Agilent Technologies ESA-E E4405B, ESA-E E4402B, ESA-E, ESA-E E4404B, ESA-L Getting Started Manual

Getting Started Guide

ESA Series Spectrum Analyzers

This manual provides documentation for the following instruments:

ESA-E Series
E4401B (9 kHz - 1.5 GHz)
E4402B (9 kHz - 3.0 GHz)
E4404B (9 kHz - 6.7 GHz)

E4405B (9 kHz - 13.2 GHz)
E4407B (9 kHz - 26.5 GHz)

and

ESA-L Series

E4411B (9 kHz - 1.5 GHz

E4403B (9 kHz - 3.0 GHz)

E4408B (9 kHz - 26.5 GHz)

Manufacturing Part Number: E4401-90473

Printed in USA
December 2012

Supersedes: September 2012

© Copyright 2001-2012 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Notice

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material,

including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incide ntal or conseq uentia l damages in connect ion with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual. Familiarize
yourself with the symbols and their meaning before operating this analyzer.

WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not

correctly p erformed or adhe r ed to, could r e sult in inj ury or lo ss of lif e. Do not
proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly

performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of the analyzer.
Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

NOTE Note calls out special information for the user’s attention. It provides operational

information or additional instructions of which the user should be aware.

Additional Information

For the latest information about this analyzer, including firmware upgrades,
application information, and product information, see the following URL:

http://www.agilent.com/find/esa/

2

Contents

1. Installation and Setup

Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Checking the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AC Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Why Aren’t All the Personality Options Loaded in Memory? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Using an External Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Firmware Revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Running Internal Alignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Printer Setup and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2. Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Front-Panel Connectors and Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Display Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Rear-Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Key Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Front and Rear Panel Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

3. Making a Basic Measurement

Using the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Entering Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Using Menu Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Presetting the Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Creating a User Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Viewing a Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

4. Viewing Catalogs and Saving Files

File Menu Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Locating and viewing files in the catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Creating a directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Formatting a Floppy Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Saving a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Step 1. Set up the analyzer trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Step 2. Save the file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Loading a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Renaming a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Copying a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Deleting a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Using the Alpha Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

3

Contents

5. Options and Accessories

Ordering Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Option Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

50 Ohm/75 Ohm Minimum Loss Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

75 Ohm Matching Transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

AC Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

AC Probe (Low Frequency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Broadband Preamplifiers and Power Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Carrying Strap (Part Number E4401-60028) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

External Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

GPIB Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

USB/GPIB Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

HP/Agilent 11970 Series Harmonic Mixers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

HP/Agilent 11974 Series Preselected Millimeter Mixers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Agilent E1779B Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Parallel Interface Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

RF and Transient Limiters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 5

RF Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

RS-232 Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 6

Static Safe Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

6. In Case of Difficulty

Types of Spectrum Analyzer Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 9

Before Calling Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Check the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Read the Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Service Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Connector Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Contacting Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Returning an Analyzer for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

4

1 Installation and Setup

5

Installation and Setup

This chapter provides the following information that you may need when you first receive your
spectrum analyzer:

• “Initial Inspection” on page 7

• “Power Requirements” on page 9

• “Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time” on page 14

• “Printer Setup and Operation” on page 18

• “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” on page 21

• “Running Internal Alignments” on page 17

• “Safety Information” on page 22

6 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Initial Inspection

Initial Insp ection

Inspect the shipping container and the cushioning material for signs of stress. Retain the shipping
materials for future use, as you may wish to ship the analyzer to another location or to Agilent
Technologies for service. Verify that the contents of the shipping container are complete. The
following table lists the items shipped with the analyzer.

Item Description

Accessories

Adapter, Type-N (m) to BNC (f) Not shipped with Option 1DP. Two adapters are shipped with Option

1DN.

Adapter, BNC (m) to F (f), 75  Shipped only with Option 1DP. Two adapters shipped with Option

1DQ.

Adapter, Type-N (m) to SMA (f) Shipped only with Option 1DN for Agilent E4402B, E4403B,

E4404B, E4405B, E4407B, and E4408B. Not shipped with 

Option BAB.
Adapter, APC 3.5 (f) to APC 3.5 (f) Shipped only with Option BAB.
Adapter, BNC (f) to SMA (m) Shipped only with Option BAB.
Cable, BNC (m) to BNC (m), 203 mm Shipped only with Agilent E4402B, E4403B, E4404B, E4405B,

E4407B, and E4408B.
Cable, SMA (m) to Type-N (m), 220 mm Shipped only with Option 1DN for Agilent E4402B, E4403B,

E4404B, E4405B, E4407B, and E4408B.
IntuiLink Toolbar software, CD-ROM Provides a set of connectivity tools that enable yo u to easily mov e data

from your analyzer to your PC.
Power Cable (Se e Table 1-3 on page 12) Connection for po w er sou r c e.

