Agilent Technologies N8201A User Manual Download Page 1

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Agilent Technologies

Agilent
N8201A Performance
Downconverter
Synthetic Instrument
Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz

User’s Guide

Edition, January 22, 2008

N8201-90006

Summary of Contents for N8201A

Page 1: ...Agilent Technologies Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz User s Guide Edition January 22 2008 N8201 90006 ...

Page 2: ...d under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license Restricted Rights Legend If software is for use in the performance of a U S Government prime contract or sub contract Software is delivered and licensed as Commercial computer soft ware as defined in DFAR 252 227 7014 June 1995 or as a commercial item as defined in FAR 2 101 a or as Restricted computer so...

Page 3: ...c instrument modules use LAN eXtension for Instrumentation LXI modular format LXI differs from other modular formats such as VXI and PXI by using an external computer and local area network LAN rather than embedded computers for control The LXI standard supports the IEEE 1588 time synchronization and protocol standard which allows synchronous triggering of different instruments even with different...

Page 4: ...4 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz ...

Page 5: ...e VM 19 Optional Step 10 Install the Apache HTTP Server 21 Optional Step 11 Install the SA Remote Web Server 24 2 Hardware Setup and Configuration Step 1 Unpack the N8201A Performance Downconverter 28 Verify the Shipment 28 Optional Prepare the Instrument for Rack Mounting 28 Step 2 Connect LAN Cables and Turn On Power 29 Optional Connect to a LAN with a Cross Over LAN Cable 31 Step 3 Verify Conne...

Page 6: ...Open the Connection 64 3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 67 Left Pane 68 Right Pane 68 Features of the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 69 File Menu 69 Help 70 Left Pane 71 Right Pane 72 Settings on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 74 Frequency 74 Frequency List 74 Level 76 Input RF 76 IF Output 76 Reference Oscillator 76 Preselector Opt...

Page 7: ...are 90 Configuring the Local Area Network LAN Interface 90 5 Preventive Maintenance Using Inspecting and Cleaning RF Connectors 92 Repeatability 92 RF Cable and Connector Care 92 Proper Connector Torque 93 Connector Wear and Damage 93 SMA Connector Precautions 93 Cleaning Procedure 94 General Procedures and Techniques 95 Connector Removal 96 Instrument Removal 98 Standard instrument 98 Half Rack W...

Page 8: ...tion 105 Environmental Conditions 106 Before Applying Power 106 Magnetic Susceptibility 107 Vibration 107 Ground the Instrument or System 107 Fuses and Circuit Breakers 108 Maintenance 108 Safety symbols and Instrument Markings 108 Service and Support 111 Agilent on the Web 111 Return Procedure 112 Shipping the Instrument 112 7 Glossary ...

Page 9: ...ilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface on page 15 Install the following only if the N8201A performance downconverter has Option H02 Optional Step 8 Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI on page 17 Install the following only if the N8201A performance downconverter has Option H02 Optional Steps 9 10 and 11 are available to support legacy installations and are not...

Page 10: ...owing software or instrument drivers are installed on the PC to be used uninstall them and install the software and instrument drivers shipped on the CD described above Step 1 Microsoft NET 1 1 Step 2 Agilent I O Libraries Step 3 IVI Shared Components Step 4 Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder Step 5 Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Step 6 IVI COM Drivers for N8201A with Option H02 and without Opt...

Page 11: ...sion 1 1 1 Select Microsoft Version 1 1 2 Click the check box Do not show this message again so that the check box is selected This will stop the message from displaying each time a selection is made from the Software and Driver Installation menu 3 Click Open 4 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 5 Click Finish ...

Page 12: ...e Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation Step 2 Install the Agilent I O Libraries 1 Select Agilent I O Libraries 2 Follow the instructions and accept the default settings 3 Click Finish ...

Page 13: ...ynthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 9 Step 3 Install the IVI Shared Components 1 Select IVI Shared Components 2 Run the IviCleanupUtility before running the IviSharedComponents or a network access error may occur during installation of the IviSharedComponents ...

Page 14: ...10 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation 3 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 4 Click Finish ...

Page 15: ...ce Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 11 Step 4 Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder 1 Select Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder 2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 3 Click Close ...

Page 16: ...Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation Step 5 Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 1 Select Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings Click Close ...

Page 17: ... drivers available for the N8201A performance downconverter If the N8201A performance downconverter is equipped with Option H02 a different IVI COM driver is available that enables functionality similar to a PSA spectrum analyzer If the N8201A performance downconverter is not equipped with Option H02 only downconverter functions are available 1 Select one of the IVI COM Drivers ...

