Agilent Technologies N8201A User Manual

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

User’s Guide

Edition, January 22, 2008

N8201-90006

Agilent Technologies

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

No part of this manual may be reproduced 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.

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Manual Part Number

N8201-90006

Edition

Edition, January 22, 2008

Printed in USA

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1400 Fountaingrove Pkwy Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Warranty

The material contained in this document 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 document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.

Restricted Rights Legend

computer software” as defined in FAR

52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR

52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.

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.

If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted

Introducing the N8201A Performance Downconverter

The Agilent Technologies N8201A performance downconverter down converts a microwave signal to an IF signal providing IF output frequencies of 7.5, 21.4, and 321.4 MHz to offer three different signal bandwidth capabilities. External mixing can be utilized to down convert microwave signals up to 110 GHz. The N8201A is based upon the industry’s most accurate spectrum analyzer, the PSA Series.

Agilent's synthetic instrument family offers the highest-performing RF/MW LAN-based modular instrumentation and the smallest footprint for automated test systems; providing the maximum flexibility and minimizing the cost of an ATS over its lifetime.

Agilent’s synthetic instrument modules use LAN eXtension for Instrumentation (LXI) modular format. LXI differs from other modular formats (such as VXI and PXI) by using an external computer and local area network (LAN), rather than embedded computers, for control.

The LXI standard supports the IEEE 1588 time synchronization and protocol standard, which allows synchronous triggering of different instruments, even with different-length LAN cables. The IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) enables a common sense of time over a distributed system.

Synthetic instrument modules offered by Agilent Technologies include the following:

• N8201A performance downconverter, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz

• N8211A performance analog upconverter, 250 kHz to 20 / 40 GHz

• N8212A performance vector upconverter, 250 kHz to 20 GHz

• N8221A IF digitizer, 30 MS/s

• N8241A arbitrary waveform generator, 15-Bit, 1.25 GS/s or 625 MS/s

• N8242A arbitrary waveform generator, 10-Bit, 1.25 GS/s or 625 MS/s

For further information, refer to:

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

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

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

1 Software Installation

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Introducing the N8201A Performance Downconverter 3

Installing Software and Instrument Drivers 6

Step 1. Install Microsoft .NET Version 1.1 7 Step 2. Install the Agilent I/O Libraries 8 Step 3. Install the IVI Shared Components 9 Step 4. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder 11 Step 5. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 12 Step 6. Install the IVI-COM Drivers 13 Step 7. Install the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface 15

Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers 16

(Optional) Step 8. Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI 17 (Optional) Step 9. Install the Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) 19 (Optional) Step 10. Install the Apache HTTP Server 21 (Optional) Step 11. Install the SA Remote Web Server 24

Step 1. Unpack the N8201A Performance Downconverter 28

Verify the Shipment 28 (Optional) Prepare the Instrument for Rack Mounting 28

Step 2. Connect LAN Cables and Turn On Power 29

(Optional) Connect to a LAN with a Cross-Over LAN Cable 31

Step 3. Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder 32

(Optional) Step 4. Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI 34

(Optional) Step 5. Connect to an SA Remote Web Server 36

(Optional) Step 6. Verify Operation < 3 GHz 43

Performing a Self-Test 43

(Optional) Step 7. Verify Operation > 3 GHz 47

Performing a Self-Test 47

Troubleshooting 50

Alternative Ways to Verify Connectivity to the PC 50 How to Use the Synthetic Instrument Finder 51 How to Reset the LAN Configuration 55 How to Set a Static IP Address 56 How to Troubleshoot Connectivity Problems on the Network 60

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 1

How to Determine a PCs Configuration Settings 60 If the Instrument was Unable to Join the LAN 62 If the LAN LED is Red 62 If the Instrument’s IP Address or Hostname Cannot be Found with Ping 63 If the Instrument is Not Found by the Synthetic Instrument Finder 63 If the Instrument’s Hostname and PC Cannot Communicate 63 If the Instrument Web Page is Not Visible 64 If the Software Driver Will Not Open the Connection 64

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 67

Left Pane 68 Right Pane 68

Features of the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 69

File Menu 69 Help 70 Left Pane 71 Right Pane 72

Settings on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 74

Frequency 74 Frequency List 74 Level 76 Input RF 76 IF Output 76 Reference Oscillator 76 Preselector (Option 123) 77 External Mixer 77 Calibration 78 Events (Settling Events and Event Logging) 78 Event Logging 79 Preset 80 Refresh All Values 80

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

N8201A Performance Downconverter Front Panel Features 82

RF INPUT 82 Power 82 Line Power LED 83 LAN LED 83 1588 LED 84

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

COHERENT CARRIERS 84 EXT MIXER 85 IF OUTPUTS 85 TRIGGERS 85 REFERENCES 85 IF LOG VIDEO (Option V7L) 86 NOISE SOURCE +28 V (PULSED) (Option 219) 86 VGA OUT 86

N8201A Performance Downconverter Rear Panel Features 87

AC Power Receptacle 87 LAN 87 LXI Trigger Bus 88

Interconnect Cabling 89

Operational Considerations 90

Agilent 89601A Vector Signal Analysis Software 90 Configuring the Local Area Network (LAN) Interface 90

5 Preventive Maintenance

Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors 92

Repeatability 92 RF Cable and Connector Care 92 Proper Connector Torque 93 Connector Wear and Damage 93 SMA Connector Precautions 93 Cleaning Procedure 94

General Procedures and Techniques 95

Connector Removal 96

Instrument Removal 98

Standard instrument 98 Half-Rack-Width Instrument 99 Bench Top Instrument 99

Instrument Installation 100

Standard rack instrument 100 Half-Rack-Width Instrument 101 Bench Top Instrument 101

6 Service, Support, and Safety Information

Safety and Regulatory Information 104

EMC 104

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

7Glossary

Safety 104 Safety Summary 104 Equipment Installation 105 Environmental Conditions 106 Before Applying Power 106 Magnetic Susceptibility 107 Vibration 107 Ground the Instrument or System 107 Fuses and Circuit Breakers 108 Maintenance 108 Safety symbols and Instrument Markings 108

Service and Support 111

Agilent on the Web 111 Return Procedure 112 Shipping the Instrument 112

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

User’s Guide

1 Software Installation

This installation process installs the required software and instrument drivers used by the N8201A performance downconverter:

“Verify the PC Meets Minimum Requirements" on page 6 “Step 1. Install Microsoft .NET Version 1.1" on page 7

“Step 2. Install the Agilent I/O Libraries" on page 8 “Step 3. Install the IVI Shared Components" on page 9 “Step 4. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder" on page 11

“Step 5. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 12 “Step 6. Install the IVI-COM Drivers" on page 13 “Step 7. Install the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter

User Interface" on page 15

Install the following only if the N8201A performance downconverter has Option H02

“(Optional) Step 8. Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02

Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 17

Install the following only if the N8201A performance downconverter has Option H02

(Optional Steps 9, 10, and 11 are available to support legacy installations and are not

required if the software from Step 8 is being used. This interface can be installed along with the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI, but only one interface can be used at any given time.)

“(Optional) Step 9. Install the Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM)" on page 19 “(Optional) Step 10. Install the Apache HTTP Server" on page 21

“(Optional) Step 11. Install the SA Remote Web Server" on page 24

Agilent Technologies

1 Software Installation

NOTE

CAUTION

Installing Software and Instrument Drivers

1 Verify the PC Meets Minimum Requirements

• 1 GHz Intel Pentium processor

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Home Edition (Service Pack 1

or 2), Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2)

• 512 MB of RAM

• Up to 40 MB of available hard- disk space

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher), or Netscape 7.1 or 8.0

2 Place the CD with the Instrument Drivers and Documentation in the CD-ROM drive.

a Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later is used during this installation process and can be

installed from the CD described above.

b Click Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 to install the software, if needed.

3 Click Instrument Drivers.

If the following software or instrument drivers are installed on the PC to be used, uninstall them and install the software and instrument drivers shipped on the CD described above:

Step 1. Microsoft .NET 1.1 Step 2. Agilent I/O Libraries Step 3. IVI Shared Components Step 4. Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder Step 5. Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI Step 6. IVI-COM Drivers (for N8201A with Option H02 and without Option H02) Step 7. Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface

(Optional) Install the following only if the downconverter has Option H02

Step 8. Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI

(Optional) Steps 9, 10, and 11 are available to support legacy installations and are not required if the software from Step 8 is being used. This interface can be installed along with the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI, but only one interface can be used at any given time.

Step 9. Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) Step 10. Apache HTTP Server Step 11. SA Remote Web Server

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

Step 1. Install Microsoft .NET Version 1.1

1 Select Microsoft Version 1.1.

Software Installation 1

2 Click the check box, “Do not show this message again” so that the check box is

selected. This will stop the message from displaying each time a selection is made from the Software and Driver Installation menu.

3 Click Open.

4 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

5 Click Finish.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 7

1 Software Installation

Step 2. Install the Agilent I/O Libraries

1 Select Agilent I/O Libraries.

2 Follow the instructions and accept the default settings.

3 Click Finish.

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

Step 3. Install the IVI Shared Components

1 Select IVI Shared Components.

Software Installation 1

2 Run the IviCleanupUtility before running the IviSharedComponents or a network access

error may occur during installation of the IviSharedComponents.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 9

1 Software Installation

4 Click Finish.

Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

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

Step 4. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder

1 Select Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder.

Software Installation 1

2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

3 Click Close.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 11

1 Software Installation

Step 5. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

1 Select Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

Click Close.

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

Step 6. Install the IVI-COM Drivers

There are two different IVI-COM drivers available for the N8201A performance downconverter.

• If the N8201A performance downconverter is equipped with Option H02, a different IVI-COM driver is available that enables functionality similar to a PSA spectrum analyzer.

• If the N8201A performance downconverter is not equipped with Option H02, only downconverter functions are available.

1 Select one of the IVI-COM Drivers.

Software Installation 1

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 13

1 Software Installation

You should see the above dialog when the installation is complete for IVI-COM that supports Option H02 and the below dialog when the installation is complete for IVI-COM that supports N8201A performance downconverters that are not equipped with Option H02.

Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

3 Click Finish.

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

Software Installation 1

Step 7. Install the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface

1 Select Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface.

2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

3 Click Close.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 15

1 Software Installation

Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers

Software for steps 8, 9, 10, and 11 can be installed on your PC, but Option H02 is required to use these software applications with the N8201A performance downconverter; prior to continuing, verify that Option H02 is installed.

To Verify that Option H02 is Installed

1 Start the Synthetic Instrument Finder (from the Windows Desktop,

click Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Synthetic Instrument Finder).

2 Select an instrument, from the left-hand pane of the Synthetic Instrument Finder, and

right-click on the instrument with the mouse.

3 Select Interactive IO.

4 Type *OPT? at the Command prompt and click Send & Read.

5 Read the response in the Instrument Session History box; the required option should be

listed as H02.

If Option H02 is Installed

• If Option H02 is installed, proceed to “(Optional) Step 8. Install the Agilent N8201A

Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 17.

• If Option H02 is installed, you can also use the SA Remote Web Server. To use this optional interface, you must perform “(Optional) Step 9. Install the Microsoft Virtual

Machine (VM)" on page 19, “(Optional) Step 10. Install the Apache HTTP Server" on

page 21, and “(Optional) Step 11. Install the SA Remote Web Server" on page 24; this interface can be installed along with the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI, but only one interface can be used at any given time.

If Option H02 is Not Installed

• If Option H02 is not installed, software installation is complete!

The N8201A performance downconverter can be manually controlled on instruments without Option H02 by using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI. (Refer to “Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 67.)

• Without Option H02, the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI cannot

be used and does not need the software installed.

• Without Option H02, the N8201A performance downconverter cannot be used with

the SA Remote Web Server and does not need software installed for the Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM), the Apache HTTP Server, or the SA Remote Web Server.

a Close the Interactive IO dialog box.

b Close the Synthetic Instrument Finder dialog box.

c Click Exit CD-ROM. The software and driver installation is complete!

d Restart the computer and continue to “Hardware Setup and Configuration" on

page 27.

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

Software Installation 1

NOTE

(Optional) Step 8. Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI

Before performing this optional installation step, read about

“Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers" on page 16.

1 Select Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 17

1 Software Installation

3 Click Close.

Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

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

(Optional) Step 9. Install the Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM)

NOTE

Before performing this optional installation step, read about

“Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers" on page 16.

1 Select Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM).

Software Installation 1

2 Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

3 Click OK.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 19

1 Software Installation

Click No on the Microsoft VM dialog box. This step will be completed later in the process after the SA Remote Web Server is installed.

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

(Optional) Step 10. Install the Apache HTTP Server

NOTE

Before performing this optional installation step, read about

“Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers" on page 16.

1 Select Apache HTTP Server.

Software Installation 1

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 21

1 Software Installation

3 Click Next.

Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings

4 Click Next.

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

Click Finish.

Software Installation 1

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 23

1 Software Installation

NOTE

(Optional) Step 11. Install the SA Remote Web Server

Before performing this optional installation step, read about

“Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers" on page 16.

1 Select SA Remote Web Server.

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

Software Installation 1

NOTE

Follow the installation instructions and accept the default settings.

3 Click Finish.

4 Click Cancel on the Configure dialog box. This step will be completed later in the

process after restarting the computer.

5 Close the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Software and Driver Installation

menu (driver_installation_list.pdf dialog box).

6 Click Exit CD-ROM. The software and driver installation is complete.

7 Restart the computer and continue to “Hardware Setup and Configuration" on page 27.

Restart the computer!

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 25

1 Software Installation

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

User’s Guide

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

“Step 1. Unpack the N8201A Performance Downconverter" on page 28

“Step 2. Connect LAN Cables and Turn On Power" on page 29 “Step 3. Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder" on page 32 “(Optional) Step 4. Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02

Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 34 “(Optional) Step 5. Connect to an SA Remote Web Server" on page 36 “(Optional) Step 6. Verify Operation < 3 GHz" on page 43

“(Optional) Step 7. Verify Operation > 3 GHz" on page 47

“Troubleshooting" on page 50

• “Alternative Ways to Verify Connectivity to the PC" on page 50

• “How to Reset the LAN Configuration" on page 55

• “How to Set a Static IP Address" on page 56

• “How to Troubleshoot Connectivity Problems on the Network" on page 60

• “How to Determine a PCs Configuration Settings" on page 60

• “If the Instrument was Unable to Join the LAN" on page 62

• “If the LAN LED is Red" on page 62”

• “If the Instrument’s IP Address or Hostname Cannot be Found with Ping" on page 63

• “If the Instrument is Not Found by the Synthetic Instrument Finder" on page 63”

• “If the Instrument’s Hostname and PC Cannot Communicate" on page 63”

• “If the Instrument Web Page is Not Visible" on page 64”

• “If the Software Driver Will Not Open the Connection" on page 64”

Agilent Technologies

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

WARNING

NOTE

CAUTION

Step 1. Unpack the N8201A Performance Downconverter

The unique shape of the N8201A performance downconverter was intended to allow multiple instruments to reside in a compact system that is both modular and transportable. With instruments adjacent to each other, handles could not be installed on the respective instruments. Exercise caution when lifting and carrying the instrument to avoid personal injury. At 25.9 kilograms (57 pounds) shipping weight and 19 kilograms (42 pounds) net weight, it is recommended that two people be utilized for instrument lifting and transport.

Verify that any options ordered are included with the shipment by checking the packing literature included with the shipment.

The serial number label on the N8201A performance downconverter only verifies hardware/firmware options. The packing literature verifies all items shipped.

Verify the Shipment

1 Inspect the shipping container for damage.

Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that shows signs of unusual stress or compacting.

2 Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container and verify that the order is

complete.

The following items are shipped standard with each N8201A performance downconverter:

• instrument drivers, synthetic graphical user interface, and documentation CD-ROM

(p/n N8200-90004)

• three-prong AC power cord specific to geographic location

(Optional) Prepare the Instrument for Rack Mounting

If the N8201A performance downconverter is to be placed in a system rack, the feet currently attached can be replaced with the rack mount feet (part number W1312-40032) supplied with the accessories. Failure to do so can result in a safety issue. For further information, refer to the Agilent N8200A Series Synthetic Instrument Modules, Rack Configuration Guide, N8200-90003.

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

Step 2. Connect LAN Cables and Turn On Power

NOTE

Install the N8201A performance downconverter so that the detachable power cord is readily identifiable and is 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.

Before connecting to a LAN, verify your local policy by contacting the system administrator in your Information Technology (IT) department and inquire about connecting instruments to the LAN.

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

• If the network uses DHCP [

assigned to the device automatically. If you need to know what the IP address is, it can be determined using the Synthetic Instrument Finder. (Refer to “Step 3. Verify

Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder" on page 32.)

• If DHCP is not present, but the instrument is set to use DHCP (the default), the

instrument waits two minutes for its DHCP request to time out. When the N8201A performance downconverter is used in this situation, there is a time delay of approximately three minutes between the time of when the N8201A performance downconverter’s power is turned on and when it is available for use.

• If the network does not use DHCP, you can use Auto IP or configure your LAN

settings manually. Although you can also manually configure LAN settings in a network with DHCP, it is recommended that you do so with the assistance of your system administrator.

• If the network uses Auto IP (does not use DHCP), the N8201A performance downconverter acquires a 169.254.xxx.xxx address. (Refer to “How to Set a Static IP

Address" on page 56.)

If you wish to communicate directly between the N8201A performance downconverter and your PC without the use of a LAN hub, you can connect directly to your PC. (Refer to

“(Optional) Connect to a LAN with a Cross-Over LAN Cable" on page 31.)

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol], an address is

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 29

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Connect a LAN cable from the LAN connector on your PC to an empty connector on your internal local area network or LAN hub.

2 Connect a LAN cable from the LAN connector on the rear panel of the

N8201A performance downconverter to an empty connector on your internal local area network or LAN hub.

3 Turn on power to the PC.

4 Turn on power to the N8201A performance downconverter and wait until the LAN LED

turns solid green or until you hear an attenuator click from within the N8201A performance downconverter; this can take up to four minutes depending on whether the instrument is using DHCP or Auto IP.

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

(Optional) Connect to a LAN with a Cross-Over LAN Cable

If you wish to communicate directly between the N8201A performance downconverter and your PC without the use of a LAN hub, you can connect directly to your PC.

1 Connect a cross-over LAN cable from the LAN connector on your PC to the LAN

connector on the rear panel of the N8201A performance downconverter.

2 Turn on power to the PC.

3 Turn on power to the N8201A performance downconverter and wait until the LAN LED

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 31

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Step 3. Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder

Agilent supplies a program named the Synthetic Instrument Finder that enables connection between a PC and instruments that are connected on a LAN [Local Area Network].

1 From the Windows Desktop,

click Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Synthetic Instrument Finder.

The Synthetic Instrument Finder should appear and look similar to the following.

2 Select an instrument, from the left-hand pane of the Synthetic Instrument Finder, and

right-click on an instrument with the mouse.

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

Select Open Webpage and a Web browser should appear that allows viewing and

modifying settings for instruments on the network.

• If this Web page does not open or you experience an error, refer to

“Troubleshooting" on page 50.

• If this Web page opens, you have verified connectivity and can continue on to one of the following:

• With Option H02 not installed, refer to

“Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 65

• With Option H02 installed, refer to

“(Optional) Step 4. Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 34

• With Option H02 installed, refer to

“(Optional) Step 5. Connect to an SA Remote Web Server" on page 36.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 33

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

NOTE

(Optional) Step 4. Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum

Analyzer GUI

If Option H02 is not installed, the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI software cannot be used!

In addition to Option H02, you must have performed “(Optional) Step 8. Install the Agilent

N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 17; this interface can be installed

along with the SA Web Remote Server, but only one interface can be used at any given time. (For further software installation information, refer to “Installing Optional Software and

Instrument Drivers" on page 16.)

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

This section describes how to access and use the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI.

1 From the Windows Desktop, click

Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI.

2 Click File > Connect (upper-left corner)

on the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI.

3 Enter the VISA Address (for example, TCPIP0::141.121.87.18::inst0::instr) of the

instrument being connected to and click OK.

• If you don’t know the IP address of the instrument, that is used as part of the

VISA Address connection string, refer to the Default IP Address that is displayed when verifying connection with the Synthetic Instrument Finder. (Refer to “Step 3.

Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder" on page 32.)

The Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI controls the N8201A performance downconverter that is equipped with Option H02 and simulates the functionality of an Agilent PSA spectrum analyzer. To learn how to use the controls of this GUI interface, refer to the PSA documentation.

PSA documentation is available from the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Instrument Drivers and Documentation CD

(refer to “Installing Software and Instrument Drivers" on page 6) or from the Web at:

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

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 35

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

NOTE

(Optional) Step 5. Connect to an SA Remote Web Server

If Option H02 is not installed, the SA Remote Web Server software cannot be used!

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

1 From the Windows Desktop,

select Start > All Programs > Agilent I/O Libraries Suite > Agilent Connection Expert.

2 Click Add Interface.

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

Select Remote GPIB (via E5810 or Remote IO Server).

IP Address

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

4 Click Add.

5 Enter the N8201A performance downconverter’s IP address.

If you do not know the IP address, use the Synthetic Instrument Finder.

a From the Windows Desktop,

select Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools> Synthetic Instrument Finder.

b Select an instrument from the list of instruments shown to see its IP address.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 37

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

The Remote GPIB interface dialog box should look similar to the following:

6 Select IP address and enter the IP Address of the N8201A performance downconverter

in the Remote GPIB Interface dialog box.

7 Enter gpib7 for the Interface Name on Remote Host.

8 Click Test connection. If the connection was successful, text stating “The interface was

successfully opened“ should appear.

9 Click OK.

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

From the Windows Desktop,

select Start > All Programs > Agilent Web Remote > SA > Configure and a Configure dialog box similar to the following should appear.

11 Click Continue and a dialog box similar to the following should appear.

12 Click Yes on the Instrument Information dialog box.

13 Click OK.

14 From the Windows Desktop, select Start > Run.

15 Enter CMD in the Run dialog box to select the Command Window.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 39

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

From the command window prompt, type ipconfig to get the IP Address of your computer.

17 Write down your computer's IP address.

IP Address: __ __ __ . __ __ __ . __ __ __ . __ __ __

This IP address is needed in the following steps.

If you are attempting to access the web server from another machine, you need to make sure to use the hostname or IP Address of the adapter that is on the same network as the machine you are using. (In regards to the example above, if you are trying to access the webpage from a machine on the network that is connected to the adapter with the

169.254.241.150 address, you need to use 169.254.241.150 and not 141.121.83.141 as the IP Address.)

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

From the Windows Desktop,

select Start > All Programs > Agilent Web Remote > SA > Start Server to start the Spectrum Analyzer Instrument Server.

19 From the Windows Desktop, select Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

20 Insert your PC’s IP address (from the command window above).

Use the following syntax: http://141.121.83.141/index.html and a display similar to the following should appear.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 41

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Select Web Control SA on the left of the web page.

• If one of the following dialog boxes appears, click Run or Install and accept the installation.

If the following display appears, the SA Remote Web Server configuration is complete!

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

(Optional) Step 6. Verify Operation < 3 GHz

CAUTION

NOTE

Operation verification is a test that, when completed, will ensure that the downconverter is operating correctly in the low band (< 3 GHz).

Make sure that the total power of all signals at the downconverter input does not

exceed +30 dBm (1 watt).

Performing a Self-Test

Instrument Connections

• Downconverter: 7.5 MHz Out

• Spectrum Analyzer: RF Input

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

The N8201A performance downconverter can be controlled with either the SA Remote Web Server or the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI, but only one interface can be used at any given time.

• If Option H02 is not installed, the N8201A performance downconverter can be manually controlled using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

• If Option H02 is installed, you can use either the SA Remote Web Server or the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

(For information on using these different interfaces, refer to “(Optional) Step 4. Connect

to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 34 or “Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 67.)

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 43

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Perform the following procedure to run a self-test:

1 Close SA Remote Web Server.

2 From the Windows Desktop,

select Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

3 Click the listed downconverter in the “Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI,

Recent Connections” dialog box.

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

The following dialog box should appear.

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 45

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Measurement Procedure

5 Tune the Spectrum Analyzer to the following:

• Frequency: 7.5 MHz

• Amplitude: 10 dBm

• Span: 100 kHz

6 Tune the downconverter to the following:

• Level: Attenuator: 20 dBm

• RF Enabled: Enabled

• Input RF: Signal Source: 50 MHz Cal

• Frequency: 50 MHz

7 Verify that a 7.5 MHz signal is present on the spectrum analyzer.

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

(Optional) Step 7. Verify Operation > 3 GHz

CAUTION

Operation verification is a test that, when completed, will ensure that the N8201A performance downconverter is operating correctly in the high band (> 3 GHz).

Make sure that the total power of all signals at the N8201A performance

downconverter

Performing a Self-Test

Downconverter to Spectrum Analyzer Connections

• Downconverter: 7.5 MHz Out

• Spectrum Analyzer: RF Input

Downconverter to Source Connections

input does not exceed +30 dBm (1 watt).

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

• Downconverter: RF Input

• Source: RF Output

Perform the following procedure to run a self-test:

1 From the Windows Desktop,

select Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 47

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Click the downconverter in the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI dialog box listed under Recent Connections.

3 The following dialog box should appear.

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

Measurement Procedure

4 Tune the Spectrum Analyzer to the following:

• Frequency: 7.5 MHz

• Amplitude: 10 dBm

• Span: 100 kHz

5 Tune the downconverter to the following:

• Center Frequency: 3.5 GHz

• Attenuator: 20 dBm

• RF Enabled: Enabled

• Source: Internal

6 Tune the Source to the following:

• Frequency: 3.5 GHz

• Amplitude: 0 dBm

• RF On

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

Verify that a 7.5 MHz signal is present on the spectrum analyzer.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 49

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Troubleshooting

Alternative Ways to Verify Connectivity to the PC

In addition to using “Step 3. Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder" on page 32 and “(Optional) Step 4. Connect to the Agilent N8201A Option H02

Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 34, connectivity can be verified between the

N8201A performance downconverter and the PC with the following:

• Verify that the LAN LED on the N8201A performance downconverter’s rear panel is green or blinking green. This indicates a good connection.

If the LED is off, there is a problem with your LAN connection.

• Verify that the LAN LED on the N8201A performance downconverter’s front panel (next to the LAN port) is solid green.

If the LED turns red, this indicates a problem with your LAN connection. This takes approximately 60 seconds.

• Ping the N8201A performance downconverter from the PC.

a From the Windows Desktop, select Start > Run.

b At the Open prompt, type CMD and press Enter to open a command window.

c At the command prompt, type Ping and the instrument’s IP address (for example,

Ping 141.121.84.108.) or type Ping and the instruments hostname (for example, Ping a-n8201a-00179).

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

How to Use the Synthetic Instrument Finder

Agilent supplies a program named the Synthetic Instrument Finder that enables connection between a PC and instruments that are connected on a LAN [Local Area Network].

1 From the Windows Desktop,

click Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Synthetic Instrument Finder.

The Synthetic Instrument Finder should appear and look similar to the following.

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

2 Select an instrument, from left-hand pane of the Synthetic Instrument Finder, and

right-click on an instrument with the mouse.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 51

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

The Synthetic Instrument Finder window is divided into two main sections:

• right pane contains information specific to the instrument highlighted in the left pane.

• left pane contains a list of equipment available on your LAN for connection.

Right-Pane Functions

Send Settings Sends the current instrument settings to the N8201A performance

downconverter. Use this function if you modified the settings in Instrument Finder.

5 Second Identify Flashes the LAN LED for five seconds.

Turn On Ident LED When On, the LAN LED continuously flashes on and off. Once the

Turn On Ident LED button is pressed, the button name changes to Turn Off Ident LED.

Refresh List Updates the device’s list.

Continuous Refresh Updates the device’s list every one minute.

Add Device Manually Allows you to add a device for connection. Use this feature

only if your instrument does not appear in the Devices list.

a Click Add Device Manually. The Devices area will display a new listing titled

“Unknown”.

b In the Manual settings area, enter in the MAC address, serial number, and model

number of the device.

c In the LAN settings area, enter in the information for the new device. (Make sure

that you scroll down the list to get to the editable settings area.)

d Click Send Settings to enter this information in the Devices area.

e Double-click the new listing to open the webpage, or right-click and select Open

using Synthetic GUI to use the virtual interface.

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

Left-Pane Functions

In the left pane, right-click on the N8201A performance downconverter and the following menu should appear.

Interactive IO Opens the Agilent Interactive IO application which allows SCPI

commands to be sent to the instrument. (The Interactive IO option is only available if the Agilent Connection Expert has been installed on the PC.)

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 53

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Open Webpage Opens the Web page associated with the currently selected instrument.

From this Web page, settings for the instrument can be viewed and modified.

Tip: There are two other ways to access the device’s Web page:

• By double-clicking on the Device listing in the Synthetic Instrument Finder.

• By typing in the device’s hostname or IP address in your Internet browser.

Open using Synthetic GUI Opens the Synthetic Instrument GUI.

Copy VISA Address to Clipboard (IP Address) Copies the VISA IP address to the

clipboard for use in other applications.

Copy VISA Address to Clipboard (Hostname) Copies the VISA hostname to the

clipboard for use in other applications. It is recommended that you use this address on networks with DHCP and DNS network capability.

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

How to Reset the LAN Configuration

NOTE

Recessed LAN RST Button

On the instrument front panel, near the power switch, is a recessed button labeled “RESET”. This button enables you to place the LAN configuration of the instrument into a known state.

When this button is pressed (a straightened paper clip will do the job) the following settings are made and the system reboots.

• Subnet Mask is set to 255.255.0.0

• DHCP is set to on

• Auto IP is set to on

• If DHCP and Auto IP are set to off, the IP address will be set to 192.168.EE.FF,

where EE and FF are the last two parts of the MAC address (AA.BB.CC.DD.EE.FF). This is designed to prevent multiple instruments from using the same default IP address (refer to the instrument label).

If you had manually configured LAN settings before, you may have to reconfigure your instrument to reset DHCP and Auto IP to OFF. Refer to “How to Set a Static IP Address" on page 56.

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

• The instrument hostname is set to A-N82XXA-NNNNN, where N82XXA is the instrument model number (such as N8201A) and NNNNN represents the last five digits of the instrument serial number.

If the instrument is in an environment with a DHCP server, it is assigned an IP address through DHCP. The IP address can be found by using the instrument hostname as the URL in a web browser.

Without DHCP, the instrument will use Auto IP and acquire a 169.254.X.X address. If no DHCP is present, but the instrument is set to use DHCP (the default), the instrument will wait two minutes for its DHCP request to time out. In this case, there is a time delay of approximately three minutes between when the instrument is powered on and when it is usable.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 55

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

NOTE

How to Set a Static IP Address

The DHCP server automates the process of setting up the IP addresses on your network by default. When the N8201A performance downconverter is turned on, it searches for a DHCP server on the network and selects a “dynamic IP address”. Each time the N8201A performance downconverter is rebooted, the N8201A performance downconverter may get a different IP address. To set the N8201A performance downconverter to a static IP address, rather than allowing the DHCP server to select an auto IP address:

1 Assign a N8201A performance downconverter instrument IP address that will work with

your computer.

For a company wide network, your system administrator will have to assign an IP address that is compatible with your PC. If you have a private LAN network or a direct connection from your PC to the instrument, you can assign the IP address. Refer to “Step 1. Unpack the

N8201A Performance Downconverter" on page 28.

2 Connect the N8201A performance downconverter in one of the following two

configurations:

• Connect a LAN cable from the LAN connector on your PC to an empty connector on

your internal local area network or LAN hub. Connect a LAN cable from the LAN connector on the rear panel of the N8201A performance downconverter to an empty connector on your internal local area network or LAN hub.

Figure 1 Connecting the PC LAN cable to a company/private LAN to the instrument LAN

• Connect a cross-over cable from the LAN connector on your PC to the LAN

connector on the rear panel of the N8201A performance downconverter.

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

Figure 2 Connecting the PC LAN cable to the instrument LAN (cross-over cable)

3 Turn on power to the PC.

4 Turn on power to the N8201A performance downconverter and wait until the LAN LED

turns solid green; this takes about 60 seconds.

5 From the Windows Desktop,

click Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Synthetic Instrument Finder.

The following Synthetic Instrument Finder dialog box should appear.

6 Select the N8201A performance downconverter listed in the Agilent Synthetic

Instrument Finder dialog box to access the N8201A performance downconverter Web page.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 57

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

Click View & Modify LAN Config in the left-pane of the Web page. The following dialog box should appear.

8 Click Modify Configuration to access the Password dialog.

9 Click Submit (accept the default password) and the following dialog box should appear.

The default password is set to “agilent”.

Tip: You can change the password from the View & Modify LAN Connections. (Scroll

down the Parameter column until you locate the Change Password parameter.)

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

NOTE

Change the DHCP and Auto IP radio-buttons to Off. Change the IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway values to meet your network requirements.

11 Click Save to save the new settings. Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) also require

that you click "Renew LAN settings" before changes take effect.

For the new settings to become effective, you may first cycle the power of the instrument and then cycle the power of the PC.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 59

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

How to Troubleshoot Connectivity Problems on the Network

The Synthetic Instrument Finder program is used to find instruments on a network when the N8201A performance downconverter is connected through a router or cross-over cable. There are three possible configurations:

• connecting the PC through a company wide site LAN connection to the N8201A performance downconverter

• connecting the PC to the same private LAN network as the instrument

• connecting the PC directly to the instrument using a cross-over cable - this would

typically be used for troubleshooting and is not normally used to control an instrument directly

The N8201A performance downconverter is shipped with a default IP address. This default IP address is 192.168.EE.FF, where EE and FF are the last two parts of the Media Access Control (MAC) address (AA.BB.CC.DD.EE.FF).

How to Determine a PCs Configuration Settings

From a DOS Window

1 From the Windows Desktop, click Start > Run.

2 At the Open: prompt, type CMD and press Enter to open a DOS window.

3 At the command prompt, type ipconfig/all to display the PCs network connection

details.

Or,

From the PCs Control Panel

1 From the Windows Desktop, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and

Internet Connections.

2 From the Network and Internet Connections window, double-click the Local Area

Connection.

3 In the Local Area Connection Status dialog, click the Support tab and click Details to

display the PCs Network Connection Details.

The Network Connection Details include:

• Physical Address

• DHCP status, enabled or disabled (displayed when using the DOS window ipconfig

command only)

• Auto configuration enabled or disabled (displayed when using the DOS window

ipconfig command only)

• IP Address

• Subnet Mask

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

• Default Gateway

• DHCP Server Address

• Lease Obtained

• Lease Expired

• Primary WINS Servers

• Secondary WINS Servers

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 61

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

If the Instrument was Unable to Join the LAN

If the LAN LED is Red

Symptom

Possible Causes Possible Solutions

The instrument is not connected to a LAN. If connecting the instrument to a switch or hub, verify

that the instrument is connected with a standard LAN cable.

An incorrect LAN cable is being used.

• If connecting the instrument directly to a PC, verify

that the instrument is connected with a cross-over cable.

• If connecting the instrument to a switch or hub,

verify that the instrument is connected with a standard LAN cable.

The device’s LAN port is not active. Connect the instrument to a known working LAN

port.

The device is configured to use DHCP, but no DHCP server is available.

• Disable DHCP. Refer to “How to Set a Static IP

Address" on page 56.

• Connect the device to a LAN that uses a DHCP

server.

The instrument is configured to use a duplicate static IP address.

• Make sure that no other device is using the same

IP address as your instrument.

• Configure your instrument to use a different IP

address. Refer to “How to Set a Static IP

Address" on page 56.

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

Hardware Setup and Configuration 2

If the Instrument’s IP Address or Hostname Cannot be Found with Ping

Possible Causes Possible Solutions

The instrument was unable to join the LAN. See “If the Instrument was Unable to Join the

LAN" on page 62.

The instrument’s LAN settings are incorrect. Verify that the instrument’s settings are appropriate

for your LAN.

A firewall is preventing communication between your PC and your instrument.

The instrument is using Auto-IP (That is, the instrument assigned itself a 169.254.x.x IP address) and your PC is not using Auto IP (That is, PC does not have a 169.254.x.x IP address.)

Make sure that your firewall settings allow communication between your PC and other devices.

• Disable Auto-IP on the instrument.

• Configure your PC to use Auto-IP.

If the Instrument is Not Found by the Synthetic Instrument Finder

Possible Causes Possible Solutions

The instrument was unable to join the LAN. See “If the Instrument was Unable to Join the

LAN" on page 62.

The instrument and PC are on different switches/hubs and different subnets.

• Put the instrument on the same switch or hub as

your PC.

• If the instrument is using DHCP, make sure that the

instrument and the PC are put on the same subnet.

• If the instrument is using a static IP address, make

sure that the instrument IP address and subnet mask put the instrument on the same subnet as your PC.

If the Instrument’s Hostname and PC Cannot Communicate

Possible Causes Possible Solutions

No DNS server is available. Communicate with the instrument using the

instrument’s IP address.

The DNS server has not been updated. Wait several minutes.

The PC cannot communicate with the device over LAN.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 63

See “If the Instrument’s IP Address or Hostname

Cannot be Found with Ping" on page 63.

2 Hardware Setup and Configuration

If the Instrument Web Page is Not Visible

Possible Causes Possible Solutions

• The instrument has not yet joined the LAN.

See “If the LAN LED is Red" on page 62.

• The instrument is unable to join the LAN.

Your PC cannot communicate with the device over your LAN.

You are attempting to use the device’s hostname and the hostname is not working.

Your browser is configured to use a proxy, and the proxy does not allow communication with instruments on the LAN.

See “If the Instrument was Unable to Join the

LAN" on page 62.

See “If the Instrument’s Hostname and PC Cannot

Communicate" on page 63.

Disable or reconfigure the proxy settings. Open Internet Explorer and select Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings…

If the Software Driver Will Not Open the Connection

Possible Causes Possible Solutions

Your PC cannot communicate with the device over your LAN.

Someone else is currently connected to the instrument.

See “If the Instrument’s IP Address or Hostname

Cannot be Found with Ping" on page 63.

Make sure that no one else is connected to the instrument.

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

User’s Guide

3 Using the Agilent

“Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 67 “Features of the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 69

“Settings on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 74

Synthetic Instrument GUI

Agilent Technologies

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

NOTE

Although only one interface can be used at any given time, the N8201A performance downconverter can be controlled with any of the following:

• Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI

• SA Remote Web Server

• Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Which interface should be used:

• If Option H02 is not installed, the N8201A performance downconverter can be manually

controlled using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI; without Option H02, the N8201A performance downconverter cannot be controlled with SCPI commands.

• If Option H02 is installed, you can use either the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI, the SA Remote Web Server, or the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

(For information on using these different interfaces, refer to “(Optional) Step 4. Connect

to the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI" on page 34, “(Optional) Step

5. Connect to an SA Remote Web Server" on page 36, or “Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI" on page 67.)

To verify that Option H02 is installed:

1 Start the Synthetic Instrument Finder (from the Windows Desktop,

click Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Synthetic Instrument Finder).

2 Select an instrument, from the left-hand pane of the Synthetic Instrument Finder, and

right-click on the instrument with the mouse.

3 Select Interactive IO.

4 Ty p e *OPT? at the Command prompt and click Send & Read.

5 Read the response in the Instrument Session History box; the required option should be

listed as H02.

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

Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

This section describes how to access and use the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

1 From the Windows Desktop,

click Start > All Programs > Agilent SI Tools > Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

2 Click Connection Manager (lower-left corner)

on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI dialog box.

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

3 Click Find Instruments (lower-left corner) on the Connect to Instrument dialog box.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 67

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Select an N8201A performance downconverter and click Tes t (lower-left corner) on the Connect to Instrument dialog box.

• If the bottom of the dialog box displays the message “Connection Succeeded“, the

instrument was found and communication has been established.

• If the bottom of the dialog box displays the message “N8201A is not supported”, the

instrument is not communicating. Refer to “Troubleshooting" on page 50.

5 Click Connect (lower-right corner) on the Connect to Instrument dialog box and the

following dialog box should appear.

If the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI appears, the N8201A performance downconverter has successfully connected using a LAN connection!

Left Pane

The lower portion of the left pane displays the settings available for adjustment on the N8201A performance downconverter. Click a function button to activate that function and the related functions are displayed in the Properties area. For example, Center Frequency is the active function and all settings associated with Center Frequency are available for modification.

Right Pane

The upper portion of the right pane always displays the functions that are most commonly used for a measurement. These functions are also accessible from the left pane. Changing one of these parameters changes the setting in the left pane as well.

The lower portion of the right pane can have three tabs: Dynamic Help, Instrument Information, and the Event Log. For more information on theses areas, refer to “Dynamic

Help" on page 72, “Instrument Information" on page 73, and “Event Log" on page 73.

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

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

Features of the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

File Menu

The File menu accesses options for instrument connection, save and recall settings, and exiting the application. Theses tasks are also available by clicking the icons on the tool bar.

Figure 3 File sub menu

Connect

Accesses the Connect to Instrument dialog box which is used to connect to an instrument on the LAN hub.

Figure 4 Connect to Instrument Window

Reconnect

Re-establishes the connection to the instrument if the instrument has been disconnected.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 69

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Disconnect

Terminates the connection to the active instrument that is using the Synthetic Instrument GUI.

Load Settings

Accesses the Load Instrument Properties dialog box where you can recall user-definable instrument settings.

Save Settings

Accesses the Save Instrument Properties dialog box where you can save instrument settings for use at a later time.

Exit

Closes the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI application.

Help

The Help menu displays the current versions of the GUI and drivers.

Figure 5 Help About Synthetic GUI

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

Left Pane

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

Start Page

The Start Page lists the instruments previously connected to the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

Error Log

Displays a history of all instrument and GUI related errors and messages.

Figure 6 Error Log

Connection Manager Accesses the Connect to Instrument dialog box.

Table 1 Controls available from the Connect to Instrument Dialog Box

Saved Connections Accesses user defined connections.

Recent Connections Displays a list of instruments that have recently been controlled by the

Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI.

Connection Expert Accesses Agilent Connections Expert.

Find Instruments Lists the instruments found in Instrument Finder.

Test Tests the connection between the PC and the highlighted instrument.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 71

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Right Pane

The lower portion of the right pane can have the following tabs: Dynamic Help, Instrument Information, and Event Log.

Dynamic Help

Provides information about the function currently selected in the left pane.

Figure 7 Dynamic Help

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

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

Instrument Information

Provides information about your N8201A performance downconverter such as the serial number, IP address, software revision used, and so on.

Figure 8 Instrument Information Page

Event Log

When enabled in the Events parameters area, displays the event log history.

Figure 9 Event Log History

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 73

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Settings on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Frequency

Sets the center frequency or frequency offset of the N8201A performance downconverter.

Center Frequency

Sets the center frequency while the span remains constant. The frequency range of the N8201A performance downconverter is 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz plus the frequency offset. If the External Mixer Enabled equals External, the frequency range is 3 Hz to 335 GHz.

Frequency Offset

Enables you to input a frequency offset value to account for external frequency conversions. This value is added to the display readout of the marker frequency, center frequency, start frequency, stop frequency, and all other absolute frequency settings. Limits are

−500 THz to 500 THz.

Frequency List

Sets up a list of frequencies for the instrument to step through. The list begins with Start Frequency, and adds the Step Frequency until the Stop Frequency is reached. The next trigger causes the list to be repeated.

Disabled Prevents a frequency step sequence from being initiated.

Start Sets the first frequency that will be swept on a list sweep.

Stop Sets the last frequency that will be swept before the list is repeated.

Step Sets the difference between successive swept frequencies.

Trigger Se t u p Sets up the trigger that will be used to step through the frequency list.

Trigger Source

Sets the source of triggers. When the specified trigger occurs, the instrument will move to the next frequency in its frequency list. Possible values are:

EXT - TTLLX10LX11LX12LX13

LX14 LX15 LX16 LX17 LAN0

LAN1 LAN2 LAN3 LAN4 LAN5

LAN6 LAN7 ALARM0

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

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

Trigger Source (set to ALARM0)

Table 2 Controls available when Trigger Source is set to ALARM0

Alarm Mode Defines the way that Alarm Time will be interpreted. In absolute mode,

the alarm will begin firing at the time of day specified in Absolute Alarm Time. In relative mode, the alarm will begin firing at a time relative to when the alarm is set up.

Relative Alarm Time Defines the number of seconds after pressing Execute Trigger that the

first alarm will occur.

Absolute Alarm Time Defines the time that the first alarm will occur.

Alarm Period Defines the time between successive alarms.

Alarm Repeat Defines the number of times the alarm will be repeated.

A value of 1 means that the alarm will occur once and will not be repeated. A value of 2 means that the alarm will occur twice.

A value of 0 means that the alarm will be repeated until the alarm is disabled.

Trigger Detection

Controls the trigger polarity. It is Positive to trigger on a rising edge and Negative to trigger on a falling edge.

Execute Trigger

Sends the new trigger settings to the instrument

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 75

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Level

Sets the input attenuation. The input attenuation can be set from 0 to 70 dB in 2 dB steps.The input impedance is set to 50 ohms. Input attenuation is used to minimize compression caused by a signal level that is too high in amplitude.

Input RF

Accesses the functions to select the input signal source (choices are RF, 50 MHz Cal, or External Mixer), enable a preamplifier, and to set the coupling to either AC or DC.

IF Output

Accesses the functions to set the IF Bandwidth and IF Frequency.

Table 3 Grouped Values

IF Output IF Bandwidth

IF Output 1 0 to 3 MHz 21.4 MHz 50 Ohm

IF Output 2 100 MHz 321.4 MHz 50 Ohm

IF Output 3 10 MHz 7.5 MHz 50 Ohm

Reference Oscillator

Allows you to use either the internal or an external reference oscillator for making measurements.

Reference Output

Switches the 10 MHz out signal on the front panel of the N8201A performance downconverter On and Off.

Reference Input Source

Specifies whether to use an External or Internal source for the reference oscillator. If set to External, a value must be specified for External Frequency with limits from 1 MHz to 30 MHz.

Limits

IF Frequency Limits

Input Impedance Limits

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

Preselector (Option 123)

Adjust

Allows you to manually adjust the preselector filter center frequency to optimize its response on the signal of interest. When enabled, the center frequency must be set to

3.045 GHz or greater.

Limits are: –250 MHz to 250 MHz.

PreSelector Enabled

Enables or disables the preselector.

Enabled: Can be set if the Center Frequency is greater than 3.045000000 GHz.

Possible Values: Enabled, Disabled

Peak

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

Performs a peak search.

Enabled: Can run if Center Frequency is greater than 3.045000000 GHz.

Instrument Functions: A - L

External Mixer

Selects either the internal mixer or an external mm-wave mixer.

• When Internal mixing is selected, normal operation and all other external mixing functions are unavailable.

• When External mixing is selected, you can analyze high frequency signals (that is, higher than the spectrum analyzer’s maximum frequency) by using an appropriate external mixer.

Band Selects a band, or sets the frequency band to be user defined.

User Defined values:

• K - 18 to 26.5 GHz

• A - 26.5 to 40 GHz

• Q - 33 to 50 GHz

• U - 40 to 60 GHz

• V - 50 to 75 GHz

• E - 60 to 90 GHz

• W - 75 to 110 GHz

• F - 90 to 140 GHz

• D - 110 to 170 GHz

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 77

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

• G - 140 to 220 GHz

• Y - 170 to 260 GHz

• J - 220 to 325 GHz

Harmonic A user defined frequency band. Limits are −50 to −1 or 1 to 50.

Mixer Bias Turns on/off the mixer bias and adjusts an internal bias source for use with

external mixers. The bias signal is present on the center conductor of the IF INPUT connector on the front panel.

Bias Level Sets the bias level. Limits are −10 mA to 10 mA.

Calibration

Accesses the Align system and immediately executes an alignment cycle of all the subsystems (Align RF, Align IF, Align ADC, and Align Current Sys Gain). The instrument will change any current system settings currently underway, perform the full alignment, and then return to the current system settings that were in place before the calibration began.

A calibration nominally takes 35 seconds to perform.

The N8201A downconverter will meet its specifications when:

• It is stored a minimum of two hours within the operating temperature range and turned on for at least 30 minutes followed by a calibration.

• When a calibration has been performed within the past 24 hours or when the temperature changes 3 °C.

• The front panel 1

LO OUT connector is terminated with a 50 ohm load.

Events (Settling Events and Event Logging)

Settling Event

Allows you to define the parameters of the Settling Event. The Settling Event has a positive edge when the frequency is set and a negative edge when the system is stabilized.

Settling Channel

Selects the channel to configure. Possible values are:

LXI0 LXI1 LXI2 LXI3

LXI4 LXI5 LXI6 LXI7

LAN0 LAN1 LAN2 LAN3

LAN4 LAN5 LAN6 LAN7

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

Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI 3

NOTE

Settling Mode

Selects the operating mode for the Settling Channel: Disabled, Driven, or Wired OR.

Wired OR is only available for LXI channels.Use Wired OR if more than one instrument is driving the LXI channel. When only one instrument is driving the LXI channel then use the Driven mode.

Settling Destination Path

The target of the LAN event. The Settling Destination Path can be either an IP address, a hostname, or 'All'. (The function is only visible if Settling Channel is a LAN channel and can be set if the Settling mode is not Disabled.)

Settling Slope

Determines whether an event will occur on positive or negative edges. Possible values are: Positive or Negative.

Settling mode must be enabled for Settling Slope to be set.

Execute Settling Event

Starts a settling event after all of the parameters are define.

Event Logging

When enabled, a history of all instrument errors and messages are displayed.

Enable Logging

Enables or disables event logging.

Event Log

Displays the event log in the right pane when the Event Log page is selected.

Clear Event Log

Clears the event log.

Disable All Events

Prevents any previously events from occurring.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 79

3 Using the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Preset

Sets the instrument to a known state and clears any current settings.

Refresh All Values

Re-reads the settings from the instrument.

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

User’s Guide

CAUTION

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

“N8201A Performance Downconverter Front Panel Features" on page 82

“N8201A Performance Downconverter Rear Panel Features" on page 87 “Interconnect Cabling" on page 89 “Operational Considerations" on page 90

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the highly sensitive components in your instrument. ESD damage is most likely to occur as the instrument is being installed or when cables are connected and disconnected. Protect the circuits from ESD damage by wearing a grounding strap that provides a high resistance path to ground. Alternately, ground yourself to discharge any static charge built-up by touching the outer shell of any grounded instrument chassis before touching the port connectors.

Agilent Technologies

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

Option V7L

Option 219

CAUTION

N8201A Performance Downconverter Front Panel Features

Figure 10 N8201A performance downconverter front panel features

RF INPUT

The input for an external 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz RF signal. If AC Coupled, the range is 20 MHz to 26.5 GHz.

The total power of all signals at the downconverter input must not exceed +30 dBm (1 watt).

Power

The front panel power switch is a standby switch only; it is not a LINE switch (power disconnecting device). When in Standby, the LED is amber, When ON the LED is green.

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

Line Power LED

The power indicator has the following states:

State Power Status Illumination

OFF No power connected to rear panel None

Front and Rear Panel Features 4

LAN LED

Standby Standby power. This is not a LINE

switch or power disconnecting device.

ON Power is on Solid green

Solid amber

The green LED indicates when the downconverter standby switch is set to the on position. The green LED is off when the switch is in the standby position.

The yellow LED indicates when the downconverter standby switch is set to the standby position. The yellow LED is off when the switch is in the on position

The LAN LED indicator works in the following states:

State of the LAN LAN Status Illumination

ON Normal operation Solid green

ON Device identity. Blinking green

OFF LAN error fault:

Solid Red

• No valid or duplicate IP address

• Unable to obtain or renew previously

obtained DHCP lease.

• Disconnected LAN cable

OFF This is the state when:

None

• The system is initializing

• A LAN reset has be initialized

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 83

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

NOTE

1588 LED

The IEEE 1588 LED clock status has the following states:

State of the Clock Clock Status Illumination

OFF Not synchronized None

ON Synchronized, clock is IEEE 1588 Slave Solid green

ON Synchronized, clock is IEEE 1588 Master Blinking green (once

every second)

ON Synchronized, clock is IEEE 1588 to

OFF IEEE 1588 is in a fault state Solid red

COHERENT CARRIERS

Do not remove the cables connecting the coherent carrier inputs and outputs. These cables are connected at the factory and must remain so for proper instrument operation.

3-7 GHz 1st LO In Provides the 1st LO input signal (3 to 7 GHz) to the downconverters

internal LO distribution circuitry.

3-7 GHz 1st LO Out Provides the 1st LO output signal (3-7 GHz at +15 dBm max) as a

coherent carrier reference for phase locking two receivers.

3.6 GHz 2nd LO In Provides the 2st LO input signal (3.6 GHz) to the downconverters

internal LO distribution circuitry.

3.6 GHz 2nd LO Out Provides the 2nd LO output signal (3.6 GHz at +3 dBm) as a

coherent carrier reference for phase locking two receivers.

Grand Master

Blinking green (once every two seconds

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

EXT MIXER

1st LO Out The 1st LO output (3-7 GHz at +15 dBm max) allows connections for external

mixing. The 1st LO output routes the internal first LO signal to an external mixer, which uses the higher harmonics to mix with the high frequency signals. The external mixer’s IF output connects to the downconverter’s IF input port.

Pre-Sel Out The Preselected external mixer tune output offers tuning voltage for a

preselected mixer.

IF In (Option AYZ) The IF input (321.4 MHz Nominal at -20 dBm, +10 dBm max) allows

connections for external mixing. This port is only functional when Option AYZ is ordered.

IF OUTPUTS

321.4 MHz The 321.4 MHz IF output signal is present. Conversion gain is nominally +2 to

+4 dB (with 0 dB input attenuation). Conversion gain varies nominally ±3 dB as a function of tune frequency. The conversion gain drops at higher frequencies.

Front and Rear Panel Features 4

21.4 MHz The 21.4 MHz IF output signal is present. Conversion gain is nominally

+10 dB (with 0 dB input attenuation). The conversion gain drops at higher frequencies.

7.5 MHz The 7.5 MHz IF output signal is present. The 7.5 MHz output signal is at

nominally at +13 dBm.

TRIGGERS

These SMB trigger input and output connectors are used to control the waveforms and create event-based signal simulation. These connectors support LVTTL logic levels.

In allows external triggering of measurements.

Out used to synchronize other test equipment with the downconverter.

REFERENCES

1 - 30 MHz In Selects an external reference to phase lock all oscillators in the

instrument. You can select any external reference frequency between 1 and 30 MHz.

10 MHz Out A switched output of the analyzer’s internal 10 MHz reference signal locks

other test equipment to the same frequency reference used by the downconverter. The 10 MHz out signal is at +5 dB.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 85

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

IF LOG VIDEO (Option V7L)

321.4 MHz In

Connector SMB male

Impedance of 50 ohm (nominal)

Video Out

Connector SMB male

Impedance of 50 ohm (nominal)

Maximum input power +10 dBm

NOISE SOURCE +28 V (PULSED) (Option 219)

VGA OUT

Connector BNC female

Output voltage On 28.0 +/- 0.1 V (60 mA maximum)

Off < 1 V

Connector VGA compatible, 15-pin mini D-SUB

Format VGA (31.5 kHz horizontal, 60 Hz vertical sync rates, non-interlaced) Analog RGB

Resolution 640 x 480

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

Front and Rear Panel Features 4

N8201A Performance Downconverter Rear Panel Features

Figure 11 N8201A performance downconverter rear panel features

AC Power Receptacle

The AC voltage is connected here. The power cord receptacle accepts a three-pronged power cable that is shipped with the N8201A performance downconverter. The voltage range is 100/120/220/240 volts with a frequency range of 50 to 60 Hz and is automatically selected by the power supply.

LAN

This LAN interface allows ethernet local area network communication through a 100BaseT LAN cable.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 87

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

NOTE

Trigger Bus Terminators

Trigg er

Bus

Trigg er

Bus

Trigg er

Bus

Trigg er

Bus

Trigg er

Bus

Star Hub

Trigge r

Bus

Trigge r

Bus

Trigger

Bus

Trigger

Bus

Trigge r

Bus

Trigger Bus Terminators

LXI Trigger Bus

The LXI (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation) Trigger Bus is a hardware bus providing eight trigger channels using M-LVDS (low-voltage differential signaling). Cables connect various instruments together in a daisy chain or star configuration. Any instrument in a cluster can send or receive triggers on any of the channels.

For more information about the LXI Trigger Bus and LAN triggering, refer to the following “LXI Consortium” white papers on your “Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Documentation CD”:

•

White_Paper_1_The_Appliaction_of_IEEE_1588_to_Test_and_Measurement_System

• White_Paper_2_LXI_Triggering

• White_Paper_3_Wired_Trigger_Bus_Physical_Aspects

Star Daisy-chain

USB

This is not a functional connector.

DB-9 (TEST)

This connector is for factory testing only.

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

Interconnect Cabling

1-30MHz In

10M Hz Out

300 M Hz

21.4MHz 7.5M Hz

Pre-S el O u t IF In

REFERENCES

In Out

TRIGGERS

IF OU T PU T S

3.6 G Hz

2nd LO Out

3-7GHz

1st LO Out

3.6 G Hz

2nd LO In

3-7GHz 1st LO In

COHERENT CARRIERS

1st

LO Out

EXT

MIXER

EXT MIXER

RF INPUT 50

0VDC 30 dB m Ma x

Power

N8201A

Performance Dow nconverter

3H z - 26. 5 GH z

IN OU T IN OU T

IN OU T

IF IN PUT

30 M Hz EX T C L O C K10 M Hz RE F

TRIGGER

RESET

STATUSLAN ERR

N8221A

30 M S/ s IF Digitiz er

Front and Rear Panel Features 4

Figure 12 Interconnect cabling for the N8221A IF digitizer/N8201A performance downconverter

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 89

4 Front and Rear Panel Features

Operational Considerations

This section includes instructions for configuring a LAN interface to the Agilent Technologies N8221A IF digitizer and the N8201A performance downconverter. The instructions assume that the computer being used has a LAN card installed and is configured for TCP/IP protocol.

Agilent 89601A Vector Signal Analysis Software

The Agilent Technologies 89601A vector signal analysis (VSA) software is the virtual instrument interface for the N8221A IF digitizer/N8201A performance downconverter and offers a wide range of troubleshooting tools for analyzing signals.

Configuring the Local Area Network (LAN) Interface

You must ensure that the IP addresses for your computer and N8221A IF digitizer/N8201A performance downconverter are compatible, then configure the LAN interface. The IP address consists of four groups of numbers separated by periods (for example 169.254.xxx.xxx).

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

User’s Guide

5 Preventive Maintenance

“Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors" on page 92” “General Procedures and Techniques" on page 95 “Instrument Removal" on page 98”

“Instrument Installation" on page 100

This chapter provides preventative maintenance information, which should be reviewed prior to working with the Agilent system. This information applies to all Agilent-supplied instruments in the system and the system as a whole.

Agilent Technologies

5 Preventive Maintenance

CAUTION

Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors

Taking proper care of cables and connectors will protect your system’s ability to make accurate measurements. One of the main sources of measurement inaccuracy can be caused by improperly made connections or by dirty or damaged connectors.

The condition of system connectors affects measurement accuracy and repeatability. Worn, out-of-tolerance, or dirty connectors degrade these measurement performance characteristics.

Repeatability

If you make two identical measurements with your system, the differences should be so small that they will not affect the value of the measurement. Repeatability (the amount of similarity from one measurement to another of the same type) can be affected by:

• Dirty or damaged connectors

• Connections that have been made without using proper torque techniques (this applies

primarily when connectors in the system have been disconnected, then reconnected).

Static-Sensitive Devices

This system contains instruments and devices that are static-sensitive. Always take proper electrostatic precautions before touching the center conductor of any connector, or the center conductor of any cable that is connected to any system instrument. Handle instruments and devices only when wearing a grounded wrist or foot strap. When handling devices on a work bench, make sure you are working on an anti-static worksurface.

RF Cable and Connector Care

Connectors are the most critical link in a precision measurement system. These devices are manufactured to extremely precise tolerances and must be used and maintained with care to protect the measurement accuracy and repeatability of your system.

To extend the life of your cables or connectors:

• Avoid repeated bending of cables—a single sharp bend can ruin a cable instantly.

• Avoid repeated connection and disconnection of cable connectors.

• Inspect the connectors before connection; look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of damage

or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly.

• Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections and may damage the connector.

• Minimize the number of times you bend cables.

• Never bend a cable at a sharp angle.

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

• Do not bend cables near the connectors.

• If any of the cables will be flexed repeatedly, buy a back-up cable. This will allow

immediate replacement and will minimize system down time.

Before connecting the cables to any device:

• Check all connectors for wear or dirt.

• When making the connection, torque the connector to the proper value.

Proper Connector Torque

• Provides more accurate measurements

• Keeps moisture out of the connectors

• Eliminates radio frequency interference (RFI) from affecting your measurements

The torque required depends on the type of connector. Refer to Table 4 . Never exceed the recommended torque when attaching cables.

Preventive Maintenance 5

Table 4 Proper Connector Torque

Connector Torque cm-kg Torque N-cm Torque in-lbs Wrench P/N

Type-N 52 508 45 hand tighten

3.5 mm 9.2 90 8 8720-1765

SMA 5.7 56 5 8710-1582

Connector Wear and Damage

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

SMA Connector Precautions

Use caution when mating SMA connectors to any precision 3.5 mm RF connector. SMA connectors are not precision devices and are often out of mechanical tolerances, even when new. An out-of-tolerance SMA connector can ruin a 3.5 mm connector on the first mating. If in doubt, gauge the SMA connector before connecting it. The SMA center conductor must never extend beyond the mating plane.

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 93

5 Preventive Maintenance

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

Cleaning Procedure

To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the module from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

1 Blow particulate matter from connectors using an environmentally-safe aerosol such as

Aero-Duster. (This product is recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and contains tetrafluoroethane. You can order this aerosol from Agilent (see Tab l e 5).)

2 Use alcohol and a lint-free cloth to wipe connector surfaces. Wet a small swab with a

small quantity of alcohol and clean the connector with the swab.

3 Allow the alcohol to evaporate off of the connector before making connections.

Do not allow excessive alcohol to run into the connector. Excessive alcohol entering the connector collects in pockets in the connector’s internal parts. The liquid will cause random changes in the connector’s electrical performance. If excessive alcohol gets into a connector, lay it aside to allow the alcohol to evaporate. This may take up to three days. If you attach that connector to another device it can take much longer for trapped alcohol to evaporate.

Table 5 Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent

Product Part Number

Aero-Duster 8500-6460

Isopropyl alcohol 8500-5344

Lint-Free cloths 9310-0039

Small polyurethane swabs 9301-1243

Cleaning connectors with alcohol should only be performed with the instruments’ mains power cord disconnected, in a well ventilated area. Connector cleaning should be accomplished with the minimum amount of alcohol. Prior to connector reuse, be sure that all alcohol used has dried, and that the area is free of fumes.

If flammable cleaning materials are used, the material should not be stored, or left open in the area of the equipment. Adequate ventilation should be assured to prevent the combustion of fumes, or vapors.

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

General Procedures and Techniques

GPIB Type Connector

This section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in the system. Read this section before attempting to remove or install an instrument! Each connector type may have unique considerations.

Always use care when working with system cables and instruments.

Preventive Maintenance 5

Figure 13 GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors

Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz 95

5 Preventive Maintenance

Connector Removal

GPIB connectors

These are removed by two captured screws, one on each end of the connector; these usually can be turned by hand. Use a flathead screwdriver if necessary.

GPIB connectors often are stacked two or three deep. When you are removing multiple GPIB connectors, disconnect each connector one at a time. It is a good practice to connect them back together even if you have not yet replaced the instrument; this avoids confusion, especially if more than one instrument has been removed.

When putting GPIB connectors back on, you must again detach them from one another and put them on one at a time.

Precision 3.5 mm connectors

These are precision connectors. Always use care when connecting or disconnecting this type of connector. When reconnecting, make sure you align the male connector properly. Carefully join the connectors, being careful not to cross-thread them.

Loosen precision 3.5 mm connectors on flexible cables by turning the connector nut counter-clockwise with a 5/16 inch wrench. Always reconnect using an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (Agilent part number 8720-1765). Semirigid cables are metal tubes, custom-formed for this system from semirigid coax cable stock.

3.5 mm connectors with a gold hex nut

The semirigid cables that go to the RF outputs of some devices have a gold connector nut. These do not turn. Instead, the RF connector on the instrument has a cylindrical connector body that turns. To disconnect this type of connector, turn the connector body on the instrument clockwise. This action pushes the cable’s connector out of the instrument connector.

To reconnect, align the cable with the connector on the instrument. Turn the connector body counterclockwise. You may have to move the cable slightly until alignment is correct for the connectors to mate. When the two connectors are properly aligned, turning the instrument’s connector body will pull in the semirigid cable’s connector. Tighten firmly by hand.

3.5 mm connectors with a silver hex nut

All other semirigid cable connectors use a silver-colored nut that can be turned. To remove this type of connector, turn the silver nut counter-clockwise with a 5/16 inch wrench.

When reconnecting this type of cable:

• Carefully insert the male connector center pin into the female connector. (Make sure the cable is aligned with the instrument connector properly before joining them.)

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

Agilent Technologies N8201A User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introducing the N8201A Performance Downconverter

Contents

Installing Software and Instrument Drivers

Step 1. Install Microsoft .NET Version 1.1

Step 2. Install the Agilent I/O Libraries

Step 3. Install the IVI Shared Components

Step 4. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument Finder

Step 5. Install the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Step 6. Install the IVI-COM Drivers

Step 7. Install the Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter User Interface

Installing Optional Software and Instrument Drivers

(Optional) Step 8. Install the Agilent N8201A Option H02 Spectrum Analyzer GUI

(Optional) Step 9. Install the Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM)

(Optional) Step 10. Install the Apache HTTP Server

(Optional) Step 11. Install the SA Remote Web Server

Step 1. Unpack the N8201A Performance Downconverter

Verify the Shipment

(Optional) Prepare the Instrument for Rack Mounting

Step 2. Connect LAN Cables and Turn On Power

(Optional) Connect to a LAN with a Cross-Over LAN Cable

Step 3. Verify Connection with Synthetic Instrument Finder

(Optional) Step 5. Connect to an SA Remote Web Server

(Optional) Step 6. Verify Operation < 3 GHz

Performing a Self-Test

(Optional) Step 7. Verify Operation > 3 GHz

Performing a Self-Test

Troubleshooting

Alternative Ways to Verify Connectivity to the PC

How to Use the Synthetic Instrument Finder

How to Reset the LAN Configuration

How to Set a Static IP Address

How to Troubleshoot Connectivity Problems on the Network

How to Determine a PCs Configuration Settings

If the Instrument was Unable to Join the LAN

If the LAN LED is Red

If the Instrument’s IP Address or Hostname Cannot be Found with Ping

If the Instrument is Not Found by the Synthetic Instrument Finder

If the Instrument’s Hostname and PC Cannot Communicate

If the Instrument Web Page is Not Visible

If the Software Driver Will Not Open the Connection

Starting the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Left Pane

Right Pane

Features of the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

File Menu

Help

Left Pane

Right Pane

Settings on the Agilent Synthetic Instrument GUI

Frequency

Frequency List

Level

Input RF

IF Output

Reference Oscillator

Preselector (Option 123)

External Mixer

Calibration

Events (Settling Events and Event Logging)

Event Logging

Preset

Refresh All Values

N8201A Performance Downconverter Front Panel Features

RF INPUT

Power

Line Power LED

LAN LED

1588 LED

COHERENT CARRIERS

EXT MIXER

IF OUTPUTS

TRIGGERS

REFERENCES

IF LOG VIDEO (Option V7L)

NOISE SOURCE +28 V (PULSED) (Option 219)

VGA OUT