Standard Documentation Set

Getting Started Guide Covers unpacking and set ting up the analyzer, analyzer features, and

how to make a basic measurement. Includes information on options

and accessories, and what to do if you have a problem.
User’s/Programmer’s Guide Describes analyzer features in detail, including front-panel key

descriptions, basic spectrum analyzer programming information, and

SCPI command descriptions.
Measurement Guide Provides details on how to measure various signals, and how to use

catalogs and files.
Specifications Guide Documents specifications, safety, and regulatory information.
Instrument Messages and Functional Tests Includes instrument messages (and suggestions for troubleshooting

them), and manual functi onal tests.
Programming Conversion Guide Describes SCPI programming command compatibility for 8590, ESA

series analyzers.

Chapter 1 7

Installation and Setup

Initial Inspection

Item Description

Documentation CD-ROM Includes the docu ments in the standard set (listed above). You can

view and print the information as needed. See the CD-ROM jacket for
installation information.

NOTE If you purchased one or more optional measurement personalities, the related guides for the

options you ordered are included.


Service documentation is not included in the standard documentation set. See “Options and

Accessories” on page 65 for information on ordering.

If There Is a Problem

If the shipping materials are damaged or the contents of the container are incomplete:

• Contact the nearest Agilent Technologies office to arrange for repair or replacement. You will not
need to wait for a claim settlement.

• Keep the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection.

• If you must return an analyzer to Agilent Technologies, use the original (or comparable) shipping
materials (see “Returning an Analyzer for Service” on page 92).

8 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Power Requirements

Power Requirements

The only physical installation of your Agilent spectrum analyzer is a connection to a power source.
Line voltage does not need to be selected.

WARNING Failure to ground the analyzer properly can result in personal injury. Before

turning on the analyzer, you must connect its protective ea rth terminals to the
protective conductor of the main power cable. Insert the main power cable
plug into a socket outlet that has a protective earth contact only. DO NOT
defeat the earth-grounding protection by using an extension cable, power
cable, or autotransformer without a protective ground conductor.



If you are using an autotransformer, make sure its common terminal is
connected to the protective earth contact of the power source outlet socket.



This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective earth ground
incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a
socket outlet pr ovided with a prot ective ea rth contact . Any inte rruption of t he
protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the
product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

CAUTION The Mains wiring and connectors shall be compatible with the connector used in

the premise electrical system. Failure, to ensure adequate earth grounding by not
using the correct components may cause product damage, and serious injury.

CAUTION VENTILA TION REQUIREMENTS: When installing the product in a cabinet, the

convection into and out of the product must not be restricted. The ambient
temperature (outside the cabinet) must be less than the maximum operating
temperature of the product by 4C for every 100 watts dissipated in the cabinet. If
the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts, then forced
convection must be used.



This instrument has auto-ranging line voltage input, be sure the supply voltage is
within the specified range and voltage fluctuations do not to exceed 10 percent of
the nominal supply voltage.

NOTE This product is designed for indoor use only.

NOTE For more information regarding analyzer specifications, see the Specifications

guide.

Chapter 1 9

Installation and Setup

Power Requirements

Table 1-1 AC Power Requirements

Description Specifications

Voltage 90 to 132 Vrms (47 to 440 Hz)
Vol tage 195 to 250 Vrms (47 to 66 Hz)
Power Consumption, On < 300 W
Power Consumption, Standby < 5 W

Table 1-2 DC Power Requirements

Description Specifications

Voltage 12 to 20 Vdc
Power Consumption < 200 W
Power Consumption, Standby < 5 W

Checking the Fuse

Where IEC regulations apply, use a 5 by 20 mm, rated F5A, 250 V IEC approved fuse. This fuse may
be used with input line voltages of 115 V or 230 V. Its part number is 2110-0709.

Where UL/CSA regulations apply, use a 5 by 20 mm rated fast blow, 5 A, 125 V UL/CSA approved
fuse (part number 2110-0756). This fuse may only be used with an input line voltage of 115 V.

