Agilent Technologies FieldFox N9912A User Manual
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Agilent Technologies FieldFox N9912A User Manual

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Agilent
FieldFox
RF Analyzer
N9912A
User's Guide
Manufacturing Part Number: N9912–90001
Print Date: October 01, 2012
Supersedes: September 04, 2012
©Agilent Technologies, Inc.

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Summary of Contents for Agilent Technologies FieldFox N9912A

  • Page 1 Agilent FieldFox RF Analyzer N9912A User’s Guide Manufacturing Part Number: N9912–90001 Print Date: October 01, 2012 Supersedes: September 04, 2012 ©Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  • Page 2 FAR 52.227–19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227–19(c)(1–2) (June 1987).
  • Page 3 Elements of this product's Software use SharpZipLib as an "as provided" stand alone capability. Copyright 2004 John Reilly This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    What’s New in A.6.00 Release ............7 Overview ...................... 8 Options and Features ............... 8 Accessories ..................9 FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help ..... 10 Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox ........11 Check the Shipment ............... 11 Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter ...
  • Page 5 Calibration for CAT, NA, and VVM Modes ..........61 Verifying Calibration and Jumper Cable Integrity ..... 66 Calibration Method Summary ............68 SA (Spectrum Analyzer) Mode ............... 69 SA Mode Settings ................70 Channel Measurements ..............96 Interference Analyzer (SA Mode) - Option 236 ........105 Spectrogram and Waterfall Displays.........
  • Page 6 Preferences..................163 System Configuration ..............164 Service Diagnostics ..............170 Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery ..........172 Viewing Battery Charge Status ..........172 Charging the Battery ..............174 Reconditioning the Battery ............175 Battery Care ................... 176 Maximizing Battery Life............... 177 Lithium Ion Battery Disposal ............

  • Page 7: What's New In A.6.00 Release

    What’s New in A.6.00 Release For customers upgrading FieldFox firmware, the following is a list of new features: CAT mode Dual-Trace configuration ........22 Increased Resolution..........26 NA mode Point Averaging ............46 Increased Resolution..........48 Manual Output Power Setting ......49 Time Domain - Opt 010 .........

  • Page 8: Overview

    Overview Options and Features The FieldFox may be ordered to include the following options and features: Options and Features Learn more Cable and Antenna Test (CAT) Mode CAT Mode on page 20 ▪ 2 MHz to 4 GHz (Option 104) ▪...

  • Page 9: Accessories

    Measurements: ▪ 1-Port Cable Trimming (Mag and Phase) ▪ 2-Port Transmission (Magnitude only) Designed for Field Environment ▪ Lightweight 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) including battery ▪ Rugged, weather resistant shell with no fan/vents ▪ Daylight viewable 6.5” (16.5 cm) color LCD ▪...

  • Page 10: Fieldfox Manuals, Software, And Supplemental Help

    FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help The following manuals and software are available for the FieldFox. For the very latest versions, please visit the FieldFox support website www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport. Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual.  User’s Guide –This manual, included with shipment. ...

  • Page 11: Preparing For Initial Use Of Your New Fieldfox

    Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox Check the Shipment When you receive your FieldFox, check the shipment according to the following procedure: 1. Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting.

  • Page 12: Install The Lithium-Ion Battery

    Install the Lithium-Ion Battery Step Notes 1. Open the battery door. Push the button on the battery compartment door while sliding the door outward. 2. Insert the battery. The terminals end of the battery is inserted into the compartment. 3. Close the battery door. Slide the battery compartment door upwards until it latches.

  • Page 13: Fieldfox On/Off Settings

    To conserve battery power:  Use Run/Hold to single-trigger a measurement when needed. Hold is shown on the display.  Press System then Display then Brightness. Use the ▲|▼ arrows, the rotary knob, or numeric keypad to adjust the brightness to dim the FieldFox display as much as possible.

  • Page 14: Avoid Overpowering The Fieldfox

     Then Internal Temperatures. The temperature at which the following events occur is the average of the RF1, RF2, SB1, SB2 temperatures. These temperatures come from internal sensors embedded within FieldFox. Temperature Control Mode At approximately 73 °C, the FieldFox enters Temperature Control mode by reducing display intensity and measurement speed.

  • Page 15: Take The Fieldfox Tour

    Take the FieldFox Tour Front Panel Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox...

  • Page 16: Front Panel

    Front Panel Caption Description Learn More on Page: Power ON: press momentarily. STAND BY: with FieldFox power ON, press briefly. OFF: press and hold until the FieldFox shuts off (about 4 seconds). Not lit: FieldFox OFF, not charging Green: FieldFox ON. Charging status indicated by battery icon on screen Orange, flashing: FieldFox STAND BY Orange, intensity increasing, flashing slowly: FieldFox OFF, charging Displays a submenu for system setup...

  • Page 17: Top Panel

    Top Panel Caption Description Learn More RF OUT For CAT and NA measurements, use to make reflection measurements. CAT Mode on page 20 Maximum: ±50 VDC, +23 dBm RF NA Mode on page 40 Ext Trig/Ext Ref External Reference connector to connect to an external frequency Ext Ref on page 165 reference.

  • Page 18: Screen Tour

    Screen Tour Caption Description Learn More on Page: Title – write your own text here Current Mode Run / Hold Display Format Mode dependent Scale/division Mode dependent Calibration Status (CAT and NA) Detection Method (SA) Velocity Factor (Fault Meas) Averaging Status and Count Mode dependent Data / Mem Display (CAT and NA) 148- Trace Math...

  • Page 19: How To Enter Numeric Values

    How to Enter Numeric Values Many settings on the FieldFox require the entry of numeric values. How to enter numeric values Use any combination of the following keys:  Numeric 0–9 keys, along with the polarity ( +/- ) key. ...

  • Page 20: Cat (Cable And Antenna Test) Mode

    CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode CAT Mode is typically used to test an entire transmission system, from the transmitter to the antenna. This process is sometimes referred to as Line Sweeping. CAT Mode is similar to NA (Network Analyzer) Mode. Learn more in the Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/ CAT Mode Distance to Fault measurements are discussed on page 31.

  • Page 21: Cat Mode Settings

    CAT Mode Settings Select CAT Mode before making any setting in this chapter. How to select CAT Mode  Press Mode.  Then CAT. Measurement Selection How to select a CAT Mode Measurement Learn more about the following measurements in the Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/ ...

  • Page 22: Dual-Trace Configuration

    Dual-Trace Configurations You can simultaneously display any TWO traces in CAT mode. They can be Overlayed on a single graticule, or displayed on separate graticules as shown here. A Dual-trace x2 H configuration. Tr2 is the ACTIVE trace as indicated by the highlighted Tr 2 How to select a dual-trace configuration...
  • Page 23 Trace Setting Notes  The Resolution, Average, and Output Power settings are always common for the displayed traces.  The Frequency Range settings can be made individually when a DTF measurement is displayed with a non-DTF measurement, See the Coupled Frequency setting below.
  • Page 24  Press Next Page Previous Page to view all settings. If these softkeys are NOT available, then all available settings fit on one page.  To change a setting: Use the ▲|▼ arrows to highlight a setting. Then press Edit. The current setting changes to yellow.
  • Page 25 How to set Scale  Press Scale / Amptd .  Then choose from the following: Autoscale Automatically adjusts the Y-axis to comfortably fit the Min and Max amplitude of the trace on the screen. Autoscale All Autoscales all of the traces on the screen, useful only for dual-trace configurations.
  • Page 26  Enter a value using the numeric keypad. Enter 1 for NO averaging.  Press Enter.  While Trace Averaging is in process, press Sweep 3 then Restart to restart the averaging at 1. Single or Continuous Measure This setting determines whether the FieldFox measures continuously or only Single once each time the button is pressed.
  • Page 27 The actual sweep time is shown on the FieldFox screen. See the Screen Tour on page 18. To increase the sweep time, enter a value that is higher than the actual sweep time. The increase will not be exactly the amount that you enter, as the actual sweep time is the composite of many factors.