Page 18: ...installation instructions and accept the default settings You should see the above dialog when the installation is complete for IVI COM that supports Option H02 and the below dialog when the installation is complete for IVI COM that supports N8201A performance downconverters that are not equipped with Option H02 3 Click Finish ...

Page 19: ...thetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 15 Step 7 Install the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface 1 Select Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface 2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 3 Click Close ...

Page 20: ...er To use this optional interface you must perform Optional Step 9 Install the Microsoft Virtual Machine VM on page 19 Optional Step 10 Install the Apache HTTP Server on page 21 and Optional Step 11 Install the SA Remote Web Server on page 24 this interface can be installed along with the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI but only one interface can be used at any given time If Option...

Page 21: ...Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 17 Optional Step 8 Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI 1 Select Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI NOTE Before performing this optional installation step read about Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers on page 16 ...

Page 22: ...18 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation 2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 3 Click Close ...

Page 23: ...z 19 Optional Step 9 Install the Microsoft Virtual Machine VM 1 Select Microsoft Virtual Machine VM 2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 3 Click OK NOTE Before performing this optional installation step read about Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers on page 16 ...

Page 24: ...rmance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation 4 Click No on the Microsoft VM dialog box This step will be completed later in the process after the SA Remote Web Server is installed ...

Page 25: ...verter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 21 Optional Step 10 Install the Apache HTTP Server 1 Select Apache HTTP Server NOTE Before performing this optional installation step read about Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers on page 16 ...

Page 26: ...gilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation 2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings 3 Click Next 4 Click Next ...

Page 27: ...Software Installation 1 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 23 5 Click Finish ...

Page 28: ...ment Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation Optional Step 11 Install the SA Remote Web Server 1 Select SA Remote Web Server NOTE Before performing this optional installation step read about Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers on page 16 ...

Page 29: ...on the Configure dialog box This step will be completed later in the process after restarting the computer 5 Close the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Software and Driver Installation menu driver_installation_list pdf dialog box 6 Click Exit CD ROM The software and driver installation is complete 7 Restart the computer and continue to Hardware Setup and Configuration on page 27 NOTE Resta...

Page 30: ...26 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 1 Software Installation ...

Page 31: ...hooting on page 50 Alternative Ways to Verify Connectivity to the PC on page 50 How to Reset the LAN Configuration on page 55 How to Set a Static IP Address on page 56 How to Troubleshoot Connectivity Problems on the Network on page 60 How to Determine a PCs Configuration Settings on page 60 If the Instrument was Unable to Join the LAN on page 62 If the LAN LED is Red on page 62 If the Instrument ...

Page 32: ...reside in a compact system that is both modular and transportable With instruments adjacent to each other handles could not be installed on the respective instruments Exercise caution when lifting and carrying the instrument to avoid personal injury At 25 9 kilograms 57 pounds shipping weight and 19 kilograms 42 pounds net weight it is recommended that two people be utilized for instrument lifting...

Page 33: ...f you need to know what the IP address is it can be determined using the Synthetic Instrument Finder Refer to Step 3 Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder on page 32 If DHCP is not present but the instrument is set to use DHCP the default the instrument waits two minutes for its DHCP request to time out When the N8201A performance downconverter is used in this situation there is a tim...

Page 34: ...N cable from the LAN connector on the rear panel of the N8201A performance downconverter to an empty connector on your internal local area network or LAN hub 3 Turn on power to the PC 4 Turn on power to the N8201A performance downconverter and wait until the LAN LED turns solid green or until you hear an attenuator click from within the N8201A performance downconverter this can take up to four min...

Page 35: ...N hub you can connect directly to your PC 1 Connect a cross over LAN cable from the LAN connector on your PC to the LAN connector on the rear panel of the N8201A performance downconverter 2 Turn on power to the PC 3 Turn on power to the N8201A performance downconverter and wait until the LAN LED turns solid green or until you hear an attenuator click from within the N8201A performance downconverte...

Page 36: ...ic Instrument Finder that enables connection between a PC and instruments that are connected on a LAN Local Area Network 1 From the Windows Desktop click Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Synthetic Instrument Finder The Synthetic Instrument Finder should appear and look similar to the following 2 Select an instrument from the left hand pane of the Synthetic Instrument Finder and right click on a...