The line fuse is housed in a fuse holder in the upper left hand corner of the rear panel.
To remove the fuse, first disconnect the power cord from the analyzer. Then insert the tip of a

screwdriver into th e s lot at the middle of the fuse holder, and turn counterclockwise to exte nd the fuse
holder.

WARNING For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuses, and or circuit

breakers only with same type and ratings. The use of other fuses, circuit
breakers or materials is prohibited.

10 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Power Requirements

AC Power Cord

The analyzer is equipped with a three-wire power cord, in accordance with international safety
standards. This cable grounds the analyzer cabinet when connected to an appropriate power line
outlet. The cable appropriate to the original shipping location is included with the analyzer.

Various AC power cables are available that are unique to specific geographic areas. You can order
additional AC power cables for use in different areas. AC Power Cords, on page 12 lists the available
AC power cables, illustrates the pl ug conf igurations, and identifie s the geogr aphi c ar ea in which each
cable is appropriate.

NOTE The front panel switch is a standby switch only; it is not a LINE switch (power

disconnecting device).

WARNING Install the product so that the detachable power cord is readily identifiable

and easily reached by the operator. The detachable power cord is the
instrument disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the
mains supply before other parts of the instrument. The front panel switch is
only a standby switch and is not a LINE switch. Alternatively, an externally
installed switch or circuit breaker (which is readily identifiable and is easily
reached by the operator) may be used as a disconnecting device.

CAUTION Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this product. Failure to

ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord can cause product damage.

CAUTION This instrument has auto-ranging line voltage input, be sure the supply voltage is

within the specified range and voltage fluctuations do not to exceed 10 percent of
the nominal supply voltage.

Chapter 1 11

Installation and Setup

Power Requirements

Table 1-3 AC Power Cords

12 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Power Requirements

Battery Information

The analyzer uses a lithium battery to enable the internal memory to retain data. The date when the
battery was installed is on a label on the rear panel of the analyzer. See Figure 1-1

The minimum life expectancy of the battery is 7 years at 25 C , or 1 year at 55 C . If you experience
problems with the battery or the recommended time period for battery replacement has elapsed, see

“Returning an Analyzer for Service” on page 92.

If you wish to replace the battery yourself, you can purchase the service documentation that provides
all necessary test and maintenance information.

After replacing the analyzer battery, write the date of battery replacement on the rear-panel label.

Figure 1-1 Rear-Panel Battery Information Label

You can order the service documentation for Agilent spectrum analyzers through your Agilent Sales
and Service office. The documentation is described under “Options and Accessories” on page 65.

NOTE If the analyzer’ s clock d oes not wor k, the prob lem is the battery. See “Returning an

Analyzer for Service” on page 92.

WARNING Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the

same or equivalent type recommended. Discard used batteries according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING The Agilent Technologies E4402B, E4403B, E4404B, E4405B, E4407B,

E4408B, E4411B, E7402A, E7405A may be used with an E1779B
Rechargeable Battery Pa ck wh ich co ntains a Ni- Cd batt ery. The battery must
be recycled or disposed of properly.

Chapter 1 13

Installation and Setup

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

❏ Plug in th e power cord.

WARNING If this product is to be energized via an external auto transformer for voltage

reduction, make sure that its common terminal is connected to a neutral
(earthed pole) of the power supply.

CAUTION The analyzer is shipped with a a transportation disk inserted in the disk drive to

prevent damage to the di sk dri ve dur ing t ranspo rtat ion. This trans portat ion di sk, or
a blank floppy disk, should be inse rt ed i n the disk drive whenever transporting the
analyzer.

NOTE Do not connect anything else to the analyzer yet.

❏ Choose a power on pr eference usin g the s witch on the rea r panel (refer to “Rear-Panel Features” on

page 31, item 14). The

PWR ALWAYS ON setting turns the analyzer on whenever external power

is applied. This mode is useful if an external power switch is used to control a rack of several
instruments. Neverthel ess, if you set the anal yzer to standby us ing the front pa nel

Standby key and

the external power is r emoved an d rest ored wi thin 20 second s, the a nalyze r will remai n in st andby.

PWR NORM setting assigns analyzer on/off control to the front-panel On and Standby keys

The
(see “Front-Panel Connectors and Keys” on page 24, item 23). If the analyzer is on and the
external power is removed and restored within 20 seconds, the analyzer will turn on. On the other
hand, if the external power is removed and restored after 20 seconds, the analyzer will remain in
standby regardless of the front-panel switch settings.