  • Page 28: Return Loss Measurements

    No interference rejection and fastest possible sweep speed. Minimum The lowest level of Interference rejection. Medium The medium level of Interference rejection. Maximum The highest level of Interference rejection. Return Loss Measurements Return loss can be thought of as the absolute value of the reflected power as compared to the incident power.
  • Page 29 A 2-port Insertion Loss measurement is usually more accurate than a 1-port Cable Loss measurement. However, to perform a 2-port Insertion Loss measurement, both ends of the cable must be connected to the FieldFox, and the FieldFox must have option 110 installed. NOTE In high-loss conditions, a Cable Loss measurement becomes ‘noisy’...

  • Page 30: 2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements

    2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements A 2-port Insertion Loss measurement, available with option 110, is used to measure the loss through a DUT (device under test) – or cable – over a specified frequency range. The FieldFox signal source is transmitted out the RF OUT connector, through the DUT, and into the RF IN connector.

  • Page 31: Dtf (Distance To Fault) Measurements

    DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements CAT Mode Distance to Fault (DTF) measurements are generally used to locate problems, or faults, in a length of cable or transmission line. In this chapter, the cable to be tested is referred to as the DUT (Device Under Test). Settings that are NOT unique to DTF measurements are documented in the CAT Mode chapter on page 20.

  • Page 32: Dtf Measurement Settings

    7. Disconnect any components or antenna that should NOT be measured and connect a LOAD at the end of the DUT. 8. Press Meas Setup 4 then DTF Cable Specifications. Recall Coax Cable, or enter the Velocity Factor Cable 9. Either press Loss of the DUT.

  • Page 33: Dtf Start And Stop Distance

    Distance to Fault (dB) Faults are displayed on the Y-axis in return loss format, expressed as a positive number in dB. DTF (VSWR) Faults are displayed on the Y-axis in SWR. Learn more about SWR at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/ More DTF Lin...

  • Page 34: Coupled Frequency

    Typically, you will set the frequency range of the measurement to the passband of the filter. However, you may also want to test the ability of the filter to reject unwanted frequencies. In this case, set the frequency range to include those frequencies which the filter may not be adequately rejecting.
  • Page 35 The following is an example showing how DTF cable correction works: The DUT is a 100 meter transmission cable. The Cable Loss value is .1 dB/meter. This means that a signal traveling ONE WAY through the cable will lose 10 dB of power (100 m * .1dB/m). Because the FieldFox performs this measurement with 1 port, the test signal travels down the cable and then back, for a total loss of 20 dB.
  • Page 36  Press Meas Setup 4  Then DTF Cable Specifications  Then Edit/Save/Recall Cables  Press then to clear all data from the existing DTF Cable table and reset header information to default settings.  Then Edit Cable to open the Cable Editor. ...

  • Page 37: Window Settings

    When the cable file contains two or more Freq/Loss pairs, the Loss value that is used is interpolated from the Freq/Loss pairs and the DTF center frequency. For example, using a cable file with the following Freq/Loss pairs: 1 GHz: 0.1 dB/m 2 GHz: 0.2 dB/m The center frequency for the measurement is determined from the calculated (Stop –...

  • Page 38: Calculated Dtf Values

     Then choose from: M (meters) Feet Calculated DTF values Next Page Press on the DTF Settings Table to view the following calculated Values noted on the FieldFox screen with c - <setting> : Start Frequency – Start frequency that is used to calculate DTF. Stop Frequency –...
  • Page 39 An un-terminated cable (with NO perfect load at the end) will show faults that appear to be beyond the end of the cable. These are NOT alias faults. These faults appear as the signal reflects off the open at the end of the cable and travels back down the cable toward the connection at the FieldFox.

  • Page 40: Na (Network Analyzer) Mode

    NA (Network Analyzer) Mode Learn more about NA Mode measurements in the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: www.agilent.com/find/fieldsfoxsupport In this Chapter Measurement Selection ......... 41 Quick Settings ............42 Format ..............42 Frequency Range ........... 44 Scale Settings ............44 Electrical Delay ............45 Phase Offset ............

  • Page 41: Measurement Selection

    Measurement Selection How to select a NA Measurement  Press Measure 1.  Then choose from the following: 1-port reflection measurement. 2-port transmission measurement. Requires Opt 110. Learn how to make this measurement on page 49. More - These measurements are typically used as diagnostic tools for service personnel.

  • Page 42: Quick Settings

     All other trace settings, such as measurement, format, and limit lines, are applied individually to the ACTIVE trace in the same manner as when a single trace is present.  When creating markers, by default a marker is created on ALL traces as shown in the above image.
  • Page 43 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to highlight a setting. Then press Edit. The current setting changes to yellow Some settings require you to press a softkey to change the value. Otherwise, use the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or rotary knob to change the value. Done Edit.

  • Page 44: Frequency Range

    NOTE Phase is unwrapped by comparing the phase from one data point to the next. If the phase difference between two data points is greater than 180 degrees, or if the phase of the first data point is greater than 180 degrees from DC, than the phase measurement is probably NOT accurate.

  • Page 45: Electrical Delay

    Ref Level Manually set the value of the reference line. Enter a negative value by pressing Run/Hold (+/-) either before or after typing a value. Ref Position Manually set the position of the reference line. Values must be between 0 (TOP line) and 10 (BOTTOM line) Scale annotation on the FieldFox screen ·...

  • Page 46: Averaging

    Emulate a projected phase shift in your measurement. For example, if you know that you need to add a cable and that the length of that cable will add a certain phase shift to your measurement, you can use phase offset to add that amount and simulate the complete device measurement.

  • Page 47: If Bandwidth

     While averaging is in process, press Sweep 3, then Restart to restart the averaging at 1. IF Bandwidth The FieldFox converts the received signal from its source to a lower intermediate frequency (IF). The bandwidth of the IF bandpass filter is adjustable. Reducing the IF receiver bandwidth reduces the effect of random noise on a measurement.

  • Page 48: Resolution (Number Of Points)

    Single Automatically sets Continuous OFF and causes FieldFox to make ONE measurement, then hold for the next Single key press. When a data trace is displayed, the entire trace is measured, then holds. The Hold annotation changes to an arrow -->...

  • Page 49: Help: Www.agilent.com/Find/Fieldsfoxsupport

    Output Power Set the power level out of the FieldFox to High, Low, or manually set power level to a value between High and Low. Generally, the high power (default) setting is most accurate because the receivers are measuring farther from the noise floor. However, some devices are sensitive to high power levels.

  • Page 50: Port Extensions

    Port Extensions Port extensions allow you to electrically move the calibration reference plane on port 1 after you have performed a calibration. Phase measurements, and therefore Port Extensions, are NOT available on port Why use Port Extensions Use port extensions if you are unable to perform a calibration directly at your device because the location is not accessible.
  • Page 51 Entering the velocity factor causes the FieldFox to accurately display the equivalent physical length in meters (NOT available in feet) that corresponds to the entered electrical delay. Velocity factor is the ratio of the velocity of wave propagation in a coaxial cable to the velocity of wave propagation in free space.

  • Page 52: S21 Transmission Measurement

    Increase Dynamic Range Dynamic range is the difference between maximum input power to the FieldFox receiver (without compressing the receiver), and the minimum measurable power (noise floor). Measurement accuracy is increased when the DUT response is at least 10 dB above the noise floor. For a measurement to be valid, input signals must be within these boundaries.

