User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers
GSM Measurement Personality
This manual provides documentation for the following instruments:
ESA-E Series
E4402B (9 kHz - 3.0 GHz)
E4404B (9 kHz - 6.7 GHz)
E4405B (9 kHz - 13.2 GHz)
E4407B (9 kHz - 26.5 GHz)
Manufacturing Part Number: E4401-90138
Printed in USA
March 2000
© Copyright 2000 Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.
Agilent Technologies makesno warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent
Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against
defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from
date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies
Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove
to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a
service facility designated by Agilent Technologies. Buyer shall prepay
shipping charges to Agilent Technologies and Agilent Technologies
shall pay shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However,
Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products
returned to Agilent Technologies from another country.
Agilent Technologies warrants that its software and firmware
designated by Agilent Technologies for use with an instrument will
execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that
instrument. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation
of the instrument, or software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or
error-free.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied
software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation
outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper
site preparation or maintenance.
ii
NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT
TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
iii
Safety Information
The following safety notes are used throughout this manual.
Familiarize yourself with these notes before operating this instrument.
WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of the instrument. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective
earth ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug
shall be inserted only in a socket outlet provided with a
protected earth contact. Any interruption of the protective
conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the
product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
WARNING No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock do not remove
covers.
CAUTION Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this product.
Failure to ensure adequate grounding may cause product damage.
iv
Contents
1. Understanding GSM
GSM Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Mobile Stations And Base Transceiver Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Uplink And Downlink. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
What Is An ARFCN?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
What Is A Timeslot? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
What Does The GSM Measurement Personality And Hardware Do?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Other Sources Of Measurement Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Application Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Additional Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
2. Getting Started
Instrument Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Front-Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Rear-Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Display Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Options Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
GSM Documentation For The ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Understanding Digital Communications Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Agilent ESA Spectrum Analyzers Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Active License Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Installing the Licensing Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Using Install Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Installer Screen and Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
3. Setting Up GSM Mode
Preparing To Make Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Initial settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Making A Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Saving Measurement Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
4. Menu Maps
What You Will Find In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Detector and Demodulation Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Display Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Frequency/Channel Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Input/Output Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Measure Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
Measurement Setup Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Mode Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18
Mode Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19
Trigger Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-20
View/Trace Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-21
5. Front-Panel Key Reference
Key Descriptions and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
v
Contents
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Transmitter Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Power Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Power vs Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Output RF Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Cable Fault Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Transmit (Tx) Band Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Receive (Rx) Band Spurious. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Out Of Band Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Monitor Band/Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
FREQUENCY Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
MEASURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Meas Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11
Cable Fault Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Monitor Band/Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Out Of Band Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Output RF Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
Phase And Frequency Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21
Power Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-23
Power Vs Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24
Receive Band Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Transmit Band Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Transmitter Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
MODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Mode Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
View/Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-37
Power vs Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-37
Transmit (Tx) Band Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-37
6. If You Have a Problem
If you have a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Before You Call Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Check the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Read the Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Service Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
How to Call Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
How to Return Your Analyzer for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Service Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Original Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Other Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Blue Repair Tag goes here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11
vi
1 Understanding GSM
This chapter introduces you to basics of GSM technology and the
general functionality of the ESA with the GSM measurement
personality installed. In addition, sources for additional information on
digital communications are listed.
1-1
Understanding GSM
GSM Standards
GSM Standards
The Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) digital
communications standard defines a voice and data over-air interface
between a mobile radio and the system infrastructure. This standard
was designed as the basis for a radio communications system. A base
station control center (BSC) is linked to multiple base transceiver
station (BTS) sites which provide the required coverage.
GSM 900, DCS 1800, and PCS 1900 are GSM-defined frequency bands.
The term GSM 900 is used for any GSM system operating in the
900 MHz band, which includes P-GSM, E-GSM, and R-GSM. Primary
(or standard) GSM 900 band (P-GSM) is the original GSM band.
Extended GSM 900 band (E-GSM) includesall theP-GSM band plus an
additional 50 channels. Railway GSM 900 band (R-GSM) includes all
the E-GSM band plus additional channels. DCS 1800 is an adaptation
of GSM 900, created to allow for smaller cell sizes for higher system
capacity. PCS 1900 is intended to be identical to DCS 1800 except for
frequency allocation and power levels. The term GSM 1800 is
sometimes used for DCS 1800, and the term GSM 1900 is sometimes
used for PCS 1900. For specifics on the bands, refer to Table 1-1.