❏ Press the  (On) key to turn the analyzer on.
Information Screen: An information screen appears during the initialization process. The information

screen contains the analyze r produc t number and a URL for accessi ng produc t suppor t in formati on on
the World Wide Web. See “Additional Information” on page 2.

NOTE The information screen displays for approximately 10 seconds before the

initializat i on process is complete.
Record the firmware revision and serial number, and keep it for reference. If you

should ever need to call Agilent Technologies for service or with any questions
regarding your analyzer, it will be helpful to have this information readily
available. You can also obtain the f irmware re visio n and se rial number b y pr essin g

System, More, Show System.

❏ Allow the analyzer to wa rm-u p for 5 minute s befo re making a cali brate d measur ement. To meet its

specifications, the analyz er mu st meet operat in g temperat ure conditions.

14 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

If the analyzer is an Agilent Technologies E4402B, E4403B, E4404B, E4405B, E4407B, or
E4408B, connect a BNC cable from the AMPTD REF OUT to INPUT 50 using an adapter.
After a 5 minute warm-up, press

System, Alignments, Align Now, All.

CAUTION When operating in dc coupled mode on analyzers with Option UKB ensure

protection of the input mixer by limiting the input level to 0 Vdc, +30 dBm.
When operating in ac coupled mode, ensure protection of the input mixer by

limiting the input level to 50 Vdc, +30 dBm.

NOTE It is normal to hear clicking when the Auto Alignment function is on. See

“Running Internal Alignments” on page 17 for more information.

Why Aren’t All the Personality Options Loaded in Memory?

Many measurement personality options are available for use with this instrument. If the option is
loaded in the instrument, you must also have a license key entered, to use it.

Some versions of instrument hardware my not have enough memory to accommodate all the options
that you have ordered. If this is the case you will need to swap the applications in/out of memory, as
needed. It may also be possible to upgrade your hardware to have more memory. Contact your local
sales/service office.

Using an External Reference

If you wish to us e an ext ernal 1 0 MHz sour ce as t he refe rence frequenc y, connect an external refere nce
source to the
dBm.

NOTE It is not necessary to connect the 10 MHz REF OUT to t he 10 MHz REF I N on the

1. T o use an ext ernal freque ncy ref erence , con nect it to the EXT REF IN connector on the rear panel

(see “Rear-Panel Features” on page 31).

10 MHz REF IN connector on the rear panel. The signa l le vel shou ld be grea ter tha n –15

rear of the analyzer. Doing so results in a “Frequency Reference Error” message.

Chapter 1 15

Installation and Setup

Firmware Revision

Firmware Revision

To view the firmware revision of your analyzer, press System, More, Show System. If you call
Agilent Technologies regarding your anal yzer, it is helpful to have this revisi on and t he anal yzer seri al
number available.

TIP You can get automatic electronic notification of new firmware releases and other

product updates/information by subscribing to the Agilent Technologies Test &
Measurement E-Mail Notification Service for the PSA and ESA Series at
http://www.agilent.com/find/notifyme

16 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Running Internal Alignments

Running Intern al Ali g nments

Each time the analyzer is powered on, the internal alignment routine runs automatically.
The analyzer was shipped from the factory with the Alignments mode set to

Align All.

Auto,

NOTE When the Alignment routine runs, you will hear the attenuator settings changing,

which generates noise. This is not an indication of trouble.

Manually Performing an Alignment

If the analyzer is an Agilent Technologies E4402B, E4403B, E4404B, E4405B, E4407B, or E4408B,
connect a BNC cable from the AMPTD REF OUT to INPUT 50 using an adapter. After a 5 minute
warm-up, press

System, Alignments, Align Now, All.

NOTE It is normal to hear clicking when the Auto Alignment function is on. During the

interval between sweeps, portions of the analyzer’s circuitry are realigned. Some
of the circuitry is controlled by relays. It is the rapid switching of these relays
between sweeps which causes the clicking sound. Under normal operation, these
relays will last over 50 years.

To eliminate the clicking sound, turn off the automatic alignment. (See the
Alignments key description in your User’s guide.”) With

Auto Align turned off,

however, the Align Now All function should be performed periodically. For more
information on how often to perform Align Now All when the Auto Alignment
function is of f, refer to the appropriate “S pecifications and Characteri stics” chapt er
in your specifications guide.

If

Auto Align, Off is selected, refer to the Specifications guide for t he co ndi tions required to main tai n

calibration.