  • Page 53: Time Domain - Option 010

    Time Domain - Option 010 With NA Mode, Time Domain (Opt 010), frequency information is used to calculate and display measurements with time as the horizontal display axis. The response values appear separated in time allowing a different perspective of the test device's performance and limitations.

  • Page 54: Time Domain (Transform) Settings

    The frequency domain of an S11 measurement shows reflections caused by mismatches in the cable. It is impossible to determine where the mismatches physically occur in the cable. The Time Domain response shows both the location and the magnitude of each mismatch.

  • Page 55: Frequency Range And Points

    Left The Settings table is shown to the left of the trace window. Bottom The Settings table is shown below the trace window.  When finished changing ALL settings, press Done to save your settings. Frequency Range and Points Like CAT mode, all Time Domain measurements are made in the frequency domain and, using Inverse Fourier Transform (IFT), time is calculated.

  • Page 56: Distance Units

    How to set Start and Stop time  Press Measure 4  Then Transform  Then Transform Start Stop  Then choose from: Start Sets the transform start time that is displayed on the FieldFox screen. Stop Sets the transform stop time that is displayed on the FieldFox screen. NOTE Zero (0) seconds is always the calibration reference plane.

  • Page 57: Line Loss And Velocity Factor

    How to make Window setting  Press Measure 4  Then Transform  Then More  Then Transform Window  A settings table appears that allows you to navigate and select the following settings. These settings are made exactly like those made on the Transform Settings table.

  • Page 58: Trace Settings

    With compensation for the loss using the manufacturer’s specification, the FieldFox compensates the trace as though the signal traveling through 100 meters was increased by +20 dB. Therefore the response will show 0 dB for 100% reflection. Data Chain This setting, available only on the Table Settings, reverts to the default when the FieldFox is Preset.

  • Page 59: Gating

    Gating Perhaps the most beneficial feature of Time Domain transform is the Gating function. When viewing the Time Domain response of a device, the gating function can be used to "virtually" remove undesired responses. You can then simultaneously view a frequency domain trace as if the undesired response did not exist.
  • Page 60 Time domain Gate Shape setting Gate Shape Passband Sidelobe Cutoff Time Minimum Gate Ripple Levels Span Minimum 0.1 dB -48 dB 1.4/Freq Span 2.8/Freq Span Normal 0.1 dB -68 dB 2.8/Freq Span 5.6/Freq Span Wide 0.1 dB -57 dB 4.4/Freq Span 8.8/Freq Span Maximum 0.01 dB...

  • Page 61: Why And When To Calibrate

    Calibration for CAT, NA, and VVM Modes The FieldFox performs a calibration automatically when powered ON and when Preset is performed. In addition, calibration can be performed manually. Key presses are identical in all of these Modes. In this Chapter Why and When to Calibrate .........

  • Page 62: Definitions

    Definitions DUT (Device Under Test) is the cable, antenna, transmission line, or anything else that is connected to the FieldFox that is to be measured. OPEN, SHORT, and LOAD are calibration standards. These are precision components that are used during calibration and to terminate a DUT during some measurements.

  • Page 63: O,S,L Calibration

    Step 1 1. Disconnect the DUT from the FieldFox. 2. If a jumper cable or adapter is required to connect the DUT to the FieldFox, connect those components to the FieldFox RF Out connector NOW. The effects of those components will be measured and removed during the calibration, and only the effects of the DUT will be displayed in the measurement results.

  • Page 64: Normalize

     If a jumper cable or adapter is required to connect the DUT to the FieldFox, then connect those components to the FieldFox RF Out connector NOW. The effects of those components will be measured and removed during the calibration, and only the effects of the DUT will be displayed in the measurement results.
  • Page 65  Press Finish.  Connect the DUT between the RF OUT and RF IN connectors. NOTE A Normalization cal will NOT be interpolated if the Resolution or Frequency range changes. CAL ON U is shown on the screen when a Normalization Cal is correcting the measurement.

  • Page 66: Compatible Mode Calibrations

    Compatible Mode Calibrations Because CAT, NA, and VVM modes are very similar, a 1-port or 2-port calibration that is performed in one mode can automatically be applied in the other modes. This occurs ONLY when modes have the same frequency data points as those that were calibrated, and have the same Power (High or Low) and IF BW.

  • Page 67: Calibrate At The End Of A Long Cable

    Higher than 0 dB indicates that you should recalibrate. Verifying Phase Accuracy  Connect a LOAD standard at the calibration reference plane (where calibration standards were connected).  In NA Mode, select a S11 Reflection with Polar or Smith Chart format. ...

  • Page 68: Calibration Method Summary

    Calibration Method Summary  O,S,L is ALWAYS the most accurate Cal method. The quality of an O,S,L Cal is completely dependent on the quality of the OPEN, SHORT, LOAD standards. Use high quality standards to ensure the most accurate calibration. ...

  • Page 69: Sa (Spectrum Analyzer) Mode

    SA (Spectrum Analyzer) Mode SA Mode measures signals at the RF IN port. The RF OUT connector is NOT used. General purpose Spectrum Analyzer measurements are available with Option 230 or 231. SA measurements require NO calibration. For a comprehensive SA Mode tutorial, see Spectrum Analysis Basics (App Note 150) at http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5952-0292.pdf SA display with markers...

  • Page 70: Frequency Range

    Triggering ..............87 Single/Continuous/Restart ........87 Points ............... 89 Trace Display States ..........89 Average Type ............90 Average Count ............91 Detection Method ........... 91 Display Line ............92 Noise Marker ............92 Band/Interval Power Marker ....... 94 Frequency Counter at Marker ......95 Audio Beep at Marker Power ......
  • Page 71 NOTE Although the start frequency can be set as low as -100 MHz, amplitude accuracy is specified above 2 MHz. Below 2 MHz, frequency accuracy is maintained, but amplitude accuracy is degraded. The frequency range of the measurement can be changed using the following methods: ...

  • Page 72: Radio Standard

    How to change frequency step size When using the ▲|▼ arrows to change any of the frequency settings, the size of the frequency step can be changed.  Press Freq/Dist  Then More  Then CF Step Auto Man Auto Each press of the ▲|▼...

  • Page 73: Channel Selection

     Then Radio Standard  Then Import Radio Standards  Then select the *.csv file using the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob and press Enter.  Custom Radio Standards can be removed from the FieldFox by selecting Measure 1 then Radio Standard Delete Radio Standard.

  • Page 74: Scale And Units

    Select either Uplink or Downlink Frequencies Chan Direction Uplink and Downlink. If either of these Press to toggle between selections is not available, then the selected Radio Standard does not contain those frequencies. Channel number X-axis annotation  Dn indicates Downlink frequencies. ...

  • Page 75: External Gain

    Logarithmic scale (default setting). The Y-axis reference line represents the specified absolute Reference Level in the current Unit selection. Y-axis graticules show dB below or above the reference line. Linear scale. The Y-axis reference line represents the specified absolute Reference Level in the current Unit selection. Y-axis graticules show percent of Reference Level (%) below or above the reference line.
  • Page 76  Then External Gain  Enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob (positive for gain; negative for loss). Values less than 5 dB must be typed using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter ExtGain xx dB is shown at the top of the screen.