The GSM digital communications standard employs an 8:1 Time
Division Multiple Access (TDMA) allowing eight channels to use one
carrier frequency simultaneously.The 270.833 kbits/second raw bit rate
is modulated on the RF carrier using Gaussian Minimum Shift
Keying (GMSK).
The standard includes multiple traffic channels, a control channel, and
a cell broadcast channel. The GSM specification defines a channel
spacing of 200 kHz.
1-2 Chapter1
Table 1-1 GSM Band Data
P-GSM
(GSM 900)
Uplink
(MS Transmit)
Downlink
(BTS Transmit)
Range
(ARFCN)
TX/RX Spacing
(Freq.)
TX/RX Spacing
(Time)
Modulation
Data Rate
Frame Period 4.615 ms 4.615 ms 4.615 ms 4.615 ms 4.615 ms
Timeslot Period 576.9 µs 576.9 µs 576.9 µs 576.9 µs 576.9 µs
Bit Period 3.692 µs 3.692 µs 3.692 µs 3.692 µs 3.692 µs
Modulation 0.3 GMSK 0.3 GMSK 0.3 GMSK 0.3 GMSK 0.3 GMSK
890 - 915 MHz 880 - 915 MHz 876 - 915 MHz 1710 - 1785 MHz 1850 - 1910 MHz
935 - 960 MHz 925 - 960 MHz 921 - 960 MHz 1805 - 1880 MHz 1930 - 1990 MHz
1 to 124 0 to 124 and
45 MHz 45 MHz 45 MHz 95 MHz 80 MHz
3 timeslots 3 timeslots 3 timeslots 3 timeslots 3 timeslots
270.833 kbits/s 270.833 kbits/s 270.833 kbits/s 270.833 kbits/s 270.833 kbits/s
E-GSM
(GSM 900)
975 to 1023
R-GSM
(GSM 900)
0 to 124 and
955 to 1023
DCS 1800
(GSM 1800)
512 to 885 512 to 810
PCS 1900
(GSM 1900)
Channel Spacing 200 kHz 200 kHz 200 kHz 200 kHz 200 kHz
TDMA Mux 8888 8
Understanding GSM
GSM Standards
The GSM framing structure is based on a hierarchical system
consisting of timeslots, TDMA frames, multiframes, superframes, and
hyperframes. One timeslot consists of 156.25 (157) bit periods including
tail, training sequence, encryption, guard time, and data bits. Eight of
these timeslots make up one TDMA frame. Either 26 or 51 TDMA
frames make up one multiframe. Frames 13 and 26 in the 26 frame
multiframe are dedicated to control channel signaling.
These principles of the GSM systems lead to the need for the
fundamental transmitter measurements such as:
• Power vs Time - which verifies that the transmitter output power
has the correct amplitude, shape, and timing for the TDMA
sequence.
• Phase and Frequency Error - which verifies the accuracy of the
transmitters 0.3 GMSK modulation process.
• Output RF Spectrum - which verifies that the RF carrier is
contained within the designated 200 kHz channel.
Mobile Stations And Base Transceiver Stations
The cellular system includes the following:
• base transceiver stations, referred to as BTS
(frequency ranges dependent on the standard; refer to Table 1-1)
• mobile stations, referred to as MS
(frequency ranges dependent on the standard; refer to Table 1-1)
Uplink And Downlink
Uplink is defined as the path from the mobile station to the base
transceiver station. Downlink is the path from the base transceiver
station to the mobile station.
What Is An ARFCN?
An ARFCN is the Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number used in
the GSM system. Each RF channel is shared by up to eight mobile
stations using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). The ARFCN is
an integer (in a range dependent on the chosen standard, refer to
Table 1-1) which designates the carrier frequency.
1-4 Chapter1
Understanding GSM
GSM Standards
What Is A Timeslot?
