Agilent 8920A Specifications Sheet

HP
8920A RF Communications Test Set
Cut through problems faster!
The HP 8920A RF communi­cations test set was designed to solve your radio testing
and troubleshooting prob­lems faster.
Overview
small, portable package. It provides technicians with the functionality needed to test and maintain a wider variety of communication systems. The HP 8920A's full feature set
increases technician effi­ciency by simplifying standard
measurement tasks and provid­ing more needed capability in one box.
HP 8920A standard features summary:
• Synthesized AM/FM signal generator
• Electronic solid state attenuator
• AM/FM modulation analyzer
• Duplex offset generator
• SSB demodulator
• RF power meter
• RF frequency counter, frequency error meter
• Audio frequency counter
• AF power meter
• ac voltmeter
• dc voltmeter
• Distortion meter
• SINAD meter
• Two variable audio sources
• Digital oscilloscope
• Built-in IBASIC computer
HP 8920A optional features summary:
• Spectrum analyzer
• Tracking generator
• Adjacent channel power test
• Signaling encoder/decoder
• Cellular phone test capability
• Trunked radio testing
• Lower residual FM
• Function generator
• dc current meter
• IEEE 488.2/RS-232 interface busses
• Parallel printer
• Battery pack for portable operation
• Radio control interface
• Radio test programs
• System support programs
UPDATE!
• Cable fault location
• Field strength
• Intermodulation
calculation
• Frequency scanning
• Save/recall automation
• Low-power measurements for cordless and cellular phones
• Variable frequency notch filter
• High-power input option to 100 watts continuous
New Electronic Attenuator Increases Reliability!
HP 8920A front panel features
Single key transmitter, receiver and duplex radio testing with autotuning
Autoprint of all measurements when an external printer is added to the HP 8920A
Save/recall registers save entire instrument setups
High-power input for transmitter testing
All measurements and settings displayed on CRT
HP 8920A rear panel features
2
mV sensitivity for
over-the-air signal monitoring
Quick and simple instrument control with cursor-control knob
GPIB/RS-232 and parallel interfaces are available as Option 103 on HP 8920A.
Memory card slot for loading IBASIC programs
2
Radio testing made easier
Duplex test
The duplex test mode provides
full-range offset capability. The
RF generator and receiver are fully independent and allow selectable offsets from 250 kHz to 1 GHz and amplitudes from +5 to –127 dBm. This can be used for duplex radio systems with fixed RX/TX offsets, or other applications like crossband repeater testing. RX and TX measurements can be displayed simultaneously in the duplex mode.
Signaling encoder and decoder
The optional signaling encoder and decoder (Option 004) supports com­mon formats including tone sequen­tial, digital paging, DTMF, trunking and cellular signaling. Common standards are included, and are easily modified for different user formats. The decoder will display the tone, DTMF, or digital sequence transmit­ted, and the durations of the tones or tone pairs. For testing digital paging transmitters, the decoder will dis­play the address/code, message, and the transmission rate. New capa­bilities include the ability to decode paging messages "off-the-air" and capturing up to 65 seconds of "batch" transmissions.
Single-key radio characterization
Single keystroke transmitter and receiver testing simplifies radio test. For transmitter testing, the HP 8920A autotunes to the trans- mitter signal and automatically displays RF frequency, power, and modulation information. For re­ceiver testing, audio quality (including SINAD/distortion) and level information are displayed simultaneously. All settings and measurements are easily accessed and changed using the front-panel knob, and all settings can be saved in Save/Recall registers.
Analog meters
All measurements can also be dis­played in analog bar-graph meters. Meters can be set up for absolute or relative measurements. Additional meter functions include reference set, settable endpoints, linear or logarith­mic scale, and settable high and low limits with on-screen and audible rep­resentation of out-of-limit.
3
A variety of radio test applications
Trunked radio test
Software for manual and automated tests of trunked mobile radios and repeaters is available for LTR and Enhanced Digital Access Communi­cations System (EDACS) formats, plus MPT 1327 systems. Use the Manual mode to perform quick functional checks and to verify system programming. For full characterization, run a suite of tests on multiple channels. Printouts of radio test results can be generated to show radio performance and pro­gramming information.
