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Agilent Technologies E7401A Getting Started Manual

Emc series spectrum analyzers
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Getting Started Guide
Agilent Technologies
EMC Series Spectrum Analyzers
This manual provides documentation for the following instruments:
E7401A (9 kHz- 1.5 GHz)
E7402A (9 kHz - 3.0 GHz)
E7403A (9 kHz - 6.7 GHz)
E7404A (9 kHz - 13.2 GHz)
E7405A (9 kHz - 26.5 GHz)
Manufacturing Part Number: E7401-90074
Printed in USA
January 2011
Supersedes April 2004
© Copyright 2001-2011 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

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  • Page 1 Getting Started Guide Agilent Technologies EMC Series Spectrum Analyzers This manual provides documentation for the following instruments: E7401A (9 kHz- 1.5 GHz) E7402A (9 kHz - 3.0 GHz) E7403A (9 kHz - 6.7 GHz) E7404A (9 kHz - 13.2 GHz) E7405A (9 kHz - 26.5 GHz)
  • 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: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1. Installation and Setup Initial Inspection ..............7 Power Requirements .
  • Page 4 Contacting Agilent Technologies ........

  • Page 5: Installation And Setup

    Installation and Setup...
  • Page 6 Installation and Setup This chapter provides the following information that you may need when you first receive your spectrum analyzer: • “Initial Inspection” on page • “Power Requirements” on page • “Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time” on page •...

  • Page 7: Initial Inspection

    Installation and Setup Initial Inspection Initial Inspection Inspect the shipping container and the cushioning material for signs of stress. Retain the shipping materials for future use, as you may wish to ship the analyzer to another location or to Agilent Technologies for service.
  • Page 8 Agilent Technologies” on page 81. You will not need to wait for a claim settlement. • 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”...

  • Page 9: 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. WARNING Failure to ground the analyzer properly can result in personal injury. Before turning on the analyzer, you must connect its protective earth terminals to the protective conductor of the main power cable.

  • Page 10: Checking The Fuse

    Installation and Setup Power Requirements Table 1-1. AC Power Requirements Description Specifications Voltage 90 to 132 Vrms (47 to 440 Hz) Voltage 195 to 250 Vrms (47 to 66 Hz) Power Consumption, On < 300 W Power Consumption, Standby < 5 W Table 1-2.

  • Page 11: Ac Power Cord

    Installation and Setup Power Requirements AC Power Cord The analyzer is equipped with a three-wire power cord, in accordance with international safety standards. This cable grounds the analyzer cabinet when connected to an appropriate power line outlet. The cable appropriate to the original shipping location is included with the analyzer. Various AC power cables are available that are unique to specific geographic areas.
  • Page 12 Installation and Setup Power Requirements Table 1-3. AC Power Cords Chapter 1...
  • Page 13 Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. WARNING The Agilent Technologies E4402B, E4403B, E4404B, E4405B, E4407B, E4408B, E4411B, E7402A, E7405A may be used with an E1779B Rechargeable Battery Pack which contains a Ni-Cd battery. The battery must be recycled or disposed of properly.

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

    Installation and Setup Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time o Plug in the power cord. WARNING If this product is to be energized via an external auto transformer for voltage reduction, make sure that its common terminal is connected to a neutral (earthed pole) of the power supply.
  • Page 15 If the analyzer is an Agilent Technologies E7402A, E7403A, E7404A, or E7405A, connect a BNC cable from the AMPTD REF OUT to INPUT 50 Ω using an adapter. After a 5 minute warm-up, press...

  • Page 16: Using An External Reference

    Installation and Setup Firmware Revision Using an External Reference If you wish to use an external 10 MHz source as the reference frequency, connect an external reference source to the connector on the rear panel. The signal level should be greater than –15 10 MHz REF IN dBm.

  • Page 17: Running Internal Alignments

    This is not an indication of trouble. Manually Performing an Alignment If the analyzer is an Agilent Technologies E7402A, E7403A, E7404A, or E7405A, connect a BNC cable from the AMPTD REF OUT to INPUT 50 Ω using an adapter. After a 5 minute warm-up, press...

  • Page 18: 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 19 Installation and Setup Printer Setup and Operation Interconnection and Setup 1. Turn off the printer and the analyzer. 2. Connect the printer to the analyzer parallel I/O interface connector using an IEEE 1284 compliant parallel printer cable. 3. If appropriate, configure your printer using configuration menus or switches. Refer to your printer’s documentation for more specific information on configuring your printer.
  • Page 20 Installation and Setup Printer Setup and Operation • The Print Setup menu will be displayed with the None key selected and the following message will appear in the display status line: Unsupported printer, Printer Type set to None This indicates that the analyzer has successfully identified the connected printer, but the printer is not supported by the analyzer.