Chapter 1 17

Installation and Setup

Printer Setup and Operation

Printer Setup and Operation

A printer can be connecte d to your analyzer if it is eq uipped with an external I/O i nte rface. Supported
printers accept Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language Level 3 (PCL3) or 5 (PCL5). Refer to the
documentation or specifications supplied with your printer, or contact the manufacturer to identify
your printer’s language.

Equipment

• IEEE 1284 compliant printer cable.

• Supported and tested printers are listed below. Note that there are many PCL3/5 printers that may
work with your analyzer, however, they have not been tested.

— PCL3 printers include most HP DeskJet printers.
— PCL5 printers include most HP LaserJet printers.

NOTE The following printers are not compatible with your analyzer: 

HP Deskjet 720C, 722C, 820C and 1600C 
Epson MX-80, FX-85, Stylus, and LQ-570

Printer Models Language Type Color Capable

HP DeskJet 310, 320, 350C, 400L PCL3 yes
HP DeskJet 500C, 550C, 600, 660C, 672C, 680C,

682C, 690C, 693C
HP DeskJet 840C, 850 C, 870C, 890C, 895C PCL3 yes
HP DeskJet 935C, 970C, 990C PCL3 yes
HP DeskJet 1120C, 1150C PCL3 yes
HP Inkjet 2000C PCL 3 yes
HP LaserJet III PCL3/5 no
HP LaserJet 4P PCL3/5 no
HP LaserJet 5L, 5M, 5N, 5P, 5SI PCL3/5 no
HP LaserJet 6L, 6MP PCL5 no
HP LaserJet 2100 Series, PCL3/5 no
HP LaserJet 4050N PCL3/5 yes
HP LaserJet 5000GN PCL3/5 yes
HP Professional Series 2500CM PCL3 yes

PCL3 yes

HP Professional Series 2500CM PCL3 yes

18 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Printer Setup and Operation

Interconnection and Setup

1. Turn off the printer and the analyzer.

2. Connect the printer to the analyzer parallel I/O interface connector using an IEEE 1284 compliant
parallel printer cable.

3. If appropriate, configure your printer using configuration menus or switches. Refer to your
printer’s documentation for more specific information on configuring your printer.

4. Turn on the analyzer and printer.

5. Press

Print Setup on the front panel and then press the Printer Type menu key. Printer Type

accesses the following keys:

None None disables the an alyzer from attempting to print to a printer. This is the

appropriate setting if no printer is connected to the analyzer.

Custom Custom allows you to access the Define Custom menu keys. The Define

Custom

menu keys allow you to specify printer characteristics such as PCL

Level and printer color capability.

Auto Auto enables the analyzer to automatically attempt to identify the connected

printer when the

6. Press

Printer Type to access the Printer Type menu keys. Press Auto to make the analyzer attemp t

to identify the connected printer. When you press

Print key is pressed or when Printer Type is set to Auto.

Auto, the analyzer will respond in one of the

three following ways:

•The

Print Setup menu will be displayed with the Auto key selected and no new message will

be displayed in the display status line. This indicates that the analyzer has successfully
identified the connected printer and no further setup is required. As long as
selected in the
front panel

More 1 of 3, Show System.

•The

Print Setup menu will be displayed with the Custom key selected and one of the

Printer Type menu, the analyzer w ill attempt to identify the printer when the

Print key is pressed. The selected printer will be displayed by pressing System,

Auto remains

following diagnostic messages will be displayed in the display status line:

Unknown printer, Define Custom to set up printer

No printer response, Define Custom to set up printer

Invalid printer response, Define Custom to set up printer

This indicates that the analyzer was unable to automatically identify the connected printer, and

Custom has been selected in the Printer Type menu. Press Print Setup, Define Custom to

select specific printer characteristics such as the printer language (PCL3 or PCL5) and color
printing capability. Once you have set these characteristics to match those of your connected
printer, the printer setup process is complete. As long as

Printer Type menu, the analyzer will not attempt to automatically identify the connected

printer when the front panel

•The

Print Setup menu will be displayed with the None key se lected a nd the fo llowing mes sage

Print key is pressed.

Custom remains selected in the

will appear in the display status line:

Chapter 1 19

Installation and Setup

Printer Setup and Operation

Unsupported printer, Printer Type set to None

This indicates that the anal yzer ha s su ccessf ully identi fied t he c onnect ed print er, but the printer
is not supported by the analyzer. As long as
analyzer will respond to any print command by displaying the message Printer Type is
None in the display status line.

None is selected in the Printer Type menu, the

7. Select the desired paper size by pressing

Print Setup, More, Page Size, then choose the

appropriate page size for which your printer is configured. This setting wil l remain uncha nged with
Preset or Power Cycle.