  • Page 77: Check For Compressed Measurements

    How to control the Preamp By default, the preamp is OFF.  Press Scale/Amptd .  Then Preamp ON OFF The underlined setting is the current setting. When ON, is shown to the left of the graticules on the display. Check for Compressed Measurements Compression occurs when too much power into an amplifier causes it to no longer amplify in a linear manner.
  • Page 78 Field Strength Measurements Trace 1 - Corrected trace with antenna factor. (Antenna = ON, Apply Corr = ON) Trace 2 - (View) Uncorrected trace (Apply Corr = OFF) Trace 4 - (View) Current correction factors are automatically stored in Trace 4. To see the combined Antenna and Cable correction curve, set Trace 4 to View...
  • Page 79 How to use the Antenna/Cable Editor  Press then to clear all data from the existing Antenna or Cable table and reset header information to default settings.  Then Edit Antenna Edit Cable to open the Antenna / Cable Editor. ...

  • Page 80: Tune And Listen

    About the Freq/Value pairs  Positive Values are interpreted as LOSS for both Cable Loss and Antenna Gain Factor.  When one Freq/Value pair is entered, that correction value is applied to the entire displayed frequency span.  When two or more Freq/Value pairs are entered, the data points between the lowest and highest frequencies are corrected.
  • Page 81 Tune & Listen ON with Tune Frequency indicated by a vertical bar (highlighted). How to select Tune & Listen  Press Measure 1  Then Tune & Listen  Then choose a demodulation type. Select a setting based on the type of interfering signal you suspect is being broadcast.
  • Page 82  Then Mkr->Tune Freq to change the Tune Frequency to that of the marker. To improve sound quality, try increasing power by reducing the Attenuation setting and, if available, turn ON the Preamplifier. Learn how on page 75. Listen Time While Tune &...
  • Page 83  Source Enable ON OFF Turns ON the internal source. Turns OFF the internal source.  Source Mode Choose from the following: Tracking The internal source sweeps simultaneously (tracks) with the SA receiver over the displayed frequency range, emulating NA mode measurements.

  • Page 84: Video Bandwidth

    Auto Res BW is coupled to the frequency span. As the frequency span is narrowed, the Res BW is also narrowed providing increased ability to resolve signals. To change this setting from Man to Auto, press Res BW twice. Enter a Res BW value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

  • Page 85: Sweep Acquisition

    Auto The FieldFox selects the most efficient sweep type based on the Res BW. When Res BW is set to 200 kHz and below, FFT sweep type is selected. Above 200 kHz, and Step sweep type is being performed. The FieldFox uses FFT sweep type regardless of the Res BW. Step The FieldFox uses Step sweep type regardless of the Res BW.

  • Page 86: Zero Span Measurements

    Auto Sweep is set to the fastest sweep possible with the current settings. Enter a relative acquisition value between 1 and 5000, where: 1 = Fastest sweep possible 5,000 = Slowest sweep possible # is shown in front of the actual sweep time to indicate a manual setting. Some Detector and Video Bandwidth settings will raise the Auto Sweep Acquisition value greater than 1.

  • Page 87: Triggering

    How to change Sweep Time in Zero Span.  Press Sweep 3  Then SweepTime  Enter a value using the numeric keypad.  Then select a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier abbreviations on page 19. When the sweep time is longer than can be acquired with the current available Meas UNCAL memory, is displayed on the screen.
  • Page 88  Then Trigger Settings  Then Trig Slope  Then choose from the following: Sweep is triggered by the rising (positive) edge of signal. Sweep is triggered by the falling (negative) edge of signal. Trigger Delay After a valid External or Video trigger signal is received, the sweep begins after the specified Trigger Delay time.

  • Page 89: Single/Continuous/Restart

     Then AutoTrig Time [current setting]  Enter a Auto Trig Time using the numeric keypad.  Then select a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier abbreviations on page 19. Single / Continuous / Restart NOTE The following behavior is unique to SA Mode. This setting determines whether the FieldFox measures continuously or only Single or Run / Hold +/- button is pressed.

  • Page 90: Average Type

    How to display Trace States  Press Trace 6.  Then Trace 1,2,3,4 repeatedly to select a trace number to display. Traces are displayed in the following colors: Trace 1 – Yellow Trace 2 – Blue Trace 3 – Orange Trace 4 –...

  • Page 91: Average Count

    Averaging – Best for displaying Trace Averaging. LgAv is shown on the left side of the FieldFox screen when selected. Power (Linear) Averaging – Best for measuring true power levels. Used in Detection Average and Noise Marker Average. Mathematically, trace noise is 2.5 dB higher than when using Log Average.

  • Page 92: Display Line

    One bucket showing Positive peak, Sample, and Negative peak Detection methods. How to set Detection Method The current Detection method is labeled on the left edge of the screen. When a method is selected manually, a # precedes the label. For example: # Nrm means that Normal was selected from the softkeys.

  • Page 93: Noise Marker

    Display line with annotation How to create and move a Display Line  Press Limit __8  Then Display Line OFF ON  Then enter a Y-axis value using the ▲|▼ arrows or the rotary knob, then press Enter. Or enter a value using the numeric keypad and press a suffix key or press Enter.

  • Page 94: Band/Interval Power Marker

     Then More.  Then Marker Function  Then Noise ON OFF. Band/Interval Power Marker A Band/Interval Power marker, unique to SA Mode, accumulates the power that is measured over several adjacent data points (or ‘buckets’). The range of buckets being measured is displayed with vertical posts around the marker.

  • Page 95: Frequency Counter At Marker

    Frequency Counter at Marker Available in SA Mode ONLY. Use any existing marker to make highly-accurate frequency counter readings. For highest accuracy, lock the FieldFox to a stable external frequency reference. Learn how on page 167. When Frequency Counter is ON, the FieldFox uses background sweeps to zoom on the signal, measure the signal peak with 1 Hz resolution, and display the frequency of the signal peak in the marker annotation area.

  • Page 96: Channel Measurements

    To set FieldFox speaker volume control, press System , then Volume. Learn more on page 160. Meas UNCAL Error Meas UNCAL appears in the lower-left corner of the screen when the FieldFox can NOT display accurate measurement results with the current settings. Usually, the part of the trace that is inaccurate is shown at –200 dB.

  • Page 97: Channel Power

    When you first select a Channel Measurement, then select a Radio Standard, the BW, Offset, RRC, Integration BW, and Span settings are changed to those of the standard. In addition, Res BW can also change when set to ‘Auto(couple)’. However, center frequency is NOT changed unless you first select Units = CHAN. Measurement Preset Measurement Preset allows you to easily reset any of the channel measurements to its default settings.
  • Page 98 Channel Power measurement; Chan 190 Downlink; GSM850 Radio Standard The following two Channel Power levels are displayed:  Channel Power - measures total power over the specified Integrated BW.  Power Spectral Density – same measured power, but mathematically normalized to a 1 Hz bandwidth using the same algorithm as Noise Marker. Learn more about the Noise Marker on page 92.

  • Page 99: Occupied Bandwidth

     Enter a value between 100 Hz and 3 GHz using the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.  Press Enter Other Channel Power Settings All relevant FieldFox settings are made automatically to ensure the highest accuracy, such as ResBW, VideoBW, and sweep (SwpAcquisition) speed. These, and all other SA Mode settings, can be changed manually in a Channel Power measurement.