  • 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: Legal Information

    This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective.

  • 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 guides. For connector specifications (including input/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, and • Display Annotations, on page 27 Front-Panel Connectors and Keys Viewing Angle keys allow you to adjust the display so that it can be optimally viewed from different angles.
  • Page 25 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview CONTROL functions access menus that allow you to adjust the resolution bandwidth, adjust the sweep time, and control the analyzer display. They also set other analyzer parameters needed for making measurements. MEASURE accesses a menu of keys that automate some common analyzer measurements.
  • Page 26 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview For slow sweeps, the analyzer uses a smooth panning feature which is designed to move the trace display to the latest function value as the knob is turned. When center, stop or, start frequency or reference level is adjusted, the signal will shift right or left or up or down with the rotation of the knob before a new sweep is actually taken.
  • Page 27 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview CAUTION When operating in dc coupled mode on analyzers with Option UKB, ensure protection of the input mixer by limiting the input level to 0 Vdc, +30 dBm. When operating in ac coupled mode, ensure protection of the input mixer by limiting the input level to 50 Vdc, +30 dBm.

  • Page 28: Display Annotation

    Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Display Annotation Here is an example of the annotation that may appear on an analyzer display. The display annotation is referenced by numbers which are listed in the following table. The Function Key column indicates which key activates the function related to the annotation.
  • Page 29 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Table 2-1. Screen Annotation (Continued) Item Description Function Key Marker frequency Marker Marker Count On Off Marker amplitude Marker GPIB annunciators See Table 2-2. on page 30 for more information. Data invalid indicator Sweep (Single) View/Trace Status Informational messages...
  • Page 30 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Table 2-1. Screen Annotation (Continued) Item Description Function Key Amplitude offset Ref Lvl Offst Amplitude scale Scale Type Log Lin a. A # in front of any display annotation indicates that the function is uncoupled. (Refer to your User’s guide) b.
  • Page 31 Front and Rear Panel Features Front Panel Overview Table 2-5. Screen Annotation for Trace Mode Screen Annotation Description Store Blank Minimum Hold Trace 1 Trace 2 Trace 3 Chapter 2...

  • Page 32: Rear-Panel Features

    Front and Rear Panel Features Rear-Panel Features Rear-Panel Features is the input for the ac line power source. Make sure that the line-power Power input source outlet has a protective ground contact. is the input for the dc power source. Refer to the “Power Requirements” DC Power section in the specifications guide for your analyzer.
  • Page 33 Only one optional remote interface (Option A4H or Option 1AX) can be installed at a time. c. Standard with Agilent EMC E7401A, E7402A, E7403A, E7404A, and E7405A. d. Only one IF and Sweep Port option (Option A4J or Option AYX) can be installed at a time.
  • Page 34 Front and Rear Panel Features Rear-Panel Features IF, Video, and Sweep Ports (Option A4J or Option AYX): (Refer to the specifications guide for more information.) SWP OUT provides a voltage ramp corresponding to the sweep of the analyzer (0 V to 10 V). HI SWP IN (TTL) can be grounded to stop and reset the sweep.
  • Page 35 Front and Rear Panel Features Rear-Panel Features Power On Selection selects an analyzer power preference. setting turns the analyzer on whenever external power is PWR ALWAYS ON applied. This mode is useful if an external power switch is used to control a rack of several instruments.

  • Page 36: Key Overview

    Front and Rear Panel Features Key Overview Key Overview The keys labeled , and are all examples of front-panel keys. FREQUENCY Channel System Marker 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 37: 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 indicates the input power required is AC. The instruction documentation symbol.
  • Page 38 Front and Rear Panel Features Front and Rear Panel Symbols Chapter 2...

  • Page 39: 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 40 Making a Basic Measurement This chapter is divided into the following sections: • “Using the Front Panel” on page • “Presetting the Spectrum Analyzer” on page • “Viewing a Signal” on page CAUTION Ensure that the total power of all signals at the analyzer input does not exceed +30 dBm (1 watt).

  • Page 41: 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 42: 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: Factory Preset Restores the analyzer to its factory-defined state. Restores the analyzer to a user-defined state. User Preset This type of preset restores the currently selected mode to a known state.