High-power option for the HP 8920A to 100 watts
Option 016 is a special option for the HP 8920A to support high-power transmitter measure­ment applications.
Cellular radio test
The HP 8920A automatically tests cellular phones when combined with the HP 11807A software for cellular test. Cellular formats supported include AMPS/NAMPS, TACS/ETACS, NMT 450, NMT 900, and JTACS/NTACS. Using the HP 11807A test software, cellular test setups are simple, and a wide variety of testing is supported including go/no go testing, full parametric testing, and phone troubleshooting.
For cellular radio testing, power measurements on the standard HP 8920A are calibrated over the range of 1 mW to 60 W continuous, with a measurement accuracy of +10% of reading.
Low-level RF power measurements
Option 007 of the HP 8920A shifts the input range for RF power measure­ments to a level ideal for character­ization of low-power transmitters. RF power with fully specified accuracy can be measured on signals as low as 40 mW. This option provides more accurate measurements on low-power RF products such as cordless phones, data terminals, and short-range transceivers.
Option 007 reduces the maximum input power of the HP 8920A from 60 W to 2.4 W. It is not intended for use with high-power transmitters.
For example, using the RF In/Out connector, frequency and power measurements can be made on transmitters up to 100 W continu­ous or up to 125 W intermittently with 10 seconds On, 50 seconds Off duty cycle. AM and FM measure­ments can be made from –16 dBm to +50 dBm.
This option is retrofittable at the factory only.
4
Full spectrum analyzer capabilities
Spectrum analyzer
The optional spectrum analyzer (Option 102) mea­sures signals from 10 MHz to 1 GHz with a variable span of 5 kHz to 1 GHz (full span). Display resolution is selectable between 1, 2, and 10 dB per division. The tunable marker pro­vides automatic readout of frequency and amplitude, or relative frequency and amplitude from a refer­ence. Other marker func­tions, previously only
available in standalone spectrum analyzers, include
peak hold, video averaging, marker­to-peak, marker-to-next-peak, marker-to-center-frequency, and marker-to-reference; all of which speed up and simplify signal search­ing and measurement.
Adjacent channel power tests
Included in the Option 102 is the capability to make adjacent chan­nel power (ACP) tests on transmit­ters to measure and regulate undesirable signals that spill into and interfere with neighboring channels. ACP tests can be made by varying three parameters: channel offset, channel bandwidth, and reso­lution (measurement bandwidth). The dynamic range for ACP is typi­cally –65 dBc to –70 dBc, adequate for most radio standards.
Tracking generator
The tracking generator, included with the spec­trum analyzer option, allows for quick and accu­rate characterization of filters, duplexers, combin­ers, and RF to IF conver­sions. Broadband RF devices can be character­ized with single sweeps due to the full-span sweep capability to 1 GHz. The tracking generator also includes fully settable
amplitude and frequency offset, and a tunable marker which provides automatic readout of frequency and amplitude of any response point.
5
Monitor low-level signals and display recovered audio
Oscilloscope screen displaying triggering format
Sensitive receiver
2 µV sensitivity (typically 1 µV) available through the ANT IN port allows for off-the-air monitoring of low-level signals. These signals can be displayed on the spectrum analyzer, or demodulated and mea­sured. The recovered audio can be listened to using the built-in speaker while the signal is being viewed on the analyzer or measured.
For measuring high-power signals, the RF IN/OUT port can accept 60 W continuous or 100 W for 10 seconds per minute in a standard instrument.
Digital oscilloscope
The built-in 50 kHz digital oscillo­scope provides multiple triggering formats (internal, external, and encoder), single-shot and pre-trig­ger view for signaling analysis, and full marker capability with auto­matic level and time readout. Time/division, volts/division, and vertical offset are displayed and easily changed using the front panel knob.
Variable frequency notch
Option 019 is a variable frequency notch (VFN) filter selectable from 300 Hz to 10 kHz. It is useful for making distortion and SINAD mea­surements over this range with the same accuracy of the fixed 1 kHz notch filter that is standard in the HP 8920A.
This feature can be used in two modes, coupled or uncoupled. When coupled, the internal source (AF Gen 1) and the notch filter are tuned to the same frequency. This is useful when doing SINAD sensi­tivity or distortion tests at several frequencies, wherein the user sim­ply changes the source or the filter frequency. The default setting at turn-on is 1 kHz.