  • Page 100: Adjacent Channel Power Ratio

    Frequency Span Occupied BW is calculated from power that is measured over the entire displayed Frequency Span. The frequency span can be entered using arbitrary frequencies or by using a Radio Standard in conjunction with channel numbers. Learn how to select a Radio Standard and channels on page 72. To change Frequency Span: ...
  • Page 101 GSM 850-Ch 251-Up with one Offset. Freqs (Mhz) added to illustrate Offset and Integ BW. Data in the ACPR graphical chart is always presented in dBm for the carrier, and dBc (dB below the carrier) for the offsets. This can NOT be changed. Use the Meas Type setting (next page) to change how the data is presented in the table below the graph.
  • Page 102 Integration Bandwidth The Integration Bandwidth of the carrier and offsets is the frequency span over which power is measured. To change Integration Bandwidth:  Press Meas Setup 4 Integrating BW  Then  Enter a value between 100 Hz and 100 MHz using the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.
  • Page 103 Measurement Type This setting determines how the measured carrier and offset power levels in the table are presented. (Data in the graphical chart is always presented in dBm for the carrier and dBc for the offsets.) To select Meas Type: ...
  • Page 104 Channel power measurement with .22 RRC applied RRC Weighting is set and enabled automatically when included in a selected radio standard. To set and enable RRC Weighting:  Press Meas Setup 4  Then RRC Weighting ON OFF  Then More RRC Alpha [current setting] ...

  • Page 105: Interference Analyzer (Opt 236) Spectrogram Display

    Interference Analyzer (SA Mode) - Option 236 Option 236 provides Spectrogram display, Waterfall display, and Record/Playback. . In this Chapter Spectrogram and Waterfall Displays ..... 105 Spectrogram Display ........105 Common Waterfall and Spectrogram Settings107 Waterfall Display ..........108 Record Playback ..........109 About Sessions ..........
  • Page 106 Spectrogram display- Overlay view- with time markers 23 seconds apart. The following settings all contribute to the sweep time of an individual trace, and therefore, the total elapsed time that can appear on the screen in Spectrogram display:  Frequency Range. Learn more on page 70. ...
  • Page 107 Bottom Displays the data trace below the spectrogram. Total trace records: 130. How to Restart the Spectrogram Press Sweep 3 then Restart Averaging Averaging can be enabled on the underlying measurement. Press Meas 4 then Average Type. Learn more on page 89. Common Settings for Waterfall and Spectrogram Set Red and Blue Limits The colors displayed on the Waterfall and Spectrogram represent the various...

  • Page 108: Waterfall Display

     Then Delta  Then enter a value from 0 (the most recent sweep record) to the maximum value, using the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. A   indicates the Delta Marker.  At the current sweep speed, the difference in time between these two markers Delta Time: hh:mm:ss Sec.

  • Page 109: Record / Playback

    Waterfall display- moderate angle- with time markers 1 minute apart. The following settings all contribute to the sweep time of an individual trace, and therefore, the total elapsed time that can appear on the screen in Waterfall display:  Frequency Range. Learn more on page 70. ...

  • Page 110: About State And User Tags

    You close the session when finished recording or playing. A session is also closed when the FieldFox is Preset (or Mode Preset), an Instrument State is recalled, or when Mode is changed from SA. Each session is saved as a folder containing a set of files on the specified storage device.
  • Page 111 During Playback The State setting changes listed above are NOT allowed during playback. However, all other display settings can be changed during playback to help you analyze the recorded data. The recordings can be played into different measurements such as Channel Power or Occupied BW.

  • Page 112: How To Record A Session

     When GPS is enabled and displayed, the current location and elevation are annotated at the bottom of the playback display. Learn more about GPS on page 165. NOTE If Recording or Playback is not occurring when you think it should, check the following: ...

  • Page 113: Recording Configuration

    During playback, choose from the following:  Pause Resume Temporarily halts playback. Then choose from the following: Pause Resume Press to continue playing. Playback State/Tag Allows you to continue playback from a state tag, or scroll through the state tags. Enter a value between 1 and the total number of state tags using the numeric keypad, ▲|▼...
  • Page 114 Segment Count Sets the number of traces to record, after which the recording will automatically pause. Press Pause/Resume or Record to capture another N traces, or Stop to end recording. Default is OFF, which is NO limit to the number of traces to be recorded. When set, a counter appears in the lower-left corner which counts UP to the specified number of recordings.

  • Page 115: Playback Configuration

    Edit Mask Create or modify the current mask. Learn how to edit the Mask / Limit Line table on page 145. Save Mask Saves the current mask to a file. Recall Mask Loads a mask file. Record Source The simplest way to use Record Playback is to record RawMeas data, which is can then be played back into all of the current Trace States.

  • Page 116: Manage Sessions

     Enter a value in seconds between 0 (no delay) and 100 using the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. After using the keypad, select a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier abbreviations on page 19.  Press Enter Manage Sessions ...
  • Page 117  Then Recorder Player  Then Record At the end of each 10 second record interval, the Max Hold trace is recorded and the Max Hold processing is reset for the next 10 second record interval.  Then Stop to end the recording. This session can be played back into any Trace State.

  • Page 118: Cpm (Channel Power Meter) Mode - Option 311

    CPM (Channel Power Meter) Mode - Option 311 CPM uses the RF IN connector to make quick and simple power measurements over a selectable frequency span. A power sensor is NOT required. NOTE There are NO SCPI commands to set or control CPM mode. In this Chapter Set Frequency/Span ..........
  • Page 119 Please observe the RF IN port damage level. CAUTION +27 dBm (320 mW) average +33 dBm peak (2 W) <10μs +50 V Frequency/ Span / Step Valid CPM measurements can be made over the entire frequency range of the FieldFox. Although it is possible to enter a center frequency below the FieldFox minimum frequency, the LO feed-thru of the internal SA hardware will invalidate these CPM measurements.
  • Page 120 30 dB 10 dB Note: The following CPM settings are identical to the standard Power Meter settings. To learn about these settings, please refer to the following pages: Set Scale ..............123 Set Relative and Offset Power ......124 Set Display Units ..........124 Set Averaging............

  • Page 121: Power Meter Mode – Option 302

    Power Meter Mode – Option 302 Power Meter measurements are made with Agilent U2000 Series USB power sensors. Power readings are displayed on the FieldFox screen. In this Chapter Supported Power Sensors ........121 How to Connect the Power Sensor ....122 Zeroing ..............

  • Page 122: Power Meter Settings

    Please observe the damage level of your U2000 Series Power Sensor. CAUTION Typical damage levels of the U2000 Series Power Sensor are: +25 dBm (320 mW) average +33 dBm peak (2 W) <10μs How to Connect the Power Sensor Connect your U2000 Series Power Sensor to one of the USB ports. NOTE Use an attenuator between the DUT and the power sensor when measuring power levels that are higher than +20 dBm.

  • Page 123: Power Meter Mode

    While either Internal or External Zeroing is being performed, “Zeroing...” is shown on the FieldFox screen. While this message is present, do NOT make any changes to the FieldFox. In addition, once External Zeroing has started, the power source must be OFF for the entire time that the Zeroing message is present.
  • Page 124  Then More  Then Autoscale. Relative and Offset Power Measurements Power measurements can be made that are relative to another reading or that are offset by a fixed value.  Use Relative to measure the difference between power levels. ...

  • Page 125: Power Meter Mode

    How to set Resolution  Press Scale / Amptd .  Then More.  Then choose from 0, 1, 2 , or 3. Averaging Averaging is used to improve measurement accuracy in low power or noisy power situations. Increased averaging improves measurement accuracy, but also reduces measurement speed.

  • Page 126: Step Detection

    Step Detection Mode The FieldFox supports the Step Detection feature that is present in U2000 series power meters. When enabled, this feature reduces settling time after a significant step in the measured power. For more information, please refer to the USB Power Meter documentation.

  • Page 127: Vvm (Vector Voltmeter) Mode – Option 308

    VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode – Option 308 VVM Mode measures the electrical length of cables and other devices. The 1-Port Cable Trimming application displays the electrical length in both Magnitude and Phase. The 2-Port Transmission measurement displays Magnitude ONLY. Display for the 1-Port Cable Trimming measurement In this Chapter Overview ...............