GSM utilizes Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) with eight time
slots per RF channel which allows eight users to use a single carrier
frequency simultaneously. Users avoid one another by transmitting in
series. The eight users can transmit once every 4.62 ms for 1 timeslot
which is 577 µs long.The eight user timeslots are numbered from 0 to 7.
Typically, each 577 µs timeslot has a length of 156.25 bit periods, which
consists of 148 data bits and 8.25 guard bits. The 4.62 ms required to
cycle through eight timeslots is called a frame. In a TDMA system, the
shape of each transmitted burst must be controlled carefully to avoid
over-lapping bursts in time.
Chapter 1 1-5
Understanding GSM
What Does The GSM Measurement Personality And Hardware Do?
What Does The GSM Measurement Personality
And Hardware Do?
When configured with a GSM mode personality module, the ESA series
spectrum analyzer can help determine if a GSM transmitter or receiver
is working correctly. The following documents detail GSM standards
used when testing:
Table 1-2 Documents detailing the GSM standards used when testing
GSM-900 DCS-1800 PCS-1900
Mobile station ETS 300 607-1
(11.10)
Base station ETS 300 609-1
(11.21)
Radiotransmission
and reception
NOTE These standards are continually being updated by the communications
ETS 300 910
(5.05)
ETS 300 607-1
(11.10)
ETS 300 609-1
(11.21)
ETS 300 910
(5.05)
J-STD-007
J-STD-007
J-STD-007
industry. The software performs to the standard/date shown under
Mode Setup, Radio.
When you select the standard format for use, the instrument
automatically makes measurements using the measurement methods
and limits defined in the standards. Detailed measurement results are
displayed allowing you to analyze GSM system performance.
Measurement parameters may be altered for specialized analysis. This
is done within narrow limits because the standards specify the test
methods and settings.
For infrastructure testing, the instrument tests base station
transmitters and receivers in a non-interfering manner by using a
coupler or power splitter.
1-6 Chapter1
Understanding GSM
What Does The GSM Measurement Personality And Hardware Do?
The instrument makes the following GSM one-button measurements
(measurements activated by a single key press):
• Cable Fault Location (available in SA mode)
• Monitor Band/Channel
• Out of Band Spurious
• Output RF Spectrum
• Phase and Frequency Error
• Power Steps
• Power vs Time
• Receive (Rx) Band Spurious
• Transmit (Tx) Band Spurious
• Transmitter Power
In addition, the following manual measurements (measurements which
are not activated by a single key press) can be performed:
• Loss/Gain (available in SA mode)
• Return Loss (VSWR) (available in GSM mode)
Chapter 1 1-7
Understanding GSM
Other Sources Of Measurement Information.
Other Sources Of Measurement Information.
Application Notes
The following application notes describe digital communications
measurements in much greater detail than discussed in this User
Guide:
• Application Note 1298
Digital Modulation in Communications Systems - An Introduction
Agilent Technologies part number 5965-7160E
• Application Note 1311
Understanding GSM Transmitter Measurements for Base
Transceiver stations and Mobile Stations
part number 5966-2833E
• Application Note 1313
Testing and Troubleshooting Digital RF Communications
Transmitter Designs
part number 5968-3578E
• Application Note 1314
Testing and Troubleshooting Digital RF Communications Receiver
Designs
part number 5968-3579E
• Application Note 150
Spectrum Analyzer Basics
part number 5952-0292
Additional Information
• Additional measurement application information is available from
your local Agilent Technologies sales and service office.
• The latest information on ESA spectrum analyzers is available from
the following URL:
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa/
1-8 Chapter1
2 Getting Started
This chapter introduces you to basic features of the instrument,
including the front panel keys, rear panel connections, and display
annotation. Equipment required for GSM measurements, available
documentation, and processes for installing and uninstalling
applications are also described.
2-1
Getting Started
Instrument Overview
Instrument Overview
This section provides information on only GSM mode features. For
those features not described here, refer to the Agilent ESA Spectrum
Analyzers User’s Guide.
Front-Panel Features
For further information on the features mentioned in the following
section, refer to Chapter 5 of this document.
Figure 2-1 Front-Panel Feature Overview
1 Mode keys These keys allow you to select the measurement mode and mode
parameters such as input and trigger settings.
