Summary of Contents for Keysight Technologies NFA X-Series
Page 1
Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzers and USB Preamplifiers This manual provides documentation for the following: NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzers using the U7227A, C, or F USB Preamplifiers for making noise figure measurements Getting Started Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 3
Where to Find the Latest Information Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about these products, including instrument software upgrades, application information, and product information, browse to one of the following URLs, according to the name of your product: http://www.keysight.com/find/nfa To receive the latest updates by email, subscribe to Keysight Email Updates at the following URL: http://www.keysight.com/find/MyKeysight...
Contents Contents 1 Quick Start Initial Inspection Verify the Contents Shipping Problems? Instrument Location and Rack Mounting Requirements Locating the analyzer Cooling and rack mounting Turning on the Analyzer the First Time Initializing the analyzer Anti-Virus Software and Firewalls Instrument Information Power requirements Protecting Against Overpowering Instrument Maintenance...
Page 6
User Accounts Administrator account Instrument accounts KeysightOnly user account Service user accounts Customer creation of accounts Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzer Options Fixed Perpetual Windows Configuration Settings that can be changed Settings that must not be changed Autoplay/Autorun Configuring Printers...
Page 7
Contents Disk Defragmenting USB Connections Disk Drive Partitioning and Use Backing-up the factory calibration data Disk Drive Recovery Process Updating the software (required after a recovery) 4 Using Windows Tools Navigating Windows Without a Mouse Remote Desktop: Using the X-Series Instruments Remotely Overview of Remote Desktop operation Setting up Remote Desktop operation How to locate the computer name of the instrument...
Page 8
Contents Calling Keysight Technologies Locations for Keysight Technologies Read the Warranty Service Options Packaging the Instrument...
Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzer N8973B Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide Quick Start This section explains how to initialize the Analyzer and view a signal. The following topics can be found in this section: “Initial Inspection” on page 10 “Instrument Location and Rack Mounting Requirements”...
— Contact the nearest Keysight Technologies office. — Keep the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection. — If you must return an analyzer to Keysight Technologies, use the original (or comparable) shipping materials. See “Returning an Analyzer for Service”...
4° C for every 100 watts dissipated in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts, then forced convection must be used. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
After a brief startup, the following window appears giving you information about the License Agreement End-User License Agreement. At this time, it is safe to turn off the instrument before initializing the software. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 13
— Select the check box and Messages similar to the following continue to appear: Continue message click Several required processes continue. The application initializes 5. When the installation is complete, you should see a display like this: Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 14
Spectrum view a reference signal. Analyzer, OK. Input/Output This routes the internal 50 MHz signal to the analyzer d. Press input. RF Calibrator FREQ Center e. Press Freq SPAN f. Press Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 15
Turning on the Analyzer the First Time Steps Actions Notes The 50 MHz reference signal appears on the display. 9. Return to the Noise Figure — Press the Spectrum measurement Analyzer 1 tab, select Noise Figure, OK. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
IT department to see what they recommend. The analyzer is shipped with the Windows 10 firewall enabled. Do not modify the default network settings as this may cause problems with the operating system of the analyzer. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this product. Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord can cause product damage. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the signal analyzer from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 19
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not throw batteries away but collect as small chemical waste. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
For more information about ESD and how to prevent ESD damage, contact the Electrostatic Discharge Association (http://www.esda.org). The ESD standards developed by this agency are sanctioned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
USB preamplifier and the internal preamplifier inside the signal analyzer. “Initial Connection to the Signal Analyzer” on page 22 “Guide for Using U7227-Series USB Preamplifier and the Internal Preamplifier inside X-Series Signal Analyzer” on page 25 Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
RF input signal path and will apply the gain settings and other calibration data of the USB preamplifier to the measurements. Figure 1-2 U7227-Series USB Preamplifier and Analyzer Connection in the Two Stages of Noise Figure Measurement Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 23
The calibration data is not user accessible. 3. The “Ready” LED is lit on the USB preamplifier. 4. The USB preamplifier’s model and serial number will be displayed. See Figure 1-4. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 24
Quick Start Using the U7227-Series USB Preamplifiers in Noise Figure Measurements Figure 1-4 Signal Analyzer Display after USB Preamplifier is Ready For Use 5. The USB preamplifier is ready for use. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
