Agilent E8257D Users Manual

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Agilent Technologies E8257D/67D & E8663D PSG Signal Generators

User’s Guide

Agilent Technologies

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

No p art o f this manu al may be re produce d in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

E8251-90353

Edition

July 2009

Printed in USA

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 3501 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95052 USA

Manual Warranty

The material contained in this manual is provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this manual that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.

Product Warranty

This Agilent instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective. For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Agilent. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent and Agilent shall pay shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Agilent from another country. Agilent warrants that its software and firmware designated by Agilent for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Agilent does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.

Instrument Product Certification

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

Safety Notices

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Contents

1. Signal Generator Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Signal Generator Models and Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

E8257D PSG Analog Signal Generator Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

E8267D PSG Vector Signal Generator Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

E8663D PSG Analog Signal Generator Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Firmware Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

To Upgrade Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Continuous Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Swept Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Analog Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Digital Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

1. Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

2. Softkeys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

3. Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

4. Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

5. Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

6. Save. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

7. Recall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

8. Trigger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

9. MENUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

10. Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

11. EXT 1 INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

12. EXT 2 INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

13. LF OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

14. Mod On/Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

15. ALC INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

16. RF On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

17. Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

18. RF OUTPUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

19. SYNC OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

20. VIDEO OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

21. Incr Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

23. Arrow Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

24. Hold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

iii

Contents

25. Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

26. Contrast Decrease. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

27. Contrast Increase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

28. Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

29. Preset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

30. Line Power LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

31. LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

32. Standby LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

33. SYMBOL SYNC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

34. DATA CLOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

35. DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

36. Q Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

37. I Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Front Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

1. Active Entry Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

2. Frequency Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3. Annunciators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Digital Modulation Annunciators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

5. Amplitude Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

6. Error Message Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

7. Text Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

8. Softkey Label Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

1. EVENT 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

2. EVENT 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

3. PATTERN TRIG IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4. BURST GATE IN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

5. AUXILIARY I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

6. DIGITAL BUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

7. Q OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

8. I OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

9. WIDEBAND I INPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

10. I–bar OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

11. WIDEBAND Q INPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

14. Q–bar OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

15. AC Power Receptacle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Contents

16. GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

17. 10 MHz EFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

18. ALC HOLD (Serial Prefixes >=US4722/MY4722) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

19. AUXILIARY INTERFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

20. 10 MHz IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

21. LAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

22. 10 MHz OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

23. STOP SWEEP IN/OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

24. BASEBAND GEN CLK IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

25. Z–AXIS BLANK/MKRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

26. SWEEP OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

27. TRIGGER OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

28. TRIGGER IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

29. SOURCE SETTLED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

30. SOURCE MODULE INTERFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

31. RF OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

32. EXT 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

33. EXT 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

34. PULSE SYNC OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

35. PULSE VIDEO OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

36. PULSE/TRIG GATE INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

37. ALC INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

38. DATA CLOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

39. I IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

40. SYMBOL SYNC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

41. Q IN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

42. DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

43. LF OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

44. Flash Drive (Serial Prefixes >=US4829/SG4829/MY4829 (E8267D) and

>=US4928/SG4928/MY4928 (E8257D)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

2. Basic Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Using Table Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Table Editor Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Modifying Table Items in the Data Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Using the User-Defined RF Output Power Limit (Option 1EA, 1EU, or 521 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Selecting a User-Defined RF Output Power Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Configuring the RF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Contents

Configuring a Continuous Wave RF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Configuring a Swept RF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Extending the Frequency Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Modulating a Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Turning On a Modulation Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Applying a Modulation Format to the RF Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Using Data Storage Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Using the Memory Catalog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using the Instrument State Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Using Security Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Understanding PSG Memory Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing Sensitive Data from PSG Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using the Secure Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Enabling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Enabling a Software Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Using the Web Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Activating the Web Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

3. Basic Digital Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Custom Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Custom Arb Waveform Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Custom Real Time I/Q Baseband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Creating a File Header for a Modulation Format Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Modifying Header Information in a Modulation Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Storing Header Information for a Dual ARB Player Waveform Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Modifying and Viewing Header Information in the Dual ARB Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Playing a Waveform File that Contains a Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Using the Dual ARB Waveform Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Accessing the Dual ARB Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Creating Waveform Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Building and Storing a Waveform Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Playing a Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Editing a Waveform Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Adding Real–Time Noise to a Dual ARB Waveform (E8267D with Option 403). . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Storing and Loading Waveform Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Renaming a Waveform Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Using Waveform Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Contents

Waveform Marker Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Accessing Marker Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Viewing Waveform Segment Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

1. Clearing Marker Points from a Waveform Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

2. Setting Marker Points in a Waveform Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

3. Controlling Markers in a Waveform Sequence (Dual ARB Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Viewing a Marker Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Using the RF Blanking Marker Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Setting Marker Polarity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Triggering Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Mode and Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Accessing Trigger Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Setting the Polarity of an External Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Using Gated Triggering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Using Segment Advance Triggering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Using Waveform Clipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

How Power Peaks Develop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

How Peaks Cause Spectral Regrowth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

How Clipping Reduces Peak–to–Average Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Configuring Circular Clipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Configuring Rectangular Clipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Using Waveform Scaling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

How DAC Over–Range Errors Occur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

How Scaling Eliminates DAC Over–Range Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 26

Scaling a Currently Playing Waveform (Runtime Scaling) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Scaling a Waveform File in Volatile Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Setting the Baseband Frequency Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

4. Optimizing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Using the ALC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Selecting ALC Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

To Select an ALC Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Using External Leveling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

To Level with Detectors and Couplers/Splitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

To Level with a mm–Wave Source Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Creating and Applying User Flatness Correction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Creating a User Flatness Correction Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

vii

Contents

Creating a User Flatness Correction Array with a mm–Wave Source Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Using the Option 521 Detector Calibration (Option 521) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Running the Option 521 Detector Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Restoring the Factory Flatness Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Adjusting Reference Oscillator Bandwidth (Option UNR/UNX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

To Select the Reference Oscillator Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

To Restore Factory Default Settings: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Optimizing Phase Noise and Harmonics Below 3.2 GHz (Option UNX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Optimizing Phase Noise Below 250 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Optimizing Harmonics Below 2 GHz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

5. Analog Modulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Analog Modulation Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Configuring AM (Option UNT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

To Set the Carrier Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

To Set the AM Depth and Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

To Turn on Amplitude Modulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Configuring FM (Option UNT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

To Set the RF Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

To Set the FM Deviation and Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

To Activate FM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Configuring ΦM (Option UNT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

To Set the RF Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

To Set the FM Deviation and Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

To Activate FM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Configuring Pulse Modulation (Option UNU/UNW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

To Set the RF Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

To Set the Pulse Period, Width, and Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

To Activate Pulse Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Triggering Simultaneous Pulses from Two PSGs Using an Internal or an External Pulse Source. . . 155

Configuring the LF Output (Option UNT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

To Confi gure the LF Output with an Internal Modulation Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

To Confi gure the LF Outp ut with a Function Generator Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

viii

Contents

6. Custom Arb Waveform Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Working with Predefined Setups (Modes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Selecting a Custom ARB Setup or a Custom Digital Modulation State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Working with User–Defined Setups (Modes)-Custom Arb Only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Modifying a Single–Carrier NADC Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Customizing a Multicarrier Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Recalling a User–Defined Custom Digital Modulation State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Working with Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Using a Predefined FIR Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Using a User–Defined FIR Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Working with Symbol Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

To Set a Symbol Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

T o Restore the Default Symbol Rate (Custom Real Time I/Q Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Working with Modul ation Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

To Select a Predefined Modulation Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

To Use a User–Defined Modulation Type (Real Time I/Q Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Differential Wideband IQ (Option 016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Single–Ended Wideband IQ (Option 015 – Discontinued). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Configuring Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

To Set a Delayed, Positive Polarity, External Single Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

7. Custom Real Time I/Q Baseband. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Working with Predefined Setups (Modes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Selecting a Predefined Real Time Modulation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 81

Deselecting a Predefined Real Time Modulation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Working with Data Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Using a Predefined Data Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Using a User–Defined Data Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Using an Externally Supplied Data Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Working with Burst Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Configuring the Burst Rise and Fall Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Using User–Defined Burst Shape Curves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Configuring Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

To Set the External DATA CLOCK to Receive Input as Either Normal or Symbol. . . . . . . . . . .191

To Set the BBG DATA CLOCK to External or Internal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

To Adjust the I/Q Scaling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

Contents

Working with Phase Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

To Set Phase Polarity to Normal or Inverted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

Working with Differential Data Encoding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

Understanding Differential Encoding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193

Using Differential Encoding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

8. Multitone Waveform Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201

Creating, Viewing, and Optimizing Multitone Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

To Create a Custom Multitone Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202

To View a Multitone Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

To Edit the Multitone Setup Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204

To Minimize Carrier Feedthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

To Determine Peak to Average Characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

9. Two–Tone Waveform Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Creating, Viewing, and Modifying Two–Tone Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

To Create a Two–Tone Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

To View a Two–Tone Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213

To Minimize Carrier Feedthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214

To Change the Alignment of a Two–Tone Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

10. AWGN Waveform Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Configuring the AWGN Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

Arb Waveform Generator AWGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Real Time I/Q Baseband AWGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218

11. Peripheral Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

N5102A Digital Signal Interface Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Clock Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219

Connecting the Clock Source and the Device Under Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Data Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234

Operating the N5102A Module in Output Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Operating the N5102A Module in Input Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Millimeter-Wave Source Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

Using Agilent Millimeter-Wave Source Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252

Using Other Source Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256

Contents

12. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259

RF Output Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259

No RF Output Power when Playing a Waveform File (E8267D only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259

RF Output Power too Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260

The Power Supply has Shut Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260

Signal Loss While Working with a Mixer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260

Signal Loss While Working with a Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262

No Modulation at the RF Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265

Sweep Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266

Sweep Appears to be Stalled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266

Cannot Turn Off Sweep Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266

Incorrect List Sweep Dwell Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266

List Sweep Information is Missing from a Recalled Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

Data Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

Registers With Previously Stored Instrument States are Empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

Saved Instrument State, but Register is Empty or Contains Wrong State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

Cannot Turn Off Help Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

Signal Generator Locks Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

Fail–Safe Recovery Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Error Message File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

Error Message Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

Error Message Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271

Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271

Contents

xii

Documentation Overview

Installation Guide

User’s Guide

Programming Guide

• Safety Information

• Getting Started

• Operation Verification

• Regulatory Information

• Signal Generator Overview

• Basic Operation

• Basic Digital Operation

• Optimizing Performance

• Analog Modulation

• Custom Arb Waveform Generator

• Custom Real Time I/Q Baseband

• Multitone Waveform Generator

• Two- Tone Waveform Generator

• AWGN Waveform Generator

• Peripheral Devices

• Troubleshooting

• Getting Started with Remote Operation

• Using IO Interfaces

• Programming Examples

• Programming the Status Register System

• Creating and Downloading Waveform Files

• Creating and Downloading User- Data Files

SCPI Reference

• Using this Guide

• System Commands

• Basic Function Commands

• Analog Commands

• Digital Modulation Commands

• Digital Signal Interface Module Commands

• SCPI Command Compatibility

xiii

Service Guide

• Troubleshooting

• Replaceable Parts

• Assembly Replacement

• Post-Repair Procedures

• Safety and Regulatory Information

Key Referen ce

• Key function description

xiv

1 Signal Generator Overview

In the following sections, this chapter describes the models, options, and features available for Agilent E8257D/67D and E8663D PSG signal generators. The modes of operation, front panel user interface, and front and rear panel connectors are also described.

• “Signal Generator Models and Features” on page 1

• “Options” on page 6

• “Firmware Upgrades” on page 6

• “Modes of Operation” on page 7

• “Front Panel” on page 9

• “Front Panel Display” on page 16

• “Rear Panel” on page 20

NOTE For more information about the PSG, such as data sheets, configuration guides, application

notes, frequently asked questions, technical support, software and more, visit the Agilent PSG web page at http://www.agilent.com/find/psg.

Signal Generator Models and Features

Table 1- 1 lists the available PSG signal generator models and frequency–range options.

Table 1-1 PSG Signal Generator Models

Model Frequency Range Options

E8257D PSG analog signal generator 250 kHz to 20 GHz (Option 520)

10 MHz to 20 GHz (Option 521) 250 kHz to 31.8 GHz (Option 532) 250 kHz to 40 GHz (Option 540) 250 kHz to 50 GHz (Option 550)

250 kHz to 67 GHz (Option 567)

E8267D PSG vector signal generator 250 kHz to 20 GHz (Option 520)

250 kHz to 31.8 GHz (Option 532) 250 kHz to 44 GHz (Option 544)

E8663D PSG analog signal generator 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz (Option 503)

100 kHz to 9 GHz (Option 509)

a.Instruments with Option 567 are functional, but unspecified, above 67 GHz to 70 GHz

Chapter 1 1

Signal Generator Overview Signal Generator Models and Features

E8257D PSG Analog Signal Generator Features

The E8257D PSG includes the following standard features:

• a source module interface that is compatible with Agilent 83550 Series millimeter–wave source modules for frequency extension up to 110 GHz and Oleson Microwave Labs (OML) AG–Series millimeter–wave modules for frequency extensions up to 325 GHz

• automatic leveling control (ALC) on and off modes; power calibration in ALC–off mode is available, even without power search

• CW output from 250 kHz to the highest operating frequency, depending on the option

• external diode detector leveling

• frequency resolution to 0.001 Hz

• list and step sweep of frequency and amplitude, with multiple trigger sources

• optimized signal to noise ratio

• 10 MHz reference oscillator with external output

• RS–232, GPIB, and 10Base–T LAN I/O interfaces

• user flatness correction

• attenuator burnout protection (with Option 521 instruments that have Option 1E1)

The E8257D PSG also offers the following optional features:

NOTE To provide analog frequency sweeps and for optimum swept scalar measurements with the

8757D scalar analyzer, the E8257D requires 007 (analog ramp sweep).

Option 007—analog ramp sweep

Option 008

—8 GB removable compact flash drive

Option 521—ultra 0.1- 20 GHz power

Option 1E1—step attenuator

Option 1EA (Discontinued)—high output power

Option 1ED—Type–N female RF output connector

Option 1EH —improved harmonics below 2 GHz

Option 1EU—high output power

Option 1EM—moves all front panel connectors to the rear panel

Option 1SM—provides improved performance in Exponential (Log) AM mode

Option UK6—commercial calibration certificate and test data

Option UNR (Discontinued)—enhanced phase noise performance

1. Instruments with serial prefix ≥ US4928/SG4928/MY4928.

2 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Models and Features

Signal Generator Overview

Option UNX—ultra low phase noise performance

Option UNT—AM, FM, phase modulation, and LF output

• open–loop or closed–loop AM

• dc–synthesized FM to 10 MHz rates; maximum deviation depends on the carrier frequency

• external modulation inputs for AM, FM, and ΦM

• simultaneous modulation configurations (except: FM with ΦM or Linear AM with Exponential AM)

• dual function generators that include the following:

— 50–ohm low–frequency output, 0 to 3 Vp, available through the LF output

— selectable waveforms: sine, dual–sine, swept–sine, triangle, positive ramp, negative ramp,

square, uniform noise, Gaussian noise, and dc

— adjustable frequency modulation rates

— selectable triggering in list and step sweep modes: free run (auto), trigger key (single), bus

(remote), and external

Option UNU—pulse modulation

• internal pulse generator

• external modulation inputs

• selectable pulse modes: internal square, internal free–run, internal triggered, internal doublet, internal gated, and external pulse; internal triggered, internal doublet, and internal gated require an external trigger source

• adjustable pulse rate

• adjustable pulse period

• adjustable pulse width (150 ns minimum)

• adjustable pulse delay

• selectable external pulse triggering: positive or negative

Option UNW—narrow pulse modulation

• generate narrow pulses across the operational frequency band of the PSG

• includes all the same functionality as Option UNU

E8267D PSG Vector Signal Generator Features

The E8267D PSG provides the same standard functionality as the E8257D PSG, plus the following:

• internal I/Q modulator

• external analog I/Q inputs

• single–ended and differential analog I/Q outputs

• high output power (optional for the E8257D)

Chapter 1 3

Signal Generator Overview Signal Generator Models and Features

• step attenuator (optional for the E8257D)

The E8267D PSG offers the same options as the E8257D PSG, plus the following:

Option 003—PSG digital output connectivity with N5102A

Option 004—PSG digital input connectivity with N5102A

Option 005

(Discontinued)—6 GB internal hard drive

Option 0092—8 GB removable compact flash drive

Option 015 (Discontinued)—single–ended wideband external I/Q inputs

Option 016—differential wideband external I/Q inputs

Option 403—calibrated noise, AWGN

Option 601 (Discontinued)—internal baseband generator with 8 megasamples of memory

Option 602—internal baseband generator with 64 megasamples of memory

E8663D PSG Analog Signal Generator Features

The E8663D PSG includes the following standard features:

• automatic leveling control (ALC) on and off modes; power calibration in ALC–off mode is available, even without power search

• CW output from 100 kHz to the highest operating frequency, depending on the option

• external diode detector leveling

• frequency resolution to 0.001 Hz

• list and step sweep of frequency and amplitude, with multiple trigger sources

• optimized signal to noise ratio

• 10 MHz reference oscillator with external output

• RS–232, GPIB, and 10Base–T LAN I/O interfaces

• user flatness correction

•pulse modulation

— internal pulse generator

— external modulation inputs

— selectable pulse modes: internal square, internal free–run, internal triggered, internal doublet,

internal gated, and external pulse; internal triggered, internal doublet, and internal gated

1. Instruments with serial prefix < US4829/SG4829/MY4829.

2. Instruments with serial prefix

≥ US4829/SG4829/MY4829.

4 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Models and Features

Signal Generator Overview

require an external trigger source

— adjustable pulse rate

— adjustable pulse period

— adjustable pulse width (150 ns minimum)

— adjustable pulse delay

— selectable external pulse triggering: positive or negative

The E8663D PSG also offers the following optional features:

NOTE To provide analog frequency sweeps and for optimum swept scalar measurements with the

8757D scalar analyzer, the E8663D requires 007 (analog ramp sweep).