• MODE accesses menu keys to select the instrument mode. Each mode is
independent of all other modes.
• Mode Setup accesses menu keys that allow you to configure the parameters
specific to the current mode and affect all measurements within that mode.
2-2 Chapter2
Rear-Panel Features
This section provides information on GSM rear panel features only. For
those features not described here, refer to the ESA-E Series Spectrum
Analyzers User’s Guide.
Figure 2-2 Rear-Panel Feature Overview
Getting Started
Instrument Overview
1 DSP and Fast
ADC
DSP and Fast ADC (Option B7D) provides digital signal processing
and fast ADC required for many of the digital demodulation
measurements in the GSM and cdmaOne measurement
personalities.It must beordered with Option B7E and Option 1D5.
2 RF Comms
Hardware
RF Communications Hardware (Option B7E) provides the RF down
convertor hardware required for digital demodulation
measurements. It must be ordered with Option B7D and
Option 1D5
3 Ext Ref In Accepts an external 1 MHz to 30 MHz reference frequency source.
4 10 MHz REF IN Accepts an external frequency source to provide the 10 MHz, −15 to +10
dBm frequency reference used by the analyzer.
Chapter 2 2-3
.
Getting Started
Instrument Overview
5 10 MHz Out Provides a 10 MHz, 0 dBm minimum, timebase reference signal phase
locked to the Ext Ref In.
6 10 MHz REF
OUT
7 Ext Frame Sync Accepts an external 0 to 5 V TTL trigger.
Provides a 10 MHz, 0 dBm minimum, timebase reference signal.
Display Annotation
This section describes GSM screen annotations which differ from SA
mode annotations. Refer to the ESA-ESeries Spectrum AnalyzersUser’s
Guide for information on screen annotations not described here.
The following screen provides an example of a screen annotation:
Figure 2-3 Screen Annotation: Example
NOTE Annotations are not always identical for different measurementscreens
and the annotations displayed depend on what is required to display
critical measurement parameters. To view examples of the
measurement displays, refer to the ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers
GSM Measurement Personality Measurement Guide.
2-4 Chapter2
Getting Started
Instrument Overview
1
2
3 Current Measurement Displays the name of the current measurement.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Active Function Area
Measurement Bar
Base/Mobile
ARFCN
Base/Standard
TSC
Averaging Indicator
Trig Source
Burst Sync
Displays parameter entries. If you press a key which
activates a function, the parameter descriptionandvalue will
appear in the active function area.
Displays information about measurements including some
mode setup parameters.
Indicates which digital communications system platform you
are testing, base station systems or a mobile unit.
Active Radio Frequency Channel Number.
Displays the radio band currently in use.
Training sequence code. Displays the training sequence code
used on the assigned channel.
Displays the number of the current average (averaging
progress) when averaging is turned on.
Displays the triggering mode selected for the current
measurement. Possible values are External, Free, RF Burst
and Frame Timer.
Displays the type of burst sync selected for the current
measurement. Possible values are Training Seq, RF Amptd,
and None.
11
Pass/Fail Status
Indicates the status of the measurement limit pass/fail test
when one or more limit test function is turned on.
Chapter 2 2-5
Getting Started
Options Required
Options Required
Installing the GSM measurement personality firmware and making the
associated measurements require certain basic equipment. This section
lists GSM compatible Agilent ESA Spectrum Analyzers and required
hardware options.
Compatible spectrum analyzers
The GSM measurement personality is not compatible with all ESA
spectrum analyzer models. Table 2-1 lists the models that are
compatible and the upper frequency range of each.
Table 2-1 GSM Compatible Agilent ESA Spectrum Analyzers
Model Number Upper Frequency Range
E4402B 3 GHz
E4404B 6.7 GHz
E4405B 13.2 GHz
E4407B 26.5 GHz
Hardware options required
Additional hardware options must be installed in the spectrum
analyzer before GSM measurements can be made. Table 2-2 lists the
hardware options available and the measurements that they enable.
For optimum performance of cdmaOne measurements, Option B74
should be installed in your Agilent ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzer.