The rough guide for the noise figure test system configuration in the following section is based on the noise power calculation before the non-linear components. Figure 1-5 Blocks in the Signal Path of the Noise Signal in the Noise Figure Measurement Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 26
— For different instruments and for a wide frequency range, the data for the USB preamplifier and the X-Series signal analyzer differs considerably, the most precise data is used in most cases. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 27
DUT_NF and DUT_Gain_Modified first. 1. The Ref_BW is the bandwidth used in to calculate the noise power, Figure 1-6 Figure 1-7 which is 3.59 GHz. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 28
Quick Start Using the U7227-Series USB Preamplifiers in Noise Figure Measurements Figure 1-6 Supported DUT Characteristics and Recommended Test System Configuration for Frequency Ranges below 3.6 GHz Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 29
The supported DUT gain will decrease because of the increase of the noise figure and gain for both the USB preamplifier and the internal preamplifier. Refer to Table 1-1 Table 1-2. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 30
DUT with Frequency Ranges below 3.6 GHz The DUT characteristic is as below: DUT NF: 5 dB DUT gain: 30 dB Frequency range: 1 to 2 GHz The DUT bandwidth is: DUT_BW × Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 31
The modified DUT gain is: – 27.9 DUT_Gain_Modified DUT_Gain Use DUT NF and DUT Gain Modified values to search in Figure 1-7 from bottom to top. The test system configuration should be USB Preamp only. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 32
Quick Start Using the U7227-Series USB Preamplifiers in Noise Figure Measurements Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzer N8973B Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide Front and Rear Panel Features This section describes the following features: “Front-Panel Features” on page 34 “Display Features” on page 37 “Rear-Panel Features” on page 44 “Front and Rear Panel Symbols” on page 46...
User Preset - local to the current mode, global to all measurements in the mode, affects all parameters in the mode as well as the Input/Output variables. Does not affect System variables. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 35
Touch On/Off Onscreen Keyboard RF Input Connector for inputting an external signal. Make sure that the total power of all signals at the analyzer input does not exceed +30 dBm (1 watt). Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 36
The analyzer continues to draw power even when the line switch is in standby. The main power cord can be used as the system disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
For example, changing the Y-Axis scale of the analyzer does not cause the invalid data indicator to display, unless the attenuation changes. Also, the invalid data indicator is turned on: — When the counter is turned on, until the completion of the first count Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
If the tabs overfill the top bar, they scroll left and right using the arrows to the left and right of the tabs. You switch screens by touching the tabs. To view multiple screens, press the icon on the Bottom Bar. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Tap anywhere in the annotation box to access the drop-down panel that contains relevant parameters. The following graphic shows some of the drop-down menus and the parameters they contain. Indicates single/continuous measurement. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
The window title drop-down allows you to resize the windows in the multi-window format. When you tap in those areas, the drop-down control menus appear as shown in the following graphic. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Front and Rear Panel Features Display Features Menu Panel At the top of the menu panels are two icons: The Preset icon accesses the following control menu: The System icon accesses the following dialog: Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 42
The hardkey dropdown panel contains the measurement controls. These are the same as the hardkeys in the shaded area of the keypad: You can select functions using either the keypad or the drop-down menu. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Notice that the Frequency panel has a Settings tab on the right side. Other panels may have multiple tabs. The tabs access controls for the particular parameter noted on the tab. Bottom Bar The bottom bar contains several icons that access various controls. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
A trigger output used to synchronize other test equipment with the analyzer. Configurable from the Input/Output keys. TRIGGER 2 OUT A trigger output used to synchronize other test equipment with the analyzer. Configurable from the Input/Output keys. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 45
DVD drive, or hard drive. PCIe X4 Reserved for future use GPIB A General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB, IEEE 488.1) connection that can be used for remote analyzer operation. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
MSIP-REM-YYY-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use in electromagnetic environments outside of the home. To return unwanted products, contact your local Keysight office. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzer N8973B Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide Instrument Operating System This chapter describes the Microsoft Windows 10, configuration and the settings used with the Keysight instrument software. It includes information about changing some of the system settings. And it describes the Windows operating system configuration and the software installations that are present on the Disk Drive when the instrument leaves the factory.