Page 37: ...open or you experience an error refer to Troubleshooting on page 50 If this Web page opens you have verified connectivity and can continue on to one of the following With Option H02 not installed refer to Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI on page 65 With Option H02 installed refer to Optional Step 4 Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI on page 34 With Option H02 ...

Page 38: ... have performed Optional Step 8 Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI on page 17 this interface can be installed along with the SA Web Remote Server but only one interface can be used at any given time For further software installation information refer to Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers on page 16 The N8201A performance downconverter can be manually contr...

Page 39: ... used as part of the VISA Address connection string refer to the Default IP Address that is displayed when verifying connection with the Synthetic Instrument Finder Refer to Step 3 Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder on page 32 The Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI controls the N8201A performance downconverter that is equipped with Option H02 and simulates the function...

Page 40: ... Option H02 you must have installed the Microsoft Virtual Machine VM the Apache HTTP Server and the SA Remote Web Server software this interface can be installed along with the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI but only one interface can be used at any given time For further software installation information refer to Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers on page 16 The ...

Page 41: ...810 or Remote IO Server 4 Click Add 5 Enter the N8201A performance downconverter s IP address If you do not know the IP address use the Synthetic Instrument Finder a From the Windows Desktop select Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Synthetic Instrument Finder b Select an instrument from the list of instruments shown to see its IP address IP Address ...

Page 42: ...log box should look similar to the following 6 Select IP address and enter the IP Address of the N8201A performance downconverter in the Remote GPIB Interface dialog box 7 Enter gpib7 for the Interface Name on Remote Host 8 Click Test connection If the connection was successful text stating The interface was successfully opened should appear 9 Click OK ...

Page 43: ...art All Programs Agilent Web Remote SA Configure and a Configure dialog box similar to the following should appear 11 Click Continue and a dialog box similar to the following should appear 12 Click Yes on the Instrument Information dialog box 13 Click OK 14 From the Windows Desktop select Start Run 15 Enter CMD in the Run dialog box to select the Command Window ...

Page 44: ..._ __ __ This IP address is needed in the following steps If you are attempting to access the web server from another machine you need to make sure to use the hostname or IP Address of the adapter that is on the same network as the machine you are using In regards to the example above if you are trying to access the webpage from a machine on the network that is connected to the adapter with the 169...

Page 45: ...ktop select Start All Programs Agilent Web Remote SA Start Server to start the Spectrum Analyzer Instrument Server 19 From the Windows Desktop select Microsoft s Internet Explorer 20 Insert your PC s IP address from the command window above Use the following syntax http 141 121 83 141 index html and a display similar to the following should appear ...

Page 46: ... to 26 5 GHz 2 Hardware Setup and Configuration 21 Select Web Control SA on the left of the web page If one of the following dialog boxes appears click Run or Install and accept the installation If the following display appears the SA Remote Web Server configuration is complete ...

Page 47: ...oes not exceed 30 dBm 1 watt NOTE The N8201A performance downconverter can be controlled with either the SA Remote Web Server or the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI but only one interface can be used at any given time If Option H02 is not installed the N8201A performance downconverter can be manually controlled using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI If Option H02 is installed you can use eith...

Page 48: ...p and Configuration Perform the following procedure to run a self test 1 Close SA Remote Web Server 2 From the Windows Desktop select Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3 Click the listed downconverter in the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Recent Connections dialog box ...

Page 49: ...Hardware Setup and Configuration 2 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 45 4 The following dialog box should appear ...

Page 50: ...ion Measurement Procedure 5 Tune the Spectrum Analyzer to the following Frequency 7 5 MHz Amplitude 10 dBm Span 100 kHz 6 Tune the downconverter to the following Level Attenuator 20 dBm RF Enabled Enabled Input RF Signal Source 50 MHz Cal Frequency 50 MHz 7 Verify that a 7 5 MHz signal is present on the spectrum analyzer ...

Page 51: ...e high band 3 GHz Performing a Self Test Downconverter to Spectrum Analyzer Connections Downconverter 7 5 MHz Out Spectrum Analyzer RF Input Downconverter to Source Connections Downconverter RF Input Source RF Output Perform the following procedure to run a self test 1 From the Windows Desktop select Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI CAUTION Make sure that the to...

Page 52: ...nverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 2 Hardware Setup and Configuration 2 Click the downconverter in the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI dialog box listed under Recent Connections 3 The following dialog box should appear ...