Option 007—analog ramp sweep

Option 008

—8 GB removable compact flash drive

Option 503—frequency range from 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz

Option 509—frequency range from 100 kHz to 9.0 GHz

Option 521—ultra 0.1- 3.2 GHz (with Option 503) or 0.1-9 GHz (with Option 509) power

Option 1E1—step attenuator

Option 1EA (Discontinued)—high output power

Option 1ED—Type–N female RF output connector

Option 1EH —improved harmonics below 2 GHz

Option 1EU—high output power

Option 1EM—moves all front panel connectors to the rear panel

Option 1EZ—extended support life

Option 1SM—provides improved performance in Exponential (Log) AM mode

Option UK6—commercial calibration certificate and test data

Option UNX—ultra low phase noise performance

Option UNT—AM, FM, phase modulation, and LF output

• open–loop or closed–loop AM

• dc–synthesized FM to 10 MHz rates; maximum deviation depends on the carrier frequency

• external modulation inputs for AM, FM, and ΦM

• simultaneous modulation configurations (except: FM with ΦM or Linear AM with Exponential AM)

1. Instruments with serial prefix ≥ US4928/SG4928/MY4928.

Chapter 1 5

Signal Generator Overview Options

• dual function generators that include the following:

— 50–ohm low–frequency output, 0 to 3 Vp, available through the LF output

— selectable waveforms: sine, dual–sine, swept–sine, triangle, positive ramp, negative ramp,

square, uniform noise, Gaussian noise, and dc

— adjustable frequency modulation rates

— selectable triggering in list and step sweep modes: free run (auto), trigger key (single), bus

(remote), and external

Option UNW—narrow pulse modulation

• generate narrow pulses across the operational frequency band of the PSG

• includes all the same functionality as Option UNU

Options

PSG signal generators have hardware, firmware, software, and documentation options. The Data Sheet shipped with your signal generator provides an overview of available options. For more

information, visit the Agilent PSG web page at http://www.agilent.com/find/psg, select the desired PSG model, and then click the

Options tab.

Firmware Upgrades

You can upgrade the firmware in your signal generator whenever new firmware is released. New firmware releases, which can be downloaded from the Agilent website, may contain signal generator features and functionality not available in previous firmware releases.

To determine the availability of new signal generator firmware, visit the Signal Generator Firmware Upgrade Center web page at http://www.agilent.com/find/upgradeassistant, or call the number listed at http://www.agilent.com/find/assist.

To Upgrade Firmware

The following procedure shows you how to download new firmware to your PSG using a LAN connection and a PC. For information on equipment requirements and alternate methods of downloading firmware, such as GPIB, refer to the Firmware Upgrade Guide, which can be accessed at http://www.agilent.com/find/upgradeassistant.

1. Note the IP address of your signal generator. To view the IP address on the PSG, press

GPIB/RS–232 LAN > LAN Setup.

2. Use an internet browser to visit http://www.agilent.com/find/upgradeassistant.

3. Scroll down to the “Documents and Downloads” table and click the link in the “Latest Firmware Revision” column for the E8257D/67D or E8663D PSG.

4. In the File Download window, select

5. In the Welcome window, click download to the PC.

6. In the “Documents and Downloads” table, click the link in the “Upgrade Assistant Software” column for the E8257D/67D or E8663D PSG to download the PSG/ESG Upgrade Assistant.

6 Chapter 1

Run.

Next and follow the on–screen instructions. The firmware files

Utility >

Signal Generator Overview

Modes of Operation

7. In the File Download window, select Run.

8. In the Welcome window, click

9. At the desktop shortcut prompt, click

10. Once the utility downloads, close the browser and double–click the the desktop.

11. In the upgrade assistant, set the connection type you wish to use to download the firmware, and the parameters for the type of connection selected. For LAN, enter the instrument’s IP address, which you recorded in step 1.

OK and follow the on–screen instructions.

Ye s.

PSG/ESG Upgrade Assistant icon on

NOTE If the PSG’s dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) is enabled, the network assigns the

12. Click Browse, and double–click the firmware revision to upgrade your signal generator.

13. In the Upgrade Assistant, click

14. Once connection to the instrument is verified, click

NOTE Once the download starts, it cannot be aborted.

When the upgrade completes, the Upgrade Assistant displays a summary.

15. Click

instrument an IP address at power on. Because of this, when DHCP is enabled, the IP address may be different each time you turn on the instrument. DHCP does not affect the hostname.

Next.

Next and follow the on–screen prompts.

When the User Attention message appears, you must first cycle the instrument’s power, then click OK.

OK and close the Upgrade Assistant.

Modes of Operation

Depending on the model and installed options, the PSG signal generator provides up to four basic modes of operation: continuous wave (CW), swept signal, analog modulation, and digital modulation.

Continuous Wave

In this mode, the signal generator produces a continuous wave signal. The signal generator is set to a single frequency and power level. The E8257D, E8267D, and E8663D can produce a CW signal.

Swept Signal

In this mode, the signal generator sweeps over a range of frequencies and/or power levels. The E8257D, E8267D, and E8663D provide list and step sweep functionality. Option 007 adds analog ramp sweep functionality.

Analog Modulation

In this mode, the signal generator modulates a CW signal with an analog signal. The analog

Chapter 1 7

Signal Generator Overview Modes of Operation

modulation types available depend on the installed options.

Option UNT provides amplitude, frequency, and phase modulations. Some of these modulations can be used together. Options UNU and UNW provide standard and narrow pulse modulation capability, respectively. Option UNU is standard on the E8663D.

Option 1SM provides improved Exponential (Log) AM mode.

Digital Modulation

In this mode, the signal generator modulates a CW signal with either a real–time I/Q signal or arbitrary I/Q waveform. I/Q modulation is only available on the E8267D. An internal baseband generator (Option 601/602) adds the following digital modulation formats:

• Custom Arb Waveform Generator mode can produce a single–modulated carrier or multiple–modulated carriers. Each modulated carrier waveform must be calculated and generated before it can be output; this signal generation occurs on the internal baseband generator. Once a waveform has been created, it can be stored and recalled, which enables repeatable playback of test signals. To learn more, refer to “Custom Arb Waveform Generator” on page 159.

• Custom Real Time I/Q Baseband mode produces a single carrier, but it can be modulated with real–time data that allows real–time control over all of the parameters that affect the signal. The single–carrier signal that is produced can be modified by applying various data patterns, filters, symbol rates, modulation types, and burst shapes. To learn more, refer to “Custom Real Time I/Q

Baseband” on page 181.

• Two Tone mode produces two separate continuous wave signals (or tones). The frequency spacing between the two signals and the amplitudes are adjustable. To learn more, refer to “Two–Tone

Waveform Generator” on page 211.

• Multitone mode produces up to 64 continuous wave signals (or tones). Like Two Tone mode, the frequency spacing between the signals and the amplitudes are adjustable. To learn more, refer to

“Multitone Waveform Generator” on page 201.

• Dual ARB mode is used to control the playback sequence of waveform segments that have been written into the ARB memory located on the internal baseband generator. These waveforms can be generated by the internal baseband generator using the Custom Arb Waveform Generator mode, or downloaded through a remote interface into the ARB memory. To learn more, refer to

“Using the Dual ARB Waveform Player” on page 91.

8 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

E8267D only

E8257N, 8257D, and E8267D

11 12

2123

272829

Front Panel

This section describes each item on the PSG front panel. Figure 0- 1 shows an E8267D front panel, which includes all items available on the E8257D and E8663D.

Figure 1-1 Standard E8267D Front Panel Diagram

1. Display 10. Help 19. SYNC OUT 28. Local

2. Softkeys 11. EXT 1 INPUT 20. VIDEO OUT 29. Preset

3. Knob 12. EXT 2 INPUT 21. Incr Set 30. Line Power LED

4. Amplitude 13. LF OUTPUT 22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT 31. LINE

5. Frequency 14. Mod On/Off 23. Arrow Keys 32. Standby LED

6. Save 15. ALC INPUT 24. Hold 33. SYMBOL SYNC

7. R eca ll 16. RF On/Off 25. Return 34. DATA CLOCK

8. Trigger 17. Numeric Keypad 26. Contrast Decrease 35. DATA

9. MENUS 18. RF OUTPUT 27. Contrast Increase 36. Q Input

Chapter 1 9

37. I Input

Signal Generator Overview Front Panel

1. Display

The LCD screen provides information on the current function. Information can include status indicators, frequency and amplitude settings, and error messages. Softkeys labels are located on the right–hand side of the display. For more detail on the front panel display, see “Front Panel Display”

on page 16.

2. Softkeys

Softkeys activate the displayed function to the left of each key.

3. Knob

Use the knob to increase or decrease a numeric value, change a highlighted digit or character, or step through lists or select items in a row.

4. Amplitude

Pressing this hardkey makes amplitude the active function. You can change the output amplitude or use the menus to configure amplitude attributes such as power search, user flatness, and leveling mode.

5. Frequency

Pressing this hardkey makes frequency the active function. You can change the output frequency or use the menus to configure frequency attributes such as frequency multiplier, offset, and reference.

6. Save

CAUTION The Save hardkey does not save table configurations, such as list sweep, multitone, or

Pressing this hardkey displays a menu of choices that enable you to save data in the instrument state register. The instrument state register is a section of memory divided into 10 sequences (numbered 0 through 9), each containing 100 registers (numbered 00 through 99). It is used to store and recall frequency, amplitude, and modulation settings.

Save hardkey provides a quick alternative to reconfiguring the signal generator through the front

The panel or SCPI commands when switching between different signal configurations. Once an instrument state has been saved, all of the frequency, amplitude, and modulation settings can be recalled with the

Recall hardkey. For more information on saving and recalling instrument states, refer to “Using the

Instrument State Registers” on page 63.

ARB.

7. Recall

This key restores an instrument state saved in a memory register. To recall an instrument state, press

Recall

and enter the desired sequence number and register number. To save a state, use the Save hardkey. For more information on saving and recalling instrument states, refer to “Using the

Instrument State Registers” on page 63.

10 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Front Panel

8. Trigger

This key initiates an immediate trigger event for a function such as a list, step, or ramp sweep (Option 007 only). Before this hardkey can be used to initiate a trigger event, the trigger mode must be set to Trigger Key. For example: press the Sweep/List hardkey, then one of the following sequences of softkeys:

• More (1 of 2) > Sweep Trigger > Trigger Key

• More (1 of 2) > Point Trigger > Trigger Key

9. MENUS

These keys open softkey menus for configuring various functions. For descriptions, see the Agilent PSG Signal Generators Key Reference.

Table 1-2 Hardkeys in Front Panel MENUS Group

E8257D and E8663D

PSG Analog

AM Sweep/List FM/ΦM Utility Pulse LF Out

E8267D PSG Vector

Mode Mux AM Sweep/List Mode Setup Aux Fctn

FM/ΦM Utility I/Q Pulse LF Out

NOTE Some menus are optional. Refer to “Options” on page 6 for more information.

10. Help

Pressing this hardkey causes a short description of any hardkey or softkey to be displayed and, in most cases, a listing of related remote–operation SCPI commands. There are two help modes available on the signal generator: single and continuous. The single mode is the factory preset condition. Toggle between single and continuous mode by pressing

Utility > Instrument Info/Help Mode > Help Mode Single Cont.

• In single mode, help text is provided for the next key you press without activating the key’s function. Any key pressed afterward exits the help mode and its function is activated.

• In continuous mode, help text is provided for each subsequent key press until you press the

Help

hardkey again or change to single mode. In addition, each key is active, meaning that the key function is executed (except for the Preset key).

11. EXT 1 INPUT

This female BNC input connector (functional only with Options UNT, UNU, or UNW or on the E8663D) accepts a ±1V

indicated deviation or depth. When ac–coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or ΦM and the peak input voltage differs from 1 V

input impedance is selectable as either 50 or 600 ohms; the damage levels are 5 V signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

signal for AM, FM, and ΦM. For these modulations, ±1Vp produces the

by more than 3 percent, the HI/LO display annunciators light. The

and 10 Vp. On

rms

Chapter 1 11

Signal Generator Overview Front Panel

12. EXT 2 INPUT

This female BNC input connector (functional only with Options UNT, UNU, or UNW or on the E8663D) accepts a ±1V

signal for AM, FM, and ΦM. With AM, FM, or ΦM, ±1Vp produces the

indicated deviation or depth. When ac–coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or ΦM and the peak input voltage differs from 1 V

The input impedance is selectable as either 50 or 600 ohms and damage levels are 5 V

by more than 3 percent, the HI/LO annunciators light on the display.

and 10 Vp.

rms

On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

13. LF OUTPUT

This female BNC output connector (functional only with Option UNT or on the E8663D) outputs modulation signals generated by the low frequency (LF) source function generator. This output is capable of driving 3Vp(nominal) into a 50 ohm load. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this

connector is located on the rear panel.

14. Mod On/Off

This hardkey (E8267D and E8257D with Options UNT, UNU, or UNW) enables or disables all active modulation formats (AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse, or I/Q) applied to the output carrier signal available through the RF OUTPUT connector. This hardkey does not set up or activate an AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse, or I/Q format; each modulation format must still be set up and activated (for example, nothing is applied to the output carrier signal when the

Mod On/Off hardkey is enabled. The MOD ON/OFF

annunciator indicates whether active modulation formats have been enabled or disabled with the

hardkey.

On/Off

AM > AM On) or

Mod

15. ALC INPUT

This female BNC input connector is used for negative external detector leveling. This connector accepts an input of −0.2 mV to −0.5 V. The nominal input impedance is 120 kohms and the damage level is ±15 V. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

16. RF On/Off

Pressing this hardkey toggles the operating state of the RF signal present at the RF OUTPUT connector. Although you can set up and enable various frequency, power, and modulation states, the RF and microwave output signal is not present at the RF OUTPUT connector until RF On/Off is set to On. The

RF On/Off annunciator is always visible in the display to indicate whether the RF is turned on

or off.

17. Numeric Keypad

The numeric keypad consists of the 0 through 9 hardkeys, a decimal point hardkey, and a backspace hardkey ( ). The backspace hardkey enables you to backspace or alternate between a positive and a negative value. When specifying a negative numeric value, the negative sign must be entered

prior to entering the numeric value.

12 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Front Panel

18. RF OUTPUT

This connector outputs RF and microwave signals. The nominal output impedance is 50 ohms. The reverse–power damage levels are 0 Vdc, 0.5 watts nominal. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel. The connector type varies according to frequency option.

19. SYNC OUT

This female BNC output connector (functional only with Options UNU or UNW or on the E8663D) outputs a synchronizing TTL–compatible pulse signal that is nominally 50 ns wide during internal and triggered pulse modulation. The nominal source impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

20. VIDEO OUT

This female BNC output connector (functional only with Options UNU or UNW or on the E8663D) outputs a TTL–level compatible pulse signal that follows the output envelope in all pulse modes. The nominal source impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

21. Incr Set

This hardkey enables you to set the increment value of the current active function. The increment value of the current active function appears in the active entry area of the display. Use the numeric keypad, arrow hardkeys, or the knob to adjust the increment value.

22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT

This female BNC input connector (functional only with Options UNU or UNW or on the E8663D) accepts an externally supplied pulse signal for use as a pulse or trigger input. With pulse modulation, +1 V is on and 0 V is off (trigger threshold of 0.5 V with a hysteresis of 10 percent; so 0.6 V would be on and 0.4 V would be off). The damage levels are ±5V

impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

and 10 Vp. The nominal input

rms

23. Arrow Keys

These up and down arrow hardkeys are used to increase or decrease a numeric value, step through displayed lists, or to select items in a row of a displayed list. Individual digits or characters may be highlighted using the left and right arrow hardkeys. Once an individual digit or character is highlighted, its value can be changed using the up and down arrow hardkeys.

24. Hold

Pressing this hardkey blanks the softkey label area and text areas on the display. Softkeys, arrow hardkeys, the knob, the numeric keypad, and the pressed.

Chapter 1 13

Incr Set hardkey have no effect once this hardkey is

Signal Generator Overview Front Panel

25. Return

Pressing this hardkey displays the previous softkey menu. It enables you to step back through the menus until you reach the first menu you selected.

26. Contrast Decrease

Pressing this hardkey causes the display background to darken.

27. Contrast Increase

Pressing this hardkey causes the display background to lighten.

28. Local

Pressing this hardkey deactivates remote operation and returns the signal generator to front–panel control.

29. Preset

Pressing this hardkey sets the signal generator to a known state (factory or user–defined).

30. Line Power LED

This green LED indicates when the signal generator power switch is set to the on position.

31. LINE

In the on position, this switch activates full power to the signal generator; in standby, it deactivates all signal generator functions. In standby, the signal generator remains connected to the line power and power is supplied to some internal circuits.

32. Standby LED

This yellow LED indicates when the signal generator power switch is set to the standby condition.

33. SYMBOL SYNC

This female BNC input connector is CMOS–compatible and accepts an externally supplied symbol sync signal for use with the internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). The expected input is a

3.3 V CMOS bit clock signal (which is also TTL compatible). SYMBOL SYNC might occur once per symbol or be a single one–bit–wide pulse that is used to synchronize the first bit of the first symbol. The maximum clock rate is 50 MHz. The damage levels are > +5.5 V and < −0.5V. The nominal input impedance is not definable. SYMBOL SYNC can be used in two modes:

• When used as a symbol sync in conjunction with a data clock, the signal must be high during the first data bit of the symbol. The signal must be valid during the falling edge of the data clock signal and may be a single pulse or continuous.

• When the SYMBOL SYNC itself is used as the (symbol) clock, the CMOS falling edge is used to clock the DATA signal.

