the Front Panel” on page 37 • “Presetting the Spectrum Analyzer” on page 38 • “Viewing a Signal” on page 39 Ensure that the total power of all signals at the analyzer RF input does not exceed CAUTION +30 dBm (1 watt).

  • Page 37: Using The Front Panel

    Making a Basic Measurement Using the Front Panel Using the Front Panel Entering Data When setting measurement parameters, there are several ways to enter or modify the value of the active function: Increments or decrements the current value. Knob Increments or decrements the current value. Arrow Keys Enters a specific value.

  • Page 38: Presetting The Spectrum Analyzer

    Making a Basic Measurement Presetting the Spectrum Analyzer Presetting the Spectrum Analyzer Preset provides a known starting point for making measurements. The analyzer has three types of preset: Restores the analyzer to its factory-defined state. Factory Preset User Preset Restores the analyzer to a user-defined state. This type of preset restores the currently selected mode to a Mode Preset known state.

  • Page 39: Viewing A Signal

    Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Viewing a Signal 1. Press Preset . If the softkeys Factory Preset User Preset appear, select Factory Preset 2. Press System Reference , then note the 10 MHz Out setting. If is active (underlined), press the softkey to toggle the reference on.
  • Page 40 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Setting Frequency Span 6. Set the frequency span to 50 MHz: Press SPAN This displays the signal as shown in Figure 3-2. Figure 3-2 Span Changed to 50 MHz 10 MHz Reading Frequency & Amplitude 7.
  • Page 41 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal the display. Increasing the span increases the frequency range that appears horizontally across the display. Figure 3-3 A Marker on the 10 MHz Peak Active function Marker Figure 3-4 Relationship Between Frequency and Amplitude Improving Frequency Accuracy 10.
  • Page 42 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal significant, the numbers after the decimal in the marker annotation (upper-right corner of screen) are significant. To increase the accuracy of the frequency reading in the marker annotation, turn on the frequency count function. a.
  • Page 43 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Figure 3-5 Increasing Marker Frequency Accuracy Frequency Count increases accuracy Figure 3-6 Using Marker Counter Chapter 3...
  • Page 44 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Chapter 3...

  • Page 45: Viewing Catalogs And Saving Files

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files The analyzer stores and retrieves data in a way that is similar to the way that a personal computer (PC) does. They both have internal storage and a diskette drive. While a PC has an internal drive, the analyzer’s internal storage is nonvolatile (flash) memory, which acts as an internal drive.
  • Page 46 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files This chapter tells you how to: • locate catalogs and view files, on page • save a file, on page For more information on catalogs and files, see the Measurement guide. Chapter 4...

  • Page 47: File Menu Functions

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions File Menu Functions This chapter describes how to use the functions located under the front-panel File key. Data storage and retrieval are handled similarly to that of personal computers (PCs). Like PCs, these analyzers include an internal storage drive and a diskette drive, both of which have directory and sub-directory capability.
  • Page 48 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions Press File Catalog to bring up a screen display as shown in Figure 4-1. Figure 4-1 Catalog Menu NOTE Use the front-panel Step Keys Knob and the Dir Up Dir Select keys to move up and down within the directory information box.

  • Page 49: Creating A Directory

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions b. Type: column displays the extension of the filename, for example, .STA or .TRC. Directories are displayed as DIR and drives have nothing listed under Type:. They are only designated by the Name: column ([-A-] or [-C-]).
  • Page 50 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions 4. Press Create Dir Now to execute the operation. The message: Creating Directory appears on the screen. Then the status bar displays: Directory C:\START created. 5. To make a sub-directory, scroll down to the START directory you just created and press Dir Select .

  • Page 51: Saving A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Saving a File You can save files (setups, states, traces, limits, corrections, measurement results, or screens) to a diskette (A:\), or the internal drive (C:\). In this example you will save a trace to the internal C: drive. Trace files are not bitmap files.
  • Page 52 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Figure 4-2 Viewing Trace 1 6. Activate trace 2 and put it into minimum hold by pressing Trace (2) Min Hold Your analyzer display should look similar to Figure 4-3. Figure 4-3 Viewing Traces 1 and 2 7.

  • Page 53: Step 2. Save The File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Figure 4-4 Viewing Traces 1, 2, and 3 Step 2. Save the file 1. To access the Save menu, press, File Save 2. Select the type of file you want to save. In this example you are saving a trace; press Type, Trace Trace files are not bitmap files.
  • Page 54 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File filename is limited to eight characters, alpha (A-Z) or numeric (0-9) in any combination. The analyzer will not allow you to overwrite an existing file. If you select a filename that already exists, the status bar will display the message: File already exists.

  • Page 55: Loading A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Loading a file 1. Reset the analyzer by pressing (if present). Preset Factory Preset 2. To access the Load menu, press File Load 3. Select the type of file you want to load (setup, state, trace, limits, or corrections).
  • Page 56 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File You should notice that the trace you saved, in this example trace 3, is loaded to NOTE trace 2. If you wish to verify this condition, remove the signal input. Press Input/Output Input Port Amptd Ref (Off) When a trace is loaded, it is placed in view mode.

  • Page 57: Renaming A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Renaming a File 1. To access the Rename menu, press File Rename 2. Select the type of file you want to rename (setup, state, trace, limits, screens, or corrections). In this example you are renaming a trace file; press Type Trace 3.

  • Page 58: Copying A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Copying a File 1. To access the Copy menu, press . This menu function brings up 2 File Copy directory boxes as described by the From: and To: fields located directly above the boxes. Refer to Figure 4-8.

  • Page 59: Deleting A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Highlighting a filename in the To: directory box has no significance. The file NOTE cannot be placed inside another file. 7. Press to execute the operation. The message: “Copying file” is Copy Now displayed during the copying process.

  • Page 60: Using The Alpha Editor

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Using the Alpha Editor Using the Alpha Editor The Alpha Editor enables you to select letters to enter a name for a file or directory File Rename , for example). 1. Use the More keys to display the softkey that lists the character you want. Each softkey has several characters on it.

  • Page 61: Options And Accessories

    Options and Accessories This chapter lists options and accessories available for your analyzer.

  • Page 62: Ordering Options And Accessories

    Options and Accessories Ordering Options and Accessories Ordering Options and Accessories Options and accessories help you configure the analyzer for your specific applications, and enable you to use the analyzer. Options (see page Unless specified otherwise, all options are available when you order a spectrum analyzer;...

  • Page 63: Options

    Options and Accessories Options Options Option Name Description Number The documentation CD-ROM contains the standard documentation set as Manual Set on CD-ROM Only well as Adobe Acrobat Reader with Search. Additional Manual Set An additional set of the standard documentation shipped with the analyzer. “Initial Inspection”...
  • Page 64 Options and Accessories Options Option Name Description Number Secure Memory Erase Provides the ability to quickly and easily perform a security erase, deleting all user-stored data, without affecting the usability of the analyzer. Option 117 cannot be installed if Option 115 is installed. 80 MHz Bandwidth Digitizer Adds an alternative 80 MHz wide IF path for making measurements.
  • Page 65 Options and Accessories Options Option Name Description Number 1xEV-DO Measurement Provides 1xEV transmitter measurements: Personality channel power ACPR intermodulation spectrum emission mask occupied BW code domain power (pilot) EVM (pilot) QPSK EVM power statistics CCDF Requires Option B7J hardware. HSDPA/HSUPA Measurement Provides High-Speed Downlink/Uplink Packet Access to support 16QAM Personality and modulation accuracy.
  • Page 66 Compatibility Suite 8560 Series, 8566B/8568B, or 8590 Series programming commands. These modes let you control the PSA Series analyzers with code from other spectrum analyzer families. When these modes are enabled, the instruments native SCPI commands are disabled if the remote language selected is not SCPI.
  • Page 67 Options and Accessories Options Option Name Description Number Enhanced Memory Upgrade For early instruments, replaces existing 48 Mb with 64 Mb memory on CPU, providing additional memory for storing optional measurement personalities. The 64 Mb memory was shipped standard in all PSA instruments with serial numbers US/MY 42220000.
  • Page 68 Options and Accessories Options Option Name Description Number NADC/PDC Measurement Provides NADC transmitter measurements: Personality EVM (error vector magnitude) Provides PDC transmitter measurements: EVM (error vector magnitude) occupied BW Requires Option B7J hardware. W-CDMA Measurement Provides 3GPP W-CDMA transmitter measurements: Personality channel power ACPR (ACLR)

  • Page 69: Accessories

    Options and Accessories Accessories Accessories A number of accessories are available from Agilent Technologies to help you configure your analyzer for your specific applications. They can be ordered through your local Agilent Sales and Service Office and are listed below.

  • Page 70: Broadband Preamplifiers And Power Amplifiers

    Options and Accessories Accessories Broadband Preamplifiers and Power Amplifiers Preamplifiers and power amplifiers can be used with your spectrum analyzer to enhance measurements of very low-level signals. • The Agilent 8447D preamplifier provides a minimum of 25 dB gain from 100 kHz to 1.3 GHz.

  • Page 71: Hp/Agilent 11974 Series Preselected Millimeter Mixers

    Options and Accessories Accessories HP/Agilent 11974 Series Preselected Millimeter Mixers The 11974 Series preselected millimeter mixers are available to extend the frequency range of analyzers with Option AYZ (external mixing) up to 75 GHz. Preselection reduces mixer overload from broadband signals, reduces radiation of local oscillator harmonics back to the device under test, and reduces the level of image and multiple responses displayed.

  • Page 72: Rf Bridges

    Options and Accessories Accessories RF Bridges The Agilent 86205A 50  RF bridge can be used with the PSA series to make reflection measurements using an analyzer with the external source control, Option 215. These external directional bridges offer high directivity and excellent port match.

  • Page 73: In Case Of Difficulty

    In Case of Difficulty...
  • Page 74 In Case of Difficulty This chapter includes information on how to check for a problem with your Agilent Technologies spectrum analyzer, and how to return it for service. If you experience a problem or would like additional information about your analyzer, Agilent Technologies’...

  • Page 75: Types Of Spectrum Analyzer Messages

    In Case of Difficulty Types of Spectrum Analyzer Messages Types of Spectrum Analyzer Messages The analyzer can generate various messages that appear on the display during operation. For a complete list of spectrum analyzer messages, see the Instrument Messages and Functional Tests manual. The following table describes the four types of spectrum analyzer messages.

  • Page 76: Before Calling Agilent Technologies

    In Case of Difficulty Before Calling Agilent Technologies Before Calling Agilent Technologies Check the Basics ❏ Is there power at the receptacle? ❏ Make sure there is no disk in the front-panel disk drive. ❏ Is the analyzer turned on? Check to see if the green LED above the power switch is on.
  • Page 77 System Reference 10 MHz Out You can get automatic electronic notification of new firmware releases and other product updates/information by subscribing to the Agilent Technologies Test & Measurement E-Mail Notification Service for the PSA Series at: http://www.agilent.com/find/notifyme‘ Chapter 6...

  • Page 78: Read The Warranty

    Service Options Agilent Technologies offers several optional maintenance plans to service your analyzer after the warranty has expired. Call your Agilent Technologies office for full details. If you want to service the analyzer yourself after the warranty expires, you can purchase the service documentation that provides all necessary test and maintenance information.

  • Page 79: Returning An Analyzer For Service

    In Case of Difficulty Returning an Analyzer for Service Returning an Analyzer for Service Original Packaging Before shipping, pack the unit in the original factory packaging materials if they are available. If the original materials were not retained, see "Other Packaging"...
  • Page 80 In Case of Difficulty Returning an Analyzer for Service Chapter 6...
  • Page 81 (ESD) knob, using active function protecting against address, IP EMC probes Agilent Technologies, calling Enter key, using LAN, setting IP address alignments, internal ESD safety accessories limiters alpha editor, using examples RF and transient...
  • Page 82 Index data from analyzer bitmaps data to PC trace files screen annotation screen, information service options navigating short, 50 ohm catalogs signals, increasing accuracy files signals, viewing tables softkeys, auto and man mode Navigation keys softkeys, basic types noise figure software noise figure measurement accessories IntuiLink...

This manual is also suitable for:

E4440aE4445aE4443aE4447aE4448aE4446a

Table of Contents