Not all of the options can be installed by the user. Some of the options
require that the instrument be returned to the factory or an Agilent
Technologies service center. In addition, some of the options require
Performance Verification and Adjustments to be performed after
installation. Refer to Table 2-2 for option specific information.
NOTE When transporting the instrument, use the original packaging or
comparable packaging. If the shipping container is damaged, any part
is missing, or you do not have an appropriate shipping container,notify
Agilent Technologies at one of the addresses shown on Table 6-1 on
page 6-6.
2-6 Chapter2
Table 2-2 GSM Hardware Options and measurements
Getting Started
Options Required
Required/recommended
option
Option
Number
Measurement
GSM Measurement Personality BAH Required for all measurements.
Memory extension B72
DSP and Fast ADC
B7D
a
Recommended options which enable
Phase and Frequency Error and full
RF Communications Hardware
B7E
a
triggering for all measurements.
Note: these options must be ordered
together.
50 Ohm Tracking Generator
Time Gated Spectrum Analysis
1DN
1D6
b
b
Required for cable fault measurement.
Required for Output RF Spectrum
Modulation Swept measurement. The
measurements will execute without the
option but not to specification and the
message “Gate option not installed.
Results may not be accurate” displayed.
Fast Time Domain Sweep AYX Required for Output RF Spectrum,
Transmitter Power, and Power vs Time
measurements if options B7D/B7E arenot
ordered.
High Stability Frequency
1D5
a
Improves frequency reference accuracy.
Reference
RF and Digital Communication
Hardware Option bundle
Option B74
Includes the
following
options:
a
Includes necessary hardwarefor the GSM
measurement personality. The Cable
FaultLocation measurement also requires
option 1DN.
1D6
B72
1D5
B7D
B7E
1DS
1DR
a. Service center or factory installation, calibration required.
b. Factory installation only.
NOTE If the appropriate hardware is not present, the measurement softkey
under the
Measure menu will be grayed out and that measurement will
not be available.
Chapter 2 2-7
Getting Started
GSM Documentation For The ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzer
GSM Documentation For The ESA-E Series
Spectrum Analyzer
Spectrum analyzers with GSM Installed
When you purchase your instrument already loaded with the GSM
measurement personality, you receive the following materials:
Table 2-3 Personality Documentation
Part Number Part Description Notes
Refer to the ESA
WEB site for the
current part
number.
Spectrum analyzers without GSM Installed
If your instrument is ordered without measurement personalties
installed, you can order the GSM measurement personality as Option
B74 instrument upgrade package. With the purchase of a personality
option upgrade, you receive the documents listed in Table 2-3 and the
document shown in Table 2-4.
User’s Guide
ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers
GSM Measurement Personality
GSM Quick Reference Card BAH Option manuals
Measurement Guide
ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers
GSM Measurement Personality
Programming Commands
ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers
GSM Measurement Personality
Agilent ESA Series Spectrum
Analyzers Specifications Guide
Agilent ESA Series Spectrum
Analyzers Documentation and
Instrument Driver CD-ROM
BAH Option manuals
BAH Option manuals
BAH Option manuals
Includes specifications for
all optional measurement
personalities
Does not include service
documentation or software
2-8 Chapter2
GSM Documentation For The ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzer
Table 2-4 Personality Documentation
Part Number Part Description Notes
Getting Started
Refer to the ESA
WEB site for the
current part
number.
Understanding Digital Communications
Measurements
Additional measurement application information is available through
your local Agilent Technologies sales and service office. Refer to “Other
Sources Of Measurement Information.” on page 1-8 for applicable
application notes.
Agilent ESA Spectrum Analyzers Update
For the latest information about this instrument, including firmware
upgrades, application information, and product information, please
visit the URL listed below
Updating the Firmware
Updated versions ofthe ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzerfirmware will
be available via several sources. Information on the latest firmware
revision can be accessed from the following URL:
RF and Digital Communications
Hardware Installation Note
B74 Option manual
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa/
Chapter 2 2-9
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
Installing Optional Measurement
Personalities
Active License Key
The measurement personality software you have purchased with your
instrument has been installed and the license key has been enabled at
the factory. With any future purchase of a new personality software,
you will receive a certificate that displays the unique license key
number. The license key enables you to install, or reinstall, any
measurement personality you have purchased.