14 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Front Panel

On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

34. DATA CLOCK

This female BNC input connector is CMOS compatible and accepts an externally supplied data–clock input signal to synchronize serial data for use with the internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). The expected input is a 3.3 V CMOS bit clock signal (which is also TTL compatible) where the rising edge is aligned with the beginning data bit. The falling edge is used to clock the DATA and SYMBOL SYNC signals. The maximum clock rate is 50 MHz. The damage levels are > +5.5 V and < −0.5V. The nominal input impedance is not definable. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

35. DATA

This female BNC input connector (Options 601/602 only) is CMOS compatible and accepts an externally supplied serial data input for digital modulation applications. The expected input is a 3.3 V CMOS signal (which is also TTL compatible) where a CMOS high = a data 1 and a CMOS low = a data

0. The maximum input data rate is 50 Mb/s. The data must be valid on the falling edges of the data clock (normal mode) or the on the falling edges of the symbol sync (symbol mode). The damage levels are > +5.5 and < −0.5V. The nominal input impedance is not definable. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is located on the rear panel.

36. Q Input

This female BNC input connector (E8267D only) accepts the quadrature–phase (Q) component of an externally supplied, analog, I/Q modulation. The in–phase (I) component is supplied through the I

INPUT. The signal level is = 0.5 V

impedance is 50 or 600 ohms. The damage level is 1 V the I and Q input connectors, press

Ext 600 Ohm. On signal generators with Option 1EM, these connectors are located on the rear panel.

Mux > I/Q Source 1 or I/Q Source 2 and then select either Ext 50 Ohm or

for a calibrated output level. The nominal input

rms

and 10 V

rms

. To activate signals applied to

peak

37. I Input

This female BNC input connector (E8267D only) accepts the in–phase (I) component of an externally supplied, analog, I/Q modulation. The quadrature–phase (Q) component is supplied through the Q

INPUT. The signal level is = 0.5 V

impedance is 50 or 600 ohms. The damage level is 1 V the I and Q input connectors, press Mux > I/Q Source 1 or I/Q Source 2 and then select either Ext 50 Ohm or

Ext 600 Ohm. On signal generators with Option 1EM, these connectors are located on the rear panel.

Chapter 1 15

for a calibrated output level. The nominal input

rms

and 10 V

rms

. To activate signals applied to

peak

Signal Generator Overview Front Panel Display

Front Panel Display

Figure 0- 2 shows the various regions of the PSG display. This section describes each region.

Figure 1-2 Front Panel Display Diagram

1. Active Entry Area 5. Amplitude Area

2. Frequency Area 6. Error Message Area

3. Annunciators 7. Text Area

4. Digital Modulation Annunciators 8. Softkey Label Area

16 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Front Panel Display

1. Active Entry Area

The current active function is shown in this area. For example, if frequency is the active function, the current frequency setting will be displayed here. If the current active function has an increment value associated with it, that value is also displayed.

2. Frequency Area

The current frequency setting is shown in this portion of the display. Indicators are also displayed in this area when the frequency offset or multiplier is used, the frequency reference mode is turned on, or a source module is enabled.

3. Annunciators

The display annunciators show the status of some of the signal generator functions and indicate any error conditions. An annunciator position may be used by more than one function. This does not create a problem, because only one function that shares an annunciator position can be active at a time.

ΦM This annunciator (Option UNT only) appears when phase modulation is on. If

frequency modulation is on, the FM annunciator replaces ΦM.

ALC OFF This annunciator appears when the ALC circuit is disabled. A second annunciator,

AM This annunciator (Option UNT only) appears when amplitude modulation is on.

ARMED This annunciator appears when a sweep has been initiated and the signal

ATTEN HOLD This annunciator (E8267D, E8257D, or E8663D with Option 1E1 only) appears

DIG BUS This annunciator (Options 003/004 only) appears when the digital bus is active,

ENVLP This annunciator appears if a burst condition exists, such as when marker 2 is set

ERR This annunciator appears when an error message is in the error queue. This

EXT This annunciator appears when external leveling is on.

EXT1 LO/HI This annunciator (Options UNT, UNU, or UNW only or on the E8663D) appears as

EXT2 LO/HI This annunciator (Options UNT, UNU, or UNW only or on the E8663D) is

UNLEVEL, appears in the same position if the ALC is enabled and cannot maintain

the output level.

generator is waiting for the sweep trigger event.

when the attenuator hold function is on. When this function is on, the attenuator is held at its current setting.

and the internal oven reference oscillator is not cold (OVEN COLD appears in this same location).

to enable RF blanking in the Dual ARB format.

annunciator does not turn off until you either view all the error messages or cleared the error queue. To access error messages, press

either EXT1 LO or EXT1 HI, when the ac–coupled signal to the EXT 1 INPUT is <

0.97 Vp or >1.03Vp.

displayed as either EXT2 LO or EXT2 HI. This annunciator appears when the ac–coupled signal to the EXT 2 INPUT is < 0.97 V

Utility > Error Info.

or > 1.03 Vp.

Chapter 1 17

Signal Generator Overview Front Panel Display

EXT REF This annunciator appears when an external frequency reference is applied.

FM This annunciator (Option UNT only) appears when frequency modulation is turned

on. If phase modulation is turned on, the ΦM annunciator will replace FM.

I/Q This annunciator (E8267D only) appears when I/Q modulation is turned on.

L This annunciator appears when the signal generator is in listener mode and is

receiving information or commands over the RS–232, GPIB, or VXI–11 LAN interface.

MOD ON/OFF This annunciator (E8267D and E8257D with Options UNT, UNU, or UNW only or

on the E8663D) indicates whether active modulation formats have been enabled or disabled. Pressing the

Mod On/Off hardkey enables or disables all active modulation

formats (AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse, or I/Q) that are applied to the output carrier signal available through the RF OUTPUT connector. The

Mod On/Off hardkey does not set

up or activate an AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse, or I/Q format; each individual modulation format must still be set up and activated (for example, AM > AM On) or nothing will be applied to the output carrier signal when the

Mod On/Off hardkey is enabled.

OVEN COLD This annunciator (Option UNR/UNX only) appears when the temperature of the

internal oven reference oscillator has dropped below an acceptable level. When this annunciator is on, frequency accuracy is degraded. This condition should occur for several minutes after the signal generator is first connected to line power.

PULSE This annunciator (Options UNU or UNW only or on the E8663D) appears when

pulse modulation is on.

R This annunciator appears when the signal generator is remotely controlled over

the GPIB, RS–232, or VXI–11/Sockets LAN interface (TELNET operation does not activate the R annunciator). When the R annunciator is on, the front panel keys are disabled, except for the Local key and the line power switch. For information on remote operation, refer to the Agilent PSG Signal Generators Programming Guide.

RF ON/OFF This annunciator indicates when the RF or microwave signal is present (RF ON) or

not present (RF OFF) at the RF OUTPUT. Either condition of this annunciator is always visible in the display.

S This annunciator appears when the signal generator has generated a service

request (SRQ) over the RS–232, GPIB, or VXI–11 LAN interface.

SWEEP This annunciator appears when the signal generator is in list, step, or ramp sweep

mode (ramp sweep is available with Option 007 only). List mode is when the signal generator can jump from point to point in a list (hop list); the list is traversed in ascending or descending order. The list can be a frequency list, a power level list, or both. Step mode is when a start, stop, and step value (frequency or power level) are defined and the signal generator produces signals that start at the start value and increment by the step value until it reaches the stop value. Ramp sweep mode (Option 007 only) is when a start and stop value (frequency or power level) are defined and the signal generator produces signals that start at the start value and produce a continuous output until it reaches the stop value.

T This annunciator appears when the signal generator is in talker mode and is

18 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Front Panel Display

transmitting information over the GPIB, RS–232, or VXI–11 LAN interface.

UNLEVEL This annunciator appears when the signal generator is unable to maintain the

correct output level. The UNLEVEL annunciator is not necessarily an indication of instrument failure. Unleveled conditions can occur during normal operation. A second annunciator, ALC OFF, will appear in the same position when the ALC circuit is disabled.

UNLOCK This annunciator appears when any of the phase locked loops are unable to

maintain phase lock. You can determine which loop is unlocked by examining the error messages.

4. Digital Modulation Annunciators

All digital modulation annunciators (E8267D with Option 601/602 only) appear in this location. These annunciators appear only when the modulation is active, and only one digital modulation can be active at any given time.

ARB Dual Arbitrary Waveform Generator M–TONE Multitone Waveform Generator

CUSTOM Custom Real Time I/Q Baseband T–TONE Two–Tone Waveform Generator

DIGMOD Custom Arb Waveform Generator

5. Amplitude Area

The current output power level setting is shown in this portion of the display. Indicators are also displayed in this area when amplitude offset is used, amplitude reference mode is turned on, external leveling mode is enabled, a source module is enabled, and when user flatness is enabled.

6. Error Message Area

Abbreviated error messages are reported in this space. When multiple error messages occur, only the most recent message remains displayed. Reported error messages with details can be viewed by pressing Utility > Error Info.

7. Text Area

This text area of the display:

• shows signal generator status information, such as the modulation status, sweep lists, and file catalogs

• displays the tables

• enables you to perform functions such as managing information, entering information, and displaying or deleting files

8. Softkey Label Area

The labels in this area define the function of the softkeys located immediately to the right of the label. The softkey label may change depending upon the function selected.

Chapter 1 19

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

Rear Panel

This section describes each item on the PSG rear panel. Four consecutive drawings show the standard and Option 1EM rear panels for the E8267D, E8257D, and the E8663D. (Option 1EM moves all front panel connectors to the real panel.)

Figure 1-3 Standard E8267D Rear Panel

1. EVENT 1 11. WIDEBAND Q INPUTS 21. LAN

2. EVENT 2 12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes

3. PATTERN TRIG IN 13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes

4. BURST GATE IN 14. Q–bar OUT 24. BASEBAND GEN CLK IN

5. AUXILIARY I/O 15. AC Power Receptacle 25. Z–AXIS BLANK/MKRS

6. DIGITAL BUS 16. GPIB 26. SWEEP OUT

7. Q OUT 17. 10 M Hz E FC 27. TRI GGE R OU T

8. I OUT 18. ALC HOLD (Serial Prefixes

9. WIDEBAND I INPUTS 19. AUXILIARY INTERFACE 29. SOURCE SETTLED

10. I–bar OUT 20. 10 MHz IN 30. SOURCE MODULE INTERFACE

>=US4646/MY4646)

>=US4722/MY4722)

22. 10 MHz OUT

23. STOP SWEEP IN/OUT

28. TRIGGER IN

44. Flash Drive (Serial Prefixes >=US4829/SG4829/MY4829 (E8267D) and >=US4928/SG4928/MY4928 (E8257D))

20 Chapter 1

Figure 1-4 E8267D Option 1EM Rear Panel

Signal Generator Overview

Rear Panel

1. EVENT 1 16. GPIB 31. RF OUT

2. EVENT 2 17. 10 MHz EFC 32. EXT 1

3. PATTERN TRIG IN 18. ALC HOLD (Serial Prefixes >=US4722/MY4722) 33. EXT 2

4. BURST GATE IN 19. AUXILIARY INTERFACE 34. PULSE SYNC OUT

5. AUXILIARY I/O 20. 10 MHz IN 35. PULSE VIDEO OUT

6. DIGITAL BUS 21. LAN 36. PULSE/TRIG GATE INPUT

7. Q OUT 22. 10 MHz OUT 37. ALC INPUT

8. I OUT 23. STOP SWEEP IN/OUT 38. DATA CLOCK

9. WIDEBAND I INPUTS 24. BASEBAND GEN CLK IN 39. I IN

10. I–bar OUT 25. Z–AXIS BLANK/MKRS 40. SYMBOL SYNC

11. WIDEBAND Q INPUTS 26. SWEEP OUT 42. DATA

12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

14. Q–bar OUT 29. SOURCE SETTLED 44. Flash Drive (Serial Prefixes

15. AC Power Receptacle 30. SOURCE MODULE INTERFACE

27. TRIGGER OUT 41. Q IN

28. TRIGGER IN 43. LF OUT

>=US4829/SG4829/MY4829 (E8267D) and >=US4928/SG4928/MY4928 (E8257D))

Chapter 1 21

Signal Generator Overview

27 26 25 23 21

16 15

Rear Panel

Figure 1-5 Standard E8257D and E8663D Rear Panel

5. AUXILIARY I/O 19. AUXILIARY INTERFACE 26. SWEEP OUT

12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

15. AC Power Receptacle 22. 10 MHz OUT 29. SOURCE SETTLED

16. GPIB 23. STOP SWEEP IN/OUT 30. SOURCE MODULE INTERFACE

17. 10 MHz EFC 25. Z–AXIS BLANK/MKRS

20. 10 MHz IN 27. TRIGGER OUT

21. LAN 28. TRIGGER IN

22 Chapter 1

Figure 1-6 E8257D and E8663D Option 1EM Rear Panel

27 26 25 23 21 19

30 44

344333

Signal Generator Overview

Rear Panel

5. AUXILIARY I/O 21. LAN 31. RF OUT

12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

15. AC Power Receptacle 25. Z–AXIS BLANK/MKRS 34. PULSE SYNC OUT

16. GPIB 26. SWEEP OUT 35. PULSE VIDEO OUT

17. 10 MHz EFC 27. TRIGGER OUT 36. PULSE/TRIG GATE INPUT

19. AUXILIARY INTERFACE 28. TRIGGER IN 37. ALC INPUT

20. 10 MHz IN 29. SOURCE SETTLED 43. LF OUT

22. 10 MHz OUT 32. EXT 1

23. STOP SWEEP IN/OUT 33. EXT 2

Chapter 1 23

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

1. EVENT 1

This female BNC connector is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector is non–functional.

In real–time mode, the EVENT 1 connector outputs a pattern or frame synchronization pulse for triggering or gating external equipment. It may be set to start at the beginning of a pattern, frame, or timeslot and is adjustable to within ± one timeslot with one bit resolution.

In arbitrary waveform mode, the EVENT 1 connector outputs a timing signal generated by Marker 1. A marker (3.3 V CMOS high for both positive and negative polarity) is output on the EVENT 1 connector whenever a Marker 1 is turned on in the waveform.

The reverse damage levels for this connector are > +8 V and < −4 V. The nominal output impedance is not defined.

2. EVENT 2

This female BNC connector is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector is non–functional.

In real–time mode, the EVENT 2 connector outputs a data enable signal for gating external equipment. This is applicable when external data is clocked into internally generated timeslots. Data is enabled when the signal is low.

In arbitrary waveform mode, the EVENT 2 connector outputs a timing signal generated by Marker 2. A marker (3.3 V CMOS high for both positive and negative polarity) is output on the EVENT 2 connector whenever a Marker 2 is turned on in the waveform.

The reverse damage levels for this connector are > +8 V and < −4 V. The nominal output impedance is not defined.

3. PATTERN TRIG IN

This female BNC connector is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector is non–functional. This connector accepts a signal that triggers an internal pattern or frame generator to start a single–pattern output. Minimum pulse width is 100 ns. Damage levels are > +5.5 V and < −0.5 V. The nominal input impedance is not defined.

4. BURST GATE IN

This female BNC connector is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). On signal generators without Option 601/602, this connector is non–functional. This connector accepts a 3–volt CMOS input signal for gating burst power. Burst gating is used when you are externally supplying data and clock information.

The input signal must be synchronized with the external data input that will be output during the burst. The burst power envelope and modulated data are internally delayed and re–synchronized. The input signal must be CMOS high for normal burst RF power or CW RF output power and CMOS low for RF off. Damage levels are > +5.5 V and < −0.5 V. The nominal input impedance is not defined.

24 Chapter 1

5. AUXILIARY I/O

ALT PWR IN: Used with an internal baseband generator. This pin accepts a CMOS signal for synchronization of external data and alternate power signal timing. Damage levels are > +8 V and < −4V.

View looking into

rear panel connector

DATA CLK OUT: Used with an internal baseband generator. This pin relays a CMOS bit clock signal for synchronizing serial data.

DATA OUT: Used with an internal baseband generator. This pin outputs data (CMOS) from the internal data generator or the externally supplied signal at data input.

EVENT 3: Used with an internal baseband generator. In arbitrary waveform mode, this pin outputs a timing signal generated by Marker 3. A marker (3.3 V CMOS high for both positive and negative polarity) is output on this pin when a Marker 3 is turned on in the waveform. Reverse damage levels: > +8 V and < −4V.

PATT TRIG IN 2: Accepts a signal that triggers an internal pattern or frame generator to start single pattern output. Minimum pulse width: 100 ns. Damage levels: > +5.5 V and < −0.5 V.

SYM SYNC OUT: Used with an internal baseband generator. This pin outputs the CMOS symbol clock for symbol synchronization, one data clock period wide.

EVENT 4: Used with an internal baseband generator. In arbitrary waveform mode, this pin outputs a timing signal generated by Marker 4. A marker (3.3V CMOS high for both positive and negative polarity) is output on this pin when a Marker 4 is turned on in the waveform. Reverse damage levels: > +8 V and < −4V.

This female 37–pin connector is active only on instruments with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602); on signal generators without Option 601/602, this connector is non–functional. This connector provides access to the inputs and outputs described in the following figure.

Figure 1-7 Auxiliary I/O Connector (Female 37–Pin)

Signal Generator Overview

Rear Panel

Chapter 1 25

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

6. DIGITAL BUS

This is a proprietary bus used for Agilent Baseband Studio products, which require an E8267D with Options 003/004 and 601/602. This connector is not operational for general–purpose customer use. Signals are present only when a Baseband Studio option is installed (for details, refer to http://www.agilent.com/find/basebandstudio). The DIG BUS annunciator appears on the display when the Digital Bus is active (and the internal oven reference oscillator is not cold—OVEN COLD appears in this same location).

7. Q OUT

This female BNC connector (E8267D only) is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602) to output the analog, quadrature–phase component of I/Q modulation. On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector is used to output the quadrature–phase component of an external I/Q modulation that has been fed into the Q input connector. The nominal output impedance of the Q OUT connector is 50 ohms, dc–coupled.

8. I OUT

This female BNC connector (E8267D only) is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602) to output the analog, in–phase component of I/Q modulation. On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector is used to output the in–phase component of an external I/Q modulation that has been fed into the I input connector. The nominal output impedance of the I OUT connector is 50 ohms, dc–coupled.