  • Page 128: Overview

    Overview In the FieldFox, both 1-port and 2-port measurement types use a different configuration setup from the HP/Agilent 8508A Vector Voltmeter. Typical 8508A measurement configuration – taken from the 8508A manual. The above block diagram requires an external source and directional coupler to measure the electrical length of a DUT or cable to be trimmed.

  • Page 129: Vvm Calibration

    VVM Calibration In VVM Mode, calibration is performed in the same manner as in CAT and NA Modes. In summary, a Preset Cal is sufficient when the DUT is connected directly to the FieldFox RF Out test port. When using an adapter or jumper cable to connect the DUT, first perform a QuickCal + Load or OSL Cal before making measurements.

  • Page 130: Display Resolution

    Display Resolution You can display either one digit or two digits after the decimal point for both magnitude and phase readings. This setting survives a Preset and Mode Preset. How to set Resolution  Press Scale/Amptd  Then Resolution  Then choose from: 0.0 (default) 0.00 IF Bandwidth...

  • Page 131: Single/Continuous

    Average Count determines the number of readings to average. The higher the average count, the greater the amount of noise reduction. An average counter is shown in the left edge of the screen as Avg N. This shows the number of previous readings that have been averaged together. When the counter reaches the specified count, then a ‘running average’...

  • Page 132: 1-Port Cable Trimming Measurement

    How to select Zeroing Press Meas Setup 4 Zero Then Zero Off Press to turn zeroing off. 1-Port Cable Trimming Measurements A 1-Port Cable Trimming measurement is used in a cable fabrication procedure to validate proper electrical length. Read the Overview section in this chapter to learn more about this measurement and the calibration process.

  • Page 133: 2-Port Transmission Measurement

    1. Attach the shortest cable to the FieldFox RF OUT connector. This cable is the reference cable. Leave the end of the reference cable open (unterminated). 2. Press Meas Setup 4 then press Zero. 3. Remove the reference cable from the FieldFox RF OUT connector. 4.
  • Page 134 RF Out and RF In test port cables attached to form a Thru connection N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide...

  • Page 135: Optional Settings Markers

    Data Analysis Features The following features can be used after a measurement to analyze the results. In this Chapter All about Markers ..........135 About Delta Markers ........136 Marker Table ..........138 Coupled Markers ........... 138 Marker Trace..........139 Marker Format ..........

  • Page 136: About Delta Markers

     Then move the marker using the rotary knob, the ▲|▼ arrows, or by entering an X-axis position with the number keys.  Then press Enter. How to move a Marker after it is created  Press Marker .  Then Markers 1...6 repeatedly until the marker of interest is selected.
  • Page 137 A Delta marker and its associated reference marker. The marker readout shows the difference between the two markers in frequency and amplitude. How to Create a Delta Marker  Create a Normal marker and move it to the reference position. ...

  • Page 138: Marker Table

    Marker Table The Marker Table, displayed at the bottom of the FieldFox screen, is used to simultaneously display information for ALL markers. The Marker table “squeezes” the graticule area when activated. With NA Mode multi-trace configurations, the marker table appears for ALL traces, although some windows show only markers 1, 2, and 3.

  • Page 139: Marker Trace

     Then More  Then Coupled Markers OFF Marker Trace (CAT and NA modes) The Marker Trace setting is used to move markers between the data trace and memory trace. When Coupled Markers is ON, this setting applies to the active marker for ALL traces that are coupled.

  • Page 140: Searching With Markers

    How to choose marker format  Press Marker  Then More  Then Marker Format  Then choose from the following: Mag & Phase (Magnitude and Phase) R + jX Complex impedance format Searching with Markers Marker Searches are used to move markers to locations on the trace which exhibit the characteristics of the search criteria.
  • Page 141 Target (NA Mode ONLY) Enter the Target value. The marker moves to the first occurrence of the Target value to the right of its current position. The FieldFox interpolates between measured data points to find the exact Target value to two decimal points. The interpolated X-axis value is displayed in the marker readout or marker table.
  • Page 142 S11 of the same filter with same search criteria: -3 dB. The same values would result from a search criteria of approximately +30.4 dB. Press Enter and four markers are automatically created to find the first negative or positive bandpass over the displayed frequency range. Bandwidth Search can be used ONLY with Log Mag display format.

  • Page 143: What Is A 'Peak

     Track Peaks ON OFF When Track Peaks is ON, markers will find the new peak with every sweep. While in this Mode, the markers can NOT be turned OFF or moved.  Find 3 Peaks Three markers are created and find the highest peaks (faults) on the trace.

  • Page 144: Marker Functions

    Peak A = Valid Peak (Above Threshold and Excursion Settings) Peak B = Invalid Peak (Below 1 dB Excursion Setting) Peak C = Invalid Peak (Below –10 dB Threshold Setting) Marker Functions Marker functions are used to change FieldFox frequency or distance settings to those of the active marker.

  • Page 145: Limit Lines

    SA Marker Functions The following Marker Functions are available in SA Mode ONLY:  Noise Marker  Band/Interval Power Marker  Frequency Counter at Marker  Audio Beep with Marker Learn more about these marker functions starting on page 93. All about Limit Lines Limit lines are visual representations, drawn on the FieldFox screen, of the specified limits for a measurement.

  • Page 146: Relative Limit Lines

    Relative - the limit line moves relative to the center frequency and reference level. Note: It is easiest to first create Fixed Limits, then change this setting to Relative. Learn more on page 146. Edit Upper/Lower – Press to toggle between the following: Upper - FAILS any measured data point ABOVE the line.

  • Page 147: Build From Trace

    Build From Trace A limit line can be built from an existing trace. One X/Y point is made from each measured data point. Then, using an offset value, you can shift the limit line UP for upper limits or DOWN for lower limits. Once limit lines have been built from the trace, changes that you make to the trace, such as frequency range, do NOT change the limits.

  • Page 148: Use Trace Math

    Enter a positive offset to shift the limit line UP, usually used with UPPER limits. Enter a negative offset to shift the limit line DOWN, usually used with LOWER limits. Margin Shifts the limit line up or down like an offset, but only virtually. The limit line does NOT appear to move.

  • Page 149: About Math Operations

     Then Data->Mem to store the current live trace into memory. A ‘beep’ sounds to confirm the data trace has been saved to memory. There is no display annotation that indicates that the memory trace has been stored. Data Press to view only the data trace.
  • Page 150 In the following table, Data/Mem shows both pairs of connectors to have the same 2 dB difference. However, the second pair of connectors have much better S11 performance (–50 and –52) and the relative significance is shown in the Data-Mem values. Values to compare Data/Mem Data-Mem...

  • Page 151: Save Measurement Settings And Results

    File Management The FieldFox can save any of the following types of files:  Current settings and calibration  Trace data (*csv and *.S1P)  Picture of the FieldFox screen In addition, files can be saved to the internal memory, a USB Flash drive, or a microSD card.

  • Page 152: Recall Files

     The preselected keywords (File, Site, and so forth) can be selected just like a single character. These keywords can also be edited. Learn more on page 156. The FieldFox labeler. The current filename is GF2.. The cursor is on the custom keyword.

  • Page 153: Set File Type And Device

    How to Recall an *.sta File NOTE Before recalling a file, first set File Type to State or Trace + State, and also Select Device from which the file will be recalled.  Press Save/Recall 9 .  Then Recall. ...
  • Page 154 Data (S1P) / (2P) Saves CAT and NA Mode trace data to an *.S1P or *.S2P file, depending on the active measurement. This file format is used by CAE programs such as Agilent's Microwave Design System (MDS) and Advanced Design System (ADS). It can also be imported into spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.