You will want to keep a copy of your license key number in a secure
location. Please enter your license key numbers in the box provided
below for future reference. If you should lose your license key number,
get in touch with your local Agilent Technologies service or sales office
for assistance. For the location of these offices, refer to Table 6-1 on
page 6-6.
Active License Key Numbers for Instrument with Serial # ________
For Option______________ the license number is ________________________
For Option______________ the license number is ________________________
For Option______________ the license number is ________________________
You will need to use a license key number only under the following
conditions:
• If you purchase an additional measurement software package.
• If the controller board is repaired or replaced.
2-10 Chapter2
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
Installing the Licensing Key
If you are installing a new option, follow these steps to install the
unique license key number for the measurement personality software
that you want to install in your instrument:
1. Press
When you press
System, More, Licensing, Option.
Option the alpha editor will be activated. For
instructions on using the alpha editor, refer to the Agilent ESA
Spectrum Analyzers User’s Guide.
2. Use the alpha editor to enter the three letter designation for the
software option that you wish to install in the instrument.
3. Press
4. Press
When you press
Done on the alpha editor menu.
License Key.
Licensing Key the alpha editor will be activated. For
instructions on using the alpha editor, refer to the Agilent ESA
Spectrum Analyzers User’s Guide.
5. Use the alpha editor to enter the 12 character licensing key number
for the software option that you wish to install in the instrument.
6. Press
7. Press
Done on the alpha editor menu.
Activate to turn on the licensing key. You may now install the
measurement personality option software.
Chapter 2 2-11
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
Using Install Key
You may want to install a software revision, install new measurement
software or reinstall measurement software that you have previously
uninstalled, or uninstall measurement software. Before you can install
software, you will need a set of installation diskettes.
If you have ordered a measurement personality, you will receive the
installation disk set in the option upgrade package. If you are updating
an existing, previously installed measurement option, you may order
the diskettes from Agilent Technologies or create a set from the Agilent
internet site shown in “Updating the Firmware” on page 2-9. When you
order the updated software disk set, you will need to order Option UE2.
(Option UE2 is a firmware update and is needed to ensure that the
firmware and the software are compatible.) A set of diskettes can be
ordered from your local Agilent Technologies service or sales office.
Refer to Table 6-1 on page 6-6 for the location of these offices. To create
a disk set refer to “Creating Software Installation Disks” below.
Creating Software Installation Disks
To create the installation disks on-line, visit the Agilent internet site
shown in “Updating the Firmware” on page 2-9. Follow the instructions
provided on the internet site for downloading the current measurement
personalty software and creating the installation disk set. The
instructions for creating the disk set will step you through the process
to create a firmware disk set when you create the measurement
personalty software disk set. (A firmware update may be needed to
ensure that the firmware and the software are compatible.) After you
have created the disk set, follow the on-line instructions to install the
firmware. After successfully installing the firmware update, proceed
with the following instructions for installing the measurement
personalty software in your instrument.
Installing Personality/Software Options
This procedure gives steps to install a new software option in an ESA-E
Series Spectrum Analyzer using the internal floppy drive of the
instrument. Screen messages display the update progress and give
directions. The instrument will not need to be re-calibrated after this
procedure since no changes are made to calibration or adjustment files.
If you have a problem with the installation process, refer to
“Troubleshooting the Installer” on page 2-14.
NOTE When the installer starts up, it examines the instrument to ensure that
all the required software and hardware options are present. If they are
not, the installer will generate and error and you will not be able to
install the personality.
1. If this is the installation of new personality option software, you
2-12 Chapter2
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
must enter the License Key for the new option. For instructions on
entering the License Key, refer to the “Installing the Licensing Key”
on page 2-11.
When you have completed entering the license key number, continue
with the next step.
2. Insert disk one of the installation disk set into the disk drive located
on the right side of the ESA front panel.
3. Press
System, More, Personalities, and Install. The instrument will
then load the installer off of the floppy drive. If there is no floppy in
the drive, the incorrect diskis inserted,or thereis no installer on the
disk, the error “No install disk present in disk drive” will be shown.