9. WIDEBAND I INPUTS

These female SMA connectors: I IN (+) and I–bar IN (−) (Option 016 only) are used with differential wideband external I/Q inputs. They accept wideband AM and allow direct high–bandwidth analog inputs to the I/Q modulator in the 3.2−44 GHz range (frequency limit is dependant on the option). This input is not calibrated. The recommended input power level is −1 dBm with a +/− 1 VDC input voltage. The nominal impedance for this connector is 50 ohms.

The signal generator uses lowside mixing in the 20–28.5 GHz frequency range (Options 532 and 544), which reverses the phase relationship for I and Q signals. For internally generated I/Q signals the signal generator’s firmware compensates for this. However, for wideband external I/Q inputs (Option 016) there is no compensation and the I and Q inputs at the rear panel must be reversed to maintain the correct phase relationships in this frequency band. Refer to the Data Sheet and to the A37 Upconverter description in the Agilent PSG Signal Generators Service Guide for more information.

For instruments with Option 015 (discontinued), single–ended wideband I/Q, there is a single BNC I input. The recommended power level at this input connector is 0 dBM.

10. I–bar OUT

This female BNC connector (E8267D only) is used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602) to output the complement of the analog, in–phase component of I/Q modulation. On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector is used to output the complement of the in–phase component of an external I/Q modulation that has been fed into the I input connector.

26 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

I–bar OUT is used in conjunction with I OUT to provide a balanced baseband stimulus. Balanced signals are signals present in two separate conductors that are symmetrical relative to ground and are opposite in polarity (180 degrees out of phase). The nominal output impedance of the I–bar OUT connector is 50 ohms, dc–coupled.

Rear Panel

11. WIDEBAND Q INPUTS

These female SMA connectors: Q IN (+) and Q–bar IN (−) (Option 016 only) are used with differential wideband external I/Q inputs. They accept wideband AM and allow direct high–bandwidth analog inputs to the I/Q modulator in the 3.2−44 GHz range (frequency limit is dependant on the option). This input is not calibrated. The recommended input power level is −1 dBm with a +/− 1 VDC input voltage. The nominal impedance for this connector is 50 ohms.

For instruments with Option 015 (discontinued), single–ended wideband I/Q, there is a single BNC Q input. The recommended power level at this input connector is 0 dBM.

12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

This female SMA connector (Option UNT only) outputs an RF signal that is phase coherent with the signal generator carrier. The coherent carrier connector outputs RF that is not modulated with AM, pulse, or I/Q modulation, but is modulated with FM or ΦM (when FM or ΦM are on).

The output power is nominally 0 dBm. The output frequency range is from 249.99900001 MHz to

3.2 GHz; this output is not useful for output frequencies > 3.2 GHz. If the RF output frequency is

below 249.99900001 MHz, the coherent carrier output signal will have the following frequency:

Frequency of coherent carrier = (1E9 − Frequency of RF output) in Hz.

Damage levels are 20 Vdc and 13 dBm reverse RF power. The nominal output impedance of this connector is 50 ohms.

13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

This female SMA connector (Option UNX only) provides a 1 GHz output that is 100 times the frequency of the internal or external 10 MHz reference. The nominal output level is 7 dBM. The nominal output impedance is 50 ohms. When not in use, this connector must be terminated with a 50 ohm load.

14. Q–bar OUT

This female BNC connector (E8267D only) can be used with an internal baseband generator (Option 601/602) to output the complement of the analog, quadrature–phase component of I/Q modulation. On signal generators without Option 601/602, this female BNC connector can be used to

Chapter 1 27

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

output the complement of the quadrature–phase component of an external I/Q modulation that has been fed into the Q input connector.

Q–bar OUT is used in conjunction with Q OUT to provide a balanced baseband stimulus. Balanced signals are signals present in two separate conductors that are symmetrical relative to ground and are opposite in polarity (180 degrees out of phase). The nominal output impedance of the Q–bar OUT connector is 50 ohms, dc–coupled.

15. AC Power Receptacle

The ac line voltage is connected here. The power cord receptacle accepts a three–pronged power cable that is shipped with the signal generator.

16. GPIB

This GPIB interface allows listen and talk capability with compatible IEEE 488.2 devices.

17. 10 MHz EFC

This female BNC input connector (Options UNR/UNX only) accepts an external dc voltage, ranging from −5 V to +5 V, for electronic frequency control (EFC) of the internal 10 MHz reference oscillator. This voltage inversely tunes the oscillator about its center frequency (approximately −0.0025 ppm/V). The nominal input impedance is greater than 1 Mohms. When not in use, this connector should be shorted using the supplied shorting cap to assure a stable operating frequency.

18. ALC HOLD (Serial Prefixes >=US4722/MY4722)

This female BNC connector (E8267D only) is a TTL–compatible input that controls ALC action with bursted I/Q signals from an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). A high signal allows the ALC to track the RF signal and maintain constant RF output level as the I/Q inputs vary. A low input signal allows the ALC to be held for a brief time (less than 1 second) and not track the RF signal. When driving the external I/Q inputs from an external arbitrary waveform generator supplying a bursted waveform, the ALC Hold line should be driven from a marker output from the AWG that is high when the bursted signal is at the proper level and low when the bursted signal is not at the proper level Damage levels are > 5.5 V and < −0.5 V.

28 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

View looking into

rear panel connector

Rear Panel

19. AUXILIARY INTERFACE

This 9–pin D–subminiature female connector is an RS–232 serial port that can be used for serial communication and Master–Slave source synchronization.

Table 1-3 Auxiliary Interface Connector

Pin Number Signal Description Signal Name

1 No Connection (default operation)/

2Receive DataRECV

3 Transmit Data XMIT

4 +5V (Default operation)/

5Ground, 0V

6No Connection

7Request to SendRTS

8Clear to SendCTS

9No Connection

Retrace (Master–Slave operation)

Sweep Stop (Master–Slave operation)

Figure 1-8

20. 10 MHz IN

This female BNC connector accepts an external timebase reference input signal level of > −3dBm. The reference must be 1, 2, 2.5, 5, or 10 MHz, within ±1 ppm. The signal generator detects when a valid reference signal is present at this connector and automatically switches from internal to external reference operation.

For Option UNR/UNX or instruments with serial prefixes > US4805/MY4805, this BNC connector accepts a signal with a nominal input level of 5 ±5 dBm. The external frequency reference must be 10 MHz, within ±1 ppm.

The nominal input impedance is 50 ohms with a damage level of ≥ 10 dBm.

21. LAN

This LAN interface allows ethernet local area network communication through a 10Base–T LAN cable. The yellow LED on the interface illuminates when data transmission (transfer/receive) is present. The green LED illuminates when there is a delay in data transmission or no data transmission is present.

Chapter 1 29

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

22. 10 MHz OUT

This female BNC connector outputs a nominal signal level of > +4 dBm and has an output impedance of 50 ohms. The accuracy is determined by the timebase used.

23. STOP SWEEP IN/OUT

This female BNC connector (Option 007 only) provides an open–collector, TTL–compatible input/output signal that is used during ramp sweep operation. It provides low–level (nominally 0 V) output during sweep retrace and band–cross intervals. It provides high–level (nominally +5 V) output during the forward portion of the sweep. Sweep stops when this input/output connector is grounded externally. When operating as an input, the nominal impedance for this connector is less than 10 ohms. When operating as an output, the nominal impedance is approximately 4.2 kohms.

24. BASEBAND GEN CLK IN

This female BNC connector accepts a sine or square wave PECL clock input with a frequency range of 200 MHz to 400 MHz, resulting in sample rates of 50 MSa/s to 100 MSa/s. The recommended input level is approximately 1 Vpeak–to–peak for a square wave and 1 dBm to 6 dBm for a sine wave. This allows baseband generators from multiple signal sources to run off the same clock.

25. Z–AXIS BLANK/MKRS

This female BNC connector (Option 007 only) supplies a +5 V (nominal) level during retrace and band–switch intervals of a step, list, or ramp sweep. During ramp sweep, this female BNC connector supplies a –5 V (nominal) level when the RF frequency is at a marker frequency and intensity marker mode is on. This signal is derived from an operational amplifier output so the load impedance should be greater than or equal to 5 kohms. This connection is most commonly used to interface with an Agilent 8757D Scalar Network Analyzer.

26. SWEEP OUT

This female BNC connector outputs a voltage proportional to the RF power or frequency sweep ranging from 0 V at the start of sweep and goes to +10 V (nominal) at the end of sweep, regardless of sweep width.

The nominal output impedance is less than 1 ohm and can drive a 2 kohm load.

When connected to an Agilent Technologies 8757D network analyzer, it generates a selectable number of equally spaced 1 ms, 10 V pulses (nominal) across a ramp (analog) sweep. The number of pulses can be set from 101 to 1601 by remote control through the 8757D.

27. TRIGGER OUT

This female BNC connector, in step/list sweep mode, outputs a TTL signal that is high at the start of a dwell sequence or when waiting for a point trigger in manual sweep mode. The signal is low when the dwell is over or when a point trigger is received. In ramp sweep mode, the output provides 1601 equally spaced 1 μs pulses (nominal) across a ramp sweep. When using LF Out, the output provides a 2 μs pulse at the start of an LF sweep. The nominal impedance for this connector is less than 10 ohms.

30 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Rear Panel

28. TRIGGER IN

This female BNC connector accepts a 3.3V CMOS signal, which is used for point–to–point triggering in manual sweep mode, or in a low frequency (LF output) or analog (AM, FM, and ΦM) external sweep trigger setup. Triggering can occur on either the positive or negative edge of the signal start. The damage level is ≤ −4V or ≥+10 V. The nominal input impedance for this connector is approximately 4.2 kohms.

29. SOURCE SETTLED

This female BNC connector provides a 3–volt CMOS output trigger, indicating when the signal generator has settled to a new frequency or power level. A high indicates that the source has not settled. A low indicates that the source has settled. The nominal output impedance for this connector is less than 10 ohms.

30. SOURCE MODULE INTERFACE

This interface is used to connect to compatible Agilent Technologies 83550 Series mm–wave source modules.

Figure 1-9 Interface Signals of the Source Module Connector

The codes indicated on the illustration above translate as follows.

Mod D0 Source module data line zero. Signals MOD D0 through MOD D3 are the mm

source module data bus lines (bi- directional).

MOD D1 Data line one.

MOD D2 Data line two.

MOD D3 Data line three.

MOD C1 Source module control line zero. Signals MOD C0 and MOD C1 are the control

MOD C1 Control line one.

CLAMP CNTL Source module clamp control (not used).

Chapter 1 31

lines for the read/write to and from the mm source module.

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

MOD SENSE Source module sense. A 1 mA current is injected on this line by the mm source

module to indicate its presence. This signal always equals 0V.

L MOD RF OFF Low = RF off. Source module RF is turned off.

EXT LVL RET Source module external leveling return.

EXT LVL Source module external leveling input, from the mm source module.

0.5V/GHz Internal 0.5 V/GHz to the mm source module.

–15V Power Supply. Range is –14.25 to –15.90V.

+15V Power Supply. Range is +14.25 to +16.40V.

+8V Power Supply. Range is +7.75 t o +8.25V.

+5V Power Supply. Range is +4.75 to +5.45V.

DIG GND Digital ground.

MOD ANLG GND Source module analog ground.

ANLG GND RET Analog ground return.

31. RF OUT

This connector outputs RF and microwave signals. The nominal output impedance is 50 ohms. The reverse power damage levels are 0 Vdc, 0.5 watts nominal. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel. The connector type varies according to frequency option.

32. EXT 1

This female BNC input connector (functional only with Options UNT, UNU, or UNW) accepts a ±1Vp signal for AM, FM, and ΦM. For these modulations, ±1V When ac–coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or ΦM and the peak input voltage differs from 1 V

produces the indicated deviation or depth.

by more than 3 percent, the HI/LO display annunciators light. The input impedance is selectable as either 50 or 600 ohms; the damage levels are 5 V

and 10 Vp. On signal generators without Option

rms

1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

33. EXT 2

This female BNC input connector (functional only with Options UNT, UNU, or UNW) accepts a ±1Vp signal for AM, FM, and ΦM. With AM, FM, or ΦM, ±1V When ac–coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or ΦM and the peak input voltage differs from 1 V by more than 3 percent, the HI/LO annunciators light on the display. The input impedance is

selectable as either 50 or 600 ohms and damage levels are 5 V without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

32 Chapter 1

produces the indicated deviation or depth.

and 10 Vp. On signal generators

rms

Signal Generator Overview

Rear Panel

34. PULSE SYNC OUT

This female BNC output connector (functional only with Options UNU or UNW) outputs a synchronizing TTL–compatible pulse signal that is nominally 50 ns wide during internal and triggered pulse modulation. The nominal source impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

35. PULSE VIDEO OUT

This female BNC output connector (functional only with Options UNU or UNW) outputs a TTL–level compatible pulse signal that follows the output envelope in all pulse modes. The nominal source impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front rear panel.

36. PULSE/TRIG GATE INPUT

This female BNC input connector (functional only with Options UNU or UNW) accepts an externally supplied pulse signal for use as a pulse or trigger input. With pulse modulation, +1 V is on and 0 V is off (trigger threshold of 0.5 V with a hysteresis of 10 percent; so 0.6 V would be on and 0.4 V would be off). The damage levels are ±5V

and 10 Vp. The nominal input impedance is 50 ohms.

rms

On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

37. ALC INPUT

This female BNC input connector is used for negative external detector leveling. This connector accepts an input of −0.2 mV to −0.5 V. The nominal input impedance is 120 kohms and the damage level is ±15 V. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

38. DATA CLOCK

This female BNC input connector (E8267D only) is CMOS compatible and accepts an externally supplied data clock input signal to synchronize serial data for use with the internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). The expected input is a 3.3 V CMOS bit clock signal (which is also TTL compatible) where the rising edge is aligned with the beginning data bit. The falling edge is used to clock the DATA and SYMBOL SYNC signals. The maximum clock rate is 50 MHz. The damage levels are > +5.5 V and < −0.5V. The nominal input impedance is not defined. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector located on the front panel.

39. I IN

This female BNC input connector (E8267D only) accepts the in–phase (I) component an externally supplied, analog, I/Q modulation. The quadrature–phase (Q) component is supplied through the Q IN

connector. The signal level is = 0.5 V

impedance is 50 or 600 ohms. The damage level is 1 V the I and Q input connectors, press

Ext 600 Ohm. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

Chapter 1 33

Mux > I/Q Source 1 or I/Q Source 2 and then select either Ext 50 Ohm or

for a calibrated output level. The nominal input

rms

and 10 V

rms

. To activate signals applied to

peak

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

40. SYMBOL SYNC

This female BNC input connector (E8267D only) is CMOS–compatible and accepts an externally supplied symbol synchronization signal for use with the internal baseband generator (Option 601/602). The expected input is a 3.3 V CMOS bit clock signal (which is also TTL compatible). SYMBOL SYNC might occur once per symbol or be a single one–bit–wide pulse that is used to synchronize the first bit of the first symbol. The maximum clock rate is 50 MHz. The damage levels are > +5.5 V and < −0.5V. The nominal input impedance is not defined. SYMBOL SYNC can be used in two modes:

• When used as a symbol synchronization in conjunction with a data clock, the signal must be high during the first data bit of the symbol. The signal must be valid during the falling edge of the data clock signal and may be a single pulse or continuous.

• When the SYMBOL SYNC itself is used as the (symbol) clock, the CMOS falling edge is used to clock the DATA signal.

On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

41. Q IN

This female BNC input connector (E8267D only) accepts the quadrature–phase (Q) component an externally supplied, analog, I/Q modulation. The in–phase (I) component is supplied through the I IN

connector. The signal level is = 0.5 V

impedance is 50 or 600 ohms. The damage level is 1 V the I and Q input connectors, press

Ext 600 Ohm. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

Mux > I/Q Source 1 or I/Q Source 2 and then select either Ext 50 Ohm or

for a calibrated output level. The nominal input

rms

and 10 V

rms

. To activate signals applied to

peak

42. DATA

This female BNC input connector (Option 601/602 only) is CMOS compatible and accepts an externally supplied serial data input for digital modulation applications. The expected input is a 3.3 V CMOS signal (which is also TTL compatible) where a CMOS high = a data 1 and a CMOS low = a data

0. The maximum input data rate is 50 Mb/s. The data must be valid on the falling edges of the data

clock (normal mode) or on the falling edges of the symbol synchronization (symbol mode). The damage levels are > +5.5 and < −0.5V. The nominal input impedance is not defined. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is located on the front panel.

43. LF OUT

This female BNC output connector (functional only with Option UNT) outputs modulation signals generated by the low frequency (LF) source function generator. This output is capable of driving 3Vp(nominal) into a 50–ohm load. On signal generators without Option 1EM, this connector is

located on the front panel.

34 Chapter 1

Signal Generator Overview

Rear Panel

44. Flash Drive (Serial Prefixes >=US4829/SG4829/MY4829 (E8267D) and >=US4928/SG4928/MY4928 (E8257D))

The removable compact flash drive is not hot swappable – always turn the power off to the instrument when removing or inserting the memory. Use only Agilent provided or certified compact flash cards.

This flash drive (Options 008 and 009 only) outputs data to a removable flash card. The 8 GB memory capacity easily stores user data files; including flatness calibrations, IQ calibration, instrument states, waveforms (including header and marker data), modulation definitions, and sweep lists. Refer to Table 2- 5, “Flash Drive Memory (Options 008 and 009),” on page 69.

Chapter 1 35

Signal Generator Overview Rear Panel

36 Chapter 1

2 Basic Operation

In the following sections, this chapter describes operations common to all Agilent PSG signal generators:

• “Using Table Editors” on page 38

• “Using the User- Defined RF Output Power Limit (Option 1EA, 1EU, or 521 only)” on page 40

• “Configuring a Continuous Wave RF Output” on page 42

• “Configuring a Swept RF Output” on page 45

• “Using Ramp Sweep (Option 007)” on page 49

• “Extending the Frequency Range” on page 59

• “Turning On a Modulation Format” on page 59

• “Applying a Modulation Format to the RF Output” on page 60

• “Using Data Storage Functions” on page 61

• “Using the Instrument State Registers” on page 63

• “Using Security Functions” on page 65

• “Enabling Options” on page 74

• “Using the Web Server” on page 75

Chapter 2 37

Basic Operation

Cursor

Table Softkeys

Table Name

Table Items

Active Function Area

Using Table Editors

Table editors simplify configuration tasks, such as creating a list sweep. This section provides information to familiarize you with basic table editor functionality using the List Mode Values table editor as an example.