  • Page 155: Manage Files

    Image of header information and three rows of data from a *.csv file saved in SA Mode with 4 traces visible. Column A is always the frequency at which the data is measured. Manage Files Files that are stored in the FieldFox internal memory, microSD card, and USB Flash drive, can be copied to another device or deleted.

  • Page 156: Manage Folders

    Manage Folders You can create new folders, delete old folders, and select the active folder to which files can be saved. The Parent folder [..] is listed when not in the root directory. How to Manage Folders  Press Save/Recall 9 . ...

  • Page 157: Prefixes For Filenames

    How to move the cursor:  Use the rotary knob to move the cursor along the same row. The cursor will change rows when it comes to a row end.  Use the ▲|▼ arrows to move the cursor up and down between rows. When the selected keyword is complete: ...

  • Page 158: Printing

    Printing You can NOT print the measurement display directly from the FieldFox to a printer. You can save a Picture file to a USB Flash Drive or microSD card and then print from any computer. Measurements can also be printed using the FieldFox Data Link software.

  • Page 159: Run/Hold

    System Settings In this Chapter Run/Hold ............... 159 Preset ..............160 Volume Control ............ 160 Display Settings ........... 160 Colors ............... 161 Brightness............161 Trace Width ............. 162 Title ..............162 Full Screen Mode ..........162 Edit Keywords ..........162 Preferences Language ............

  • Page 160: Preset

    How to perform a single sweep while in Hold  Press Sweep 3.  Then choose one of the following: Single Automatically sets Continuous OFF (Hold) and causes FieldFox to make ONE measurement sweep, then hold for the next Single key press. Continuous OFF each successive Run/Hold press SA Mode ONLY –...

  • Page 161: Colors

     Then Volume  Then use the ▲|▼ arrows, the rotary knob, or numeric keypad to enter a value between 0 (lowest volume) and 100 (highest volume).  Press Volume again and select Mute to quickly turn OFF the speaker volume. Volume Press again to set volume ON to the previous volume control.

  • Page 162: Trace Width

    Night Vision Trace Width You can set width of all displayed traces on the FieldFox. This may allow better viewing or enhance the look of screen images. This setting can be saved with Preferences. How to set Trace Width  Press System. ...

  • Page 163: Preferences

    How to set Full Screen Mode  Press System.  Then Full Screen. To Exit full screen Mode, press any key. Preferences Language Choose the language in which to display FieldFox softkeys and other messages. How to select a Language ...

  • Page 164: Battery Saver

     Then Save Current Settings There is a beep when your settings have been saved. Reset Preferences  Press to restore the factory default settings. Battery Saver When the battery saver is OFF, the source power is left ON at the end of the sweep which consumes more power.

  • Page 165: Gps

     Then System Configuration  Then Options  Then Install Options The FieldFox reads, validates, then installs the options.  Press and hold the power button to shutdown, then restart the FieldFox. For more information about Licensing, see the FieldFox Service Manual at www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport.
  • Page 166  The left portion of the screen shows satellites and the corresponding number on the adjacent Satellite Power chart.  Sync Clock ON OFF Enable and disable the synchronization of the FieldFox internal clock to the GPS UTC time standard. The FieldFox clock is synchronized and updated approximately every second to the time of the GPS clock.

  • Page 167: Frequency Reference Source

    - GPS ON, but NOT locked on satellites - GPS ON, but no GPS receiver is present or detected Saving Data with GPS Enabled GPS position and clock data are included when data is saved with the following files types: *.csv, *.SnP, State, State+Trace data save. A warning is shown if the GPS is ON but unlocked at time of save, or if the GPS feature is ON but no GPS is physically present at time of save.

  • Page 168: Security Level

    Security Level For security reasons, you can prevent frequency information from appearing on the FieldFox while in SA, NA, or CAT modes. How to set Security Level  Press System 7  Then System Configuration  Then Security Level  Then choose from the following: None All frequency settings are visible.

  • Page 169: Lan Settings

     Press Done to exit the Date and Time settings. The readout in the upper-right corner of the FieldFox screen will update accordingly. NOTE Although allowed during entry, year settings higher than 2088 will not be changed on the screen. LAN Settings Configure the LAN settings to be used to communicate with the Data Link Software.

  • Page 170: See Also Erase User Data

    NOTE To make the LAN settings persist after power up, toggle Apply Settings to Now then back to Power Up. You should see a message indicating that the LANconfig file was saved.  Press Done Edit when finished. Service Diagnostics ...
  • Page 171 How to Erase User Data  Press System 7 .  Then Service Diagnostics.  Then Advanced  Then Erase User Data  Then Confirm Erase  Then the following occurs: All data files and folders are deleted from the “UserData” partition. A large file of 0s is written to all of the free blocks on the partition.

  • Page 172: Working With The Lithium-Ion Battery

    Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery In this Chapter Viewing Battery Charge Status ......172 Charging the Battery ........... 174 Reconditioning the Battery ........ 175 Battery Care ............176 Maximizing Battery Life ........177 Battery Disposal........... 177 See Also Installing the Battery ..........12 Conserving Battery Power ........
  • Page 173 5. Current – amount of current being consumed when operating from internal battery. If battery is charging, indicates amount of charging current. 6. Average Current – running average of current, as just explained in item #5 . 7. Battery Temperature – internal temperature of the battery as measured by a sensor embedded in the battery.

  • Page 174: Charging The Battery

    Charging the Battery When you receive your FieldFox, the lithium-ion battery is partially charged to approximately 30% to 40% to preserve battery life. Allow four hours to fully charge the battery internally, or three hours by using the external battery charger (N9910X–872).

  • Page 175: Reconditioning The Battery

    Using the External Battery Charger (N9910X–872) Important: Read the safety information for the External Charger on page 190. External Battery Charger (N9910X–872) The external battery charger (N9910X–872), lets you charge a fully depleted battery in approximately three hours. It is a two bay, level–3 stand-alone battery charger that is compliant with the standard Smart Battery System.

  • Page 176: Battery Care

    How to determine if a battery needs reconditioning 1. Press System then Service Diagnostics then Battery. 2. On the Battery screen, if the Max Error is 10% or greater, the battery needs to be reconditioned. This error will affect many of the displayed battery charge indicators. After reconditioning, if the battery is not fully charged or continues to show more than a 9% Max Error reading, repeat the reconditioning procedure.

  • Page 177: Maximizing Battery Life

    Regulations vary for different countries. Dispose of the battery in accordance with local regulations. Agilent Technologies, through Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), offers free and convenient battery recycling options in the U.S. and Canada. Contact RBRC at 877-2-RECYCLE (877.273.2925) or online at: http://www.call2recycle.org/...