  • Page 43: 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. Connect the analyzer’s rear panel 10 MHz REF OUT to the front-panel input. Setting Reference Level and Center Frequency NOTE The display examples in this section are made using various analyzer models, you may see some variations depending upon your analyzer.
  • Page 44 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 45 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Figure 3-4 shows the relationship between center frequency and reference level. The box represents the analyzer display. Changing the center frequency changes the horizontal placement of the signal on the display. Changing the reference level changes the vertical placement of the signal on the display.
  • Page 46 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Figure 3-4 Relationship Between Frequency and Amplitude Improving Frequency Accuracy 10. While not all of the zeros following the decimal in the active function block are significant, the numbers after the decimal in the marker annotation (upper-right corner of screen) are significant. To improve the accuracy of the frequency reading in the marker annotation, turn on the frequency count function by pressing Freq Count...
  • Page 47 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal NOTE Marker count functions properly only on CW signals or discrete peaks. For a valid reading, the marker must be ≥26 dB above the noise. 14. Press , then enter a new value. This action makes the resolution bandwidth the BW/Avg Res BW active function and allows you to experiment with different resolution bandwidth (RBW) values.
  • Page 48 Making a Basic Measurement Viewing a Signal Figure 3-6 Using Marker Counter Chapter 3...

  • Page 49: Viewing Catalogs And Saving Files

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files...

  • Page 50: 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 key. Data storage and File retrieval are handled similarly to that of personal computers (PCs). Like PCs, these analyzers include an internal storage drive and a floppy disk drive, both of which have directory and sub-directory capability.
  • Page 51 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions Figure 4-1. Catalog Menu 1. The entry fields show the parameters for the files viewed. Entry fields that are being modified or are modifiable are indicated by highlighting (inverse video). Each file menu function has its own unique set of entry fields pertaining to that function.

  • Page 52: Creating A Directory

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions key under Type Sort : Under the Sort key, you can sort by any of the four columns and you can choose up (ascending) or down (descending). Dir Up : moves you up one directory level. If you are already at the top level, this key moves you up to the drive level, displaying the available disk drives.

  • Page 53: Formatting A Floppy Disk

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files File Menu Functions Formatting a Floppy Disk You can format a floppy disk in the analyzer. The format is MS-DOS® . Note that it is not necessary to format your floppy disk with the analyzer; preformatted disks can be used with the analyzer. 1.

  • Page 54: Saving A File

    Preset Factory Preset 2. Turn on the internal 50 MHz alignment signal of the analyzer as follows: • For the Agilent E7401A, use the internal 50 MHz alignment signal of the analyzer as the signal being measured. Press Input/Output Amptd Ref (On).
  • Page 55 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Figure 4-4. Viewing Traces 1 and 2 8. Activate trace 3 by pressing . Your analyzer display should look similar to Trace (3) Clear Write Figure 4-5. Figure 4-5. Viewing Traces 1, 2, and 3 Chapter 4...

  • Page 56: Step 2. Save The File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Step 2. Save the file 1. To access the menu, press, Save File Save 2. Select the type of file you want to save. In this example you are saving a trace; press Type, Trace 3.
  • Page 57 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File 3. Select the type of file you want to load (setup, state, trace, limits, or corrections). In this example you are loading a trace file; press Type, Trace NOTE Not all file types can be loaded back into the analyzer. For example, Screen files and CSV (comma separated value) files cannot be loaded.
  • Page 58 Figure 4-6. File Loaded NOTE You should notice that the trace you saved, in this example trace 3, is loaded to trace 2. If you wish to verify this condition, remove the signal input. For Agilent E7401A, press Input/Output Amptd Ref (Off)

  • Page 59: Renaming A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File Figure 4-7. Verifying Trace 1 CAUTION When operating in dc coupled mode, ensure protection of the input mixer by limiting the input level to 0 Vdc and +30 dBm. NOTE When loading Limits files, be sure you have selected the appropriate X Axis Units: frequency or time ( Display Limits...
  • Page 60 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File 6. Press Enter Rename Now : your file is now renamed and visible within the directory displayed on your analyzer. The status line displays the message: C:\START\TEST1.TRC file renamed to C:\START\RENAME.TRC. Figure 4-8. Renaming a File Chapter 4...

  • Page 61: 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 directory boxes as File Copy described by the From: and To: fields located directly above the boxes. Refer to Figure 4-9.

  • Page 62: Deleting A File

    Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Saving a File 6. Press (in the key menu) to underline To:. The To: field (just above the bottom directory box) is highlighting the location to which you will be copying. Using the navigation keys as described above, highlight the A:\ drive.

  • Page 63: 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 ( , for File Rename example). 1. Use the keys to display the softkey that lists the character you want. Each softkey has several More characters on it.
  • Page 64 Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files Using the Alpha Editor Chapter 4...

  • Page 65: Options And Accessories

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

  • Page 66: 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 otherwise specified, all options are available when you order a spectrum analyzer; some options are also available as kits that you can order and install after you receive the analyzer.

  • Page 67: Options

    Options and Accessories Options Options Option • • • • • Low Emission • • • • • Benchlink Web Remote Control Software • • • • • Delete Manual Set • • • • • Additional Manual Set • •...