Preset > Sweep/List > Configure List Sweep.

Press

The signal generator displays the List Mode Values table editor, as shown below.

Figure 2-1

Active Function Area displays the active table item while its value is edited

Cursor an inverse video identifier used to highlight specific table items

for selection and editing

Table Softkeys select table items, preset table values, and modify table

structures

Table Items values arranged in numbered rows and titled columns (The

columns are also known as data fields. For example, the column below the Frequency title is known as the Frequency data field).

38 Chapter 2

Basic Operation

Using Table Editors

Table Editor Softkeys

The following table editor softkeys are used to load, navigate, modify, and store table item values.

Edit Item displays the selected item in the active function area of the display where the

item’s value can be modified

Insert Row inserts an identical row of table items above the currently selected row

Delete Row deletes the currently selected row

Goto Row opens a menu of softkeys (Enter, Goto Top Row, Goto Middle Row, Goto Bottom Row, Page Up,

and

Page Down) used to quickly navigate through the table items

Insert Item inserts an identical item in a new row below the currently selected item

Delete Item deletes the currently selected item

Page Up and Page Down displays table items that occupy rows outside the limits of the ten–row table

display area

More (1 of 2) accesses Load/Store and its associated softkeys

Load/Store opens a menu of softkeys (Load From Selected File, Store To File, Delete File, Goto Row, Page Up,

and

Page Down) used to load table items from a file in the memory catalog, or to

store the current table items as a file in the memory catalog

Modifying Table Items in the Data Fields

1. If not already displayed, open the List Mode Values table editor (Figure 2- 1 on page 38): Press

Preset > Sweep/List > Configure List Sweep

2. Use the arrow keys or the knob to move the table cursor over the desired item.

In Figure 2- 1, the first item in the Frequency data field is selected.

3. Press

4. Use the knob, arrow keys, or the numeric keypad to modify the value.

5. Press

Edit Item.

The selected item is displayed in the active function area of the display.

Enter.

The modified item is now displayed in the table.

Chapter 2 39

Basic Operation Using the User-Defined RF Output Power Limit (Option 1EA, 1EU, or 521 only)

Using the User-Defined RF Output Power Limit (Option 1EA, 1EU, or 521 only)

NOTE If an E8257D with Option 1EA or E8267D instrument does not have the RF output limit

softkeys available, and the latest firmware has been downloaded to the PSG, then an ALC output board hardware upgrade kit is required before this feature can be available. Refer to the Service Guide.

Selecting a User-Defined RF Output Power Limit

To protect external components and instruments against damage the PSG has a user- defined RF output limit (see Figure 2- 2). The factory default value of the RF output limit is set to 25 dBm and the RF adjusting limit value softkey is not available (see Figure 2- 2). Presetting the instrument, resets the value to 25 dBm and disables any user-defined RF adjusting limit values (i.e. the user- defined RF output limit values are not persistent).

If a persistent RF output limit is required, a user- defined setup is recommended. Use the “Save User Preset” softkey under the Utility > Power On/Preset softkey menu or use the save instrument state register softkeys (Refer to “Using the Instrument State Registers” on page 63).

NOTE In internal leveling mode, when the set amplitude is within ±1 dBm of the RF output limit’s

value, the RF output limit is printed in bold text in the Frequency and Amplitude status information display. When the user attempts to set an amplitude that exceeds the RF Output Power Limit, the amplitude will be restricted and the following error message is displayed: “Value clipped to maximum user defined RF Output Limit”.

In internal leveling mode, if the RF output limit is exceeded, a warning message is displayed that reads “UNLEVEL”. When this message is displayed, the RF output is maximized out at the specified RF output limit and the connected devices are protected.

The RF output limit can be used with an external ALC detector connected to the PSG. When the instrument is in external leveling mode, no indications or warnings are displayed, but the power is restricted if it exceeds the ±1 dBm limits.

40 Chapter 2

Using the User-Defined RF Output Power Limit (Option 1EA, 1EU, or 521 only)

Amplitude > More > More

SCPI Commands:

To enable changing the RF output limit:

SCPI Command: [:SOURce]:POWer:LIMit[:MAX]:ADJust <ON|OFF|1|0> SCPI Command: [:SOURce]:POWer:LIMit[:MAX]:ADJust?

To change the RF output limit:

SCPI Command: [:SOURce]:POWer:LIMit[:MAX] <ampl> SCPI Command: [:SOURce]:POWer:LIMit[:MAX]?

This softkey is only active when the RF Output Limit softkey is set to “Adjust”.

The default RF Output Limit value is shown in here. When the amplitude is within 1 dB of the RF output limit value or exceeds the RF Output Limit value, the value is displayed in bold text.

Figure 2-2 User-Defined RF Output Limit Softkey Menu

Basic Operation

The following example enables the RF Output power limit and changes the value to 20 dBm.

1. To change the RF output limit value:

Amplitude > More > More > RF Output Limit Lock Adjust to Adjust.

Press

2. To change the RF output limit value:

RF Output Limit > 20 dBm

Press

By default, the RPG and increment/decrement controls are disabled to avoid accidental changing of the RF output limit. Press the left/right cursor hardkeys to select a digit and enable the RPG or use the keypad to enter the dBm. The minimum settable value is 15 dBm. The maximum settable value is the unleveled power of the instrument. For settings accuracy, refer to the Data Sheet.

3. To prevent accidently changing the RF Output Limit level:

RF Output Limit Lock Adjust to Lock.

Press

Chapter 2 41

Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

Configuring the RF Output

This section provides information on how to create continuous wave and swept RF (page 45) outputs. It also has information on using a mm–Wave source module to extend the signal generator’s frequency range (page 59).

Configuring a Continuous Wave RF Output

These procedures demonstrate how to set the following parameters:

• setting the RF output frequency (page 42)

• setting the frequency reference and frequency offset (page 43)

• setting the low pass filter (Options 1EH and 521) (page 44)

• setting the RF output amplitude (page 44)

• setting the amplitude reference and amplitude offset (page 44)

• setting the optimize signal to noise ratio (page 45)

Setting the RF Output Frequency

Set the RF output frequency to 700 MHz, and increment or decrement the output frequency in 1 MHz steps.

1. Return the signal generator to the factory–defined state: Press

NOTE You can change the preset condition of the signal generator to a user–defined state. For

these examples, however, use the factory–defined preset state (set the in the Utility menu to Normal).

Preset.

Preset Normal User softkey

2. Observe the FREQUENCY area of the display (in the upper left–hand corner).

The value displayed is the maximum specified frequency of the signal generator.

3. Press

RF On/Off.

RF On/Off hardkey must be pressed before the RF signal is available at the

The RF OUTPUT connector. The display annunciator changes from RF OFF to RF ON. The maximum specified frequency should be output at the RF OUTPUT connector (at the signal generator’s minimum power level).

4. Press Frequency > 700 > MHz.

The 700 MHz RF frequency should be displayed in the FREQUENCY area of the display and also in the active entry area.

5. Press

Frequency > Incr Set > 1 > MHz.

This changes the frequency increment value to 1 MHz.

6. Press the up arrow key.

Each press of the up arrow key increases the frequency by the increment value last set with the

Incr Set hardkey. The increment value is displayed in the active entry area.

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7. The down arrow decreases the frequency by the increment value set in the previous step. Practice stepping the frequency up and down in 1 MHz increments.

You can also adjust the RF output frequency using the knob. As long as frequency is the active function (the frequency is displayed in the active entry area), the knob will increase and decrease the RF output frequency.

8. Use the knob to adjust the frequency back to 700 MHz.

Setting the Frequency Reference and Frequency Offset

The following procedure sets the RF output frequency as a reference frequency to which all other frequency settings are relative. When the frequency reference is set, the display will read 0.00 Hz (the frequency output of the signal generator’s hardware minus the reference frequency). Although the display changes, the actual frequency output is 700 MHz (from step 8 above). Any subsequent frequency changes are shown as increments or decrements to the 0 Hz reference.

The Frequency Reference Set function is not an active function. Once it is set, any change to the frequency setting appears as a frequency reading on the signal generator’s front panel display. For example,

1. Preset the signal generator: Press

Preset.

2. Set the frequency reference to 700 MHz: Press: Frequency > 700 > MHz > More (1 of 3) > Freq Ref Set.

This activates the frequency reference mode, sets the output frequency (700 MHz) as the reference value, and toggles the

Freq Ref softkey On. The FREQUENCY area displays 0.000 Hz. This reading is

the frequency output of the signal generator’s hardware (700 MHz) minus the reference value (700 MHz). The signal generator’s true output frequency is 700 MHz. If the

Freq Ref softkey is

toggled to Off, the front panel will indicate the actual frequency: 700 MHz. The REF indicator appears on the front panel display and the Freq Ref Off On softkey toggles to On.

3. Turn on the RF output: Press

RF On/Off.

The display annunciator changes from RF OFF to RF ON. The RF frequency at the RF OUTPUT connector is 700 MHz.

4. Set the frequency increment value to 1 MHz: Press

Frequency > Incr Set > 1 > MHz.

5. Increment the output frequency by 1 MHz: Press the up arrow key.

The FREQUENCY area display changes to show 1.000 000 000 MHz, which is the frequency output by the hardware (700 MHz + 1 MHz) minus the reference frequency (700 MHz). The frequency at the RF OUTPUT changes to 701 MHz.

6. Enter a 1 MHz offset: Press

More (1 of 3) > Freq Offset > 1 > MHz.

The FREQUENCY area displays 2.000 000 00 MHz, which is the frequency output by the hardware (701 MHz) minus the reference frequency (700 MHz) plus the offset (1 MHz). The OFFS indicator activates. The frequency at the RF OUTPUT connector is still 701 MHz.

Chapter 2 43

Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

Setting the Low Pass Filter (Options 1EH and 521)

CAUTION Option 1EH can degrade power below 2 GHz. Use Option 1EH when improved harmonics

are desired but a degradation of power below 2 GHz is acceptable. Refer to the Data Sheet for details.

Options 1EH and 521 improves the harmonic distortion performance for carrier frequencies ranging from 10 MHz to 2 GHz. Refer to the Data Sheet for specifications on these options.

1. Press Preset.

Default Off

2. Press

3. Press

Frequency > More > More.

Low Pass Filter below 2 GHz to On.

Setting the RF Output Amplitude

1. Preset the signal generator: Press

Preset.

The AMPLITUDE area of the display shows the minimum power level of the signal generator. This is the normal preset RF output amplitude.

2. Turn on the RF output: Press

RF On/Off.

The display annunciator changes to RF ON. At the RF OUTPUT connector, the RF signal is output at the minimum power level.

3. Change the amplitude to −20 dBm: Press

Amplitude > −20 > dBm.

The new output power displays in the AMPLITUDE area of the display and in the active entry area. Until you press a different front panel function key, amplitude remains the active function. You can also change the amplitude using the up and down arrow keys or the knob.

Setting the Amplitude Reference and Amplitude Offset

The following procedure sets the RF output power as an amplitude reference to which all other amplitude parameters are relative. The amplitude initially shown on the display is 0 dB (the power output by the hardware minus the reference power). Although the display changes, the output power does not change. Any subsequent power changes are shown as incremental or decremental to 0 dB.

1. Press

2. Set the amplitude to −20 dBm: Press

Preset.

Amplitude > –20 > dBm.

3. Activate the amplitude reference mode and set the current output power (−20 dBm) as the reference value: Press

More (1 of 2) > Ampl Ref Set.

The AMPLITUDE area displays 0.00 dB, which is the power output by the hardware (−20 dBm) minus the reference value (−20 dBm). The REF indicator activates and the

Ampl Ref Off On softkey

toggles On.

4. Turn the RF output on: Press

RF On/Off.

The display annunciator changes to RF ON. The power at the RF OUTPUT connector is −20 dBm.

5. Change the amplitude increment value to 10 dB: Press

Incr Set > 10 > dB.

6. Use the up arrow key to increase the output power by 10 dB.

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The AMPLITUDE area displays 10.00 dB, which is the power output by the hardware (–20 dBm plus 10 dBm) minus the reference power (−20 dBm). The power at the RF OUTPUT connector changes to −10 dBm.

7. Enter a 10 dB offset: Press

Ampl Offset > 10 > dB.

The AMPLITUDE area displays 20.00 dB, which is the power output by the hardware (−10 dBm) minus the reference power (−20 dBm) plus the offset (10 dB). The OFFS indicator activates. The power at the RF OUTPUT connector is still −10 dBm.

Setting the Optimize Signal to Noise Ratio

Enabling this softkey On optimizes the attenuator and ALC setting to provide optimal signal–to–noise performance; it does not change the RF output power.

NOTE This mode is mutually exclusive with attenuator hold (Atten Hold), and any modulation type.

A settings conflict error will be generated if attentuator hold or any modulation is activated when optimize signal–to–noise is active (On).

1. Press Preset.

Default Off

2. Press

3. Press

Amplitude > More > More > Optimize S/N Off On.

Optimize S/N to On.

Configuring a Swept RF Output

A PSG signal generator has up to three sweep types: step sweep, list sweep, and ramp sweep (Option 007).

The signal generator indicates the sweep advance in a progress bar on the front panel display. If the sweep time is greater than one second, the progress bar sweep advances according to the frequency span of each segment. For each segment in the span, the progress bar displays the full segment and then the sweep is taken. With sweep times less than one second, the progress bar is drawn, the sweep taken, and the progress bar is then blanked.

NOTE List sweep data cannot be saved within an instrument state, but can be saved to the

memory catalog. For instructions on saving list sweep data, see “Storing Files to the Memory

Catalog” on page 62.

During swept RF output, the FREQUENCY and AMPLITUDE areas of the signal generator’s display are deactivated, depending on what is being swept.

Step sweep (see page 46) and ramp sweep (see page 47) provide a linear progression through the start–to–stop frequency and/or amplitude values, while list sweep enables you to create a list of arbitrary frequency, amplitude, and dwell time values and sweep the RF output based on that list.

The list sweep example uses the points created in the step sweep example as the basis for a new list sweep.

Ramp sweep (see page 49) is faster than step or list sweep, and is designed to work with an 8757D/58D Scalar Network Analyzer.

Chapter 2 45

Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

The signal generator provides a softkey, Sweep Retrace Off On, that lets you configure single sweep behavior. When sweep retrace is on, the signal generator will retrace the sweep to the first point of the sweep. If the sweep retrace is off, the sweep will stop and remain on the last point in the sweep.

Activating Scalar Pulse in Sweep Configurations

If your sweep setup uses a scalar network analyzer and a DC detector, the PSG must modulate the swept signal with a 27 kHz square wave, also referred to as a scalar pulse. This pulse modulation is necessary for the DC detector to properly detect the swept signal. If the PSG is controlled by an 8757D through a GPIB connection, the scalar pulse automatically turns on when DC detection is selected on the 8757D. When using any other scalar analyzer, you can manually turn on the scalar pulse using either one of the following key–press sequences:

Sweep > Configure Ramp/Step Sweep > More > Scalar Pulse Off On to On

Press

Pulse > Pulse Source > Scalar > Pulse Off On to On

Press

Using Step Sweep

Step sweep provides a linear progression through the start–to–stop frequency and/or amplitude values. You can toggle the direction of the sweep, up or down. When the

Sweep Direction Down Up softkey

is set to Up, values are swept from the start amplitude/frequency to the stop amplitude/frequency. When set to Down, values are swept from the stop amplitude/frequency to the start amplitude/frequency.

When a step sweep is activated, the signal generator sweeps the RF output based on the values entered for RF output start and stop frequencies and amplitudes, a number of equally spaced points (steps) to dwell upon, and the amount of dwell time at each point; dwell time is the minimum period of time after the settling time that the signal generator will remain at its current state. The frequency, amplitude, or frequency and amplitude of the RF output will sweep from the start amplitude/frequency to the stop amplitude/frequency, dwelling at equally spaced intervals defined by the

# Points softkey value.

To Configure a Single Step Sweep

In this procedure, you create a step sweep with nine, equally spaced points, and the following parameters:

• frequency range from 500 MHz to 600 MHz

•amplitude from −20 dBm to 0 dBm

• dwell time 500 ms at each point

1. Press

2. Press

Preset.

Sweep/List.

This opens a menu of sweep softkeys.

3. Press

Sweep Repeat Single Cont.

This toggles the sweep repeat from continuous to single.

4. Press

Configure Step Sweep.

5. Press Freq Start > 500 > MHz. This changes the start frequency of the step sweep to 500 MHz.

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6. Press Freq Stop > 600 > MHz. This changes the stop frequency of the step sweep to 600 MHz.

7. Press Ampl Start > –20 > dBm. This changes the amplitude level for the start of the step sweep.

8. Press

Ampl Stop > 0 > dBm.

This changes the amplitude level for the end of the step sweep.

9. Press # Points > 9 > Enter. This sets the number of sweep points to nine.

10. Press Step Dwell > 500 > msec. This sets the dwell time at each point to 500 milliseconds.

11. Press

Return > Sweep > Freq & Ampl.

This sets the step sweep to sweep both frequency and amplitude data. Selecting this softkey returns you to the previous menu and turns on the sweep function.

12. Press

RF On/Off.

The display annunciator changes from RF OFF to RF ON.

13. Press Single Sweep.

A single sweep of the frequencies and amplitudes configured in the step sweep is executed and available at the RF OUTPUT connector. On the display, the SWEEP annunciator appears for the duration of the sweep and a progress bar shows the progression of the sweep. The

Single Sweep

softkey can also be used to abort a sweep in progress. To see the frequencies sweep again, press

Single Sweep to trigger the sweep.