  • Page 178: Hardkey/Softkey Menus

    Hardkey/Softkey Menus This section shows the FieldFox Hardkey and Softkey menu structure. The following conventions are used in the FieldFox and in this manual:  Grey bordered indicates front panel hardkey selections. Hardkeys are dedicated keys that do not change functionality. The following softkeys change dynamically: ...
  • Page 179 More Back Max Freq Span Center Freq DTF Units Back Scale/Amptd . NA Mode Mtr & CPM Autoscale Scale Type (Log Lin) Relative Autoscale Resolution Scale/Div Scale Offset Autoscale All Ref Level Ref Level Offset Val Scale/Div Ref Pos Ref Pos Scale Min Ref Level RF Atten Auto Man...
  • Page 180 Marker NA Mode Mtr & None Marker 1 ,2,3,4,5,6 Marker 1 ,2,3,4,5,6 Marker 1 ,2,3,4,5,6 None Normal Normal Normal Delta Delta Delta Marker Table On Marker Table On Off Peak More More More Marker 1 ,2,3,4,5,6 Marker 1 ,2,3,4,5,6 Marker 1 Markers (All Off) Markers (All Off) ,2,3,4,5,6...
  • Page 181 Marker=>Stop Distance Peak Left Peak Criteria Track Peaks ON OFF Peak Right Peak Excursion Find 3 Peaks Back Peak Threshold Back Back Back Measure 1 NA Mode Mtr & Distance to Fault Radio Standard 1-Port Cable None (DTF) Trimming Radio Standard Return Loss &...
  • Page 182 Mtr & CPM Average 1 Res BW Auto Man Averaging Average IF BW Average Mode Video BW Auto Man Num Averages Advanced IF BW Sweep Type Smoothing Sm Aperture Sweep 3 NA Mode VVM Mtr & CPM Single Single Single Single None Continuous...
  • Page 183 Cable Loss Transform Back Settings In Occupied BW: Cable Corr Auto Edit Power Percent Edit/Save/Recall Next Page Cables Previous Page Edit Cable In ACPR: Dock Window Integ BW Done Save Cable Offsets Transform Recall Cable Offset 1,2,3 Start /Stop Time Storage Offset State Device...
  • Page 184 Data Math Math Off Sort Math Off Data + Mem Cancel Data + Mem Data - Mem Manage Sessions Data - Mem Data / Mem Name Data / Mem Back Sort Back Delete Copy Copy All Exit Storage Device After New or Recall Session is selected...
  • Page 185 System 7 Save/Recall 9 All Modes All Modes Display Save Shows labeler Display Colors Select Outdoor Sun BackSpace Outdoor Dusk Clear Outdoor Clouds Cancel Indoor Done Night Vision Recall Shows list of files More Recall File Trace Width Sort by Name Back Sort by Date Brightness...
  • Page 186 Date and Time Back Service Diagnostics System Information Error Log Next Page Previous Page Clear Errors Battery Internal Temperatures Advanced Erase User Data Back Limit 8 NA Mode Mtr & CPM Edit Limits All except ACPR: Min Limit On Off Edit Limits None Edit...
  • Page 187 Limit Test ON OFF Preset . All Modes Preset Mode Preset In SA Chan Meas: Meas Preset Run / Hold +/- All Modes Press to toggle between Continuous and Single sweep. SA Mode has slightly different behavior. Learn more on page 89.

  • Page 188: Safety Considerations

    Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the WARNING product. Return the product to Agilent Technologies or a designated repair center for service to ensure that safety features are maintained. Applicable local or national safety regulations and rules for the prevention of WARNING accidents must be observed in all work performed.
  • Page 189 When performing a measurement, ensure that the right safety and performance WARNING ratings of the instrument and accessories are used. Do not expose the circuit or operate the instrument without its cover or while power is being supplied. Do not operate the instrument in any environment at risk of explosion . CAUTION The power cord and connectors shall be compatible with the connector used in the premise electrical system.
  • Page 190 To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the AC to DC adapter from the mains WARNING before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally. When the FieldFox is connected to the AC/DC adapter, position the adapter WARNING so the power cord is readily accessible.
  • Page 191 Lithium–ion batteries: WARNING Must not be exposed to high temperatures (>70°C) or fire. Must be kept away from children. Must not be short circuited. Must be replaced only with Agilent qualified Li–ion batteries. If replaced or charged improperly, there is a danger of explosion. Do not connect the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery to each other WARNING with any metal object (such as wire).
  • Page 192 Battery Protective Functions The following protective functions are designed into the lithium-ion rechargeable battery system used in FieldFox. The protective functions can be divided between two categories: active and passive. Active protection refers to the type of protection that depends on at least two or more protection devices working together to enable the protection Passive protection refers to the type of protection that is always enabled independent of any other protection device.
  • Page 193 Passive Protection Reverse Charging: A reverse protection diode prevents against damage or lost data due to a reverse charge polarity applied to the battery terminals. Primary Overtemperature: A PTC(positive temperature coefficient) polyfuse in series between the Li-ion cells and the charging and discharging transistors will open up and limit current flow to the battery terminals as a function of very high temperatures.
  • Page 194 Batteries: Safe Handling and Disposal N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide...
  • Page 195 Inspired Energy Battery Safety Considerations...
  • Page 196 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide...
  • Page 197 Safety Considerations...
  • Page 198 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide...
  • Page 199 Environmental Requirements Refer to the Specifications section of this document. Electrical Requirements The FieldFox allows you to use either the lithium-ion battery or the AC/DC adapter - both are included. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions The FieldFox was constructed in an ESD protected environment. This is because most of the semiconductor devices used in this instrument are susceptible to damage by static discharge.
  • Page 200 The standby symbol is used to mark a position of the instrument power line switch. This symbol indicates separate collection for electrical and electronic equipment, mandated under EU law as of August 13, 2005. All electric and electronic equipment are required to be separated from normal waste for disposal (Reference WEEE Directive, 2002/96/EC).
  • Page 201 Packaging Markings This symbol on all primary and secondary packaging indicates compliance to China standard GB 18455–2001. AC/DC Adapter Markings The UL Marks are registered certification marks of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL). It means that UL has tested and evaluated representative samples of that product and determined that it meets UL's safety requirements.

  • Page 202: Certification And Compliance Statements

    Certification Agilent Technologies, Inc. certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies, Inc. further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute's calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.

  • Page 203: Appendix A: Connector Care Review

    The following table contains for tips on connector care. Prior to making connections to your analyzer, carefully review the information about inspecting, cleaning, and gauging connectors. For course numbers about additional connector care instruction, contact Agilent Technologies. Refer to: Handling and Storage Do Not Keep connectors clean...

  • Page 204: Appendix B : Specifications/Data Sheet

    Appendix B: Specifications/Data Sheet To ensure the highest accuracy and consistency, the N9912A Specifications are now stored ONLY at : http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/N9912-90006.pdf N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide...

  • Page 205: Appendix C : Instrument Calibration

    Appendix C: Instrument Calibration Over time, the active components in the FieldFox age and the performance may degrade or drift. To ensure that the FieldFox is performing to the published specifications, you should have an instrument calibration performed periodically. How Often Should I Get an Instrument Calibrated? You determine the calibration period which best meets your requirements.

  • Page 206: Index

    Index maximizing life, 13, 176 Coupled Markers, 137 protective functions, 191 CPM, 118 reconditioning cursor, moving, 156 1-port cable loss measurements external, 175 CAT mode, 28 internal, 175 1-port cable trimming safe handling, 193 measurements, VVM mode, 131 service diagnostics, 171 data analysis features, 134 viewing charge status, 12 data indicator (*), old, 96...
  • Page 207 features, data analysis, 134 1-port cable loss measurement, resolution, 26, 48 Field Strength Measurements, 77 scale, 25 file management, 150 2-port insertion loss start and stop distance, 33 files measurement, 30 sweep acquisition parameter, managing, 154 2-Port transmission prefixes, 156 measurement, 132 sweep time, 27 printing, 157...
  • Page 208 table, 137 resolution, 26 markers Resolution creating, 134 NA Mode, 48 O, S, L cal, 63 delta, 135 Occupied Bandwidth, 99 Resolution Bandwidth SA mode, 83 moving, 135 old data indicator (*), 96 Restart, 89 noise, 142 on/off settings, 13 return loss search function, 138 measurements, CAT mode, 28...
  • Page 209 2-port transmission measurements, 132 bridge cancellation temperature control mode, 13 values Time Domain, 53 multipliers, 19 measurements, 132 Time Zone, 167 numeric, 19 time/date setting, 167 VBW, 84 title, editing, 161 vector voltmeter, 126 top panel, 17 Velocity Factor, 50 Waterfall Display, 108 trace averaging, setting, 25 verifying integrity of...

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