Once the instrument has loaded the installer, the screen will change
to the installer screen and the
Install Pers. menu will be shown. For
more information on the installer screen and menu, refer to
“Installer Screen and Menu” on page 2-15.
4. When the installer first starts up, it will show a popup message.
Select
NOTE Once the installer has begun installing a personality, any error will
Verify Disks.
cause the whole personality (including a previously installed version) to
be removed from the instrument. Because of this, it is very important
that you verify the disks prior to installing them. If any of the disks or
files are bad, you will not be able to use the personality until you obtain
a new installation disk set and run the install using them.
5. When prompted, insert the next disk and press
When Verify Disks is running, the
Install Now and Exit Install keys
Verify Disks again.
will be grayed out.
6. When the verification is complete, press Install Now and the
installation of the personality will begin. Some of the disks may take
only a short time to load or be skipped entirely, while others can take
up to about 30 minutes to load.
When installer is running, the
Verify Disks and Exit Install keys will
be grayed out.
7. When prompted, insert the next disk and press Install Now again.
8. Once the installation is complete, press
Chapter 2 2-13
Exit Install.
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
Troubleshooting the Installer
If the installation process stalls or fails in another way, follow these
steps to resolve your problem.
1. If the instrument stops the update process before all the disks are
loaded proceed as follows:
a. Press Exit Install to abort the process.
b. Return to step 2 under “Installing Personality/Software Options”
and start the installation process again.
2. If the instrument fails after repeating the installation procedure, get
in touch with your nearest Agilent sales and service office listed in
Table 6-1 on page 6-6 for assistance. Please provide the following
information:
Model Number:
Serial Number:
State that you are having trouble installing a software option
update.
2-14 Chapter2
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
Installer Screen and Menu
The top portion of the install screen is a table in which the files that are
about to be installed are listed. The bottom portion of the screen
contains information needed to track the progress of the install.
1 File Table displays the files to be installed and various file
information. If there are more then six files, Next Item and Prev Item
allow you to scroll the table to view additional items.
2 File Name displays the name of the files on the installation disk.
3 Current Version displays the version of the file that is currently
installed in the instrument. (This field will be blank if this file is not
currently installed in the instrument or if the file is a data file that has
no version.)
4 Upgrade Version shows the version of the file on the install disk.
This is the version of the file that will replace the currently installed
version.
5 Status is updated to reflect what the installer is doing to the current
file as the install progress. The valid messages seen in this column are
listed in Table 2-5 on page 2-16.
6 Data Field contains a status bar and various status information.
7 Processing disk shows the disk that is currently being read.
8 Processing item shows the file that is being processes by item
number.
9 Bytes free on C is the number of bytes currently free on the
instrument C: drive.
Chapter 2 2-15
Getting Started
Installing Optional Measurement Personalities
10 Status Bar contains a status bar that runs from 0 to 100% and tracks
the progress of the current step and a message line displays the step
that is currently being executed.
11 Bytes in package lists the number of bytes in the install package/ fill.
12 Bytes left in package lists the number of bytes left to be read.
13 Message and error popup window that displays over the status bar.
Information in this box will prompt you for action required to proceed
to the next phase of the installation.It may also inform you of errors in
the installation process and may prompt you for action required to
correct the problem.
Table 2-5 Installer Status Messages
Failed This means that something has gone wrong while processing
this item. It is a fatal error and the installation can not be
completed. The installer will try to get the system back to a
good state which may entailcompletely removing the currently
installed personality.
Loading The file is currently being copied from the install media to the
instrument’s file system.
Verifying This may mean one of two things:
1. If “VerifyDisks” was pressed then Verifyingmeans that the
installer is currently reading the install media and
comparing the known checksums to ensure the data is good.
2. If “Install Now” waspressed, then Verifying means that the
installer is reading what was just loaded to ensure the
checksum is correct.
Loaded This means that the data has been placed on the instrument
disk but has not yet been registered with the firmware.
Installed This means that the data has been loaded into the instrument
and registered. The install for this file is complete.
Skipping This means that the installer has determined that this file
does not need to be loaded into the instrument.
2-16 Chapter2
Loading...