To Configure a Continuous Step Sweep

Sweep Repeat Single Cont.

Press

This toggles the sweep from single to continuous. A continuous repetition of the frequencies and amplitudes configured in the step sweep are now available at the RF OUTPUT connector. The SWEEP annunciator appears on the display, indicating that the signal generator is sweeping and progression of the sweep is shown by a progress bar.

Using List Sweep

List sweep enables you to create a list of arbitrary frequency, amplitude, and dwell time values and sweep the RF output based on the entries in the List Mode Values table.

Unlike a step sweep that contains linear ascending/descending frequency and amplitude values, spaced at equal intervals throughout the sweep, list sweep frequencies and amplitudes can be entered at unequal intervals, nonlinear ascending/descending, or random order.

For convenience, the List Mode Values table can be copied from a previously configured step sweep. Each step sweep point’s associated frequency, amplitude and dwell time values are entered into a row in the List Mode Values table, as the following example illustrates.

To Configure a Single List Sweep Using Step Sweep Data

In this procedure, you will leverage the step sweep points and change the sweep information by editing several points in the List Mode Values table. For information on using tables, see “Using Table

Editors” on page 38.

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Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

1. Press Sweep Repeat Single Cont.

This toggles the sweep repeat from continuous to single. The SWEEP annunciator is turned off. The sweep will not occur until it is triggered.

2. Press

Sweep Type List Step.

This toggles the sweep type from step to list.

3. Press

Configure List Sweep.

This opens another menu displaying softkeys that you will use to create the sweep points. The display shows the current list data. (When no list has been previously created, the default list contains one point set to the signal generator’s maximum frequency, minimum amplitude, and a dwell time of 2 ms.)

4. Press

More (1 of 2) > Load List From Step Sweep > Confirm Load From Step Data.

The points you defined in the step sweep are automatically loaded into the list.

To Edit List Sweep Points

1. Press Return > Sweep > Off.

Turning the sweep off allows you to edit the list sweep points without generating errors. If sweep remains on during editing, errors occur whenever one or two point parameters (frequency, power, and dwell) are undefined.

2. Press Configure List Sweep.

This returns you to the sweep list table.

3. Use the arrow keys to highlight the dwell time in row 1.

4. Press

Edit Item.

The dwell time for point 1 becomes the active function.

5. Press

100 > msec.

This enters 100 ms as the new dwell time value for row 1. Note that the next item in the table (in this case, the frequency value for point 2) becomes highlighted after you press the terminator softkey.

6. Using the arrow keys, highlight the frequency value in row 4.

7. Press

Edit Item > 545 > MHz.

This changes the frequency value in row 4 to 545 MHz.

8. Highlight any column in the point 7 row and press

Insert Row.

This adds a new point between points 7 and 8. A copy of the point 7 row is placed between points 7 and 8, creating a new point 8, and renumbering the successive points.

9. Highlight the frequency item for point 8, then press

Pressing

Insert Item shifts frequency values down one row, beginning at point 8. Note that the

Insert Item.

original frequency values for both points 8 and 9 shift down one row, creating an entry for point 10 that contains only a frequency value (the power and dwell time items do not shift down).

The frequency for point 8 is still active.

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10. Press 590 > MHz.

11. Press

Insert Item > –2.5 > dBm.

This inserts a new power value at point 8 and shifts down the original power values for points 8 and 9 by one row.

12. Highlight the dwell time for point 9, then press

Insert Item.

A duplicate of the highlighted dwell time is inserted for point 9, shifting the existing value down to complete the entry for point 10.

To Configure a Single List Sweep

1. Press

Return > Sweep > Freq & Ampl

This turns the sweep on again. No errors should occur if all parameters for every point have been defined in the previous editing process.

2. Press Single Sweep.

The signal generator will single sweep the points in your list. The SWEEP annunciator activates during the sweep.

3. Press

4. Press

More (1 of 2) > Sweep Trigger > Tri gg e r K ey .

This sets the sweep trigger to occur when you press the

More (2 of 2) > Single Sweep.

Tr ig ge r hardkey.

This arms the sweep. The ARMED annunciator is activated.

5. Press the

Tr ig ge r hardkey.

The signal generator will single sweep the points in your list and the SWEEP annunciator will be activated during the sweep.

To Configure a Continuous List Sweep

Sweep Repeat Single Cont.

Press

This toggles the sweep from single to continuous. A continuous repetition of the frequencies and amplitudes configured in the list sweep are now available at the RF OUTPUT connector. The SWEEP annunciator appears on the display, indicating that the signal generator is sweeping and progression of the sweep is shown by a progress bar.

Using Ramp Sweep (Option 007)

Ramp sweep provides a linear progression through the start–to–stop frequency and/or amplitude values. Ramp sweep is much faster than step or list sweep, and is designed to work with an 8757D/58D Scalar Network Analyzer. This section describes the ramp sweep capabilities available in signal generators with Option 007. You will learn how to use basic ramp sweep, and how to configure a ramp sweep for a master/slave setup (see page 56).

Refer to the Agilent Signal Generators Programming Guide for an example program that uses pass–thru commands in a ramp sweep system (pass–thru commands enable you to temporarily interrupt ramp sweep system interaction so that you can send operating instructions to the instrument).

Chapter 2 49

Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

Using Basic Ramp Sweep Functions

This procedure demonstrates the following tasks (each task builds on the previous task):

• “Configuring a Frequency Sweep” on page 50

• “Using Markers” on page 52

• “Adjusting Sweep Time” on page 54

• “Using Alternate Sweep” on page 55

• “Configuring an Amplitude Sweep” on page 56

Configuring a Frequency Sweep

1. Set up the equipment as shown in Figure 2- 3.

NOTE The PSG signal generator is not compatible with the GPIB system interface of an 8757A,

8757C, or 8757E. For these older scalar network analyzers, do not connect the GPIB cable in

Figure 2- 3. This method provides only a subset of 8757D functionality. See the Data Sheet

for details. Use the 8757A/C/E documentation instead of this procedure.

Figure 2-3 Equipment Setup

2. Turn on both the 8757D and the PSG.

3. On the 8757D, press

System > More > Sweep Mode and verify that the SYSINTF softkey is set to ON.

This ensures that the system interface mode is activated on the 8757D. The system interface

50 Chapter 2

Basic Operation

Configuring the RF Output

mode enables the instruments to work as a system.

4. Press

5. On the 8757D, press

Utility > GPIB/RS–232 LAN to view the PSG’s GPIB address under the GPIB Address softkey. If you

want to change it, press

GPIB Address and change the value.

LOCAL > SWEEPER and check the GPIB address. If it does not match that of the

PSG, change the value.

6. Preset either instrument.

Presetting one of the instruments should automatically preset the other as well. If both instruments do not preset, check the GPIB connection, GPIB addresses, and ensure the 8757D is set to system interface mode (

SYSINTF set to ON).

The PSG automatically activates a 2 GHz to maximum frequency ramp sweep with a constant amplitude of 0 dBm. Notice that the RF ON, SWEEP, and PULSE annunciators appear on the PSG display. The PULSE annunciator appears because the 8757D is operating in AC mode.

The PSG also switches its remote language setting to 8757D System, allowing the PSG to talk to the 8757D during ramp sweep operations. You can confirm this by pressing and observing the selection under the

Remote Language softkey.

Utility > GPIB/RS–232 LAN

NOTE During swept RF output, the FREQUENCY and/or AMPLITUDE areas of the signal generator’s

display are deactivated, depending on what is being swept. In this case, since frequency is being swept, nothing appears in the FREQUENCY area of the display.

7. Press Frequency > Freq CW.

The current continuous wave frequency setting now controls the RF output and ramp sweep is turned off.

8. Press

Freq Start.

The ramp sweep settings once again control the RF output and the CW mode is turned off. Pressing any one of the softkeys Freq Start, Freq Stop, Freq Center, or Freq Span activates a ramp sweep with the current settings.

NOTE In a frequency ramp sweep, the start frequency must be lower than the stop frequency.

9. Adjust the settings for Freq Center and Freq Span so that the frequency response of the device under test (DUT) is clearly seen on the 8757D display.

Notice how adjusting these settings also changes the settings for the Freq Start and Freq Stop softkeys. You may need to rescale the response on the 8757D for a more accurate evaluation of the amplitude. Figure 2- 4 on page 52 shows an example of a bandpass filter response.

Chapter 2 51

Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

Figure 2-4 Bandpass Filter Response on 8757D

Using Markers

1. Press

Markers.

This opens a table editor and associated marker control softkeys. You can use up to 10 different markers, labeled 0 through 9.

2. Press

Marker Freq and select a frequency value within the range of your sweep.

In the table editor, notice how the state for marker 0 automatically turns on. The marker also appears on the 8757D display.

3. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor in the table editor to marker 1 and select a frequency value within the range of your sweep, but different from marker 0.

Notice that marker 1 is activated and is the currently selected marker, indicated by the marker arrow pointing down. As you switch between markers, using the arrow keys, you will notice that the selected marker’s arrow points down, while all others point up.

Notice also that the frequency and amplitude data for the currently selected marker is displayed on the 8757D.

4. Move the cursor back to marker 0 and press

Delta Ref Set > Marker Delta Off On to On.

In the table editor, notice that the frequency values for each marker are now relative to marker 0. Ref appears in the far right column (also labeled Ref) to indicate which marker is the reference.

52 Chapter 2

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Configuring the RF Output

Refer to Figure 2- 5.

Figure 2-5 Marker Table Editor

5. Move the cursor back to marker 1 and press Marker Freq. Turn the front panel knob while observing marker 1 on the 8757D.

On the 8757D, notice that the displayed amplitude and frequency values for marker 1 are relative to marker 0 as the marker moves along the trace. Refer to Figure 2-6.

Chapter 2 53

Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

Figure 2-6 Delta Markers on 8757D

6. Press

Turn Off Markers.

All active markers turn off. Refer to the Agilent PSG Signal Generators Key Reference for information on other marker softkey functions.

Adjusting Sweep Time

1. Press

Sweep/List.

This opens a menu of sweep control softkeys and displays a status screen summarizing all the current sweep settings.

2. Press

Configure Ramp/Step Sweep.

Since ramp is the current sweep type, softkeys in this menu specifically control ramp sweep settings. When step is the selected sweep type, the softkeys control step sweep settings. Notice that the

Freq Start and Freq Stop softkeys appear in this menu in addition to the Frequency hardkey

menu.

3. Press

Sweep Time to Manual > 5 > sec.

In auto mode, the sweep time automatically sets to the fastest allowable value. In manual mode, you can select any sweep time slower than the fastest allowable. The fastest allowable sweep time is dependent on the number of trace points and channels being used on the 8757D and the frequency span.

54 Chapter 2

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Configuring the RF Output

4. Press Sweep Time to Auto.

The sweep time returns to its fastest allowable setting.

NOTE When using an 8757D network analyzer in manual sweep mode, you must activate the signal

generator’s

Sweep/List > More (2 of 3) > Manual Freq

Manual Freq softkey before using the front panel knob to control the sweep. Press

Using Alternate Sweep

1. Press the Save hardkey.

This opens the table editor and softkey menu for saving instrument states. Notice that the

Reg

softkey is active. (For more information on saving instrument states refer to “Using the

Select

Instrument State Registers” on page 63.)

2. Turn the front panel knob until you find an available register and press SAVE. Remember this saved register number. If no registers are available, you can write over an in–use register, by pressing Re–SAVE.

NOTE When you are using the PSG in a system with an 8757D network analyzer, you are limited to

using registers 1 through 9 in sequence 0 for saving and recalling states.

3. Press Sweep/List > Configure Ramp/Step Sweep and enter new start and stop frequency values for the ramp sweep.

4. Press Alternate Sweep Register and turn the front panel knob to select the register number of the previously saved sweep state.

5. Press Alternate Sweep Off On to On.

The signal generator alternates between the original saved sweep and the current sweep. You may need to adjust 8757D settings to effectively view both sweeps, such as setting channel 2 to measure sensor A. Refer to Figure 2- 7.

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Basic Operation Configuring the RF Output

Figure 2-7 Alternating Sweeps on 8757D

Configuring an Amplitude Sweep

1. Press

Return > Sweep > Off.

This turns off both the current sweep and the alternate sweep from the previous task. The current CW settings now control the RF output.

2. Press

3. Using the

4. Press

Configure Ramp/Step Sweep.

Ampl Start and Ampl Stop softkeys, set an amplitude range to be swept.

Return > Sweep > Ampl.

The new amplitude ramp sweep settings control the RF output and the CW mode is turned off.

Configuring a Ramp Sweep for a Master/Slave Setup

This procedure shows you how to configure two PSGs and an 8757D to work in a master/slave setup. The master/slave control setup must use two instruments from the same signal generator family such as two PSG’s, or two 83640B’s, or two 83751B’s.

NOTE The master/slave setup applies to ramp sweep only, not step sweep or list sweep. To use this

setup, you must have two sources from the same signal generator family such as two PSG’s, or two 83640B’s, or two 83751B’s.

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Configuring the RF Output

1. Set up the equipment as shown in Figure 2- 8. Use a 9–pin, D–subminiature, male RS–232 cable with the pin configuration shown in Figure 2- 9 to connect the auxiliary interfaces of the two PSGs. You can also order the cable (part number 8120–8806) from Agilent Technologies.

By connecting the master PSG’s 10 MHz reference standard to the slave PSG’s 10 MHz reference input, the master’s timebase supplies the frequency reference for both PSGs.

2. Set up the slave PSG’s frequency and power settings.

By setting up the slave first, you avoid synchronization problems.

3. Set up the master PSG’s frequency, power, and sweep time settings.

The two PSGs can have different frequency and power settings for ramp sweep.

4. Set the slave PSG’s sweep time to match that of the master.

Sweep times must be the same for both PSGs.

5. Set the slave PSG to continuous triggering.

The slave must be set to continuous triggering, but the master can be set to any triggering mode.

6. On the slave PSG, press

Sweep/List > Sweep Type > Ramp Sweep Control > Slave.

This sets the PSG to operate in slave mode.

7. On the master PSG, press

Sweep/List > Sweep Type > Ramp Sweep Control > Master. This sets the PSG to

operate in master mode.

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Figure 2-8 Master/Slave Equipment Setup

Figure 2-9 RS–232 Pin Configuration

58 Chapter 2

Basic Operation

Modulating a Signal

Extending the Frequency Range

You can extend the signal generator frequency range using an Agilent 83550 series millimeter–wave source module or other manufacturer’s mm–source module. For information on using the signal generator with a millimeter–wave source module, refer to “Using Agilent Millimeter- Wave Source

Modules” on page 252.

Modulating a Signal

This section describes how to turn on a modulation format, and how to apply it to the RF output.

Turning On a Modulation Format

A modulation format can be turned on prior to or after setting the signal parameters.

1. Access the first menu within the modulation format. This menu displays a softkey that associates the format’s name with off and on. For example, AM

> AM Off On

one.

2. Press the modulation format off/on key until On highlights.

Figure 2- 10 shows the portion of the AM modulation format’s first menu that displays the state

of the modulation format, as well as the active modulation format annunciator.

The modulation format generates, but the carrier signal is not modulated until you apply it to the RF output (see page 60).

Depending on the modulation format, the signal generator may require a few seconds to build the signal. Within the digital formats (E8267D PSG with Option 601/602 only), you may see a BaseBand Reconfiguring status bar appear on the display. Once the signal is generated, an annunciator showing the name of the format appears on the display, indicating that the modulation format is active. For digital formats (E8267D PSG with Option 601/602 only), the I/Q annunciator appears in addition to the name of the modulation format.

. For some formats, the off/on key may appear in additional menus other than the first

Chapter 2 59

Basic Operation

First AM Menu Modulation format is off

Modulation format is on

Active Modulation Format Annunciator

Modulating a Signal

Figure 2-10 Example of AM Modulation Format Off and On

Applying a Modulation Format to the RF Output

The carrier signal is modulated when the Mod On/Off key is set to On, and an individual modulation format is active.

When the is set to On, the MOD ON annunciator shows in the display, whether or not there is an active modulation format. The annunciators simply indicate whether the carrier signal will be modulated when a modulation format is turned on.

Mod On/Off key is set to Off, the MOD OFF annunciator appears on the display.When the key

To Turn RF Output Modulation On

Press the

Mod On/Off key until the MOD ON annunciator appears in the display.

The carrier signal should be modulated with all active modulation formats. This is the factory default.

To Turn RF Output Modulation Off

Press the

Mod On/Off key until the MOD OFF annunciator appears in the display.

The carrier signal is no longer modulated or capable of being modulated when a modulation format is active.

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Figure 2-11 Carrier Signal Modulation Status

Mod Set to On—Carrier is Modulated

AM Modulation Format is Active

Mod Set to Off—Carrier is not Modulated

Mod Set to On—Carrier is not Modulated

No Active Modulation Format

Using Data Storage Functions

Basic Operation

Using Data Storage Functions

This section explains how to use the two forms of signal generator data storage: the memory catalog and the instrument state register.

Using the Memory Catalog

The Memory Catalog is the signal generator’s interface for viewing, storing, and saving files; it can be accessed through the signal generator’s front panel or a remote controller. (For information on performing these tasks remotely, see the Agilent Signal Generators Programming Guide.)

Table 2-1 Memory Catalog File Types and Associated Data

Binary binary data

State instrument state data (controlling instrument operating parameters,

LIST sweep data from the List Mode Values table including frequency,

User Flatness user flatness calibration correction pair data (user–defined

FIR Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter coefficients

Chapter 2 61

such as frequency, amplitude, and mode)

amplitude, and dwell time

frequency and corresponding amplitude correction values)

Basic Operation Using Data Storage Functions

Table 2-1 Memory Catalog File Types and Associated Data (Continued)

ARB Catalog Types (E8267D PSG with Option 601/602 only) user created files –

Waveform Catalog Types: WFM1 (waveform file), NVARB Catalog Types: NVWFM (non–volatile, ARB waveform file), NVMKR (non–volatile, ARB waveform marker file), Seq (ARB sequence file), MTONE (ARB multitone file), DMOD (ARB digital modulation file), MDMOD (ARB multicarrier digital modulation file)

Modulation Catalog Types (E8267D PSG with Option 601/602 only) associated data for I/Q and

FSK (frequency shift keying) modulation files

Shape burst shape of a pulse

Bit Bit

Storing Files to the Memory Catalog

To store a file to the memory catalog, first create a file. For this example, use the default list sweep table.