  • Page 68: Option Descriptions

    50 Ohm Tracking Generator (Option 1DN) Option 1DN provides a 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz built-in tracking generator for the Agilent E7401A. Option 1DN provides a 9 kHz to 3 GHz built-in tracking generator for the Agilent E7402A, E7403A, E7404A, and E7405A.
  • Page 69 Options and Accessories Options Additional Manual Set (Option 0B1) Option 0B1 provides an additional copy of the User’s, Calibration, Specifications, and Reference guides for your instrument. APC 3.5 Input Connector (Option BAB) The type-N female connector is replaced with an APC 3.5 mm male connector. An APC 3.5 (f) to APC 3.5 (f), and BNC (f) to SMA (m) adapters are included for alignment purposes.
  • Page 70 Options and Accessories Options • Low Frequency Extension (Option UKB) Express Option: Standard Analyzer with Tracking Generator (Option STG) Option STG includes the 50 Ohm Tracking Generator (Option 1DN) with the same included options listed in the Option STD description above. Fast Digitized Time Domain Sweeps (Option AYX) Option AYX allows fast digitized sweep times as fast as 5 μsec in spans of 0 Hz.
  • Page 71 45° C. Pre-amplifier (Option 1DS) The pre-amplifier improves the analyzer’s sensitivity (lowers the noise floor) by approximately 16 dB. Pre-amplifier frequency range: the Agilent E7401A (100 kHz to 1.5 GHz), for the Agilent E7402A, Chapter 5...
  • Page 72 Options and Accessories Options E7403A, E7404A, and E7405A (1 MHz to 3 GHz) with a nominal gain of 20 dB. Rack Mount Kit With Handles (Option 1CP) Option 1CP provides the parts necessary to mount the analyzer in a standard 19 inch (482.6 mm) equipment rack.

  • Page 73: 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 74: External Keyboard

    Options and Accessories Accessories These probes are designed to measure magnetic field radiation from surface currents, slots, and cables. The probes are part of a close-field probe set (11945A). The set also includes cables and adapters. External Keyboard You may use any IBM AT compatible keyboard with a mini DIN connector. Screen titles and filenames can be entered with the external keyboard.

  • Page 75: Rs-232 Cable

    Options and Accessories Accessories RS-232 Cable For use with Option 1AX. The 24542G is a 3 meter 9-pin (f) to 25-pin (m) RS-232 cable. The HP 24542U is a 3 meter 9-pin (f) to 9-pin (f) RS-232 cable for serial 9-pin PC connection to an analyzer. The modem cable required is HP 24542M 9-pin (f) to 25-pin (m), and the PC cable is HP 24542U.
  • Page 76 Options and Accessories Accessories Chapter 5...

  • Page 77: In Case Of Difficulty

    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...
  • Page 78 (the warranty is located at the front of this manual). If the analyzer is no longer under warranty or is not covered by an Agilent Technologies maintenance plan, Agilent Technologies will notify you of the cost of the repair after examining the analyzer.

  • Page 79: 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.

  • Page 80: Before Calling Agilent Technologies

    In Case of Difficulty Before Calling Agilent Technologies Before Calling Agilent Technologies Check the Basics o Is there power at the receptacle? o Is the analyzer turned on? Listen for internal fan noise to determine if the analyzer cooling fan is running.

  • Page 81: Read The Warranty

    For information on proper connector care and cleaning, go to the following URL: http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/08510-90360.pdf Contacting Agilent Technologies For assistance, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office. To find your local Agilent office access the following URL, or if in the United States, call the following telephone number: http://www.agilent.com/find/assist...

  • Page 82: Returning An Analyzer For Service

    Returning an Analyzer for Service Service Tag When you are returning an analyzer to Agilent Technologies for service, fill out and attach one of the blue service tags provided at the end of this chapter. Please be as specific as possible about the problem.
  • Page 83 In Case of Difficulty Returning an Analyzer for Service 7. Mark the shipping container “FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE” to assure careful handling. 8. Retain copies of all shipping papers. Chapter 6...
  • Page 84 In Case of Difficulty Returning an Analyzer for Service Chapter 6...
  • Page 85 RS-232 cable format a disk transient limiters frequency accuracy, increasing active function data controls frequency count, using Agilent Technologies, contacting data keys Frequency Extension Assembly alignments, internal data, entering from front panel Frequency key alpha editor, using DC Fuse...
  • Page 86 Index RS-232 preamplifiers System key internal alignments preset factory types Tab Keys user, creating key overview text, entering Print key keypad, using titles, editing printer knob transient limiter printer connector knob, using parallel printer control unit softkeys, using printer setup limiters up arrow key probe power connector...

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E7403aE7402aE7404aE7405a

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