If this does not correct the problem, you may have to use the Keysight Recovery system to reinstall the instrument's system software Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
For example, the level of security can be assigned as administrator, power user, standard user, backup operators. User names are not case sensitive but passwords are case sensitive. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
“F” in the second character and “P” in the third character of the option designator: Example: N9069EM0E-1FP A license key is instrument model and serial number dependent. You can only install the license key on the specific instrument for which it was created. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Do not delete or modify the "KeysightOnly" user account. Doing so may prevent Keysight from servicing the instrument. Add the Instrument to a network Install and configure a printer Set the time and date Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
— DPI setting (under “Set custom text size”) Do not change any settings under “Region and Language” or the instrument keyboard and display may not operate properly Do not delete or modify the "KeysightOnly" user account. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
If you wish to re-enable Autoplay/Autorun, you may use the Auto Play function in the Control Panel. However, be aware that if you do this you may be more subject to virus attack from portable media such as USB flash drives. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
That may require that you attach an external USB disk drive. An alternative is to connect the instrument to the LAN and download the driver from the printer manufacturer’s internet site. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
To map a network drive, click the Start icon ., System Tools, Computer. Select the Computer Tab, and select Map Network Drive from the drop down menu: Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 56
Instrument Operating System Configuring LAN When the Map Network Drive window appears, browse to the correct folder, and click Finish. In Windows 10 there is no visual indication that authentication is in progress. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
CPU usage intensive (impacting the instrument performance), and some Windows Updates automatically reboot the instrument. It is recommended that Windows Updates be performed when the instrument is not in normal use. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
There is no anti-spyware software installed on the instrument. This should not be a problem if you do not use the instrument for a lot of internet browsing. Having spyware in the instrument could have an impact on the instrument performance. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
System Restore to protect your instrument. System Restore has not been tested to verify successful restoring. Disk Defragmenting The instrument has a solid state drive. Disk defragmenting is not recommended. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
USB Host drivers that allow control of other instruments connected to the USB ports. Keysight Technologies does not support or warrant correct instrument operation if additional USB drivers from third parties are installed in the instrument. It is possible that additional drivers could break the normal USB operation.
An information window appears that informs you that 1. Press the instrument must shut down to complete the Backup/Restore Align Data... backup: "Press OK to force shut down and proceed. Press Cancel to exit." Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 62
3. Follow the on screen instructions to The default location is an backup the calibration data to the internal flash SD card, if USB drive and save the file. present, but you can choose another location. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
System in conjunction with a regular back up strategy should allow the customer to fully recover the instrument's software and data. Table 3-4 Recovery Process Step Notes 1. Make sure the instrument is turned off. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 64
C: drive. Enter — Press , then press to select the recovery. 4. A warning message appears. Enter — Press to start the recovery, which may take up to 25 minutes to complete. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 65
Additional recovery steps may be required to fully recover the system to a more current working state. This could involve restoring your own backups of the instrument information or re-installing applications, data and performing system customizations. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
If any pop up windows appear, click OK or Ignore to proceed. Yes, I 5. When the installation has finished, select want to restart my computer now Finish Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 67
Instrument Operating System Disk Drive Recovery Process Table 3-5 Installing the Software Step 6. After the instrument restarts, the newly installed version of the X-Series instrument software will run. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 68
Instrument Operating System Disk Drive Recovery Process Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzer N8973B Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide Using Windows Tools The capabilities described in this section are Microsoft Windows 10 features. The discussion provided here gives some guidelines for using the capabilities with the instrument. You need to refer to the Windows 10 help documentation for more information.