1. Press

2. Press

Preset.

Sweep/List > Configure List Sweep > More (1 of 2) > Load/Store.

This opens the “Catalog of List Files”.

3. Press

Store to File.

This displays a menu of alphabetical softkeys for naming the file. Store to: is displayed in the active function area.

4. Enter the file name LIST1 using the alphabetical softkeys and the numeric keypad (for the numbers 0 to 9).

5. Press

Enter.

The file should be displayed in the “Catalog of List Files”, showing the file name, file type, file size, and the date and time the file was modified.

Viewing Stored Files in the Memory Catalog

1. Press Utility > Memory Catalog > Catalog Type.

All files in the memory catalog are listed in alphabetical order, regardless of which catalog type you select. File information appears on the display and includes the file name, file type, file size, and the date and time the file was modified.

2. Press

List.

The “Catalog of List Files” is displayed.

3. Press

Catalog Type > State.

The “Catalog of State Files” is displayed.

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Using Data Storage Functions

Basic Operation

4. Press Catalog Type > All.

The “Catalog of All Files” is displayed. For a complete list of file types, refer to Table 2-1 on

page 61.

Using the Instrument State Registers

The instrument state register is a section of memory divided into 10 sequences (numbered 0 through

9) with each sequence consisting of 100 registers (numbered 00 through 99). Instrument state sequences and registers are used to store and recall instrument settings and provide a quick way to reconfigure the signal generator when switching between different instrument and signal configurations.

The signal generator with either Option 005 (internal hard drive – 4 GB), or Options 008, and 009 (flash drive – 8 GB) installed, utilizes the memory for storing instrument state files and other user data. If these options are not installed, the signal generator has 20 MB available for data and instrument state storage. Instrument state files can vary in length depending on the signal generator’s configuration.

File data, such as modulation formats, arb setups, and table entries, are not stored with the save function. Only setups such as frequency, attenuation, power and other user–defined settings that do not survive a power cycle or instrument reset can be saved to a sequence and register. Any data file, such as an arb format file, associated with the instrument state will only be referenced by its file name. Once an instrument state has been saved, recalling that state will setup the generator with the saved settings and load the associated file data.

For more information on storing file data such as modulation formats, arb setups, and table entries refer to “Storing Files to the Memory Catalog” on page 62. Refer to the Agilent Signal Generators Programming Guide and the Agilent PSG Signal Generators Key Reference for more information on the save and recall function.

NOTE A reference to a file is saved along with the instrument state. However, no data is saved

with the save function. You must store file data, using store commands, in a different memory location.

Saving an Instrument State

1. Preset the signal generator, then turn on amplitude modulation (the AM annunciator will turn on):

a. Press b. Press c. Press

2. Press

Frequency > 800 > MHz. Amplitude > 0 > dBm. AM > AM Off On.

Save > Select Seq.

The sequence number becomes the active function. The signal generator displays the last sequence used. Using the arrow keys, set the sequence to 1.

3. Press

Select Reg.

The register number in sequence 1 becomes the active function. The signal generator displays either the last register used accompanied by the text: (in use), or (if no registers are in use) register 00 accompanied by the text: (available). Use the arrow keys to select register 01.

4. Press

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Save Seq[1] Reg[01].

Basic Operation Using Data Storage Functions

This saves this instrument state in sequence 1, register 01 of the instrument state register.

5. Press

Add Comment to Seq[1] Reg[01].

This enables you to add a descriptive comment to sequence 1 register 01.

6. Using the alphanumeric softkeys or the knob, enter a comment and press

7. Press

Edit Comment In Seq[1] Reg[01].

Enter.

If you wish, you can now change the descriptive comment for sequence 1 register 01.

After making changes to an instrument state, you can save it back to a specific register by highlighting that register and pressing

Re–SAVE Seq[n] Reg[nn].

Recalling an Instrument State

Using this procedure, you will learn how to recall instrument settings saved to an instrument state register.

1. Press

2. Press the

3. Press

Preset.

Recall hardkey.

Notice that the

RECALL Reg.

Select Seq softkey shows sequence 1. (This is the last sequence that you used.)

The register to be recalled in sequence 1 becomes the active function. Press the up arrow key once to select register 1. Your stored instrument state settings should have been recalled.

Deleting Registers and Sequences

These procedures describe how to delete registers and sequences saved to an instrument state register.

Deleting a Specific Register within a Sequence

1. Press

2. Press the

3. Press

4. Press

Preset.

Recall or Save hardkey.

Notice that the

Select Seq and enter the sequence number containing the register you want to delete.

Select Reg and enter the register number you want to delete.

Notice that the

Select Seq softkey shows the last sequence that you used.

Delete Seq[n] Reg[nn] should be loaded with the sequence and register you want to

delete.

5. Press

Delete Seq[n] Reg[nn].

This deletes the chosen register.

Deleting All Registers within a Sequence

1. Press

2. Press the

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Preset.

Recall or Save hardkey.

Notice that the

Select Seq softkey shows the last sequence that you used.

Basic Operation

Using Security Functions

3. Press Select Seq and enter the sequence number containing the registers you want to delete.

4. Press

Delete all Regs in Seq[n].

This deletes all registers in the selected sequence.

Deleting All Sequences

CAUTION Be sure you want to delete the contents of all registers and all sequences in the

instrument state register.

1. Press Preset.

2. Press the

Notice that the

3. Press

Recall or Save hardkey.

Select Seq softkey shows the last sequence that you used.

Delete All Sequences.

This deletes all of the sequences saved in the instrument state register.

8757 Network Analyzer Save and Recall Functions

The 8757 network analyzer family can save and recall signal generator instrument states although communication between the instruments is limited.

A clear register command from the 8757 will cause the signal generator to replace a register’s contents with default values. Default values can be cleared from the signal generator by using the

Delete All softkey menu or by using the corresponding SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable

Instruments) command.

The signal generator does not communicate directly with the 8757 network analyzer. If the 8757 saves an instrument state to a signal generator register and the user deletes that register, the 8757 will not recognize the deletion. An attempt, by the 8757, to recall a deleted state will cause the PSG to generate the error message: +700 “State Save Recall Error...”.

Using Security Functions

This section describes how to use the PSG’s security functions to protect and remove classified proprietary information stored or displayed in the instrument. All security functions described in this section also have an equivalent SCPI command for remote operation. (Refer to the “System Commands” chapter of the Agilent PSG Signal Generators SCPI Command Reference for more information.)

Understanding PSG Memory Types

The PSG comprises several memory types, each used for storing a specific type of data. Before removing sensitive data, it is important to understand how each memory type is used in the PSG. The following tables describe each memory type used in the base instrument, baseband generator (Option 601, 602), hard disk (Option 005) or removable compact flash drive (Options 008 and 009).

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Basic Operation Using Security Functions

Table 2-2 Base Instrument Memory

Memory Type and Size

Main Memory (SDRAM)

64 MB

Main Memory (Flash)

20 MB

Firmware Memory (Flash)

12 MB

Battery Backed Memory (SRAM)

512 kB

Bootrom Memory (Flash)

128 kB

Writ ab le Dur ing

Normal Operation?

Yes No firmware operating

Yes Yes fa ct ory

No Yes main firmware image factory installed or

Yes Yes LAN configuration front panel entry or

Yes Yes user–editable data (table

No Yes CPU bootup program and

Purpose/Contents Data Input Method Location in Instrument and Remarks

Data Retained

When Powered Off?

memory

calibration/configuration data

user file system, which includes instrument status backup, flatness calibration, IQ calibration, instrument states, waveforms (including header and marker data), modulation definitions, and sweep lists

editors)

last instrument state, last instrument state backup, and persistent instrument state and instrument status

firmware loader/updater

operating system (not user)

firmware upgrades and user–saved data

firmware upgrade

remotely

firmware operations CPU board

factory programmed CPU board

CPU board, not battery backed.

CPU board (same chip as firmware memory, but managed separately)

User data is not stored in this memory if hard disk (Option 005) or the removable compact flash drive (Option 008 or 009) is installed.

Because this 32 MB memory chip contains 20 MB of user data (described here) and 12 MB of firmware memory, a selective chip erase is performed. User data areas are selectively and completely sanitized when you perform the Erase and Sanitize function.

CPU board (same chip as main flash memory, but managed separately)

During normal operation, this memory cannot be overwritten except for LAN configuration. It is only overwritten during the firmware installation or upgrade process.

Because this 32 MB memory chip contains 20 MB of user data and 12 MB of firmware memory (described here), a selective chip erase is performed. User data areas are selectively and completely sanitized when you perform the Erase and Sanitize function.

The battery can be removed to sanitize the memory, but must be reinstalled for the instrument to operate. The battery is located on the CPU board.

During normal operation, this memory cannot be overwritten or erased. This read–only data is programmed at the factory.

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Table 2-2 Base Instrument Memory (Continued)

Basic Operation

Using Security Functions

Memory Type and Size

Calibration Backup Memory (Flash)

512 KB

Boards Memory (Flash)

512 Bytes

Micro– processor Cache (SRAM)

3 kB

Writ able During

Normal Operation?

No Yes factory

No Yes factory calibration and

Yes No CPU data and instruction

Purpose/Contents Data Input Method Location in Instrument and Remarks

Data Retained

When Powered Off?

calibration/configuration data backup

no user data

information files, code images, and self–test limits

no user data

cache

factory or service only

memory is managed by CPU, not user

Table 2-3 Baseband Generator Memory (Options 601 and 602)

Memory Type and Size

Wave form Memory (SDRAM)

40−320 MB

BBG Firmware Memory (Flash)

32 MB

Coprocessor Memory (SRAM)

32 MB

Writ ab le Dur ing

Normal Operation?

Yes No waveforms (including header

No Yes firmware image for

Yes No operating memory of

Purpose/Contents Data Input Method Remarks

Data Retained

When Powered Off?

and marker data) and PRAM

baseband generator

baseband coprocessor CPU

normal user operation

firmware upgrade

During normal operation, some user information, such as payload data, can remain in the memory.

motherboard

all RF boards, baseband generator, and motherboard

CPU board, not battery backed.

User data is completely sanitized when you perform the Erase and Sanitize function. Not battery backed.

This memory is used during normal baseband generator operation. It is not directly accessible by the user. Not battery backed.

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Basic Operation Using Security Functions

Table 2-3 Baseband Generator Memory (Options 601 and 602) (Continued)

Memory Type and Size

Buffer Memory (SRAM)

5 x 512 kB

Writ ab le Dur ing

Normal Operation?

No No suppor t buffer memory for

Purpose/Contents Data Input Method Remarks

Data Retained

When Powered Off?

ARB and real–time applications

normal user operation

This memory is used during normal baseband generator operation. It is not directly accessible by the user. Not battery backed.

Table 2-4 Hard Disk Memory (Option 005)

Memory Type and Size

Media Storage (Built–in Hard Disk)

6GB or 10 GB (4 GB usable in both cases)

Buffer Memory (DRAM)

512 kB

Writ ab le Dur ing

Normal Operation?

Yes Yes user files, including flatness

No No buffer (cache) memory normal operation

Purpose/Contents Data Input Method Remarks

Data Retained

When Powered Off?

calibrations, IQ calibration, instrument states, waveforms (including header and marker data), modulation definitions, and sweep lists

a.Instruments with serial prefix < US4829/SG4829/MY4829.

user–saved data The magnetic residue requires several rewrite

through hard disk

cycles or drive removal and destruction.

The hard disk is an option and is therefore not installed in some instruments. If it is installed, these files are stored on the hard disk instead of in flash memory.

User data is completely sanitized when you perform the Erase and Sanitize function.

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Using Security Functions

CAUTION The removable compact flash drive is not hot swappable – always turn the power off to

the instrument when removing or inserting the memory. Use only Agilent provided or certified compact flash cards.

Table 2-5 Flash Drive Memory (Options 008a and 009b)

Memory Type and Size

Memory Storage (removable compact flash drive)

8 GB (usable 8187374080 bytes)

Writ ab le Dur ing

Normal Operation?

Yes Yes user files, including flatness

Purpose/Contents Data Input Method Remarks

Data Retained

When Powered Off?

calibrations, IQ calibration, instrument states, waveforms (including header and marker data), modulation definitions, and sweep lists

a.Instruments with serial prefix ≥ US4928/SG4928/MY4928. b.Instruments with serial prefix ≥ US4829/SG4828/MY4829.

user–saved data The flash drive is an option and is therefore

not installed in some instruments. If it is installed, these files are stored on the flash drive instead of in flash memory.

User data is completely sanitized when you perform the Erase and Sanitize function.

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Basic Operation Using Security Functions

Removing Sensitive Data from PSG Memory

When moving the PSG from a secure development environment, you can remove any classified proprietary information stored in the instrument. This section describes several security functions you can use to remove sensitive data from your instrument.

Erase All

This function removes all user files, user flatness calibrations, user I/Q calibrations, and resets all table editors with original factory values, ensuring that user data and configurations are not accessible or viewable. The instrument appears as if it is in its original factory state, however, the memory is not sanitized. This action is relatively quick, taking less than one minute.

To carry out this function, press

NOTE This function is different than pressing Utility > Memory Catalog > More (1 of 2) > Delete All Files,

which deletes all user files, but does not reset the table editors.

Erase and Overwrite All

This function performs the same actions as Erase All and then clears and overwrites the various memory types in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) standards, as described below.

SRAM All addressable locations are overwritten with random characters.

Utility > Memory Catalog > More (1 of 2) > Security > Erase All > Confirm Erase.

CPU Flash All addressable locations are overwritten with random characters and then the flash blocks are erased. This

DRAM/SDRAM Follow the Department of Defence (DoD) manual’s requirements. The instrument must be powered off to purge

Hard Disk All addressable locations are overwritten with a single character. (This is insufficient for top secret data,

Flash Drive All addressable locations are overwritten with a single character. (This is insufficient for top secret data,

To carry out this function, press

Confirm Overwrite.

accomplishes the same purpose of a chip erase, however, only the areas that are no longer in use are erased and the factory calibration files are left intact. System files are restored after erase.

the memory contents. The instrument must remain powered off in a secure location for 3 minutes.

according to DoD standards. For top secret data, the hard drive must be removed and destroyed.)

according to DoD standards. For top secret data, consult with your local security officer for approved procedures.)

Utility > Memory Catalog > More (1 of 2) > Security > Erase and Overwrite All >

Erase and Sanitize All

This function performs the same actions as Erase and Overwrite All and then adds more overwriting actions. After executing this function, you must manually perform some additional steps for the sanitization to comply with Department of Defense (DoD) standards. These actions and steps are described below.

SRAM

CPU Flash All addressable locations are overwritten with random characters and then the flash blocks are erased. This

70 Chapter 2

All addressable locations are overwritten with random characters.

accomplishes the same purpose of a chip erase, however, only the areas that are no longer in use are erased and the factory calibration files are left intact. System files are restored after erase.

Basic Operation

Using Security Functions

DRAM/SDRAM Follow the Department of Defence (DoD) manual’s requirements. The instrument must be powered off to purge

Hard Disk All addressable locations are overwritten with a single character and then a random character. (This is

Flash Drive All addressable locations are overwritten with a single character and then a random character. (This is

the memory contents. The instrument must remain powered off in a secure location for 3 minutes.

insufficient for top secret data, according to DoD standards. For top secret data, the hard drive must be removed and destroyed.)

insufficient for top secret data, according to DoD standards. For top secret data, consult with your local security officer for approved procedures.)

To carry out this function, press Utility > Memory Catalog > More (1 of 2) > Security > Erase and Sanitize All >

Confirm Sanitize.

Removing Persistent State Information Not Removed During Erase

Persistent State

The persistent state settings contain instrument setup information that can be toggled within predefined limits such as display intensity, contrast and the GPIB address. In vector models, the user IQ Cal is also saved in this area.

The following key presses or SCPI commands can be used to clear the IQ cal file and to set the operating states that are not affected by a signal generator power–on, preset, or *RST command to their factory default:

Instrument Setup

• On the front panel, press: Utility > Power On/Preset > Restore System Defaults > Confirm Restore Sys Defaults

• Or send the command: :SYSTem:PRESet:PERSistent

LAN Setup

The LAN setup (hostname, IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway) information is not defaulted with a signal generator power–on or *RST command. This information can only be changed or cleared by entering new data.

User IQ Cal File (Vector Models Only)

When a user–defined IQ calibration has been performed, the cal file data is removed by setting the cal file to default, as follows:

1. On the front panel, press: I/Q > I/Q Calibration > Revert to Default Cal Settings

2. Send these commands:

• :CAL:IQ:DEF

• :CAL:WBIQ:DEF

Using the Secure Mode

The secure mode automatically applies the selected Security Level action the next time the instrument’s power is cycled.

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Basic Operation Using Security Functions

Setting the Secure Mode Level

1. Press Utility > Memory Catalog > More (1 of 2) > Security > Security Level.

2. Choose from the following selections:

None − equivalent to a factory preset, no user information is lost Erase − equivalent to Erase All Overwrite − equivalent to Erase and Overwrite All Sanitize − equivalent to Erase and Sanitize All

Activating the Secure Mode

CAUTION Once you activate secure mode (by pressing Confirm), you cannot deactivate or decrease

the security level; the erasure actions for that security level execute at the next power cycle. Once you activate secure mode, you can only increase the security level until you cycle power. For example, you can change Erase to Overwrite, but not the reverse.

After the power cycle, the security level selection remains the same, but the secure mode is not activated.

Press Utility > Memory Catalog > More (1 of 2) > Security > Enter Secure Mode > Confirm.