Page 53: ...une the Spectrum Analyzer to the following Frequency 7 5 MHz Amplitude 10 dBm Span 100 kHz 5 Tune the downconverter to the following Center Frequency 3 5 GHz Attenuator 20 dBm RF Enabled Enabled Source Internal 6 Tune the Source to the following Frequency 3 5 GHz Amplitude 0 dBm RF On Verify that a 7 5 MHz signal is present on the spectrum analyzer ...

Page 54: ...rformance downconverter s rear panel is green or blinking green This indicates a good connection If the LED is off there is a problem with your LAN connection Verify that the LAN LED on the N8201A performance downconverter s front panel next to the LAN port is solid green If the LED turns red this indicates a problem with your LAN connection This takes approximately 60 seconds Ping the N8201A perf...

Page 55: ...strument Finder that enables connection between a PC and instruments that are connected on a LAN Local Area Network 1 From the Windows Desktop click Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Synthetic Instrument Finder The Synthetic Instrument Finder should appear and look similar to the following 2 Select an instrument from left hand pane of the Synthetic Instrument Finder and right click on an instrum...

Page 56: ...f Once the Turn On Ident LED button is pressed the button name changes to Turn Off Ident LED Refresh List Updates the device s list Continuous Refresh Updates the device s list every one minute Add Device Manually Allows you to add a device for connection Use this feature only if your instrument does not appear in the Devices list a Click Add Device Manually The Devices area will display a new lis...

Page 57: ...unctions In the left pane right click on the N8201A performance downconverter and the following menu should appear Interactive IO Opens the Agilent Interactive IO application which allows SCPI commands to be sent to the instrument The Interactive IO option is only available if the Agilent Connection Expert has been installed on the PC ...

Page 58: ... page By double clicking on the Device listing in the Synthetic Instrument Finder By typing in the device s hostname or IP address in your Internet browser Open using Synthetic GUI Opens the Synthetic Instrument GUI Copy VISA Address to Clipboard IP Address Copies the VISA IP address to the clipboard for use in other applications Copy VISA Address to Clipboard Hostname Copies the VISA hostname to ...

Page 59: ...IP address refer to the instrument label The instrument hostname is set to A N82XXA NNNNN where N82XXA is the instrument model number such as N8201A and NNNNN represents the last five digits of the instrument serial number If the instrument is in an environment with a DHCP server it is assigned an IP address through DHCP The IP address can be found by using the instrument hostname as the URL in a ...

Page 60: ...ur computer F 2 Connect the N8201A performance downconverter in one of the following two configurations Connect a LAN cable from the LAN connector on your PC to an empty connector on your internal local area network or LAN hub Connect a LAN cable from the LAN connector on the rear panel of the N8201A performance downconverter to an empty connector on your internal local area network or LAN hub Fig...

Page 61: ...r to the N8201A performance downconverter and wait until the LAN LED turns solid green this takes about 60 seconds 5 From the Windows Desktop click Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Synthetic Instrument Finder The following Synthetic Instrument Finder dialog box should appear 6 Select the N8201A performance downconverter listed in the Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder dialog box to access the ...

Page 62: ...Web page The following dialog box should appear 8 Click Modify Configuration to access the Password dialog 9 Click Submit accept the default password and the following dialog box should appear The default password is set to agilent Tip You can change the password from the View Modify LAN Connections Scroll down the Parameter column until you locate the Change Password parameter ...

Page 63: ...ff Change the IP address Subnet Mask and Default Gateway values to meet your network requirements 11 Click Save to save the new settings Parameters marked with an asterisk also require that you click Renew LAN settings before changes take effect NOTE For the new settings to become effective you may first cycle the power of the instrument and then cycle the power of the PC ...

Page 64: ...ss This default IP address is 192 168 EE FF where EE and FF are the last two parts of the Media Access Control MAC address AA BB CC DD EE FF How to Determine a PCs Configuration Settings From a DOS Window 1 From the Windows Desktop click Start Run 2 At the Open prompt type CMD and press Enter to open a DOS window 3 At the command prompt type ipconfig all to display the PCs network connection detai...

Page 65: ...and Configuration 2 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 61 Default Gateway DHCP Server Address Lease Obtained Lease Expired Primary WINS Servers Secondary WINS Servers ...

Page 66: ...the instrument is connected with a cross over cable If connecting the instrument to a switch or hub verify that the instrument is connected with a standard LAN cable The device s LAN port is not active Connect the instrument to a known working LAN port The device is configured to use DHCP but no DHCP server is available Disable DHCP Refer to How to Set a Static IP Address on page 56 Connect the de...

Page 67: ...54 x x IP address and your PC is not using Auto IP That is PC does not have a 169 254 x x IP address Disable Auto IP on the instrument Configure your PC to use Auto IP Possible Causes Possible Solutions The instrument was unable to join the LAN See If the Instrument was Unable to Join the LAN on page 62 The instrument and PC are on different switches hubs and different subnets Put the instrument o...

Page 68: ... page 62 You are attempting to use the device s hostname and the hostname is not working See If the Instrument s Hostname and PC Cannot Communicate on page 63 Your browser is configured to use a proxy and the proxy does not allow communication with instruments on the LAN Disable or reconfigure the proxy settings Open Internet Explorer and select Tools Internet Options Connections LAN Settings Poss...

Page 69: ...nologies 3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI on page 67 Features of the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI on page 69 Settings on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI on page 74 ...

Page 70: ...se either the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI the SA Remote Web Server or the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI For information on using these different interfaces refer to Optional Step 4 Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI on page 34 Optional Step 5 Connect to an SA Remote Web Server on page 36 or Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI on page 67 ...

Page 71: ...ument GUI This section describes how to access and use the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 1 From the Windows Desktop click Start All Programs Agilent SI Tools Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 2 Click Connection Manager lower left corner on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI dialog box 3 Click Find Instruments lower left corner on the Connect to Instrument dialog box ...

Page 72: ...nconverter has successfully connected using a LAN connection Left Pane The lower portion of the left pane displays the settings available for adjustment on the N8201A performance downconverter Click a function button to activate that function and the related functions are displayed in the Properties area For example Center Frequency is the active function and all settings associated with Center Fr...

Page 73: ...ons for instrument connection save and recall settings and exiting the application Theses tasks are also available by clicking the icons on the tool bar Figure 3 File sub menu Connect Accesses the Connect to Instrument dialog box which is used to connect to an instrument on the LAN hub Figure 4 Connect to Instrument Window Reconnect Re establishes the connection to the instrument if the instrument...

Page 74: ...strument GUI Load Settings Accesses the Load Instrument Properties dialog box where you can recall user definable instrument settings Save Settings Accesses the Save Instrument Properties dialog box where you can save instrument settings for use at a later time Exit Closes the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI application Help The Help menu displays the current versions of the GUI and drivers Figur...

Page 75: ...essages Figure 6 Error Log Connection Manager Accesses the Connect to Instrument dialog box Table 1 Controls available from the Connect to Instrument Dialog Box Saved Connections Accesses user defined connections Recent Connections Displays a list of instruments that have recently been controlled by the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Connection Expert Accesses Agilent Connections Expert Find Ins...

Page 76: ...ions that are most commonly used for a measurement These functions are also accessible from the left pane Changing one of these parameters changes the setting in the left pane as well The lower portion of the right pane can have the following tabs Dynamic Help Instrument Information and Event Log Dynamic Help Provides information about the function currently selected in the left pane Figure 7 Dyna...

Page 77: ...to 26 5 GHz 73 Instrument Information Provides information about your N8201A performance downconverter such as the serial number IP address software revision used and so on Figure 8 Instrument Information Page Event Log When enabled in the Events parameters area displays the event log history Figure 9 Event Log History ...

Page 78: ...t frequency stop frequency and all other absolute frequency settings Limits are 500 THz to 500 THz Frequency List Sets up a list of frequencies for the instrument to step through The list begins with Start Frequency and adds the Step Frequency until the Stop Frequency is reached The next trigger causes the list to be repeated Disabled Prevents a frequency step sequence from being initiated Start S...

Page 79: ...solute mode the alarm will begin firing at the time of day specified in Absolute Alarm Time In relative mode the alarm will begin firing at a time relative to when the alarm is set up Relative Alarm Time Defines the number of seconds after pressing Execute Trigger that the first alarm will occur Absolute Alarm Time Defines the time that the first alarm will occur Alarm Period Defines the time betw...

Page 80: ...er AC or DC IF Output Accesses the functions to set the IF Bandwidth and IF Frequency Reference Oscillator Allows you to use either the internal or an external reference oscillator for making measurements Reference Output Switches the 10 MHz out signal on the front panel of the N8201A performance downconverter On and Off Reference Input Source Specifies whether to use an External or Internal sourc...

Page 81: ...lues Enabled Disabled Peak Performs a peak search Enabled Can run if Center Frequency is greater than 3 045000000 GHz Instrument Functions A L External Mixer Selects either the internal mixer or an external mm wave mixer When Internal mixing is selected normal operation and all other external mixing functions are unavailable When External mixing is selected you can analyze high frequency signals t...

Page 82: ...tly underway perform the full alignment and then return to the current system settings that were in place before the calibration began A calibration nominally takes 35 seconds to perform The N8201A downconverter will meet its specifications when It is stored a minimum of two hours within the operating temperature range and turned on for at least 30 minutes followed by a calibration When a calibrat...

Page 83: ...ostname or All The function is only visible if Settling Channel is a LAN channel and can be set if the Settling mode is not Disabled Settling Slope Determines whether an event will occur on positive or negative edges Possible values are Positive or Negative Execute Settling Event Starts a settling event after all of the parameters are define Event Logging When enabled a history of all instrument e...

Page 84: ...converter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Preset Sets the instrument to a known state and clears any current settings Refresh All Values Re reads the settings from the instrument ...

Page 85: ...rostatic discharge ESD can damage the highly sensitive components in your instrument ESD damage is most likely to occur as the instrument is being installed or when cables are connected and disconnected Protect the circuits from ESD damage by wearing a grounding strap that provides a high resistance path to ground Alternately ground yourself to discharge any static charge built up by touching the ...

Page 86: ...r front panel features RF INPUT The input for an external 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz RF signal If AC Coupled the range is 20 MHz to 26 5 GHz Power The front panel power switch is a standby switch only it is not a LINE switch power disconnecting device When in Standby the LED is amber When ON the LED is green Option V7L Option 219 CAUTION The total power of all signals at the downconverter input must not exc...

Page 87: ...ED is off when the switch is in the on position LAN LED The LAN LED indicator works in the following states State Power Status Illumination OFF No power connected to rear panel None Standby Standby power This is not a LINE switch or power disconnecting device Solid amber ON Power is on Solid green State of the LAN LAN Status Illumination ON Normal operation Solid green ON Device identity Blinking ...

Page 88: ...gnal 3 6 GHz to the downconverters internal LO distribution circuitry 3 6 GHz 2nd LO Out Provides the 2nd LO output signal 3 6 GHz at 3 dBm as a coherent carrier reference for phase locking two receivers State of the Clock Clock Status Illumination OFF Not synchronized None ON Synchronized clock is IEEE 1588 Slave Solid green ON Synchronized clock is IEEE 1588 Master Blinking green once every seco...

Page 89: ...on Conversion gain varies nominally 3 dB as a function of tune frequency The conversion gain drops at higher frequencies 21 4 MHz The 21 4 MHz IF output signal is present Conversion gain is nominally 10 dB with 0 dB input attenuation The conversion gain drops at higher frequencies 7 5 MHz The 7 5 MHz IF output signal is present The 7 5 MHz output signal is at nominally at 13 dBm TRIGGERS These SMB...

Page 90: ...e Impedance of 50 ohm nominal Video Out Connector SMB male Impedance of 50 ohm nominal Maximum input power 10 dBm NOISE SOURCE 28 V PULSED Option 219 Connector BNC female Output voltage On 28 0 0 1 V 60 mA maximum Off 1 V VGA OUT Connector VGA compatible 15 pin mini D SUB Format VGA 31 5 kHz horizontal 60 Hz vertical sync rates non interlaced Analog RGB Resolution 640 x 480 ...

Page 91: ...r panel features AC Power Receptacle The AC voltage is connected here The power cord receptacle accepts a three pronged power cable that is shipped with the N8201A performance downconverter The voltage range is 100 120 220 240 volts with a frequency range of 50 to 60 Hz and is automatically selected by the power supply LAN This LAN interface allows ethernet local area network communication through...

Page 92: ...f the channels USB This is not a functional connector DB 9 TEST This connector is for factory testing only NOTE For more information about the LXI Trigger Bus and LAN triggering refer to the following LXI Consortium white papers on your Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Documentation CD White_Paper_1_The_Appliaction_of_IEEE_1588_to_Test_and_Measurement_System White_Paper_2_LXI_Triggering Wh...

Page 93: ...30 MHz In 10 MHz Out 300 MHz 1 2 3 21 4 MHz 7 5 MHz Pre S el Out IF In REFERENCES In Out TRIGGERS IF OUTPUTS 3 6 GHz 2nd LO Out 3 7 GHz 1st LO Out 3 6 GHz 2nd LO In 3 7 GHz 1st LO In COHERENT CARRIERS 1st LO Out EX T MIX ER EX T MIX ER RF INPUT 50 0 V DC 30 dBm Max Pow er N8201A Performance Dow nconverter 3 Hz 26 5 GHz IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IF INPUT 30 MHz EX T CLOCK 10 MHz REF TRIGGER RES ET S TAT...

Page 94: ...CP IP protocol Agilent 89601A Vector Signal Analysis Software The Agilent Technologies 89601A vector signal analysis VSA software is the virtual instrument interface for the N8221A IF digitizer N8201A performance downconverter and offers a wide range of troubleshooting tools for analyzing signals Configuring the Local Area Network LAN Interface You must ensure that the IP addresses for your comput...

Page 95: ...rocedures and Techniques on page 95 Instrument Removal on page 98 Instrument Installation on page 100 This chapter provides preventative maintenance information which should be reviewed prior to working with the Agilent system This information applies to all Agilent supplied instruments in the system and the system as a whole ...

Page 96: ...nector Care Connectors are the most critical link in a precision measurement system These devices are manufactured to extremely precise tolerances and must be used and maintained with care to protect the measurement accuracy and repeatability of your system To extend the life of your cables or connectors Avoid repeated bending of cables a single sharp bend can ruin a cable instantly Avoid repeated...

Page 97: ...tor Wear and Damage Look for metal particles from the connector threads and other signs of wear such as discoloration or roughness Visible wear can affect measurement accuracy and repeatability Discard or repair any device with a damaged connector A bad connector can ruin a good connector on the first mating A magnifying glass or jeweler s loupe is useful during inspection SMA Connector Precaution...

Page 98: ...ssive alcohol entering the connector collects in pockets in the connector s internal parts The liquid will cause random changes in the connector s electrical performance If excessive alcohol gets into a connector lay it aside to allow the alcohol to evaporate This may take up to three days If you attach that connector to another device it can take much longer for trapped alcohol to evaporate Table...

Page 99: ...is section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in the system Read this section before attempting to remove or install an instrument Each connector type may have unique considerations Always use care when working with system cables and instruments Figure 13 GPIB 3 5 mm Type N power sensor and BNC connectors GPIB Type Connector ...

Page 100: ...connect using an 8 inch lb torque wrench Agilent part number 8720 1765 Semirigid cables are metal tubes custom formed for this system from semirigid coax cable stock 3 5 mm connectors with a gold hex nut The semirigid cables that go to the RF outputs of some devices have a gold connector nut These do not turn Instead the RF connector on the instrument has a cylindrical connector body that turns To...

Page 101: ...tighten with an 8 inch lb torque wrench part number 8720 1765 Bent Semirigid Cables Semirigid cables are not intended to be bent outside of the factory An accidental bend that is slight or gradual may be straightened carefully by hand Semirigid cables that are crimped will affect system performance and must be replaced Do not attempt to straighten a crimped semirigid cable ...

Page 102: ...nistrator Shut down all running software Shut down the computer 2 Read General Procedures and Techniques then disconnect all cables on the front and on the rear panel Most cables are fairly easy to remove and reconnect and have no special considerations besides making sure you put the cables back in the right place Semirigid cables require more care especially when reconnecting them Make sure all ...

Page 103: ...r attach with screws The lock links at the front hook together 4 Remove the power cord and other cables from the front and rear of both instruments Note the location of cables for re installation 5 Remove the four corner screws on the front of the rack panel that secures the instruments in place The screws are located near the corners of the face of the instrument Use a 2 Phillips screwdriver 6 Sl...

Page 104: ...e rack 2 Insert the screws in the rack ears Most cables are fairly easy to remove and reconnect and have no special considerations besides making sure you put the cables back in the right place Semirigid cables require more care especially when reconnecting them Make sure all semirigid cables on the front and back of an instrument are fully disconnected before removing the unit 3 To reconnect the ...

Page 105: ... the correct depth 3 Replace the rack panel in front of the instruments and secure the four corner screws The screws are located near the corners of the face of the instrument Use a 2 Phillips screwdriver 4 Confirm that the instrument is turned off 5 Connect the appropriate cables to the instruments front and rear including the power cords 6 Power on the system To install an instrument in a bench ...

Page 106: ...102 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz 5 Preventive Maintenance ...

Page 107: ...ormation that should be reviewed prior to working with the Agilent system The information contained in this chapter applies to all Agilent supplied instruments in the system and the system as a whole It also contains information on servicing and obtaining support for an Agilent system or instrument including procedures for removing an instrument from a system returning it to Agilent and reinstalli...

Page 108: ...cautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design manufacture and intended use of this instrument or system Agilent Technologies Inc assumes no liability for the customer s failure to comply with these requirements General This product has been designed and tested in accordance with the standards listed on the Manufacturer s Declaration of Conformity a...

Page 109: ...operator may be used as a disconnecting device Acoustic Noise Emission Geraeuschemission LpA 70 dB Operator position Normal position per ISO 7779 LpA 70 dB am Arbeitsplatz normaler Betrieb nach DIN 45635 t 19 WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 Product provided with a protective earthing ground incorporated in the power cord The mains plug shall be inserted only in a socket outlet provided with a pro...

Page 110: ... degree 2 environment per IEC 61010 second edition and 664 respectively This instrument or system is designed to operate at altitudes up to 4600 meters and at temperatures between 0 C and 55 C CAUTION Ventilation Requirements When installing the product in a cabinet the convection into and out of the product must not be restricted The ambient temperature outside the cabinet must be less than the m...

Page 111: ...uency range WARNING To minimize shock hazard the instrument chassis and cover must be connected to an electrical protective earth ground The instrument and or system must be connected to the AC power mains through a grounded power cable with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground safety ground at the power outlet Any interruption of the protective grounding conductor or disconnec...

Page 112: ...ou may find in a manual or on an instrument CAUTION The detachable power cord is the disconnecting device It disconnects the mains circuit from the mains supply before other parts of the instrument or system The instrument front panel switch is only a standby switch and is not a line switch WARNING Use only fuses with the required rated current voltage and specified type normal blow time delay Do ...

Page 113: ...under the terms of the Radio Communications Act of 1992 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 200 96 EC Do not throw batteries away but collect as small chemical waste ISM 1 A This text indi...

Page 114: ...ed equipment Standby supply units with this symbol are not completely disconnected from AC mains when this switch is in the standby position To completely disconnect the unit from AC mains either disconnect the power cord or have a qualified licensed electrician install an external switch OFF supply a switch with this symbol opens the instrument s power supply circuit disconnecting it with the mai...

Page 115: ...duct support and equipment repair and service on the Web http www agilent com Click on Technical Support WARNING There are no user serviceable parts inside the system Any servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only To avoid electrical shock do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so WARNING The opening of covers or removal of parts is likely to expose dangero...

Page 116: ... to 4 inches of its original packing material or bubble pack to prevent the instrument from moving in its shipping container 3 After wrapping it with packing material place the instrument in its original shipping container or a strong shipping container that is made of double walled corrugated cardboard with 159 kg 350 lb bursting strength The shipping container must be large and strong enough to ...

Page 117: ...uration Protocol In order to avoid IP address conflicts and to simplify the process of connecting devices to a network larger networks will sometimes use DHCP to assign IP addresses to devices When a device is configured to use DHCP it attempts to communicate with the DHCP server when it is powered on If it is able to communicate with the server it asks the server for the correct network settings ...

Page 118: ...Internet Protocol Address An IP address is a unique number assigned to a device which is used to send or receive data to and from other devices The most common IP addresses are IP Version 4 These addresses are usually written as four numbers from 1 to 255 separated by periods For example 192 168 1 1 and 169 254 12 34 and 141 121 84 241 are all IP addresses A device s IP address can be assigned to ...

Page 119: ...the same IP address every time that it is turned on Using a static IP address can be useful if you always want to communicate with an instrument using the same address every time it is turned on However using a static IP address can lead to IP address conflicts if two instruments are given the same static IP address Subnet Subnetwork A subnet is a group of devices which is a subset of a larger gro...

Page 120: ... both numbers had 1s and 0s everywhere else For example if a device has an IP address of 192 168 12 34 and the subnet mask 255 255 255 0 then The device is on the subnet with the 192 168 12 0 address A device with the IP address 192 168 12 100 is on the same subnet as the device with the IP address 192 168 12 34 the 192 168 12 0 subnet but a device with an IP address of 192 168 100 34 is on a diff...

Page 121: ...ent 55 I IEEE 1588 precision time protocol PTP 3 IEEE 1588 time synchronization and protocol standard 3 inspecting connectors for wear 93 installing an instrument 94 instrument replacing 101 instrument hostname 55 instrument label 55 instruments how to remove and install 94 L LAN eXtension for Instrumentation LXI 3 LAN hub 56 M MAC address 55 making proper connections 93 O Option H02 is required 3...

Page 122: ...Index 2 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26 5 GHz ...

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