There is a retrofit kit available to upgrade HP 8920A units with firmware A.12.03 or later. The VFN retrofit kit is HP 8920ART Option R19.
6
Module and radio testing can be automated
Built-in IBASIC computer
The built-in computer (IBASIC programming language) allows you to automate measurements and test routines, and control external instruments. This built-in
computer differentiates the HP 8920A from other service monitors which only offer limited
sequencing or programming capability. The IBASIC computer gives you automation and control benefits of an external BASIC controller. The built-in computer also offers an autostart utility that allows you to run a pre-loaded program by simply turning on the HP 8920A.
Radio test software
The HP 11807A is an easy-to-use, comprehensive software solution for automatic testing of radio receiv­ers and transmitters. It offers a complete selection of transceiver tests for FM, AM, FM, cellular and trunked radios. Its flexibility and modularity allow you to select and change test sequences, test param­eters, and pass/fail limits. Test results are displayed on the CRT or can be documented with hard-copy printouts when an external printer is added.
For a complete overview of the HP 11807A radio test software, please visit our web site at:
http://www.hp.com/hp8920support
Modular repair strategy
The HP 8920A is designed for reliability. The low failure rate and two-year calibration cycle of the HP 8920A were achieved by designing for reliability, component stress testing, and stringent environmental testing.
If an instrument failure occurs, the modular design and built-in test capability supports quick diagnosis and repair. With the addition of the assembly-level repair manual and the built-in diagnostic program, failures are diagnosed to the module level, and modules can be
replaced in minutes at the customer site.
7
Sample Order:
HP 8920A RF communications test set ......................... qty 1
Opt 001 High stability timebase .................................. qty 1
Opt 004 Tone/digital signaling (necessary
for cellular and trunked radio testing). ................ qty 1
Opt 013 C-message weighting filter ........................... qty 1
Opt 014 6 kHz bandpass filter...................................... qty 1
Opt 102 Spectrum analyzer with tracking generator
and ACP (adjacent channel power). .................... qty 1
Opt 103 HP-IB/RS-232/Centronics/dc current
measurement (includes 08920-90601
IBASIC/Programming Manual). ............................ qty 1
Opt W30 3-year return repair service.......................... qty 1
For more information about the HP 8920A RF Communications Test Set visit our web site at:
http://www.hp.com/hp8920support
Available literature includes: brochures, technical specifications, product notes, and configuration guide.
For more information about Hewlett-Packard test and measurement products, applications, services, and a current sales office listing, visit our web site at:
http://www.hp.com/go/tmdir
You can also contact one of the following centers and ask for a test and measurement sales representative.
United States:
Hewlett-Packard Company Test and Measurement Call Center P.O. Box 4026 Englewood, CO 80155-4026 (tel) 1 800 452 4844
Canada:
Hewlett-Packard Canada Ltd. 5150 Spectrum Way Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5G1 (tel) 1 877 894 4414
Europe:
Hewlett-Packard Company European Marketing Organisation P.O. Box 999 1180 AZ Amstelveen The Netherlands (tel) (31 20) 547 9999
Japan:
Hewlett-Packard Japan Ltd. Measurement Assistance Center 9-1, Takakura-Cho, Hachioji-Shi, Tokyo 192-8510, Japan (tel) (81) 426 56 7832 (fax) (81) 426 56 7840
Latin America:
Hewlett-Packard Latin American Region Headquarters 5200 Blue Lagoon Drive, 9th Floor Miami, Florida 33126 U.S.A. (tel) (305) 267-4245 (tel) (305) 267-4220 (fax) (305) 267-4288
Australia/New Zealand:
Hewlett-Packard Australia Ltd. 31-41 Joseph Street Blackburn, Victoria 3130 Australia (tel) 1 800 629 485 (Australia) (tel) 0800 738 378 (New Zealand) (fax) (61 3) 9210 5489
Asia Pacific:
Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Ltd. 17-21/F Shell Tower, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, SAR (tel) (852) 2599 7777 (fax) (852) 2506 9285
1992 Hewlett-Packard Co.
Technical data subject to change Printed in U.S.A. 6/99 5968-5386E
Loading...