The Enter Secure Mode softkey changes to Secure Mode Activated.

If Your Instrument is Not Functioning

If the instrument is not functioning and you are unable to use the security functions, you may physically remove the processor board, hard disk or flash drive if installed, from the instrument. Once these assemblies are removed, proceed as follows:

For removal and replacement procedures, refer to the Agilent PSG Signal Generators Service Guide.

Processor Board

Either

• Discard the processor board and send the instrument to a repair facility. A new processor board will be installed and the instrument will be repaired and calibrated. If the instrument is still under warranty, you will not be charged for the new processor board.

• If you have another working instrument, install the processor board into that instrument and erase the memory. Then reinstall the processor board back into the non–working instrument and send it to a repair facility for repair and calibration. If you discover that the processor board does not function in the working instrument, discard the processor board and note that it caused the instrument failure on the repair order. If the instrument is still under warranty, you will not be charged for the new processor board.

Hard Disk

Either

• Discard the hard disk and send the instrument to a repair facility. Indicate on the repair order that the hard disk was removed and must be replaced. A new hard disk will be installed and the

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Basic Operation

Using Security Functions

instrument will be repaired and calibrated. If the instrument is still under warranty, you will not be charged for the new hard disk.

• Keep the hard disk and send the instrument to a repair facility. When the instrument is returned, reinstall the hard disk.

Flash Drive (Option 008 and 009 only)

Either

• Discard the flash memory card. Indicate on the repair order that the flash memory was removed and request a new memory card. If the instrument is still under warranty, you will not be charged for the new memory card.

• Keep the flash memory card and send the instrument to a repair facility. When the instrument is returned, reinstall the flash memory card.

Using the Secure Display

This function prevents unauthorized personnel from reading the instrument display and tampering with the current configuration through the front panel. The display is blanked, except for the message *** SECURE DISPLAY ACTIVATED ***, and the front panel keys are disabled. Once this function is activated, the power must be cycled to re–enable the display and front panel keys.

To apply this function, press Utility > Display > More (1 of 2) > Activate Secure Display > Confirm Secure Display

Figure 2-12 PSG Screen with Secure Display Activated

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Basic Operation Enabling Options

Enabling Options

You can retrofit your signal generator after purchase to add new capabilities. Some new optional features are implemented in hardware that you must install. Some options are implemented in software, but require the presence of optional hardware in the instrument. This example shows you how to enable software options.

Enabling a Software Option

A license key (provided on the license key certificate) is required to enable each software option.

1. Access the Software Options menu:

Utility > Instrument Adjustments > Instrument Options > Software Options.

The following is an example of the signal generator display, which lists any enabled software options, and any software options that can be enabled:

2. Verify that the host ID shown on the display matches the host ID on the license key certificate. The host ID is a unique number for every instrument. If the host ID on the license key certificate does not match your instrument, the license key cannot enable the software option.

3. Verify that any required hardware is installed. Because some software options are linked to specific hardware options, before the software option can be enabled, the appropriate hardware option must be installed. For example, Option 420 (radar simulation modulation format) requires that Option 601/602 (internal baseband generator) be installed. If the software option that you intend to install is listed in a grey font, the required hardware may not be installed (look for an X in the “Selected” column of the appropriate hardware option in the Hardware Options menu).

4. Enable the software option:

a. Highlight the desired option.

b. Press

74 Chapter 2

Modify License Key, and enter the 12–character license key (from the license key certificate).

Basic Operation

Using the Web Server

c. Verify that you want to reconfigure the signal generator with the new option:

Proceed With Reconfiguration > Confirm Change

The instrument enables the option and reboots.

Using the Web Server

You can communicate with the signal generator using the Web Server. This service uses TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) to communicate with the signal generator over the internet.

The Web Server uses a client/server model where the client is the web browser on your PC or workstation and the server is the signal generator. When you enable the Web Server, you can access a web page that resides on the signal generator.

The Web–Enabled PSG web page, shown in Figure 2- 13, provides general information on your signal generator and a means to control the instrument by using a remote front panel interface or using SCPI (Standard Communication for Programmable Instruments) commands. The web page also has links to Agilent’s products, support, manuals, and website.

Explorer web browser.

The Signal Generator Web Control menu button on the Web–Enabled PSG web page will access a second web page. This web page, shown in Figure 2- 14, provides a virtual instrument interface that can be used to control the signal generator. You can use the mouse to click on the signal generator’s front panel hardkeys, softkeys and number pad. There is also a text box that can be used to send SCPI commands to the instrument.

Activating the Web Server

Perform the following steps to access the Web Server.

1. Turn on the Web Server by pressing

2. Press the

3. Press the

Proceed With Reconfiguration softkey.

Confirm Change (Instrument will Reboot) softkey. The signal generator will reboot.

4. Launch your PC or workstation web browser.

5. Enter the IP address of the signal generator in the web browser address field. For example, http://101.101.101.101. Replace 101.101.101.101 with your signal generator’s IP address. Press the

Enter key on the computer’s keyboard.

NOTE The IP (Internet Protocol) address can change depending on your LAN configuration.

Use the

LAN Config Manual DHCP softkey to select a Manual or DHCP (dynamic host

communication protocol) LAN configuration. Refer to Agilent PSG Signal Generators Key Reference for more information.

Utility > GPIB/RS–232 LAN > LAN Services Setup > Web Server On.

1. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

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6. Press the Enter key on the computer’s keyboard. The web browser will display the signal generator’s homepage as shown below in Figure 2- 13. This web page displays information about the signal generator and provides access to Agilent’s website.

Figure 2-13 Signal Generator Web Page

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Using the Web Server

7. Click the Signal Generator Web Control menu button on the left of the page. A new web page will be displayed as shown below in Figure 2-14.

Figure 2-14 Web Page Front Panel

This web page remotely accesses all signal generator functions and operations. Use the mouse pointer to click on the signal generator’s hardkeys and softkeys. The results of each mouse click selection will be displayed on the web page. For example, click on the Frequency hardkey then use the front panel key pad to enter a frequency. You can also use the up and down arrow keys to increase or decrease the frequency.

You can use the SCPI Command text box at the bottom of the front panel display to send commands to the signal generator. Enter a valid SCPI command, then click the

SEND button. The results of the

command will be displayed on a separate web page titled, “SCPI Command Processed”. You can continue using this web page to enter SCPI commands or you can return to the front panel web page.

NOTE It may be necessary to use the web browser Refresh function if the web page does not

update with new settings.

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Basic Operation Using the Web Server

78 Chapter 2

3 Basic Digital Operation

This chapter provides information on the functions and features available for the E8267D PSG vector signal generator with Option 601 or 602.

• “Custom Modulation” on page 79

• “Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers” on page 80

• “Using the Dual ARB Waveform Player” on page 91

• “Using Waveform Markers” on page 96

• “Triggering Waveforms” on page 111

• “Using Waveform Clipping” on page 117

• “Using Waveform Scaling” on page 125

• “Setting the Baseband Frequency Offset” on page 128

Custom Modulation

For creating custom modulation, the signal generator offers two modes of operation: the Arb Waveform Generator mode and the Real Time I/Q Baseband mode. The Arb Waveform Generator mode has built–in modulation formats such as NADC or GSM and pre–defined modulation types such as BPSK and 16QAM that can be used to create a signal. The Real Time I/Q Baseband mode can be used to create custom data formats using built–in PN sequences or custom–user files along with various modulation types and different built–in filters such as Gaussian or Nyquist.

Both modes of operation are used to build complex, digitally modulated signals that simulate communication standards with the flexibility to modify existing digital formats, define or create digitally modulated signals, and add signal impairments.

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Basic Digital Operation Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

Custom Arb Waveform Generator

The signal generator’s Arb Waveform Generator mode is designed for out–of–channel test applications. This mode can be used to generate data formats that simulate random communication traffic and can be used as a stimulus for component testing. Other capabilities of the Arb Waveform Generator mode include:

configuring single or multicarrier signals. Up to 100 carriers can be configured.

creating waveform files using the signal generator’s front panel interface.

The waveform files, when created as random data, can be used as a stimulus for component testing where device performance such as adjacent channel power (ACP) can be measured. The AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM file that is automatically created when you turn the Arb Waveform Generator on can be renamed and stored in the signal generator’s non–volatile memory. This file can later be loaded into volatile memory and played using the Dual ARB waveform player.

For more information, refer to the sections “Using the Dual ARB Waveform Player” on page 91 and

“Modes of Operation” on page 7.

Custom Real Time I/Q Baseband

The real–time mode simulates single–channel communication using user–defined modulation types along with custom FIR filters, and symbol rates. Data can be downloaded from an external source into PRAM memory or supplied as real time data using an external input. The Real Time I/Q Baseband mode can also generate pre–defined data formats such as PN9 or FIX4. A continuous data stream generated in this mode can be used for receiver bit error analysis. This mode is limited to a single carrier. The Real Time I/Q Baseband mode:

has more data and modulation types available than the Arb Waveform Generator mode.

supports custom I/Q constellation formats.

has the capability to generate continuous PN sequences for bit error rate testing (BERT).

needs no waveform build time when signal parameters are changed.

For more information, refer to the custom arb section “Overview” on page 159, the custom real time section “Overview” on page 181 and the section on “Digital Modulation” on page 8.

Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

An ARB waveform file header enables you to save instrument setup information (key format settings) along with a waveform. When you retrieve a stored waveform, the header information is applied so that when the waveform starts playing, the dual ARB player is set up the same way each time.

Headers can also store a user–specified 32–character description of the waveform or sequence file.

A default header is automatically created whenever a waveform is generated, a waveform sequence is created, or a waveform file is downloaded to the PSG (for details on downloading files, see the Agilent Signal Generators Programming Guide).

The following signal generator settings are saved in a file header:

• ARB sample clock rate

• Runtime scaling (only in the dual ARB player)

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Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

First–Level Softkey Menu

(Some ARB formats

Basic Digital Operation

Marker settings and routing functions (page 96)

— Polarity

— ALC hold

— RF blanking

• High crest mode (only in the dual ARB player)

• Modulator attenuation

• Modulator filter

• I/Q output filter (used when routing signals to the rear panel I/Q outputs)

• Other instrument optimization settings (for files generated by the PSG) that cannot be set by the user.

Creating a File Header for a Modulation Format Waveform

When you turn on a modulation format, the PSG generates a temporary waveform file (AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM), with a default file header. The default header has no signal generator settings saved to it.

This procedure, which is the same for all ARB formats, demonstrates how to create a file header for a Custom digital modulation format.

1. Preset the signal generator.

2. Turn on the Custom modulation format:

Mode > Custom > ARB Waveform Generator > Digital Modulation Off On to On

Press

A default file header is created, and the temporary waveform file (AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM) plays.

Figure 3- 1 shows the PSG’s display.

Figure 3-1 Custom Digital Modulation First–Level Softkey Menu

At this point, a default file header has been created, with default (unspecified) settings that do not reflect the current signal generator settings for the active modulation. To save the settings for

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Basic Digital Operation Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

the active modulation, you must modify the default settings before you save the header information with the waveform file (see “Modifying Header Information in a Modulation Format”

on page 82).

NOTE Each time an ARB modulation format is turned on, a new temporary waveform file

(AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM) and file header are generated, overwriting the previous temporary file and file header. Because all ARB formats use the same file name, this happens even if the previous AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM file was created by a different ARB modulation format.

Modifying Header Information in a Modulation Format

This procedure builds on the previous procedure, explaining the different areas of a file header, and showing how to access, modify, and save changes to the information.

In a modulation format, you can access a file header only while the modulation format is active (on). This procedure uses the Custom digital modulation format. All ARB modulation formats and the dual ARB player access the file header the same way, except that in some modulation formats, you may have to go to page two of the first–level softkey menu.

1. From the first–level softkey menu (shown in Figure 3- 1 on page 81), open the Header Utilities menu: Press ARB Setup > Header Utilities

Figure 3- 2 shows the default header for the Custom digital modulation waveform. The

Saved Header Settings column, shows that the signal generator settings for the active format are Unspecified, which means that no settings have been saved to the file header.

NOTE If a setting is unspecified in the file header, the signal generator’s current value for that

setting does not change when you select and play the waveform in the future.

The Current Inst. Settings column shows the current signal generator settings for the active modulation. These settings become the saved header settings when they are saved to the file header (as demonstrated in Step 2).

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Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

Lets you enter/edit the Description field

Clears the Saved Header Settings column to the default settings

Saves the Current Inst. Settings column to the Saved Header Settings column

Current signal generator settings

Page 1

Default Header Settings

Note:

Parameters that are inactive (such as Runtime Scaling) can be set only in the dual ARB player.

Page 2

Basic Digital Operation

Figure 3-2 Custom Digital Modulation Default Header Display

2. Save the information in the Current Inst. Settings column to the file header: Press Save Setup To Header.

Both the Saved Header Settings column and the Current Inst. Settings column now display the same settings; the Saved Header Settings column lists the settings saved in the file header.

The file header contains the following signal generator settings:

32–Character Description:

Sample Rate: The ARB sample clock rate.

Runtime Scaling: The Runtime scaling value. Runtime scaling is applied in real–time while the waveform is playing.

Marker 1...4 Polarity: The marker polarity, positive or negative (described on page 111).

ALC Hold Routing: Which marker, if any, implements the PSG’s ALC hold function (described on page 98).

RF Blank Routing: Which marker, if any, implements the PSG’s RF blanking function (described on page 109).

I/Q Mod Filter: The I/Q modulator filter setting. The modulator filter affects the I/Q signal modulated onto the RF

I/Q Output Filter: The I/Q output filter setting. The I/Q output filter is used for I/Q signals routed to the rear panel

Mod Attenuation: The I/Q modulator attenuation setting.

A description entered for the header, such as a the waveform’s function (saved/edited with the Edit

Description key, see Figure 3-2 on page 83).

This setting can be changed only for files in the dual ARB player.

carrier.

I and Q outputs.

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Basic Digital Operation Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

3. Return to the ARB Setup menu: Press Return.

In the ARB Setup menu (shown in Figure 3- 3), you can change the current instrument settings.

Figure 3- 3 also shows the softkey paths used in steps four through nine.

4. Set the ARB sample clock to 5 MHz: Press

ARB Sample Clock > 5 > MHz.

5. Set the modulator attenuation to 15 dB: Press More (1 of 2) > Modulator Atten n.nn dB Manual Auto to Manual > 15 > dB.

6. Set the I/Q modulation filter to a through:

I/Q Mod Filter Manual Auto to Manual > Through.

Press

7. Set marker one to blank the RF output at the set marker point(s): Press More (2 of 2) > Marker Utilities > Marker Routing > Pulse/RF Blank > Marker 1.

For information on setting markers, see “Using Waveform Markers” on page 96.

8. Set the polarity of Marker 1 negative:

Return > Marker Polarity > Marker 1 Polarity Neg Pos to Neg.

Press

9. Return to the Header Utilities menu: Press

Return > Return > Header Utilities.

Notice that the Current Inst. Settings column now reflects the changes made to the current signal generator setup in steps 4 through 8, but that the saved header values have not changed (as shown in Figure 3- 4 on page 86).

10. Save the current settings to the file header: Press

Save Setup To Header softkey.

The settings from the Current Inst. Settings column now appear in the Saved Header Settings column. The file header has been modified and the current instrument settings saved.

This is shown in Figure 3- 5 on page 86.

While a modulation format is active (is on), the waveform file (AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM) plays and you can modify the header information within the active modulation format. Once you turn the modulation format off, the header information is available only through the dual ARB player.

NOTE If you turn the modulation format off and then on, you overwrite the previous

AUTOGEN_WAVEFORM file and its file header. To avoid this, rename the file before you turn the modulation format back on (see page 96).

Storing a waveform file (see page 96) stores the saved header information with the waveform.

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Figure 3-3 ARB Setup Softkey Menu and Marker Utilities

Dual ARB Player softkey (it does not appear in the ARB formats)

Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

Basic Digital Operation

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Basic Digital Operation

Values differ between the two columns

Page 1

Page 2

Values differ between the two columns

Page 1

Page 2

Arbitrary (ARB) Waveform File Headers

Figure 3-4 Differing Values between Header and Current Setting Columns

Figure 3-5 Saved File Header Changes

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Agilent E8257D Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notices

Documentation Overview

1 Signal Generator Overview

Signal Generator Models and Features

E8257D PSG Analog Signal Generator Features

E8267D PSG Vector Signal Generator Features

E8663D PSG Analog Signal Generator Features

Options

Firmware Upgrades

To Upgrade Firmware

Modes of Operation

Continuous Wave

Swept Signal

Analog Modulation

Digital Modulation

Front Panel

1. Display

2. Softkeys

3. Knob

4. Amplitude

5. Frequency

6. Save

7. Recall

8. Trigger

9. MENUS

10. Help

11. EXT 1 INPUT

12. EXT 2 INPUT

13. LF OUTPUT

14. Mod On/Off

15. ALC INPUT

16. RF On/Off

17. Numeric Keypad

18. RF OUTPUT

19. SYNC OUT

20. VIDEO OUT

21. Incr Set

22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT

23. Arrow Keys

24. Hold

25. Return

26. Contrast Decrease

27. Contrast Increase

28. Local

29. Preset

30. Line Power LED

31. LINE

32. Standby LED

33. SYMBOL SYNC

34. DATA CLOCK

35. DATA

36. Q Input

37. I Input

Front Panel Display

1. Active Entry Area

2. Frequency Area

3. Annunciators

4. Digital Modulation Annunciators

5. Amplitude Area

6. Error Message Area

7. Text Area

8. Softkey Label Area

Rear Panel

1. EVENT 1

2. EVENT 2

3. PATTERN TRIG IN

4. BURST GATE IN

5. AUXILIARY I/O

6. DIGITAL BUS

7. Q OUT

8. I OUT

9. WIDEBAND I INPUTS

10. I–bar OUT

11. WIDEBAND Q INPUTS

12. COH CARRIER (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)

13. 1 GHz REF OUT (Serial Prefixes >=US4646/MY4646)