The factory default page size is

Restore Sys Defaults is executed.

Letter. The page size will be reset to Letter if System, More,

Testing Printer Operation

When you have completed the analyzer’s printer setup, press

Print Setup, then press Print on the

front panel. If the printer is ready and the printer setup was successful, a printout of the analyzer
display will be printed. If the pri nte r is not re ady, the message Printer Timeout will appear on the
analyzer display. Printer Timeout will remain on the display unt il the printe r is rea dy or unti l you
press

ESC to cancel the printout request.

NOTE There may be some small discrepancies in the color mapping of the analyzer

display to your color printer. Due to differences in display and printer
technologies, the default display colors do not map exactly to the printer colors.
For example trace 1 is yellow on your analyzer display while it maps to green on
your printer.

20 Chapter 1

Installation and Setup

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Protecti ng Against Electrostatic Discharge

Electrostatic discha r ge ( ESD) can damage or destr oy elec troni c component s (the po ssibi lity of unseen
damage caused by ESD is present whenever components are transported, stored, or used).

Test Equipment and ESD

To help reduce ESD damage that can occur while using test equipment:

• Before connecting any coaxial cable to an analyzer connector for the first time each day,
momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the cable together.

• Personnel should be g rou nded with a 1 M resis tor-isolated wrist-strap before touching the center
pin of any connector and before removing any assembly from the analyzer.

• Be sure that all instruments are properly earth-grounded to prevent build-up of static charge.

WARNING Do not use these first three techniques when working on circuitry with a

voltage potential greater than 500 volts.

• Perform work on all components or assemblies at a static-safe workstation.

• Keep static-generating materials at least one meter away from all components.

• Store or transport components in static-shielding containers.

• Always handle printed circuit board assemblies by the edges. This reduces the possibility of ESD
damage to components and prevent contamination of exposed plating.

For information on ordering static-safe accessories, see “Accessories” on page 83.

Additional Information about ESD

For more information about ESD and how to preve nt ESD damage, contact t he Electrostati c Discharge
Association (http:// www .esda .org). The ESD st andards devel oped by this agenc y are sanction ed by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Chapter 1 21

Installation and Setup

Safety Information

Safety Information

WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective earth ground

incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a
socket outlet pr ovided with a prot ective ea rth contact . Any inte rruption of t he
protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the
product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal
condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.

22 Chapter 1

2 Front and Rear Panel Features

This chapter gives you an overview of the front and rear panels of your analyzer.
For details on analyzer keys and remote programming, refer to the User’s and
Programmer’s Guide. For connector specifications (including input/output le vel s) ,
see the Specifications guide.

23

Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview

Front Panel Overview

This section provides information on the analyzer’s front panel, including:

• Front Panel Connectors and Keys, see below

• “Display Annotations” on page 28

Front-Panel Connectors and Keys

1 Viewing Angle keys adjust the display so that it can be optimally viewed from

different angles.

2 Esc. The Esc (escape) key cancels any entry in progress. Esc will abort a print (if

one is in progress) and cl ear er ror mess ages f rom the st atus l ine at the bot to m of the
display. It also clears input and tracking generator overload conditions.

3 Menu keys are the unlabeled keys next to the screen. The menu key labels are the

annotation on the scr een nex t to t he unla beled k eys. Mo st of t he lab eled ke ys o n the
analyzer front panel (also called front-panel keys) access menus of keys having
related functions.

4 FREQUENCY Channel, SPAN X Scale, and AMPLITUDE Y Scale are the three

large keys that activate the primary analyzer functions and access menus of related
functions. The secondary labels on these keys (Channel, X Scale, and Y Scale) are

24 Chapter 2

Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview

used in some measurements.

5 CONTROL functions access menus that adjust the resolution bandwidth, adjust the

sweep time, and control the analyzer display. They also set other analyzer
parameters needed for making measurements.

6 MEASURE accesses a menu of keys that automate some common analyzer

measurements. Once a measurement is running,
menu keys for defining your measurement.

Meas Setup accesses additional

Meas Control and Restart access

additional measurement control functions.

7 SYSTEM functions affect the state of the entire analyzer.

Various setup and alignment routines are accessed with the
The green
The

Preset key resets the analyzer to a known state.

File key menu saves/loads setups, traces, states, limit-line tables, screens,

System key.

measurement results, and amplitude correction factors to or from analyzer
memory or the floppy disk dri ve. Th e

Now

function defined under File in your User’s guide.

Print Setup menu keys configure hardcopy outputs. The Print key

The

Save key immediately exec ut es t he Save

immediately sends hardcopy data to the printer. See your User’s guide for more
details.

8 MARKER functions control t he ma rkers , read out frequ encies and ampl itude s alon g

the analyzer trace, automat icall y locat e th e signal s of highe st ampli tude, and access
functions like

9 The Media Door on the right side of the front panel ac cesses the 3.5 inch dis k drive

Marker Noise and Band Power.

and the Earphone connector. The earphone connector provides a connection for an
earphone jack which bypasses the internal speaker.

10 The Data Control Keys, which include the step keys, knob, and numeric keypad,

change the numeric value of an active function such as center frequency, start
frequency, resolution bandwidth, and marker position.

The data controls will change the active function in a manner prescribed by that
function. For example, y ou can change center f requency i n fine steps with th e knob,
in discrete steps with the step keys, or to an exact (1 Hz resolution) value with the
numeric keypad.

The Knob provides fine incremental changes of functions such as center
frequency, reference level, and marker position. Clockwise rotation of the knob
increases values. The extent of alteration is determined by the size of the
measurement range. The speed at which the knob is turned affects the rate at
which the values are changed.

For slow sweeps, the analyzer uses a smooth panning feature which is designed
to move the trace di splay to the la test fun ction val ue as the knob is t urned. When
center , s top or, s ta rt f re que ncy or reference level i s adj usted, the signal will shift
right or left or up or down with the rotation of the knob before a new sweep is
actually taken. An asterisk is placed in the message block (the upper right-hand
corner of the analyzer display) to indicate that the data on the screen does not
reflect da ta at the current setting.

Chapter 2 25

Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview

The Numeric Keypad allows entry of exact values for many of the analyzer
functions. You may include a decimal point in the number portion. If not, the
decimal point is placed at the end of the number.

Numeric entries must be terminated with a units key. When a numeric entry is
begun, the menu keys show the units key labels. The units keys change
depending on what the active function is. For example, the units keys for
frequency span are
level are

+dBm, dBm, mV, V, and A.

GHz, MHz, kHz, and Hz, whereas the units for reference

NOTE If an entry from the numeric keypad does not coincide with an allowed function

value (for example, that of a 12 MHz bandwidth), the analyzer defaults to the
nearest allowable value.

The Step Keys () increase or decrease the active function value. The step
size depends upon the current analyzer measurement. Each press results in a
single step change. For those parameters with fixed values (resolution
bandwidth), the next value in a sequence is selected each time a step key is
pressed. Step size i s predict able (e.g ., 10% of span for center freq uency) and c an
be set for some functions (i.e., center frequency). Out-of-range values or
out-of-sequence values will not occur using these keys.

11 VOLUME. The VOLUME knob adjusts the volume of the internal speaker. The

speaker is turned on and of f with the

12 EXT KEYBOARD. The EXT KEYBOARD connector is a 6-pin mini-DIN connec tor.

Speaker On Off key in the Det/Demod menu.

The keyboard can be used to enter screen titles and filenames.

NOTE To avoid damage to the analyzer, always turn off power before plugging a

keyboard into the analyzer.

13 PROBE POWER provides power for high-impedance ac probes or other

accessories. (+15 V, 12.6 V, 150 mA maximum)

14 LO OUTPUT provides the proper lo cal oscilla tor signa l for use wi th extern al mixers

(Option AYZ).

15 IF INPUT connects to the IF OUTPUT of the external mixer (Option AYZ).
16 Return. The Return key accesses the previously selected menu. Continuing to

press

Return accesses earlier menus. Ret urn als o term inate s entr y of alpha numeric

functions (e.g., Title).

17 AMPTD REF OUT provides an amplitude reference signal of 50 MHz at –20 dBm.

Agilent ESA models E4402B, E4403B, E4404B, E4405B, E4407B, and E4408B
only.

18 Tab Keys are used to move around in the Limit editor, the Correction editor and

similar table-driven forms.

19 INPUT 50 (INPUT 75 for Option 1DP) is the signal input for the analyzer.

26 Chapter 2

Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview

CAUTION When operating in dc coupled mode on analyzers with Option UKB, ensure

protection of the input mixer by limiting the input level to 0 Vdc, +30 dBm.
When operating in ac coupled mode, ensure protection of the input mixer by

limiting the input level to 50 Vdc, +30 dBm.

20 The Next Window key can be used to select the active window in functions which

support split-screen display modes, such as Zone markers. (Refer to “Zone” in the
User’s guide for more information.) In such modes, pressing

Zoom switches

between the split-screen and full-sized display of the active window.

21 Help. Press the Help key and then any front panel or menu key to get a short

description of the key function and the associated SCPI command. The next key
you press will remove the help window from the display.

22 RF OUT 50 for Option 1DN or RF OUT 75 (for Option 1DQ) is the source

output for the built-in tracking generator. Option 1DN or 1DQ only.

CAUTION If the tracking gen era tor output power is too high, it may damage the device under

test. Do not exceed the maximum power that the device under test can tolerate.

23 The  (On) key turns the analyzer on, while the Standby key turns most of the

analyzer off. An analyzer alignment is performed (if

Auto Align is on) every time

the analyzer is turned on. After turning on the ana lyzer , allow 5 minu tes of warm-up
time to ensure the analyzer will meet all specifications.

NOTE The analyzer continues to draw power even if the line power switch is in standby.

The main power cord can be used as the system disconnecting device. It
disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply. The front-panel switch is
only a standby switch and is not a LINE switch (disconnecting device).

Chapter 2 27

Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview

Display Annotations

Table 2-1 Screen Annotation

Item Description Associated Function Key

a

1
2 Reference level Ref Level
3 Active function block Refer to the description of the activated function.
4 Screen title
5 Time and date display Time/Date On Off

a,b

6
7 Marker frequency Marker or

8 Marker amplitude Marker

28 Chapter 2

Detector mode Detector

Change Title

RF attenuation Attenuation Auto Man

Marker Count On Off

Front and Rear Panel Features

Table 2-1 Screen Annotation (Continued)

Item Description Associated Function Key

Front Panel Overview

9 GPIB annunciators

See programming documentation.

R - remote operation
L - GPIB listen
T - GPIB talk
S - GPIB SRQ

c

10

Data invalid indicator Sweep (Single) or View/Trace

11 Status Informational messages See your Instrument Messages and Functional

Tests manual for more information.
12 Key menu title Dependent on key selection.
13 Key menu See key label descriptions in the User’s guide for

more information.
14 Frequency span or stop frequency

Span or Stop Freq

15a Sweep time/Points Sweep Time Auto Man, Sweep Points
16a Video bandwidth Video BW Auto Man
17 Frequency offset Freq Offset
18 Display status line Displays analyzer status and error messages.

Cleared by pressing

Esc key. See your User’s

guide for more information.
19a Resolution bandwidth

Resolution BW Auto Man

20 Center frequency or start frequency Center Freq or Start Freq
21 Signal track Frequency, Signal Track
22 Internal preamp Amplitude, Int Preamp

d

23
24 Amplitude corrections are on (This indicates that

Auto alignment routine is on Auto Align

Correction On Off

the overall correction state is On. There may be
any or none of the individual corrections On.)

25 Trigger/Sweep

Trig, Sweep

F - free-run trigger
L - line trigger
V - video trigger
E - external (front) trigger
T - TV trigger (Options BAA, B7B only)
B - RF burst trigger (Opt B7E only)
C - continuous sweep
S - single sweep

Chapter 2 29

Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel Overview

Table 2-1 Screen Annotation (Continued)

Item Description Associated Function Key

26 Trace mode

Trace

W - clear write
M - maximum hold
m - minimum hold
V - view
S - store blank
1 - trace 1
2 - trace 2
3 - trace 3

27 Average Average On Off

VAvg indicates video average on. PAvg indicates
power average on.

28 Display line

Display Line On Off

29 Amplitude offset Ref Lvl Offst
30 Amplitude scale Scale Type Log Lin

a. A # in front of any display annotation indicates that the function is uncoupled. (Refer to your User’s guide)
b. When the analyzer is set to the external mixer state (Option AYZ), item 6 changes to display Ext Mix in

place of Atten XdB. In addition, if Mixer Bias is on, a +I or I is appended to Ext Mix.

c. When the (*) is displayed, it means that some or all trace data may not match the anno tation due to po ssible

changes in analyzer settings.

d. AA indicates that auto alignment of all analyzer parameters, except the tracking generator and FM

demodulation options, will occur. AB indicates that auto alignment of all analyzer functions except the RF
section (and tracking generator and FM demodulation options) will occur. No indicator will appear if auto
alignment is off.

30 Chapter 2