Moves to the right one word at a time Ctrl In dialog box: moves to the next/previous Tab location Ctrl Opens the Windows Start Menu Ctrl Delete Opens a window that enables you to select the Windows Task Manager Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
This section provides full details of how to set up the instrument for remote connectivity, and also how to set up a computer running any version of Microsoft Windows as a Remote Desktop Host. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
The procedure depends on whether the Remote Computer to be set up is running Windows 10, or another version of Microsoft Windows. Remote computer running Windows 10 Windows 10 includes the Remote Desktop Connectivity Client software, so no additional setup is required. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 73
Desktop Connection Next Follow the on screen instructions provided by 3. Click the Wizard. 4. To access the installed software, click Start All Programs Accessories > > Communications Remote > > Desktop Connection Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Locating the name from the Windows desktop (with a mouse): Step Notes Start Control Panel 1. Click System The Computer name is listed in the Computer 2. Double-click name, domain, and workgroup settings section. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
The instrument display appears on the screen of the remote computer. Because the instrument front-panel keys are not available when using the instrument remotely, three alternative methods are available to perform the functions of the front-panel keys. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 76
You may choose to enter the password and save it for 2. Under the tab, ensure Save my that the Computer name, User future sessions, by checking the password name and Domain name are set box. correctly. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 77
16 bits If you operate Remote Desktop with greater color depth (e.g., 32-bit) your windows may have a different appearance than they do on the instrument display because transparency becomes enabled. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 78
Experience To Optimize the performance of the Remote Desktop 5. Click the tab. session, choose the appropriate connection format from the drop-down list. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 79
2. When the remote desktop is full screen, move the cursor to the bottom left of the window: You are asked to confirm that you want to Start Disconnect — Click disconnect. Disconnect — Click Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
To gain access to the instrument from the LAN, you need to know its hostname (or IP Address). For details of how to locate this information using the instrument Display, see “How to locate the computer name of the instrument” on page 74 Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 81
Internet Explorer. In this example, the host name is “a-n8973b-00104”. When the connection is made, the welcome page appears. More Information This displays further settings and configuration 2. Click information. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Password Reset on the instrument front panel to change the password.) When the correct password has been entered, the Control Instrument web page appears. 2. You can now enter new settings as required. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
The image is captured as a Portable Network Graphics (PNG) file, to the default file name Screen.png. The image file can be saved to the client computer disk drive, or copied to the Windows clipboard. A typical screen capture image appears as follows: Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Microsoft Access. A typical Transfer Data web page display is shown below: Selecting the Save/Recall tab Selecting this tab enables you to save and recall data from the instrument. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Using Windows Tools Embedded Web Server: Using the X-Series Signal Analyzers Remotely Selecting the Docs/Links tab Selecting this tab enables access links to the instrument documentation and application software. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
In a dialog list box or check box: select or deselect one item at a time Arrow Enter In My Computer, expand a selected folder Bk Sp In My Computer, open a folder one level up from the current folder Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
If you are not using a mouse, press check box repeatedly until the auto-hide option is Select selected, then press to toggle the check box state. This applies the change and closes the 5. Click dialog box. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 88
Using Windows Tools Windows Shortcuts and Miscellaneous Tasks Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Keysight NFA X-Series Noise Figure Analyzer N8973B Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide Troubleshooting “Check the Basics” on page 90 “Problems with Microsoft Windows 10” on page 92 “Returning an Analyzer for Service” on page 93 No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified...
— To meet specifications, the analyzer must be aligned. Either the Auto Align (On) feature must be selected (press System, Alignments, Auto Align, and select Normal), or the analyzer must be manually aligned. — Perform an Alignment. Press System, Alignments, Align Now All. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 91
You can get automatic electronic notification of new software releases and other product updates/information by subscribing to the Keysight Technologies Test & Measurement E-Mail Notification Service for your signal analyzer at: http://www.keysight.com/find/MyKeysight Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
The X-Series Signal Analyzers operate in an open Windows environment, so you can install software on the instrument. However, installation of non-approved software may affect instrument performance. Keysight does not warrant the performance with non-approved software installed. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Returning an Analyzer for Service Calling Keysight Technologies Keysight Technologies has offices around the world to provide you with complete support for your analyzer. To obtain servicing information or to order replacement parts, contact the nearest Keysight Technologies office listed below.
Service Options Keysight Technologies offers several optional maintenance plans to service your analyzer after the warranty has expired. Call your Keysight Technologies office for full details. If you want to service the analyzer yourself after the warranty expires, you can download the service documentation that provides all necessary troubleshooting and maintenance information from the Keysight web page.
4. Seal the shipping container securely with strong nylon adhesive tape. 5. Mark the shipping container “FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE” to assure careful handling. 6. Retain copies of all shipping papers. Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 96
Troubleshooting Returning an Analyzer for Service Keysight NFA X-Series Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide...
Page 97
Web Control Tab, 83, 84, URL, sales and service, User Accounts location, operating remotely, using the instrument remotely, fixing the disk drive, operating system, using Windows without a mouse, front panel connectors and keys, NFA X-Series Getting Started Guide and troubleshooting Guide...
Page 98
Installing, Setting up, Screen Capture, Shortcut keys, taskbar auto-hide, Windows Remote Desktop, options, Options Dialog Experience Tab, General Tab, running, Setting up Remote Computer, setting up the N9020A, Setting up Windows Systems NFA X-Series Getting Started Guide and troubleshooting Guide...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the NFA X-Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers