HP ESA-L1500A User's And Calibration Manual

About this Manual

We’ve added this manual to the Agilent website in an effort to help you support
your product. This manual is the best copy we could find; it may be incomplete
or contain dated information. If we find a more recent copy in the future, we will
add it to the Agilent website.

Support for Your Product

Agilent no longer sells or supports this product. Our service centers may be able
to perform calibration if no repair parts are needed, but no other support from
Agilent is available. You will find any other available product information on the
Agilent Test & Measurement website, www.tm.agilent.com.

HP References in this Manual

This manual may contain references to HP or Hewlett-Packard. Please note that
Hewlett-Packard's former test and measurement, semiconductor products and
chemical analysis businesses are now part of Agilent Technologies. We have
made no changes to this manual copy. In other documentation, to reduce
potential confusion, the only change to product numbers and names has been in
the company name prefix: where a product number/name was HP XXXX the
current name/number is now Agilent XXXX. For example, model number
HP8648A is now model number Agilent 8648A.

User’s and Calibration Guide

HP ESA-L1500A Spectrum Analyzer

HP Part No. E4411-90056 Supersedes E4411-90054

Printed in USA

April 1999

© Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999 Hewlett-Packard Company

2

The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.

Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard
shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance,
or use of this material.

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

WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure

which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

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

earthing ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains
plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a
protected earth contact. Any interruption of the protective
conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the
product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

WARNING If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided

by the equipment could be impaired. This product must be used
in a normal condition (in which all means for protection are
intact) only.

3

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

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

Warranty

This Hewlett-Packard instrument product is w arranted against defects
in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of
shipment. During the warranty period, Hewlett-Pac kard Company will,
at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be
defective.

For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a
service facility designated by Hewlett-Packard. Buyer shall prepay
shipping charges to Hewlett-Packard and Hewlett-Packard shall pay
shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall
pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to
Hewlett-Packard from another country.

Hewlett-Packard warrants that its software and firmware designated
by Hewlett-Packard for use with an instrument will execute its
programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument.
Hewlett-Packard does not warrant that the operation of the
instrument, or software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or
error-free.

The instruction documentation symbol. The product is marked
with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the
instructions in the documentation.

This symbol is used to mark the on position of the power line
switch.

This symbol is used to mark the standby position of the power line
switch.

This symbol indicates that the input power required is AC.

4

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied
software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse , operation
outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper
site preparation or maintenance.

NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
HEWLETT-PACKARD SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES

THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. HEWLETT-PACKARD SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT , SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT,
TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.

Contents

5

1. Preparing for Use and Printing

Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Checking the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Printing with HP-IB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Printing Using an HP-IB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Interconnection and Printing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Printing with RS-232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Printing Using an RS-232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Interconnection and Printing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Printing With a Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Interconnection and Printing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Selecting a Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

How to Select a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Defining a Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2. Getting Started

What You’ll Find in this Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Front Panel Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Data Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Numeric Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Step Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Rear Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Screen Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Key Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Making a Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Measurement Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Analyzer Accuracy and the Internal Alignment Process. . . . . . . . . . . 44

Warm-Up Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Analyzer Battery Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

3. Troubleshooting

What You’ll Find in This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Before You Call Hewlett-Packard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Check the Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Read the Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Service Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

How to Call Hewlett-Packard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

How to Return Your Analyzer for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Service Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Original Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Other Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

6

Contents

4. Front-Panel Key Reference

Amplitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Auto Couple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

BW/Avg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Det/Demod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Enter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Esc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Freq Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Peak Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Single Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Source Amptd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Standby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

System (Local) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Trace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Trig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

5. Menu Maps

6. Options and Accessories

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Operating and Carrying Case (Option AYT and

Option AYU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Transit Case (Option AXT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

12 Vdc Power Cable (Option A5D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

75 Ω Input Impedance (Option 1DP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Tracking Generator (Option 1DN and

Option 1DQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

IF, Sweep, and Video Inputs and Outputs

(Option A4J) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

HP-IB and Parallel Interface (Option A4H) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

RS-232 and Parallel Interface (Option 1AX). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Front Panel Protective Cover (Option UK9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

50 Ω to 75 Ω Matching Pad (Option 1D7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Rack Mount Kit With Handles (Option 1CP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

User’s Guide and Calibration Guide (Option 0B1). . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Service Documentation (Option 0BX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Contents

7

Commercial Calibration with Test Data

(Option UK6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Benchlink Spectrum Analyzer Screen Capture Software (Option B70)

140

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

RF and Transient Limiters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

50 Ω/75 Ω Minimum Loss Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

75 Ω Matching Transformer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

RF Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

AC Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Snap on Rechargeable Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

AC Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Broadband Preamplifiers and Power Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Carrying Strap (HP part number E4411-60028) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

External Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

HP-IB Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Parallel Interface Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

RS-232 Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

7. Specifications

About This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Amplitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Tracking Generator Specifications (Option 1DN or 1DQ) . . . . . . . 161

General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Internal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Regulatory Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

8. Required Equipment

Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Periodically verifying operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

9. Performance Verification Tests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

1. 10 MHz Reference Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

2. Resolution Bandwidth Switching Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

3. Noise Sidebands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

8

Contents

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Part 1: Noise Sideband Suppression at 10 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Part 2: Noise Sideband Suppression at 20 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Part 3: Noise Sideband Suppression at 30 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

Part 4: Noise Sideband Suppression at 100 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

4. System Related Sidebands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

5. Residual FM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Part 1: Residual FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Determining the IF Filter Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Measuring the Residual FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

6. Frequency Span Readout Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Full Span Frequency Span Readout Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

100 kHz and 100 MHz Frequency Span Readout Accuracy. . . . . . 210

7. Reference Level Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Log Scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Linear Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

8. Scale Fidelity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Calculate Actual Attenuation Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Log Scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Setup for Log Scale Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Measure Cumulative Log Fidelity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Calculate Incremental Log Fidelity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Linear Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Setup for Linear Scale Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Calculate Ideal Marker Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Measure Linear Fidelity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

9. Input Attenuation Switching Uncertainty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Calculate Actual Attenuation Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Setup for Switching Uncertainty Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Measure Switching Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

10. Resolution Bandwidth Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Contents

9

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

3 dB Bandwidths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

11. Frequency Readout and Marker Count Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Part 1: Frequency Readout Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Part 2: Marker Count Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

12. Absolute Amplitude Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Absolute Amplitude Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Procedure: Absolute Amplitude Accuracy Measurement. . . . . . . . 240

13. Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Procedure, Part 1, System Characterization for

75 Ω Input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Procedure, Part 2, Frequency Response, ≥ 100 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

Frequency Response, < 100 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Test Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

14. Spurious Responses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

Part 1: Second Harmonic Distortion, 40 MHz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

Part 2: Third Order Intermodulation Distortion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

15. Gain Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

16. Other Input Related Spurious Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

17. Sweep Time Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

18. Displayed Average Noise Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

400 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

1 MHz to 10 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

10 MHz to 500 MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

500 MHz to 1.2 GHz (75ΩInputs: 500 MHz to

10

Contents

1.0 GHz). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277

1.2 GHz to 1.5 GHz (75ΩInputs: 1.0 GHz to

1.5 GHz). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .278

19. Residual Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

150 kHz to 1 MHz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

1 MHz to 1.5 GHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

20. Tracking Generator Feedthrough Options IDN and IDQ . . . . . . 283

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

Additional Equipment Required For 75 Ω RF Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

21. Absolute Amplitude, Vernier, and Power Sweep Accuracy, Options

1DN and 1DQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Additional Equipment Required for 75 Ω RF Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

22. Tracking Generator Level Flatness, Options 1DN and 1DQ. . . . 292

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

Additional Equipment Required for 75 Ω RF Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

23. Harmonic Spurious Outputs,

Options 1DN and 1DQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

Additional Equipment Required for 75 Ω RF Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

24. Non-Harmonic Spurious Outputs, Options 1DN and 1DQ . . . . . 302

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Additional Equipment Required for 75 Ω RF Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Measuring Fundamental Amplitudes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

Measuring Non-Harmonic Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

10. Performance Verification Test Record

HP ESA-L1500A Performance Verification Test Record . . . . . . . . . . 308

11

1 Preparing for Use and Printing

12 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Initial Inspection

Initial Inspection

Inspect the shipping container and verify that the contents are
complete. Keep the container and cushioning material until you have
inspected the spectrum analyzer.

Table 1-1 contains the accessories shipped with the analyzer. If the

contents are incomplete, or the spectrum analyzer does not pass the
performance tests, notify the nearest Hewlett-Packard office. If the
shipping container is damaged or the cushioning material shows signs
of stress, also notify the carrier. Keep the shipping materials for the
carrier’s inspection. The HP office will arrange for repair or
replacement without waiting for a claim settlement.

If the shipping materials are in good condition, retain them for possible
future use. You may wish to ship the spectrum analyzer to another
location or to return it to Hewlett-Packard for service. See “How to

Return Your Analyzer for Service” on page 52 for more information

about shipping materials.
If cleaning is necessary, use a damp cloth only.

WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the HP ESA-L1500A

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.

Table 1-1 Accessories Supplied with the Spectrum Analyzer

Description

HP Part
Number

Comments

Adapter, Type N (m) to
BNC (f)

1250-0780 Not shipped with Option 1DP. Two adapters

are shipped with Option 1DN.

Power cable See Table 1-4 Shipped with analyzer.

Chapter 1 13

Preparing for Use and Printing

Power Requirements

Power Requirements

The spectrum analyzer is a portable instrument and requires no
physical installation other than connection to a power source. There is
no need to select a line voltage.

Table 1-2 AC Power Requirements

Table 1-3 DC Power Requirements

a. 15 to 20 Vdc for serial prefix <US3745

Checking the Fuse

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

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

The line fuse is housed in a small container in the upper left hand
corner of the rear panel.

To remove the fuse ,first disconnect the power cord from the instrument.
Then insert the tip of a screwdriver into the slot at the middle of the
container, and turn counterclockwise to extend the container.

Voltage 90 to 250 Vrms

Frequency 47 to 440 Hz
Power Consumption, On less than 200 W
Power Consumption,

Standby

less than 5 W

Voltage 12 to 22 Vdc

a

Power Consumption less than 175 W

14 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Power Requirements

WARNING For continued protection against fire hazard, replace the line

fuse only with the same type and rating. The use of other fuses
or material is prohibited.

Power Cable

The spectrum analyzer is equipped with a three-wire power cable, in
accordance with international safety standards. When connected to an
appropriate power line outlet, this cable grounds the instrument
cabinet.

WARNING Failure to ground the spectrum analyzer properly can result in

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

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

Various power cables are available to connect the spectrum analyzer to
the types of ac power outlets unique to specific geographic areas. The
cable appropriate for the area to which the spectrum analyzer is
originally shipped is included with the unit. You can order additional ac
power cables for use in different areas. The following table lists the
available ac power cables, illustrates the plug configurations, and
identifies the geographic area in which each cable is appropriate.

Chapter 1 15

Preparing for Use and Printing

Power Requirements

Table 1-4 Power Cables

Plug Type

a

HP

Cable

Part

Number

Plug

b

Description

Length

cm (in.)

Cable
Color

For Use in Country

8120-1351

8120-1703

Straight
BS 1363A

90˚

229 (90)

229 (90)

Mint
Gray

Mint
Gray

Option 900
United Kingdom, Hong

Kong, Cyprus, Nigeria,
Singapore, Zimbabwe

8120-1369

8120-0696

Straight
AS 3112

90˚

210 (79)

200 (78)

Gray

Gray

Option 901
Argentina, Australia, New

Zealand, Mainland China

8120-1378

8120-1521

Straight
NEMA 5-15P

90˚

203 (80)

203 (80)

Jade
Gray

Jade
Gray

Option 903
United States, Canada,

Brazil, Colombia, Mexico,
Philippines, Saudi
Arabia, Taiwan

8120-4753

8120-4754

Straight
NEMA 5-15P

90˚

229 (90)

229 (90)

Gray

Gray

Option 918
Japan

8120-1689

8120-1692

Straight
CEE 7/VII

90˚

200 (78)

200 (78)

Mint
Gray

Mint
Gray

Option 902
Continental Europe,

Central African Republic,
United Arab Republic

8120-2104

8120-2296

Straight
SEV Type 12

90˚

200 (78)

200 (78)

Gray

Gray

Option 906
Switzerland

16 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Power Requirements

a. E = earth ground, L = line, and N = neutral.
b. Plug identifier numbers describe the plug only. The HP part number is for the com-

plete cable assembly.

8120-2956

8120-2957

Straight
SR 107-2-D

90˚

200 (78)

200 (78)

Gray

Gray

Option 912
Denmark

8120-4211

8120-4600

Straight
IEC 83-B1

90˚

200 (78)

200 (78)

Mint
Gray

Mint
Gray

Option 917
South Africa, India

8120-5182

8120-5181

Straight
SI 32

90˚

200 (78)

200 (78)

Jade
Gray

Jade
Gray

Option 919
Israel

Plug Type

a

HP

Cable

Part

Number

Plug

b

Description

Length
cm (in.)

Cable
Color

For Use in Country

Chapter 1 17

Preparing for Use and Printing

Preparation

Preparation

WARNING If this product is to be energized via an external

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

CAUTION This instrument has autoranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply

voltage is within the specified range.

CAUTION V entilation Requirements: When installing the product in a cabinet, the

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

NOTE Install the instrument 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.

18 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

When you turn on the spectrum analyzer, you will see the message
“Doing Initial Alignment” on the display. This tells you that the
instrument is performing a portion of its automatic alignment.

To make sure your spectrum analyzer meets specifications, allow a 5
minute warm-up before making calibrated measurements.

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

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

To eliminate the clicking sound, turn off the automatic alignment. (See
the

Alignments key description in Chapter 4.) The Align Now All

function should, however, be performed periodically. For more
information on how often to perform Align Now All when the Auto
Alignment function is off, refer to Chapter 7, “Specifications.”

If you wish to use an external 10 MHz source as the reference
frequency, connect an external reference source to the

10 MHz REF IN

connector on the rear panel. The signal level should be greater than –15
dBm.

Perform the following steps:

1. Before using your spectrum analyzer, make sure it meets operating
temperature conditions.

2. Plug the power cord into the spectrum analyzer.

3. Press I (the On key).
After a few seconds, the screen will display the firmware revision

date in the YYYYMMDD format. For example, Rev 19970522
indicates revision May 22, 1997.

NOTE Record the firmware date and keep it for reference. If you should ever

need to call Hewlett- Packard for service or with any questions
regarding your spectrum analyzer, it will be helpful to have the
firmware date readily available.

If your spectrum analyzer is equipped with Option A4H (HP-IB and
Parallel interface), the interface address (HP-IB ADRS: XX) also
appears on the screen.

If your spectrum analyzer is equipped with Option 1AX (RS-232 and
Parallel interface), the baud rate (RS232: XXXX) is displayed.

Chapter 1 19

Preparing for Use and Printing

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

4. To meet spectrum analyzer specifications, allow a 5 minute warm-up
before attempting to make any calibrated measurements.

5. Refer to Chapter 7, “Specifications,” for information on when you
should perform automatic alignment functions.

20 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Printing with HP-IB

Printing with HP-IB

More than one instrument can communicate on the same HP-IB.
Therefore, each device must have a unique HP-IB address.

The printer must be configured with an address which can be
recognized by the spectrum analyzer. Be sure the spectrum analyzer’s
printer address is the same as that of the printer.

The spectrum analyzer will not print if it senses another controller on
the HP-IB. Therefore, other controllers, such as computers, must be
disabled. In most cases, it is sufficient to simply turn the other
controllers OFF.

Printing Using an HP-IB Interface

Equipment

• HP ESA-L1500A Spectrum Analyzer equipped with Option A4H.

• HP 10833A (or equivalent) HP-IB cable.

• Printer with HP-IB Interface. Choose one of the following:

• HP 2225A ThinkJet

• HP 3630A PaintJet

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

1. Turn off the printer and the spectrum analyzer.

2. Connect the printer to the spectrum analyzer using the HP-IB cable.

3. The printer usually resides at device address 1. See Figure 1-1 for a
typical HP-IB printer switch setup.

Chapter 1 21

Preparing for Use and Printing

Printing with HP-IB

Figure 1-1 ThinkJet Printer Switch Settings

4. Turn on the spectrum analyzer and printer.

5. The printer usually resides at device address 1. To configure the
spectrum analyzer to print to address 1, press the following keys:

System
Printer
Port
HP-IB
Printer Addr (appears in the menu only when HP-IB is selected)
1
Enter

6. Select the printer configuration for your spectrum analyzer by
pressing the appropriate keys. (See “Selecting a Printer” in this
chapter).

22 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Printing with RS-232

Printing with RS-232

Printing Using an RS-232 Interface

This section describes how to print using an RS-232 interface. The
printer must be configured to be compatible with the spectrum
analyzer. Pay particular attention to the following:

Character Size 8-Bits
Parity OFF
Baud Rate 9600 (typical)
Handshaking DTR=YES, DUPLEX=FULL

Equipment

• HP ESA-L1500A Spectrum Analyzer equipped with Option 1AX.

• One of the following cables:

• HP 24542G 9-25 pin RS-232 cable

• HP C2932A 9-9 pin RS-232 cable (for use with LaserJet 4P and
4Plus)

• Printer with RS-232 interface. Choose one of the following:

• HP 500 Series DeskJet

• HP 2225D ThinkJet

• HP 3630A PaintJet

• Epson MX-80

• Epson LQ-570

• HP LaserJet

• HP QuietJet or QuietJet Plus

Some models support color printing. Some models do not support the
RS-232 interface.

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

The RS-232 interface allows only one device to be connected to the
spectrum analyzer. Refer to the programmer’s guide for more
information on RS-232 protocol.

1. Turn off the spectrum analyzer and the printer.

Chapter 1 23

Preparing for Use and Printing

Printing with RS-232

2. Connect the printer using an RS-232 cable.
The following Figure shows examples of some of the printer’s switch

configurations set up for 9600 baud. See your printer’s
documentation for more specific information.

Figure 1-2 9600 Baud Settings for Serial Printers

To set the spectrum analyzer baud rate to 9600, press:

System
Printer
Port
Serial
Baud Rate (appears in the menu only when Serial is selected)
9600
Enter

3. Select the printer configuration for your spectrum analyzer by
pressing the appropriate keys. (See “Selecting a Printer” in this
chapter).

24 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Printing With a Parallel Interface

Printing With a Parallel Interface

This section describes how to print using a parallel interface.

Equipment

• HP ESA-L1500A Spectrum Analyzer equipped with Option A4H or
1AX.

• HP C2950A parallel printer cable.

• Printer with parallel interface. Choose one of the following:

• HP 2225C ThinkJet

• HP 310 Portable DeskJet

• HP 3630A PaintJet

• HP 500, 600, and 700 Series DeskJets

• HP LaserJet

• HP QuietJet or QuietJet Plus

• LQ-570 Epson

• MX-80 Epson

Interconnection and Printing Instructions

1. Turn off the printer and the spectrum analyzer.

2. Connect the printer to the spectrum analyzer using the parallel
printer cable.

3. If your printer has configuration switches, now is the time to set
them. Refer to your printer’s documentation for more specific
information on your printer’s configuration.

4. Turn on the spectrum analyzer and printer.

5. To print with a parallel interface press the following keys:

System
Printer
Port
Parallel

6. Select the printer configuration for your spectrum analyzer by
pressing the appropriate keys. (See “Selecting a Printer” in this
chapter).

Chapter 1 25

Preparing for Use and Printing

Selecting a Printer

Selecting a Printer

This section describes how to select a printer listed in the Select Printer
menus, as well as how to configure a printer unavailable as a menu
selection, by using the

Define Printer menu keys.

How to Select a Printer

To access the printer selection menus, press the following keys:

System
Printer
Select Printer
More (if necessary)

If your printer is listed in the

Select Printer menus, simply press the

appropriate key. If the printer you wish to use is not listed, refer to
“Defining a Printer” in this section.

Defining a Printer

If you have searched the Select Printer menu keys, and your printer is
not available as a selection, press the last menu key, which is labeled

User Defined. When you press the User Defined key, the Define Printer key

will appear in the menu.
The Define Printer key accesses the following menu of keys which may

allow you to use your printer:

Resolution

Resolution allows you to select the optimal resolution number to be
sent to the printer. Before a print, enter the resolution number using
the numeric keypad. (The knob and step keys cannot be used.)
Values to try include 75, 90, 100, 150, and 300.

Top Margin

Top Margin allows you to adjust the space above your print by
entering a number using the numeric keypad. (The knob and step
keys cannot be used.)

Bottom Margin

Bottom Margin allows you to adjust the space below your print by
entering a number using the numeric keypad. (The knob and step
keys cannot be used.)

26 Chapter 1

Preparing for Use and Printing

Selecting a Printer

HP Color Mode DJ PJ Off

HP Color Mode allows you to select between DeskJet, PaintJet, or
Off. For most color printing, use DeskJet.

NOTE For color printing, the Color Printing On Off key must be set to On. Refer

to the Printer key in Chapter 4, for all printer menu key descriptions.

Expand On Off

For printers that only support high resolutions , Expand On Off (with
On selected) allows you to expand your prints by a factor of three.

27

2 Getting Started

28 Chapter 2

Getting Started

What You’ll Find in this Chapter

What You’ll Find in this Chapter

This chapter introduces the basic functions of the spectrum analyzer. In
this chapter you will:

• Get acquainted with the front-panel and rear-panel features.

• Get acquainted with the function keys.

• Learn about screen annotation.

• Make a basic measurement (using the internal alignment signal).

• Learn about the spectrum analyzer battery for retaining internal
memory.

NOTE Before using your spectrum analyzer, please read Chapter 1,

“Preparing for Use and Printing,” which describes how to set up your

spectrum analyzer and how to verify that it is operational. Chapter 1
describes many safety considerations that should not be overlooked.

Chapter 2 29

Getting Started

Front Panel Features

Front Panel Features

Figure 2-1 Front Panel Feature Overview

1 Brightness keys allow you to change the brightness of

the display.

2 Menu keys are the unlabeled keys next to the screen.

The menu key labels are the annotation on the screen
next to the unlabeled keys. Most of the labeled keys on
the spectrum analyzer front panel (also called front
panel keys) access menus of related function keys.

3 Measure accesses a menu of keys that make some

common spectrum analyzer measurements.

4 Frequency, Span, and Amplitude are the three large keys

that activate the primary spectrum analyzer functions
and access menus of related functions.

30 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Front Panel Features

5 CONTROL functions access menus that allow you to

adjust the resolution bandwidth, adjust the sweep time,
and control the instrument display. They also set other
spectrum analyzer parameters needed for making
measurements.

6 SYSTEM functions affect the state of the entire

spectrum analyzer. Printer setup and alignment
routines are accessed with the

System key. The green

Preset key resets the spectrum analyzer to a known

state.
The File key menu allows you to save and load traces,

states, limit-line tables and amplitude correction
factors to or from spectrum analyzer memory.

Print sends a copy of the screen data to a printer. Use

the

Printer menu keys under System before using the

Print key. See Chapter 4 for more details.

7 MARKER functions control the markers, read out

frequencies and amplitudes along the spectrum
analyzer trace, automatically locate the signals of
highest amplitude, and keep a signal in the center of
the screen.

8 EARPHONE. The EARPHONE connector (located behind

the door on the right side of the front panel) provides a
connection for an earphone jack instead of using the
internal speaker.

9 VOLUME. The VOLUME knob can adjust the volume of

the internal speaker. The speaker is turned on and off
with the

Speaker On Off key in the Det/Demod menu.

10 DATA keys, which include the step keys, knob, and

numeric keypad, allow you to change the numeric value
of an active function.

11 EXT KEYBOARD. The EXT KEYBOARD connector is a

6-pin mini-DIN connector that is compatible with most
PC keyboards. The external keyboard is not included
with the spectrum analyzer. The external keyboard can
be used to enter screen titles and remote commands.

CAUTION Turn off the spectrum analyzer before connecting an external keyboard

to the spectrum analyzer.

12 PROBE POWER provides power for high-impedance ac

probes or other accessories.

Chapter 2 31

Getting Started

Front Panel Features

13 Esc. The Esc (escape) key deactivates the active

function and blanks the active function text from the
display.

Esc will abort a print (if one is in progress) and

clear error messages from the analyzer display. It also
clears input and tracking generator overload
conditions.

14 More. The More key accesses other pages of a multi-page

menu. A

1 of 2 type message is displayed just above the

key if there is more than one page.

15 INPUT 50Ω (INPUT 75Ω for Option 1DP) is the signal

input for the spectrum analyzer.

16 RF OUT 50Ω (for Option 1DN) or RF OUT 75Ω(for Option

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

CAUTION If the tracking generator output power is too high, it may damage the

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

17 The l (On) key turns the analyzer on, while the O

(Standby) key turns most of the analyzer off. An
instrument alignment is performed every time the
analyzer is turned on. After turning on the analyzer,
allow 5 minutes of warm-up time to ensure the
analyzer will meet all specifications.

NOTE The instrument continues to draw power when it is plugged into the ac

power source even if the line power switch is in standby. 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 (disconnecting device).

Data Controls

Data controls are used to change values for functions such as center
frequency, start frequency, resolution bandwidth, and marker position.

The data controls will change the active function in a manner
prescribed by that function. For example, you can change center
frequency in fine steps with the knob, in discrete steps with the step
keys, or to an exact value with the numeric keypad. Resolution
bandwidth, however, which can be set to discrete values in a 1, 3, 10
sequence only, is changed to the closest allowed value with any of the
data controls.

32 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Front Panel Features

Knob

The knob allows continuous change of functions such as center
frequency, reference level, and marker position. It also changes the
values of many functions that change in increments only. Clockwise
rotation of the knob increases values. For continuous changes, the
extent of alteration is determined by the size of the measurement
range; the speed at which the knob is turned affects the rate at which
the values are changed.

Among other things, the knob enables you to change the center
frequency, start or stop frequency, or reference level. In slow sweep
times, the analyzer uses a smooth scrolling feature which is designed to
move the trace display to the latest function value as the knob is
turned. When either center frequency or reference level is adjusted, the
signal will shift right or left or up or down with the rotation of the knob
before a new sweep is actually taken. An asterisk is placed in the
message block (the upper right-hand corner of the spectrum analyzer
display) to indicate that the data on-screen does not reflect data at the
current setting.

Numeric Keypad

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

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

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

for reference level are

+dBm, −dBm, mV, and µV.

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

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

Step Keys

The step keys allow discrete increases or decreases of the active
function value. The step size depends upon the spectrum analyzer
measurement range or on a preset amount. Each press results in a
single step change. For those parameters with fixed values, the next
value in a sequence is selected each time a step key is pressed. Changes
are predictable and can be set for some functions. Out-of-range values
or out-of-sequence values will not occur using these keys.

Chapter 2 33

Getting Started

Rear Panel Features

Rear Panel Features

Figure 2-2 Rear Panel Feature Overview

1 Power input is the input for the line power source.

Make sure that the line-power source outlet has a
protective ground contact.

2 Line Fuse. The fuse is removed by twisting 1/4 turn.

Replace only with a fuse of the same rating. See the
label on the rear panel.

3 Standard Inputs/Outputs

3a VGA OUTPUT drives an external VGA

compatible monitor with a signal that
has 31.5 kHz horizontal, 60 Hz vertical
synchronizing rate, non-interlaced.

34 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Rear Panel Features

3b EXT TRIG IN (TTL) accepts the positive

edge of an external voltage input that
triggers the spectrum analyzer internal
sweep source.

3c HI SWP OUT (TTL) indicates when the

spectrum analyzer is sweeping.

4 (Shown) HP-IB and parallel (Option A4H) are

optional interfaces. HP-IB supports remote instrument
operation and direct printing of screen data. The
parallel port is for printing only.

(Not Shown) RS-232 and parallel (Option 1AX)

are optional interfaces. RS-232 supports remote
instrument operation and direct printing of screen
data. The parallel port is for printing only.

NOTE Only one optional interface can be installed at a time. Option 1AX or

Option A4H must be installed in slot 1 on the rear panel. Option A4H is
shown installed in slot 1 in Figure 6.

5 Spectrum Analyzer Inputs/Outputs (Option A4J):

SWP OUT provides a voltage ramp corresponding to the

sweep of the spectrum analyzer (0 V to 10 V).

HI SWP OUT (TTL) indicates when the spectrum analyzer

is sweeping.

HI SWP IN (TTL) can be grounded to stop sweeping.
AUX VIDEO OUT provides detected video output (before

the analog-to-digital conversion) proportional to
vertical deflection of the trace. Output is from 0 V to 1
V. Amplitude-correction factors are not applied to this
signal. The output signal will be blanked occasionally
during retrace by the automatic alignment routine.
Select a very long sweep time to minimize this, or turn
off the

Auto Align All function (and use Align Now All

manually to maintain calibration.) Refer to the

Alignments key description in Chapter 4 for more

information on alignment key functions.

AUX IF OUT is a 50 Ω, 21.4 MHz IF output that is the

down- converted signal of the RF input of the spectrum
analyzer. Amplitude-correction factors are not applied
to this signal. This output is taken after the resolution
bandwidth filters and step gains and before the log
amplifier. The output signal will be blanked
occasionally during retrace by the automatic alignment
routine. Select a very long sweep time to minimize this,
or turn off the

Auto Align All function (and use Align Now

Chapter 2 35

Getting Started

Rear Panel Features

All manually to maintain calibration.) Refer to the
Alignments key description in Chapter 4 for more

information on alignment key functions.

6 10 MHz REF IN accepts an external frequency source to

provide the 10 MHz, −15 to +10 dBm frequency
reference used by the spectrum analyzer.

10 MHz REF OUT provides a 10 MHz, 0 dBm minimum,

timebase reference signal.

7 Service Connector. The service connector is for service

use only.

8 Power On Selection selects a preference for when power

is applied to the analyzer’s rear panel power connector.
The analyzer can be set to always be off when power is
connected, or it can be set to go to the on/off condition
that existed when power was disconnected. This is
useful when the analyzer is used at an unattended
location to ensure that the analyzer powers on after a
power outage.

9 DC Fuse. Protects against too much power to the DC

power connector on the rear panel of the spectrum
analyzer.

10 DC Power is the input for the DC power source. Refer to

“Power Requirements” in the Specifications Chapter.

36 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Screen Annotation

Screen Annotation

Here is an example of the annotation that may appear on a spectrum
analyzer screen. The screen annotation is referenced by numbers which
are listed in the following table. The Function Key column indicates
which key activates the function related to the screen annotation. Refer
to Chapter 4 for more information on a specific function key.

Figure 2-3 Screen Annotation

Chapter 2 37

Getting Started

Screen Annotation

Table 2-1 Screen Annotation

Item Description Function Key

1 Detector mode Detector
2 Reference level Ref Level
3 Active function block Refer to the description of the

activated function.
4 Screen title Change Title
5 Time and date display Time/Date On Off
6 RF attenuation Attenuation Auto Man
7 External keyboard entry Refer to the external keyboard

information in the Measurement

Guide.
8 Preamplifier gain Ext Amp Gain
9 Marker counter Marker Count On Off
10 Measurement uncalibrated

or function-in-progress
messages

Auto Couple

11 Remote/local operation See Local key in Chapter 4.
12 Error messages See Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting,”
13 Key menu title Dependent on key selection.
14 Key menu See key label descriptions in

Chapter 4.

15 Frequency span or stop

frequency

Span, Stop Freq

16 Sweep time Sweep Time Auto Man
17 Frequency offset Freq Offset
18 Video bandwidth Video BW Auto Man
19 Center frequency or start

frequency

Center Freq, Start Freq

20 Resolution bandwidth Resolution BW Auto Man
21 Auto alignment routine is

on

Auto Align

22 Threshold Threshold On Off
23 Amplitude correction factorsonSee “Using Amplitude Correction

Factors” in the Measurement

Guide.

38 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Screen Annotation

Item 24 refers to the trigger and sweep modes of the spectrum analyzer.
The first letter (‘‘F”) indicates the spectrum analyzer is in free-run
trigger mode. The second letter (‘‘C”) indicates the spectrum analyzer is
in continuous-sweep mode.

Item 25 refers to the trace modes of the spectrum analyzer. The first
letter (‘‘W”) indicates that the spectrum analyzer is in clear -write mode.
The second letter is “ A, ” representing trace A. The trace B trace mode is
“SB”, indicating trace B (‘‘B”) is in the store-blank mode (‘‘S”). The trace
mode annotation for trace C is displayed under the trace mode
annotation of trace A. The trace C trace mode is “SC”, indicating trace C
(‘‘C”) is in the store blank mode (‘‘S”).

Refer to the following table for the screen annotation codes for trace,
trigger, and sweep modes.

Table 2-2 Screen Annotation for Trace, Trigger, and Sweep Modes

24 Trigger Trig
25 Trace mode Trace
26 Video average Video Average On Off
27 Display line Display Line On Off
28 Amplitude offset Ref Lvl Offst
29 Amplitude scale Scale Type Log Lin

Item Description Function Key

Trace Mode Trigger Mode Sweep Mode

W clear write (traces
A/B/C)

F free run C continuous

M maximum hold (traces
A/B)

L line S single sweep

V view (traces A/B/C) V video
S store blank (traces

A/B/C)

E external

M minimum hold (trace C)

Chapter 2 39

Getting Started

Key Overview

Key Overview

The keys labeled Frequency, System, and Marker are all examples of
front panel keys. Pressing most front panel keys accesses menus of
functions that are displayed along the right side of the display. These
are called menu keys.

Menu keys list functions other than those accessed directly by the front
panel keys. T o activate a menu key function, press the key immediately
to the right of the annotation on the screen. The menu keys that are
displayed depend on which front panel key is pressed and which menu
level is enabled.

If a menu key function’s value can be changed, it is called an active
function. The function label of the active function appears in inverse
video after that key has been selected. For example, press

Amplitude.

This calls up the menu of related amplitude functions. Note the
function labeled

Ref Level (the default selected key in the Amplitude

menu) appears in inverse video.

Ref Level also appears in the active

function block, indicating that it is the active amplitude function and
can now be changed using any of the data entry controls.

A menu key with On and Off in its label can be used to turn the menu
key’s function on or off. To turn the function on, press the menu key so
that On is underlined. To turn the function off, press the menu key so
that Off is underlined. In the manual, when On should be underlined, it
will be indicated as:

Video Average On Off (On).

A function with Auto and Man in the label can either be auto-coupled or
have its value manually changed. The function’s value can be changed
manually by pressing the menu key until Man is underlined, and then
changing its value with the numeric keypad, knob, or step keys. To
auto-couple a function, press the menu key so that Auto is underlined.
In the manual, when

Auto should be underlined, it will be indicated as:

Attenuation Auto Man (Auto).

In some menus of keys, one key label will always be underlined to show
which key has been selected. For example, when you press the Mkr

Readout key (a Marker menu key) it will bring up its own menu of keys.

The

Frequency key, which is the default selected key, will be underlined.

When you press another Mkr Readout menu key, the underline will
move to that key to show it has been selected.

A summary of all front panel keys and their related menu keys can be
found in Chapter 4, “Front-Panel Key Reference.”

40 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Making a Measurement

Making a Measurement

Let’s begin using the spectrum analyzer by measuring an input signal.
Since the internal 50 MHz alignment signal is readily available, we will
use it as our test signal.

You cannot hurt the spectrum analyzer by using the alignment signal
and pressing any of the keys described in this section. Don’t be afraid to
play with the knob, step keys, or numeric keypad. (If you have
experimented with other keys and wish to return to a known state,
press the green

Preset key.)

1. First, turn the instrument on by pressing

On. Wait for the power-up

process to complete.

2. Press the green Preset key.

3. Turn on the internal 50 MHz signal by pressing

System, 50 MHz osc

On Off (On).

4. Set the frequency.
Press the

Frequency key. Center appears on the left side of the

screen, indicating that the center-frequency function is active. The

Center Freq menu key label appears in inverse video to indicate that

center frequency is the active function. The active function block is
the space on the screen within the graticule where the active
function messages appear. Active function values can be changed
using the knob, step keys, or numeric keypad. Set the center
frequency to 50 MHz with the DATA keys by pressing 50 MHz. The
knob and step keys can also be used to set the center frequency.

5. Set the span.
Press

Span. Span is now displayed in the active function block, and

the

Span menu key label appears in inverse video to indicate it is the

active function. Reduce the span to 20 MHz by using the knob,
pressing the down key (↓), or pressing 20 MHz.

6. Set the amplitude.
When the peak of a signal does not appear on the screen, it may be

necessary to adjust the amplitude level on the screen. Press

Amplitude. Ref Level .0 dBm appears in the active function block.

The

Ref Level menu key label appears in inverse video to indicate

that reference level is the active function. The reference level is the
top graticule line on the display and is set to 0.0 dBm. Changing the
value of the reference level changes the amplitude level of the top
graticule line.

Chapter 2 41

Getting Started

Making a Measurement

If desired, use the reference level function to place the signal peak at
the top of the screen using the knob, step keys, or numeric keypad.
(Marker functions measure the frequency and amplitude of a signal.)

Figure 2-4 demonstrates the relationship between center frequency

and reference level. The box in the figure represents the spectrum
analyzer display. Changing the center frequency changes the
horizontal placement of the signal on the display. Changing the
reference level changes the vertical placement of the signal on the
display. Increasing the span increases the frequency range that
appears horizontally on the display.

NOTE Spectrum analyzers with Option 1DP default to display amplitude

values in dBmV when in a log scale mode.

Figure 2-4 Relationship between Frequency and Amplitude

7. Set the marker.
You can place a diamond-shaped marker on the signal peak to find

the signal’s frequency and amplitude.
To activate a marker, press the

Marker key (located in the MARKER

section of the front panel). The Marker Normal label appears in
inverse video to show that the marker is the active function. Turn
the knob to place the marker at the signal peak.

You can also use the

Peak Search key, which automatically places a

marker at the highest point on the trace.
Readouts of marker amplitude and frequency appear in the active

function block and in the upper right corner of the display. Look at
the marker readout to determine the amplitude of the signal.

42 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Making a Measurement

If another function is activated, the frequency and amplitude can
still be identified by looking at the marker readout in the upper right
corner of the display.

Measurement Summary

1. Press the Preset key . Turn on the internal 50 MHz signal by pressing

System, 50 MHz osc On Off (On).

2. Set the center frequency by pressing the following keys:

Frequency,

50 MHz.

3. Set the span by pressing the following keys:

Span, 20 MHz.

4. The calibration signal is about −27 dBm (25 dBmV for Option 1DP),
below the top of the screen (almost three graticule divisions) using
these spectrum analyzer settings. If desired, adjust the reference
level: press

Amplitude to activate the reference level, and use the

knob or step keys to change the reference level and bring the signal
to the top of the screen.

5. Determine the amplitude and frequency of the signal. You can either
press

Peak Search or pressMarker and move the marker to the signal

peak. Read the amplitude and frequency. The display should look
like the one in Figure 2-5. Frequency is displayed horizontally, and
amplitude (power) is displayed vertically.

Chapter 2 43

Getting Started

Making a Measurement

Figure 2-5 Reading the Amplitude and Frequency

44 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Analyzer Accuracy and the Internal Alignment Process

Analyzer Accuracy and the Internal
Alignment Process

Data from the internal alignment routine is necessary for spectrum
analyzer operation. The internal alignment routine runs continuously
to ensure that the spectrum analyzer is using current alignment data
that improves the spectrum analyzer frequency and amplitude
accuracy. Press the

System, Alignments keys to view the alignment

menus. For more detailed information on the alignment keys, refer to

Chapter 4.

Warm-Up Time

In order for the spectrum analyzer to meet its specifications, allow it to
warm up for 5 minutes after being turned on before attempting to make
any calibrated measurements. If

Auto Align Off is selected, refer to the

analyzer specifications for the conditions required to maintain
calibration.

Chapter 2 45

Getting Started

Analyzer Battery Information

Analyzer Battery Information

The spectrum analyzers use a 3.6 V lithium battery to enable the
internal memory to retain data. The date when the battery was
installed is on a label on the rear panel of the spectrum analyzer. See

Figure 2-6.

The minimum life expectancy of the battery is 8 years at 25 °C, or 1
year at 55 °C. If you experience problems with the battery or the
recommended time period for battery replacement has elapsed, see
“How to Return Your Analyzer for Service” in Chapter 3.

If you wish to replace the battery yourself, you can purchase the service
documentation that provides all necessary test and maintenance
information. The battery is soldered onto the spectrum analyzer
processor board.

You can order the service documentation for an HP ESA-L1500A
spectrum analyzer through your HP Sales and Service office. The
documentation is described under “Service Documentation (Option
0BX)” in Chapter 6 of this manual.

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

Figure 2-6 Rear-Panel Battery Information Label

46 Chapter 2

Getting Started

Analyzer Battery Information

47

3 Troubleshooting

48 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

What You’ll Find in This Chapter

What You’ll Find in This Chapter

This chapter includes information on how to check for a problem with
your HP ESA-L1500A spectrum analyzer, and how to return it for
service. It also includes descriptions of all of the spectrum analyzer
built-in error messages.

Your spectrum analyzer is built to provide dependable service.
However, if you experience a problem, or if you desire additional
information or wish to order parts, options, or accessories,
Hewlett-Packard’ s worldwide sales and service organization is ready to
provide the support you need.

In general, a problem can be caused by a hardware failure, a software
error, or a user error. Follow these general steps to determine the cause
and to resolve the problem:

1. Perform the quick checks listed in “Check the Basics” in this chapter.
It is possible that a quick check may eliminate your problem
altogether.

2. If the problem is a hardware problem, you have several options:

• Repair it yourself; see the “Service Options” section in this

chapter.

• Return the spectrum analyzer to Hewlett-Packard for repair; if

the spectrum analyzer is still under warranty or is covered by an
HP maintenance contract, it will be repaired under the terms of
the warranty or plan (the warranty is at the front of this manual).

If the spectrum analyzer is no longer under warranty or is not
covered by an HP maintenance plan, Hewlett-Packard will notify
you of the cost of the repair after examining the unit. See “How to
Call Hewlett-Packard” and “How to Return Your Analyzer for
Service” for more information.

WARNING No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to

qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock do not remove
covers.

Chapter 3 49

Troubleshooting

Before You Call Hewlett-Packard

Before You Call Hewlett-Packard

Check the Basics

A problem can often be solved by repeating the procedure you were
following when the problem occurred. Before calling Hewlett-Packard
or returning the spectrum analyzer for service, please make the
following checks:

1. Check the line fuse.

2. Is there power at the receptacle?

3. Is the analyzer turned on? Make sure the fan is running, which
indicates that the power supply is on.

4. If the display is dark or dim, press the upper brightness key in the
upper left corner of the front panel. This key will not automatically
repeat if held down. It must be pressed repeatedly to continue to
change the brightness.

5. If the display contrast is poor, press

Display and Contrast (Contrast is

the fifth key from the top). Then change the contrast using the knob,
step keys, or numeric keypad.

6. If other equipment, cables, and connectors are being used with the
HP ESA-L1500A spectrum analyzer, make sure they are connected
properly and operating correctly.

7. Review the procedure for the measurement being performed when
the problem appeared. Are all the settings correct?

8. If the analyzer is not functioning as expected, return the analyzer to
a known state by pressing the

Preset key.

Some analyzer settings are not affected by a Preset. If you wish to
reset the spectrum analyzer configuration to the state it was in
when it was originally sent from the factory, press

System, More,

Default Config.

9. Is the measurement being performed, and the results that are
expected, within the specifications and capabilities of the spectrum
analyzer? See the “Specifications” chapter in this manual for
spectrum analyzer specifications.

10.In order to meet specifications, the spectrum analyzer must be
aligned. Either Auto Align All must be selected (press

System, Auto

Align, All), or the analyzer must be manually aligned at least once

per hour, or whenever the temperature changes more than 5˚
centigrade (press

System, Alignments, Align Now, All). When Auto

Align All is selected AA appears on the left edge of the display.

50 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

Before You Call Hewlett-Packard

11.Is the spectrum analyzer displaying an error message? If so, refer to
“Error Messages” in this chapter.

12.If the necessary test equipment is available, perform the
performance verification tests in Chapter 9. Record all results on a
Performance Verification Test Record form which follows the tests.

Read the Warranty

The warranty for your spectrum analyzer is at the front of this manual.
Please read it and become familiar with its terms.

If your spectrum analyzer is covered by a separate maintenance
agreement, please be familiar with its terms.

Service Options

Hewlett-Packard offers several optional maintenance plans to service
your spectrum analyzer after the warranty has expired. Call your
Hewlett-Packard sales and service office for full details.

If you want to service the spectrum analyzer yourself after the
warranty expires, you can purchase the service documentation that
provides all necessary test and maintenance information.

You can order the service documentation, Option 0BX, through your
Hewlett- Packard sales and service office. Service documentation is
described under “Service Documentation (Option 0BX)” in Chapter 6.

How to Call Hewlett-Packard

Hewlett-Packard has sales and service offices around the world to
provide you with complete support for your spectrum analyzer. To
obtain servicing information or to order replacement parts, contact the
nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office listed in Table 6. In
any correspondence or telephone conversations, refer to the instrument
by its model number and full serial number. (Press the

System, then

Show System front-panel keys and the model, product, and serial

number information will be displayed on your analyzer screen.)

Chapter 3 51

Troubleshooting

Before You Call Hewlett-Packard

Table 3-1 Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Offices

UNITED STATES

Instrument Support Center

Hewlett-Packard Company
[phone]

EUROPEAN FIELD OPERATIONS

Headquarters

Hewlett-Packard S.A.
150, Route du Nant-d’Avril
1217 Meyrin 2/ Geneva
Switzerland
(41 22) 780.8111

France

Hewlett-Packard France
1 Avenue Du Canada
Zone D’Activite De Courtaboeuf
F-91947 Les Ulis Cedex
France
(33 1) 69 82 60 60

Germany

Hewlett-Packard GmbH
Hewlett-Packard Strasse
61352 Bad Homburg v.d.H
Germany
(49 6172) 16-0

Great Britain

Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
Eskdale Road, Winnersh Triangle
Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5DZ
England
(44 734) 696622

INTERCON FIELD OPERATIONS

Headquarters

Hewlett-Packard Company
3495 Deer Creek Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1316
USA
[phone]

Japan

Hewlett-Packard Japan, Ltd.
9-1 Takakura-Cho, Hachioji
Tokyo 192, Japan
(81 426) 60-2111

Australia

Hewlett-Packard Australia Ltd.
31-41 Joseph Street
Blackburn, Victoria 3130
(61 3) 895-2895

Singapore

Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Pte.) Ltd.
150 Beach Road
#29-00 Gateway West
Singapore 0718
(65) 291-9088

Canada

Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd.
17500 South Service Road
Trans-Canada Highway
Kirkland, Quebec H9J 2X8
Canada
[phone]

Taiwan

Hewlett-Packard Taiwan
8th Floor, H-P Building
337 Fu Hsing North Road
Taipei, Taiwan
(886 2) 712-0404

China

China Hewlett-Packard Co.
38 Bei San Huan X1 Road
Shuang Yu Shu
Hai Dian District
Beijing, China
(86 1) 256-6888

52 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

How to Return Your Analyzer for Service

How to Return Your Analyzer for Service

Service Tag

If you are returning the spectrum analyzer to Hewlett-Packard for
servicing, fill in and attach a blue service tag. Several service tags are
supplied at the rear of this chapter. Please be as specific as possible
about the nature of the problem. If you have recorded any error
messages that appeared on the screen, or have completed a
Performance Test Record, or have any other specific data on the
performance of the spectrum analyzer, please send a copy of this
information with the unit.

Original Packaging

Before shipping, pack the unit in the original factory packaging
materials if they are available. If the original materials were not
retained, see “Other Packaging.”

NOTE Ensure that the instrument handle is in the rear-facing position in

order to reduce the possibility of damage during shipping. Refer to

Figure 3-1.

Chapter 3 53

Troubleshooting

How to Return Your Analyzer for Service

Figure 3-1

54 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

How to Return Your Analyzer for Service

Other Packaging

CAUTION Spectrum analyzer damage can result from using packaging materials

other than those specified. Never use styrene pellets in any shape as
packaging materials. They do not adequately cushion the equipment or
prevent it from shifting in the carton. They cause equipment damage by
generating static electricity and by lodging in the spectrum analyzer
louvers, blocking airflow.

You can repackage the instrument with commercially available
materials, as follows:

1. Attach a completed service tag to the instrument.

2. If you have a front-panel cover, install it on the instrument; if not,
protect the control panel with cardboard.

3. Wrap the instrument in antistatic plastic to reduce the possibility of
damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

4. Use a strong shipping container. A double-walled, corrugated
cardboard carton with 159 kg (350 lb) bursting strength is adequate.
The carton must be both large enough and strong enough to
accommodate the spectrum analyzer. Allow at least 3 to 4 inches on
all sides of the analyzer for packing material.

5. Surround the equipment with three to four inches of packing
material and prevent the equipment from moving in the carton. If
packing foam is not available, the best alternative is S.D.-240 Air
Cap™ from Sealed Air Corporation (Hayward, California, 94545).
Air Cap looks like a plastic sheet filled with 1-1/4 inch air bubbles.
Use the pink-colored Air Cap to reduce static electricity. Wrapping
the equipment several times in this material should both protect the
equipment and prevent it from moving in the carton.

6. Seal the shipping container securely with strong nylon adhesive
tape.

7. Mark the shipping container “FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE” to
assure careful handling.

8. Retain copies of all shipping papers.

Chapter 3 55

Troubleshooting

Error Messages

Error Messages

The spectrum analyzer can generate various messages that appear on
its screen during operation to indicate a problem.

There are three types of messages: hardware error messages (H),
user-created error messages (U), and informational messages (M).

• Hardware error messages indicate the spectrum analyzer hardware
is probably broken. Additional troubleshooting should be done to
verify the failure.

• User-created error messages appear when the spectrum analyzer is
used incorrectly. They are often generated during remote operation
(entering programming commands using either a controller or the
external keyboard).

• Informational messages provide information indicating the
spectrum analyzer’s progress within a specific procedure.

The messages are listed in alphabetical order on the following pages;
each message is defined, and its type is indicated by an (H), (U), or (M).

ADC-2V fail Indicates a hardware failure. (H)
ADC-Gnd fail Indicates a hardware failure. (H)
ADC-time fail Indicates a hardware failure. (H)
Align IF: gain limited, may recover next alignment

Indicates that an Align Now for the IF Assembly reached a hardware
limit. Perform another Align Now IF. If the message persists there
may be a hardware failure. Load the default values by pressing

System, Alignments, Load Defaults and see if the alignment process

fixes the problem. (M) or (H)

Align IF: symmetry limited, may recover next
alignment Indicates that an Align Now for the IF Assembly

reached a hardware limit. Perform another Align Now IF. If the
message persists there may be a hardware failure. Load the default
values by pressing

System, Alignments, Load Defaults and see if the

alignment process fixes the problem. (M) or (H)
Align Now All needed The instrument requires an Align Now,

All.(M)
Align RF skipped 50 MHz detected Indicates that an Auto

Align of the RF Assembly was not performed because of an input
signal at 50 MHz that is >−25 dBm. The alignment will not work
when there is too much input power at 50 MHz. The analyzer will
continue to measure properly, but automatic RF alignment will not
function. To remove the message, remove the 50 MHz input signal
and perform an Align Now RF. (U) or (M)

56 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

Error Messages

Align RF skipped No align signal Indicates that an Auto
Align of the RF Assembly was not performed because the
instrument’s internal alignment signal was not detected or was
invalid. This could be due to a problem with the accuracy or stability
of the external 10 MHz reference, if one is present. (U) or (H)

Alignment Needed Occurs after a ‘Load Defaults’ of alignment
data. A complete alignment must be performed. Press

Align Now, All.

(U) or (M)
Atten auto set to 15 dB Indicates that an input signal has

been detected which is of sufficient level to force the input
attenuator to be auto-coupled at 15 dB. No operator intervention is
required. If the signal level is reduced the attenuator will stay at 15
dB.

This overload protection occurs at an input power level of 13 dBm ±7
dBm (nominal), or 68 dBmV ±7 dBmV for Option 1DP, when the
input attenuation is auto-coupled and set to <15 dB. To return to the
original measurement setup, reduce the input signal level and press

Amplitude. Then press Attenuation Auto Man twice, to toggle back to

Auto. (U) or (M)
When operating remotely, the status bit should be monitored for this

condition to avoid incorrect measurement results.
Cannot reach N dB points Indicates that the number of dB

specified for the N dB PTS function is greater than the distance of
the signal peak from the spectrum analyzer noise floor or peak
threshold. (U)

CMD ERR:_ _ _ The specified programming command is not
recognized by the spectrum analyzer. (U)

Configuration error: Front Panel/Display ID not
recognized At power on an error was encountered identifying the

Front Panel/Display assembly. (H)
Configuration error: Option ID not recognized The

hardware for an option was identified in an instrument that does not
support it. (H)

Configuration error: RF Assembly ID not recognized At
power on an error was encountered when identifying the RF
Assembly. (H)

Configuration error: RF-Source Impedance mismatch A
power up check determined that the RF Assembly and optional
Tracking Generator Assembly do not have the same impedance. (H)

Data Memory Full<data type>:_ _ _ An attempt was made to
save a file of <data type> to memory, however the memory space is
full. (U)

Chapter 3 57

Troubleshooting

Error Messages

EXT REF Indicates that the frequency reference is being supplied by
an external 10 MHz source. (M)

EXT Reference in use An attempt to perform a Timebase
alignment with an External Reference in use. (U)

FILE NOT FOUND Indicates that the specified file could not be
loaded into spectrum analyzer memory or purged from memory
because the file name cannot be found. (U)

Freq corr off Indicates that the Freq Correct selection if Off. (M)
Input is internal Indicates that the 50 MHz osc selection is On.

With the 50 MHz oscillator On, the input is routed through an
internal signal path. (M)

INVALID AMPCOR: FREQ For the AMPCOR command, the
frequency data must be entered in increasing order. See the
description for the AMPCOR programming command for more
information. (U)

INVALID CHECKSUM: USTATE The user-defined state does not
follow the expected format. (U)

INVALID ENTER FORMAT The enter format is not valid. See the
appropriate programming command description to determine the
correct format. (U)

INVALID FILE NAME <file name> Indicates the specified file
name is invalid. A file name is invalid if there is no file name
specified or the file name is too long. See the description for the
SAVE programming command for more information. (U)

Invalid flatness data:_ _ _ A power up check determined an
error in the instrument’s flatness data. The 4-digit code may indicate
the type of error. Error codes are described in the spectrum
analyzer’s service guide. (H)

INVALID HP-IB ADRS/OPERATION An HP-IB operation was
aborted due to an incorrect address or invalid operation. Check that
there is only one controller (the spectrum analyzer) connected to the
printer. (U)

INVALID HP-IB OPERATION REN TRUE The HP-IB operation is not
allowed. (This is usually caused by trying to print when a controller
is on the interface bus with the spectrum analyzer.) To print to an
HP-IB printer from the spectrum analyzer, you must disconnect any
other controllers on the HP-IB. If you are using programming
commands to print, you can use an HP BASIC command instead of
disconnecting the controller. See the description for the PRINT
command for more information. (U)

INVALID ITEM: Indicates an invalid parameter has been used in a
programming command. (U)

58 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

Error Messages

INVALID OUTPUT FORMAT The output format is not valid. See the
appropriate programming command description to determine the
correct format. (U)

INVALID RANGE: Stop < Start Indicates that the first trace
element specified for a range of trace elements is larger than the
ending trace element. When specifying a trace range the starting
element must be less than the ending element. For example,
TRA[2,300] is legal but TRA[300,2] is not. (U)

INVALID RS-232/OPERATION An RS-232 operation was aborted
due to an invalid operation. (U)

INVALID START INDEX Indicates that the first trace element
specified for a range of trace elements is not within the trace range
of the specified trace. (U)

INVALID STOP INDEX Indicates that the ending trace element
specified for a range of trace elements is not within the trace range
of the specified trace. (U)

INVALID STORE DEST: _ _ _ The specified destination field is
invalid. (U)

INVALID TRACE: _ _ _ The specified trace is invalid. (U)
INVALID VALUE PARAMETER: _ _ _ The specified value

parameter is invalid. (U)
Marker Count Reduce SPAN Indicates the resolution bandwidth

to span ratio is too small to use the frequency count function. Check
the span and resolution bandwidth settings. The acceptable
Span/Res BW ratio is ≤500. (U)

Marker Count Widen Res BW Indicates that the current
resolution bandwidth setting is too narrow to use with the marker
counter function. (U)

Meas uncal The measurement is uncalibrated. Check the sweep
time, span, and bandwidth settings, or press

AUTO COUPLE. (U)

No points defined Indicates the specified limit line or amplitude
correction function cannot be performed because no limit line
segments or amplitude correction factors have been defined. (U)

Overload: Reduce Signal A signal has been applied to the input
connector that caused the overload protection circuitry to engage.
The input signal must be reduced. After the signal is reduced, press
Esc. The change in the instrument’s amplitude state will disengage
the overload protection function. Overload protection engages under
the following conditions: (U) or (M)

Chapter 3 59

Troubleshooting

Error Messages

CAUTION Exposing the analyzer to high levels of input power over a prolonged

time period can damage the circuitry.

When operating remotely, the status bit should be monitored for this
condition to avoid incorrect measurement results.

PARAMETER ERROR: _ _ _ The specified parameter is not
recognized by the spectrum analyzer. See the appropriate
programming command description to determine the correct
parameters. (U)

Password required Indicates that the service function cannot be
accessed without the password. (U)

Power-up selftest failed Boot ROM checksum: Indicates a
test of the bootrom produced a checksum error. (H)

Power-up selftest failed RAM error: Indicates a test of
RAM produced an error. (H)

Power-up selftest failed Checksum: Indicates a test of the
instrument ROM produced a checksum error. (H)

Require 1 signal > PEAK EXCURSION above PEAK
THRESHOLD Indicates that the N dB PTS routine cannot locate a

signal that is high enough to measure. The signal must be greater
than the peak excursion above the threshold level to measure. (U)

Require 3 signals > PEAK EXCURSION above PEAK
THRESHOLD Indicates that the % AM routine cannot locate three

signals that are high enough to measure. The signals must be
greater than the peak excursion above the threshold level to
measure. (U)

Require 4 signals > PEAK EXCURSION above PEAK
THRESHOLD Indicates that the TOI routine cannot locate four signals

that are high enough to measure. The signals must be greater than
the peak excursion above the threshold level to measure. (U)

Required Option Not Installed Indicates that the function
selected requires optional hardware that is not currently available.
(U)

RF LO Unlocked Indicates that the local oscillator within the
instrument’s RF assembly is unlocked. (H)

Attenuator

Setting

Attenuator

Coupling

Input Power Level

(50Ω)

Input Power Level

(75Ω)

≥15 dB Auto or Man 33 dBm ±3 dB (nominal) 76 dBmV ±3 dBmV
<15 dB Man 13 dBm ±7 dB (nominal) 68 dBmV ±7 dBmV

60 Chapter 3

T roubleshooting

Error Messages

S in the status area of the display indicates that the service request
is active. Service requests are a form of informational message. More
information is available in the Programmer’s Guide. (M)

SAVE LOCK The spectrum analyzer’s internal memory has been
locked. T o unlock the memory, press

Internal Lock On Off so that Off is

underlined. For remote operation, use PSTATE OFF. (U)
Signals do not fit expected % AM pattern Indicates that

the % AM routine cannot perform the percent AM measurement
because the on-screen signals do not have the characteristics of a
carrier with two sidebands. (U)

Signals do not fit expected TOI pattern Indicates that the
TOI routine cannot perform the third-order intermodulation
measurement because the on-screen signals do not have the
characteristics of two signals and two distortion products. (U)

Source Protected A signal has been applied to the RF OUT
connector which caused the source output protection circuitry to
engage. The signal must be reduced. After the signal is reduced,
press the ESC key to disengage the source output protection
circuitry. (U) or (M)

TABLE FULL Indicates the upper or lower table of limit lines
contains the maximum number of entries allowed. Additional
entries to the table are ignored. (U)

TG LO Unlocked Indicates that the local oscillator within the
instrument’s tracking generator assembly is unlocked. (H)

TG unleveled This message can indicate the following: that the
source power is set higher or lower than the spectrum analyzer can
provide, that the frequency span extends beyond the specified
frequency range of the tracking generator, or that the calibration
data for the tracking generator is incorrect. See “Stimulus-Response
Measurements” in the User’s Guide for more information. (U)

Too many signal with valid N dB points Indicates the N dB
PTS function has located two or more signals that have amplitudes
within the specified dB from the signal peak. If this happens, you
should decrease the span of the spectrum analyzer so that only the
signal that you want to measure is displayed. (U)

Trace A is not available Indicates that trace A is in the
store-blank mode and cannot be used for limit-line testing. Use

CLEAR WRITE A or VIEW A to change trace A from the store-blank

mode to the clear write mode, and then turn on limit-line testing. (U)

61

4 Front-Panel Key Reference

The key descriptions are organized like the spectrum analyzer menus.
Use the following table to locate a specific key.

62 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Key Label

Page

Location

% AM On Off page 91
50 MHz osc On Off page 106
A ↔ B page 113
A ↔ C page 113
ADC page 106
Align Now page 106
Alignments page 106
All page 106
All but RF page 106
All Ampcor page 81
All Limits page 81
All Memory page 81
All States page 81
All Traces page 81
AM page 74
Ampcor page 67
Ampcor On Off page 67
Amplitude page 66
Amplitude On Off page 100
Amptd Offset page 101
Amptd Step Auto Man page 100
Amptd Units page 67
Annotation On Off page 77
Attenuation Auto Man page 66
Auto Align page 106
Auto Couple page 70
B → C page 113
B ↔ C page 113
B − DL → B page 113

Baud Rate page 108
Blank A, B, C page 112
Bottom Margin page 108
Brightness page 71
BW/Avg page 72
Center Freq page 83
CF Step Auto Man page 83
Change Title page 76
Clear Title page 77
Clear Write A page 110
Clear Write B page 111
Clear Write C page 112
Coarse page 107
Color Printing On Off page 109
Contrast page 77
Datemode MDY DMY page 105
Define Printer page 108
Default Config page 107
Del Segment page 88
Delete page 81
Delete Limits page 90
Delete Now page 81
Delete Point page 67
Demod page 74
Det/Demod page 74
Detector page 74
Display page 76
Display Line On Off page 76
Dwell Time On Off page 75
Edit Limits page 88

Key Label

Page

Location

Chapter 4 63

Front-Panel Key Reference

Edit Line page 88
Enter page 78
Erase Internal page 81
Esc page 79
Execute Title page 77
Expand On Off page 108
Ext Amp Gain page 68
External page 115
File page 80
Fine page 107
Flat page 88
Form Feed page 109
Free Run page 115
Freq Correct On Off page 106
Freq Count page 82
Freq Offset page 83
Frequency page 83
Full Span page 102
Graticule On Off page 77
HP Color Mode PJ DJ

Off

page 108

HP-IB page 108
IF page 106
Input Z Corr 50 75 page 68
Internal Lock On Off page 81
Inverse Time page 86
Inverse Video On Off page 77
Last Span page 102
Limit Display Y N Auto page 87
Limit Test On Off page 87

Key Label

Page

Location

Limits page 87
Limits Fixed Rel page 88
Line page 115
LO page 106
Load page 80
Load Defaults page 107
Load Now page 80
(Local) page 105
Marker page 85
Marker # On Off page 86
Marker ∆ page 85
Marker All Off page 86
Marker Count On Off page 82
Marker Noise On Off page 86
Marker Normal page 85
Marker Trace Auto A B

C

page 86

Max Hold A, B page 112
Max Mixer Lvl page 68
Max Pk → CF page 97
Measure page 87
Min Hold C page 112
Min Search page 98
Mkr ∆→ Span page 98
Mkr → CF page 97
Mkr → CF Step page 98
Mkr → Ref Lvl page 97
Mkr → Start page 98
Mkr → Stop page 98
Mkr Readout page 86

Key Label

Page

Location

64 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Modify Ampcor page 67
More page 92
N dB Points On Off page 91
Negative Peak page 74
New Filename page 80
Next Peak page 97
Next Pk Left page 97
Next Pk Right page 97
Norm Ref Lvl page 114
Norm Ref Posn page 114
Normalize page 113
Normalize On Off page 113
Operations page 113
Parallel page 108
Peak page 74
Peak Excursn page 97
Peak Search page 93
Period page 86
Pk-Pk Search page 98
Pk Threshold page 98
Point page 88
Port page 108
Power On IP Last page 106
Power Sweep On Off page 100
Preferences page 77
Preset page 94
Print page 96
Print Softkeys On Off page 109
Printer page 105
Printer Addr page 108

Key Label

Page

Location

Purge Ampcor page 67
Ref Lvl Offst page 67
Ref Level page 66
Remote Port HP-IB page 105
Remote Port Serial page 106
Resolution page 108
Resolution Auto Man page 82
Resolution BW Auto Man page 72
RF page 106
Sample page 74
Save page 80
Save Now page 81
Scale/Div page 66
Scale Type Log Lin page 66
Search page 97
Segment page 88
Select Amptd page 67
Select Freq page 67
Select Line Upper Lower page 88
Select Marker 1 2 3 4 page 85
Select Point page 67
Select Printer page 108
Serial page 108
Service page 108
Set Date page 105
Set Time page 105
Show System page 107
Signal Track On Off page 84
Single Sweep page 99
Slope page 88

Key Label

Page

Location

Chapter 4 65

Front-Panel Key Reference

Source Amptd page 100
Span page 102
Span Zoom page 102
Speaker On Off page 74
Standby page 103
Start Freq page 83
State page 80
Stop Freq page 83
Sweep page 104
Sweep Cont Single page 104
Sweep Time Auto Man page 104
Swp Coupling SR SA page 104
System page 105
Threshold On Off page 76
Time page 86
Time/Date page 105
Time/Date On Off page 105
Timebase page 107
Title page 76
Top Margin page 108
Trace page 110
Trace A B C page 110
Trig page 115
Type page 88
User Defined page 108
VBW/RBW Ratio page 72
Video page 115
Video Average On Off page 72
Video BW Auto Man page 72

Key Label

Page

Location

View A, B, C page 112
X Axis Units Freq Time page 87
Zero Span page 102

Key Label

Page

Location

66 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Amplitude

Amplitude

Amplitude activates the reference level function and accesses the

amplitude menu keys. Amplitude menu key functions include the
following: reference level, input attenuation, vertical scale, mixer level,
amplitude units, amplitude correction, and amplitude offset.

Ref Level allows the reference level to be changed. This function is activated

when

Amplitude is pressed. The reference level is the amplitude power

or voltage represented by the top graticule line on the display.
Changing the value of the reference level changes the absolute
amplitude level (in the current amplitude units) of the top graticule
line. Pressing any digit, 0 through 9, on the numeric keypad brings up
the selected terminator menu. Key Access:

Amplitude

Attenuation Auto
Man

sets the input attenuation in 5 dB increments. The spectrum analyzer
input attenuator, which is normally coupled to the reference level
control, reduces the power level of the spectrum analyzer input signal
at the input mixer. The attenuator is recoupled when Auto is
underlined.

CAUTION To prevent damage to the input mixer, the power level at the input

mixer must not exceed +30 dBm. To prevent signal compression, power
at the input to the first mixer must be kept below 0 dBm. With the
attenuator set to Auto, a signal at or below the reference level will
result in a mixer level at or below –10 dBm.

Key Access:

Amplitude

Scale/Div sets the logarithmic units per vertical graticule division on the display.

Scale/Div only appears in the Amplitude menu when the Scale Type Log
Lin key is set to Log. Using Scale/Div, values may range from 0.1 to

20 dB per division. Key Access:

Amplitude

Scale Type Log Lin scales the vertical graticule divisions in logarithmic units when Log is

underlined, and the logarithmic units per division can be changed.
V alues ma y range from 0.1 to 20 dB per division. The default amplitude
units are dBm when

Lin is underlined. The vertical divisions are

linearly scaled and the default amplitude units are volts. The
reference-level value is set to the top of the display and the bottom
graticule becomes zero volts. (Each division of the graticule is one-tenth
of the reference level in volts.) Pressing

Scale Type Log Lin always sets

the units specified for the current amplitude scale. Pressing

Preset or

powering on the spectrum analyzer sets the default units.
Key Access:

Amplitude

Chapter 4 67

Front-Panel Key Reference

Amplitude

Amptd Units accesses the softkeys that change the amplitude units. The amplitude

units can be changed by pressing

dBm, dBmV, dBuV, Volts, or Watts.

When amplitude units is set to Watts, amplitude readings below 1 pW
will be rounded to 0 pW. Key Access:

Amplitude

Ref Lvl Offst adds an offset value to the displayed reference level. Offsets are entered

by using the numeric keypad. Entering an offset does not affect the
trace or the attenuation value. Reference-level offsets are used when
gain or loss occurs between a device under test and the spectrum
analyzer input. Thus, the signal level measured by the spectrum
analyzer is the level at the input of an external amplitude-conversion
device. When an amplitude offset is entered, its value appears on the
left side of the display (as opposed to frequency offsets which appear at
the bottom of the display). To eliminate an offset, press

Ref Lvl Offst, 0,

dB. Pressing Preset also sets the offset to zero. Reference-level offsets

are entered using the numeric keypad. See also the

Ext Amp Gain

softkey description. Key Access: Amplitude

Ampcor accesses the following Ampcor menu keys, which allow you to create or

modify an amplitude-correction factors table. Key Access:

Amplitude,

More

Ampcor On Off turns the current amplitude-correction factors on or off.

Key Access:

Amplitude, Ampcor

Modify Ampcor accesses the following Modify Ampcor menu keys.

Key Access:

Amplitude, Ampcor

Select Point

allows you to create or edit an amplitude-correction
factor data point. Enter the point number to be created
or edited by using the numeric keypad, then press

Enter. Press Back Space to correct errors.

Key Access:

Amplitude, Ampcor, Modify Ampcor

Select Freq

allows you to enter the frequency value for an
amplitude- correction point. Enter the frequency value
by using the numeric keypad. Change the frequency
value by using the step keys or the knob. Press

Back

Space to correct errors.

A frequency coordinate must always be specified for
amplitude-correction factors.

NOTE For amplitude-correction factors, a maximum of two entries with the

same frequency are valid. Only the first and last points of a series with
the same frequency values are used; any middle points are ignored.

68 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Amplitude

NOTE Amplitude-correction data is sorted in the table by frequency. The

sorting occurs immediately after you have entered the frequency value
via the front-panel.

Key Access:

Amplitude, Ampcor, Modify Ampcor

Select Amptd

allows you to enter the amplitude value for the current
amplitude-correction point. Change an amplitude value
by using the step keys or the knob. Press

Back Space to

correct errors. Key Access:

Amplitude, Ampcor, Modify

Ampcor
Delete Point

deletes an amplitude-correction factor.
Key Access:

Amplitude, Ampcor, Modify Ampcor

Purge Ampcor

allows you to clear all data from the
amplitude-correction tables. Key Access:

Amplitude,

Ampcor, Modify Ampcor

Ext Amp Gain adds a positive or negative preamplifier gain value, which is subtracted

from the displayed signal. The function is similar to the

Ref Lvl Offset

function, however with the Ext Amp Gain function, the attenuation may
be changed depending on the preamplifier gain entered. A preamplifier
gain offset is used for measurements that require an external
preamplifier or long cables. The offset is subtracted from the amplitude
readout so that the displayed signal level represents the signal level at
the input of the preamplifier. The preamplifier gain offset is displayed
at the top of the screen and is removed by entering zero. The
preamplifier gain offset is entered using the numeric keypad. The
preamplifier gain value is not affected by an instrument preset.
Key Access:

Amplitude, More

Max Mixer Lvl lets you change the maximum input mixer level from −10 dBm to

−100 dBm in 10 dB steps using the step keys, and 1 dB steps using the
knob. The mixer level is equal to the reference level minus the
attenuator setting. As the reference level changes, the input attenuator
setting is changed to keep the power levels less than the selected level
at the input mixer. Pressing

Preset resets the maximum input mixer

level to −10 dBm. Key Access:

Amplitude, More

Input Z Corr 50 75 sets the input impedance for voltage-to-power conversions. The

impedance you select is for computational purposes only, since the
actual impedance is set by internal hardware of 50 Ω (except for Option
1DP). The default is

50 (75 with Option 1DP). Select the computational

input impedance by pressing

Input Z Corr 50 75 so that 75 is underlined.

Chapter 4 69

Front-Panel Key Reference

Amplitude

This is useful when measuring a 75 Ω device on an analyzer having a
50 Ω input impedance, and when using a 75 Ω to 50 Ω adapter on the
analyzer input. Key Access:

Amplitude, More

70 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Auto Couple

Auto Couple

Auto Couple couples the following functions: resolution bandwidth,

video bandwidth, attenuation, sweep time, center-frequency step, video
bandwidth, and video-bandwidth to resolution-bandwidth ratio.

Coupled functions are functions that are linked. If one function is
changed, the other function is changed. During normal operation, the
sweep time, resolution bandwidth, and video bandwidth are coupled to
span to yield optimum performance.

Chapter 4 71

Front-Panel Key Reference

Brightness

Brightness

The brightness of the display is controlled by two keys located next to
each other at the upper left-hand corner of the spectrum analyzer,
bordering the display. Twelve levels of brightness are provided; the top
key makes the display brighter, and the lower key darkens the display.
The lowest brightness level causes the display to be completely dark, as
if the instrument were switched off. If the display is completely dark,
press the top brightness button before troubleshooting the instrument.

NOTE The brightness keys do not automatically repeat when they are held

down. To continue to increase or decrease the brightness, the
appropriate key must be pressed repeatedly.

72 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

BW/Avg

BW/Avg

The BW/Avg key activates the resolution bandwidth function and
accesses the softkeys that control the bandwidth functions:

Resolution

BW Auto Man, Video BW Auto Man, and VBW/RBW Ratio. It also accesses
Video Average On Off.

Resolution BW
Auto Man

changes the spectrum analyzers 3 dB resolution bandwidth from 1 kHz
to 3 MHz in a 1, 3, 10 sequence using the step keys, and to 5 MHz using
the numeric keypad. As the resolution bandwidth is decreased, the
sweep time is increased to maintain amplitude calibration. Resolution
bandwidth is also related to span. As span is decreased, the resolution
bandwidth is decreased. A “#” mark appears next to Res BW on the
display when it is not coupled. To recouple the resolution bandwidth,
press

Resolution BW Auto Man so that Auto is underlined (or press Auto

Couple). The resolution bandwidth can be changed using the step keys,

the knob, or the numeric keypad. Key Access:

BW/Avg

Video BW Auto
Man

changes the spectrum analyzer post-detection filter from 1 Hz to 3 MHz
in a 1, 3, 10 sequence using the step keys.

As the video bandwidth is decreased, the sweep time is increased to
maintain amplitude calibration. A “#” mark appears next to VBW on
the bottom of the spectrum analyzer display when it is not coupled. To
couple the video bandwidth, press

Video BW Auto Man so that Auto is

underlined (or press

Auto Couple).

NOTE Auto-coupling the video bandwidth function also resets the VBW/RBW

ratio to 0.300 X. If you want to auto-couple the video bandwidth to a
nonstandard ratio, you must set the video bandwidth to auto-couple
before setting the video-bandwidth/resolution-bandwidth ratio.

The video bandwidth can be changed by using the step keys, knob, or
numeric keypad. Key Access:

BW/Avg

VBW/RBW Ratio selects the ratio between the video and resolution bandwidths. If signal

responses near the noise level are visually masked by the noise, the
ratio can be set to less than 1 to lower the noise. The knob and step keys
change the ratio in a 1, 3, 10 sequence. Pressing

Preset and Auto Couple

sets the ratio to 0.300 X. The ratio can be changed using the step keys
or the knob. Front-Panel Key Access:

BW/Avg

Video Average On
Off

initiates a digital averaging routine that averages displayed signals
and noise by averaging a number of successive sweeps. The number of
sweeps (N) to average is the number that is set by this function. This
function does not affect the sweep time, bandwidth, or other analog
characteristics of the spectrum analyzer. Annotation on the left side of
the display indicates the current number of sweeps averaged. The

Chapter 4 73

Front-Panel Key Reference

BW/Avg

default number of sweeps is 100. Increasing the number of sweeps will
smooth the trace. To turn off the video averaging function, press

Video

Average On Off so that Off is underlined. The number of sweeps can be

entered using the numeric keypad. Key Access:

BW/Avg

In single sweep mode (Sweep, Sweep Cont Single (Single)), N sweeps are
taken. After each sweep, the new value of each display point is
averaged in with the previously averaged data using the following
formula:

Where:

In continuous sweep mode (

Sweep, Sweep Cont Single (Cont)), the same

sequence is followed until M=N. At that point, the sweeps continue
rather than stopping. For each new sweep, the current sweeps
measured value divided by N is added to (N-1)/N times the prior
average, creating a weighted rolling average.

If any measurement parameter, such as Center Freq, Span, Amplitude,
or N, is changed while V ideo A verage is On, the video average counter is
reset to 0, i.e. M=0, and the trace average resets. If the analyzer is in
single sweep mode, a new set of sweeps is taken only after

Sweep Cont

Single (Single) is pressed again.

A

avg

M1–

M

------------- -

A

prior avg

1

M

---- -

A

m

+=

A

avg

new average value=

A

prior avg

average from prior sweep=

A

m

measured value on current sweep=

M number of current sweep=

74 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Det/Demod

Det/Demod

Det/Demod accesses the softkeys controlling demodulation functions,

detector functions, the speaker, and dwell time.

Detector accesses the Detector menu keys which allow you to select between

Peak, Sample, and Negative Peak detection. When sample detection is

selected, Smpl appears in the upper-left corner of the screen. Sample
detection is used primarily to display noise or noise-like signals. This
detection should not be used to make the most accurate amplitude
measurement of non noise-like signals. In sample mode, the
instantaneous signal value at the present display point is placed in
memory. Sample detection is activated automatically for noise level
markers or during video averaging.

When peak detection is selected, Peak appears in the upper-left corner
of the screen. Peak detection is used primarily when measuring signals
out of the noise floor. Peak detection obtains the maximum video signal
between the last display point and the present display point and stores
this value in memory. Peak detection is selected at power on and by
pressing

Preset.

Negative peak detection functions the same as peak detection, but
selects the minimum video signal. When Negative Peak is selected,Neg
appears in the upper- left corner of the screen. Negative peak detection
is used to find signals that are close to, but below the noise floor. This
detection should not be used to make the most accurate amplitude
measurements of signals. Key Access:

Det/Demod

Demod accesses the softkeys to select AM demodulation or turn demodulation

Off. Key Access: Det/Demod

Speaker On Off turns the internal speaker on and off. The volume from the speaker is

controlled by the front-panel volume control knob. Pressing

Preset sets

Speaker On Off to On.

NOTE It is normal to hear clicking sounds when the Auto Alignment function

is On and the analyzer is in Zero Span. During retrace, a small portion
of the analyzer circuitry is realigned using relays. It is the rapid
switching of these relays during retrace that causes the clicking sounds.
To eliminate the clicking sounds, set Auto Alignment Off. When this is
done, the Align Now All function should be performed periodically.
Refer to “Specifications and Characteristics” for more information on
how often to perform Align Now All when Auto Align is Off.

Key Access:

Det/Demod

Chapter 4 75

Front-Panel Key Reference

Det/Demod

Dwell Time On Off sets the dwell time for the marker pause, during which demodulation

can take place. The dwell time can be set from 2 milliseconds to
100 seconds. Key Access:

Det/Demod

76 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Display

Display

Display accesses the Title menu keys which allow title entry, and the
Preferences menu keys which allow you to turn the graticule,

annotation, time/date, or inverse video, on or off. Display softkeys also
include

Display Line On Off, Threshold On Off, and Contrast.

Display Line On
Off

activates an adjustable horizontal line that is used as a visual reference
line. The line, which can be used for trace arithmetic, has amplitude
values that correspond to its vertical position when compared to the
reference level. The value of the display line appears in the active
function block and on the left side of the display. The display line can be
adjusted using the step keys, knob, or numeric keypad. Pressing any
digit, 0 through 9, on the numeric keypad brings up the selected
terminator menu. To deactivate the display line, press

Display Line On

Off so that Off is underlined. (Also see the Video (trigger) key

description in the

Trig key menu.) Key Access: Display

Threshold On Off sets a lower boundary to the active trace. The threshold line “clips”

signals that appear below the line when this function is on. The
boundary is defined in amplitude units that correspond to its vertical
position when compared to the reference level.

The value of the threshold appears in the active-function block and on
the lower- left side of the display. The threshold level does not influence
the trace memory or marker position. The peaks found by the markers
must be at least the peak- excursion value above the threshold level.
The value of the threshold level can be changed using the step keys, the
knob, or the numeric keypad. Pressing any digit, 0 through 9, on the
numeric keypad brings up the selected terminator menu. If a threshold
is active, press

Threshold On Off until Off is underlined to turn the

threshold display off. The threshold value affects peak searching even
when the Threshold function is set to Off. The Threshold function is
also activated by the Pk Threshold function in the

Search menu. Key

Access:

Display

Title accesses the following Title menu keys which allows you to execute,

change, or clear a title on your display. Key Access:

Display

Change Title allows you to write a 53-character title across the top of

the display. The marker readout may interfere with the
last 26 characters. The markers can be turned off by
pressing

Marker, Marker All Off. Pressing Change Title

accesses the softkey menus that contain the available
characters and symbols.

Chapter 4 77

Front-Panel Key Reference

Display

A programming command can be entered in the display
title area. It can then be executed from the front panel
by pressing

Display, Title, Execute Title.

The display title will remain until either Change Title is
pressed again, or a trace is recalled that was previously
saved with a title. A display title can also be cleared by
using the clear function. Press

Display, Title, Clear Title.

Key Access:

Display, Title

Clear Title allows you to clear a title from the front-panel display.

Key Access:

Display, Title

Execute Title executes a programming command which appears in

the display title area of the spectrum analyzer. The

Change Title function can be used to print programming

commands in the title area of the display. The
commands can then be executed from the front panel of
the spectrum analyzer, without an external computer,
by pressing the

Execute Title softkey.

Key Access:

Display, Title

Preferences accesses a menu of the following display functions which allow you to

turn the graticule, annotation, time/date, and inverse video on or off.
Key Access:

Display

Graticule On Off turns the display graticule on and off.

Key Access:

Display, Preferences

Annotation On Off turns the screen annotation on or off, however,

softkey annotation will remain on the screen. The
screen annotation may not be required for prints or
during remote operation. Key Access:

Display,

Preferences

Contrast allows you to adjust the contrast of your spectrum analyzer display.

Key Access:

Display

Inverse Video On
Off

with On underlined, inverse video changes the display to have dark
annotation against a light background. The spectrum analyzer is
shipped from the factory with

Inverse Video Off, which displays light

annotation against a dark background. Key Access:

Display

78 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Enter

Enter

Pressing the Enter key terminates and enters into the spectrum
analyzer a numerical value that has been entered from the front panel
using the numeric keypad. (For most applications , it is better to use the
units menu keys.)

Chapter 4 79

Front-Panel Key Reference

Esc

Esc

The Esc (escape) key deactivates the active function and blanks the
active function text from the display. No data can be accidentally
entered using the knob, step keys, or numeric keypad.

Pressing

Esc will also abort a print (if one is in progress), clear input or

output overloads, and clear most error messages from the display.

80 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

File

File

File accesses the softkey menus used to load, save, and delete data from

spectrum analyzer memory.

Load accesses a softkey menu that allows you to load a saved spectrum

analyzer state (

State), select the trace in which trace data is to be loaded

(

Trace A B C) and load the trace data, load the current limit line tables

(

Limits), or load amplitude correction factors (Ampcor).

When loading limit line tables or amplitude-correction factors, press

Limits or Ampcor, enter the trace register number , and pressEnter. Valid

trace register numbers are 0 through the maximum register number.
The maximum register number is the number displayed during a save
or load operation. If a display title is present, it is loaded with the trace
data (but not with the limit line table or the amplitude-correction
factors). If the display title does not exceed 34 characters, the time and
date when the data was stored will also be displayed.

See “Using Instrument Features” in theHP ESA-L1500A Measurement
Guide for more information. Key Access:

File

Load Now loads a selected state, trace, limit line table, or

amplitude- correction factor. Key Access:

File, Load

Save accesses a softkey menu that allows you to store state data (State),

select the trace in which trace data is to be saved (

T race A B C) and sa ve

the trace data, save limit line tables (

Limits), and save

amplitude-correction factors (

Ampcor) in spectrum analyzer memory.

Saving state data saves the spectrum analyzer settings, but not the
trace data. Saving trace data saves both the trace data and the state
data.

States and traces are retained in spectrum analyzer memory even if the
instrument is turned off or

Preset is pressed.

See “Using Instrument Features” in theHP ESA-L1500A Measurement
Guide for more information. Key Access: File

New Filename accesses a softkey menu for selecting display title

characters for the naming of files.

New Filename does

not appear on the menu when

Internal Lock On Off is On.

Filenames are not case-sensitive. They can be up to
eight characters long. The extensions are assigned
automatically and indicate whether the file is a trace,
state, limit line or amplitude correction factor. The
filename cannot be identical to the name of another file,
and cannot contain spaces, commas, backslashes, or

Chapter 4 81

Front-Panel Key Reference

File

periods. Valid characters include letters of the
alphabet, numbers 0 through 9 and special characters
‘˜!@#$%ˆ&()-_{}’ only. Key Access:

File, Save

Save Now stores a selected state, trace, limit line table, or

amplitude-correction factor in spectrum analyzer
memory.

Save Now is not available when Internal Lock

On Off is On —it is replaced with (Locked).

Key Access:

File, Save

Delete accesses the delete softkey menu. Select State or Trace to clear an

instrument state or trace. Select

Limits to clear the current limit line

table, or

Ampcor to clear the current amplitude-correction factors table.

Key Access:

File

Delete Now allows you to delete a selected state, trace, limit line

table, or amplitude-correction factor from spectrum
analyzer memory. Key Access:

File, Delete

Erase Internal accesses a softkey menu to clear data from spectrum analyzer memory.

Selections include

All States, All Traces, All Limits, All Ampcor, or All

Memory. Key Access: File

Internal Lock On
Off

locks all the current internal state and trace registers against further
data storage, when On is underlined. Pressing

Preset sets Internal Lock

On Off to Off.

NOTE When Internal Lock On Off is set to On, none of the state registers can be

overwritten.
Key Access:

File

82 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Freq Count

Freq Count

Freq Count activates the Marker Normal function if there are no markers,

and then sets

Marker Count On Off to On.

Marker Count On
Off

turns on the marker counter when On is underlined. If no marker is
active before

Marker Count On Off is pressed, a marker is activated at the

center of the display. Press

Marker Count On Off (so that Off is

underlined), to turn the marker counter off. Press

Count Resln Auto Man

to change the marker counter resolution to an uncoupled value.
An (*) may appear in the upper right area of the display along with the

message Marker Count. The ratio of the resolution bandwidth to span
must be greater than 0.002 for the marker count function to work
properly. Marker Count Widen Res BW appears on the display if the
bandwidth to span ratio is less than 0.002. Widen RES BW indicates
that the resolution bandwidth must be increased.
Key Access:

Freq Count

Resolution Auto
Man

allows the resolution of the marker counter to be selected manually or
auto- coupled. The marker counter has a resolution range of 1 Hz to
100 kHz. The available resolution values are 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz,
1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 100 kHz. The resolution can be changed by using
the step keys or by entering the resolution using the numeric keypad or
knob. The marker counter resolution can be auto coupled to the span by
pressing

Resolution Auto Man so that Auto is underlined. The Resolution

Auto Man softkey function is not affected by pressing Auto Couple.

Key Access:

Freq Count

Chapter 4 83

Front-Panel Key Reference

Frequency

Frequency

Frequency activates the center frequency function, and accesses the

menu of frequency functions. The center frequency, or start and stop
frequency values appear below the graticule on the display.

Although the spectrum analyzer allows entry of frequencies greater
than the specified frequency range, using frequencies greater than the
frequency span of the spectrum analyzer is not recommended

NOTE When changing both the center frequency and the span, change the

frequency first since the span can be limited by the frequency value.

Center Freq activates the center-frequency function which allows you to select a

frequency to be centered on the display. Key Access:

Frequency

Start Freq sets the frequency at the left side of the graticule. The left and right

sides of the graticule correspond to the start and stop frequencies.
When these frequencies are activated, their values are displayed below
the graticule in place of center frequency and span.
Key Access:

Frequency

Stop Freq sets the frequency at the right side of the graticule. The left and right

sides of the graticule correspond to the start and stop frequencies.
When these frequencies are activated, their values are displayed below
the graticule in place of center frequency and span.
Key Access:

Frequency

CF Step Auto Man changes the step size for the center-frequency function. Once a step size

has been selected and the center frequency function is activated, the
step keys change center frequency by the step-size value. The step size
function is useful for finding harmonics and sidebands beyond the
spectrum analyzers current frequency span. When auto-coupled, the
center frequency step size is set to one graticule (10 percent of the
span). Key Access:

Frequency

Freq Offset allows the user to input a frequency offset value that is added to the

frequency readout, to account for frequency conversions external to the
spectrum analyzer. Offset entries are added to all frequency readouts
including marker, start frequency, and stop frequency. Entering an
offset does not affect the trace. Offsets are not added to the span.
Frequency offsets are entered using the numeric keypad.

When a frequency offset is entered, its value appears on the bottom of
the display (as opposed to reference level offsets, which appear on the
left side of the display). To eliminate an offset, press

Freq Offset, 0, and

Enter. Pressing Preset also sets the offset to zero. Key Access: Frequency

84 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Frequency

Signal Track On
Off

moves the signal that is nearest to the active marker to the center of
the display and keeps the signal there. Sig-Trk appears in the
upper-right corner of the display. An (*) may appear in the upper-right
corner of the display while the spectrum analyzer is verifying that it
has the correct signal.

Pressing

Signal Track On Off, Preset, Marker Normal, or Marker All Off

turns off the signal track function.
When signal track is on and the span is reduced, an automatic zoom is

performed: the span is reduced in steps so that the signal remains at
the center of the display. If the span is zero, signal track cannot be
activated. Key Access:

Frequency

Chapter 4 85

Front-Panel Key Reference

Marker

Marker

Marker accesses the marker control keys which select the type and

number of markers and turn them on and off. Markers are
diamond-shaped characters that identify points of traces and allow the
traces to be manipulated and controlled on the display. Up to four
markers may appear on the display simultaneously; only one can be
controlled at a time. The marker that is controlled is called the “active”
marker. Pressing

Marker activates the Marker Normal softkey.

Marker Normal activates a single frequency marker at the center frequency on the

active trace if a marker is not already displayed. If a marker is
displayed before the

Marker Normal function is enabled, the marker is

enabled at the position of the currently selected marker. Use the data
controls to position the marker. Annotation in the active function block
and in the upper-right corner indicates the frequency and amplitude of
the marker. The marker stays on the trace at the horizontal screen
position where it was left unless

Signal Track On Off, or a “marker to”

softkey function (such as

Mkr → CF, Mkr → RL, Mkr → CF STEP, Mkr ∆ Span,

or

Min Search) is selected. Pressing Marker Normal turns off the

marker-delta function. Key Access:

Marker

Marker D activates a second marker at the position of the first marker. (If no

marker is present, two markers appear at the center of the display.) The
amplitude and frequency of the first marker is fixed, and the second
marker is under your control. Annotation in the active function block
and in the upper-right corner of the display indicates the frequency and
amplitude differences between the two markers. The delta marker
readout will be incorrect if the scale type is changed between log and
linear.

NOTE If there are already four markers when Marker ∆ is pressed, a nonactive

marker disappears, the active marker becomes a reference marker, and
the delta marker becomes the active marker. If marker noise is turned
on while using

Marker ∆ and the noise marker si placed on the noise

floor, the marker readout displays signal-to-noise.
Key Access:

Marker

Select Marker
1 2 3 4

selects one of the four possible markers. A marker can be turned on
once it is selected. A marker that has already been turned on will
become active when it is selected. If a marker has already been turned
on and assigned to a specific trace it will become active on that trace
and the

Marker Trace Auto A B C softkey will have the appropriate trace

letter underlined. Key Access:

Marker

86 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Marker

Marker # On Off turns the selected marker on or off. The marker which is currently

selected by the

Select Marker 1 2 3 4 key, will be turned on or off. When a

new marker is turned on by pressing

Marker # On Off, the Marker Trace

Auto A B C function always switches to Auto and the marker is put on

the trace that is selected by the Auto mode. Key Access:

Marker

Marker Noise On
Off

reads out the average noise level, referenced to a 1 Hz noise power
bandwidth. If no marker is present, a marker appears at the center of
the display. The root-mean-square noise level (the mean value of the
32 display points about the marker) normalized to a 1 Hz noise power
bandwidth, is read out. The sample detector is activated. If Marker
Noise is turned On while a Marker ∆ is selected, the signal-to-noise
level is measured. Key Access:

Marker

Mkr Readout accesses a menu which allows you a selection of specific marker

information. The selections include

Frequency, Period, Time, and Inver se

Time. Key Access: Marker

Marker All Off turns off all of the markers, including markers used for marker track

and demodulation. Marker annotation is also removed.
Key Access:

Marker

Marker Trace Auto
A B C

assigns a marker to a trace. Pressing Marker Trace Auto A B C will
activate a marker on trace A if there are no markers turned on. If a
marker is currently active, press

Marker T race Auto A B C until A, B, or C

are underlined. The active marker will be moved to the selected trace.
Selecting the

Auto mode will move the marker to the trace that is

automatically selected. The selection order is to first look for a trace in
the clear-write mode , in the order of trace A, then trace B, then trace C.
If no traces are currently being written, it will select a trace in the
view-store mode, again in the order of trace A, B, then C.
Key Access:

Marker, More

Chapter 4 87

Front-Panel Key Reference

Measure

Measure

Measure accesses softkey menus that edit limit line functions (Limits),

determine the N dB bandwidth of a signal (

N dB Points On Off),

determine % AM of a signal (

% AM On Off), and determine third-order

intercept (

TOI On Off).

Limits accesses the following Limits menu keys. Limit lines can be created by

the user to test trace data. A limit line is a test limit made up of a series
of line segments, positioned according to frequency and amplitude
within the measurement range of the spectrum analyzer. There can be
one upper limit line and one lower limit line which set maximum and
minimum test limits.

Limit Display Y N Auto

displays any portion of the limit lines that are currently
within the spectrum analyzer display boundary. If

Y

(yes) is underlined, the limit lines are displayed. If N
(no) is underlined, they are not displayed. If Auto is
underlined, the display of the limit lines is dependent
on

Limit Test On Off. The limit lines will be displayed

while the limit test function is turned on, otherwise
they will be turned off. Key Access:

Measure, Limits

Limit Test On Off turns the limit line testing and (if Limit Display Auto is

selected) the display of the limit lines on and off. When
limit line testing is enabled, every measurement sweep
of trace A is compared to the limit lines. If trace A is at
or within the bounds of the limit lines, LIMIT PASS is
displayed. If trace A is out of the limit line boundaries,
LIMIT FAIL is displayed. Key Access:

Measure, Limits

X Axis Units Freq
Time selects whether limit lines will be entered using

frequency or sweep time to define the segments. They
can be specified as a table of limit line segments of
amplitude versus frequency, or of amplitude versus
time. Time values are evaluated with respect to the
spectrum analyzer sweep time. A time value of zero
corresponds to the start of the sweep, which is at the
left edge of the graticule.

Switching the limit line definition between frequency
and time will erase the current limit line table. The
message If you are sure, press key again to
purge data will appear. Press

X Axis Units Freq Time

again to purge the limit line table and switch between
frequency and time. Key Access:

Measure, Limits

88 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Measure

Limits Fixed Rel allows you to choose fixed or relative limit lines. The

fixed (

Fixed) type uses the current limit line as a

reference with fixed frequency and amplitude values.
The relative (

Rel) setting causes the current limit line

value to be relative to the displayed center frequency
and reference-level amplitude values. When limit lines
are specified with time, rather than frequency, the

Rel

setting only affects the amplitude values. The current
amplitude values will be relative to the displayed
reference- level amplitude, but the time values will
always start at the left edge of the graticule.

As an example, assume you have a frequency limit line.
If the limit line is specified as fixed, entering a limit
line segment with a frequency coordinate of 300 MHz
displays the limit line segment at 300 MHz. If the same
limit line table is specified as relative, it is displayed
relative to the spectrum analyzer center frequency and
reference level. If the center frequency is at 1.0 GHz, a
relative limit line segment with a frequency coordinate
of 300 MHz will display the limit line segment at 1.3
GHz. If the amplitude component of the relative limit
line segment is –10 dB, then −10 dB is added to the
reference level value to obtain the amplitude of the
given component (reference level offset included).

A limit line entered as fixed may be changed to relative,
and one entered as relative may be changed to fixed.
When changing between fixed and relative limit lines,
the frequency and amplitude values in the limit line
table change so that the limit line remains in the same
position for the current frequency and amplitude
settings of the spectrum analyzer. If a time and
amplitude limit line is used, the amplitude values
change but the time values remain the same.
Key Access:

Measure, Limits

Edit Limits allows you to edit the current limit line tables by

accessing the

Select Line Upper Lower, and Edit Line

keys. Use Delete Limits in the Limits menu to dispose of
the current limit line table. Key Access:

Measure, Limits

Select Line Upper Lower selects upper or lower limit line

tables.
With Lower selected on the Select Line Upper Lower

softkey, Edit Line allows you to view or edit the lower
limit line table. Up to 30 entries are allowed for the
lower limit line table. With the lower limit line table
format, the coordinates for the lower limit line are
specified, but none are specified for the upper limit line.

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Measure

Even if upper limit line values exist, the lower limit
line values are treated as a separate table from the
upper limit line values. The lower limit line entries can
have independent frequency (or time) and amplitude
coordinates from upper limit line table entries.

With Upper selected on the

Select Line Upper Lower

softkey, Edit Line allows you to view or edit the upper
limit line table. Up to 30 entries are allowed for the
upper limit line table. With the upper limit line table
format, the coordinates of the upper limit line are
specified, but none are specified for the lower limit line.
Even if lower limit line values exist, the upper limit
line values are treated as a separate table from the
lower limit line values. The upper limit line entries can
have independent frequency (or time) and amplitude
coordinates from lower limit line table entries. Key
Access:

Measure, Limits

Edit Line accesses the following Edit Line menu keys:
Segment

allows you to create or edit a limit line segment. Limit
lines are created by entering frequency (time) and
amplitude values into a limit line table. The frequency
(time) and amplitude values specify a coordinate point
from which a limit line segment is drawn. The
coordinate point is the lowest frequency or time point of
the line segment. Limit lines are constructed from left
to right. To select a segment, press

Segment, enter the

segment number you wish to specify, then press a units
key.

Up to 30 segments can be specified per limit line table.
Key Access:

Measure, Limits, Edit Limits, Edit Line

Frequency

(appears in menu when the X Axis Units Freq Time key
has

Freq underlined) allows you to enter a frequency

value into a limit line table. Key Access:

Measure,

Limits, Edit Limits, Edit Line
Time

(appears in menu when the X Axis Units Freq Time key
has

Time underlined) allows you to enter a time value

into a limit line table. Key Access:

Measure, Limits,

Edit Limits, Edit Line

90 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Measure

Amplitude

allows you to enter an amplitude value into a limit line
table. Key Access:

Measure, Limits, Edit Limits, Edit Line

Type

accesses the following Type menu keys used to select a
type of limit line:

Slope The slope key draws a straight line between the

coordinate point of the current segment and the
coordinate point of the next segment, producing limit
line values for all frequencies between the two points.
Key Access:

Measure, Limits, Edit Limits, Edit Line, Type

Flat The flat key draws a zero-slope line between the

coordinate point of the current segment and the
coordinate point of the next segment, producing limit
line values equal in amplitude for all frequencies
between the two points. If the amplitude values of the
two segments differ, the limit line “steps” to the
frequency value of the second segment. Key Access:

Measure, Limits, Edit Limits, Edit Line, Type
Point The point key specifies a limit value for the

coordinate point. It specifies a limit at a single
frequency or time, and for no other frequency/time
points. For an upper limit line, a point segment is
indicated by a line drawn from the coordinate point,
vertically off the top of the screen. For a lower limit
line, a point segment is indicated by a line drawn from
the coordinate point vertically off the bottom of the
screen. The line will continue to the right edge of the
display, but testing stops at the defined point.

The point segment type should be used as the last
segment in the limit line table. However, if the last
segment in the table is not specified, an implicit point is
automatically used. If a point segment at the right edge
of the display is not desired, add a last-point segment to
the limit line table that is higher in frequency than the
displayed stop frequency. Key Access:

Measure, Limits,

Edit Limits, Edit Line, Type
Del Segment

deletes the limit line entry for the selected segment
number. Front-Panel Key Access:

Measure, Limits,

Edit Limits, Edit Line

Delete Limits allows you to purge data from the limit line tables. Key

Access:

Measure, Limits

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Measure

N dB Points On Off automatically places two markers at points N dB from the highest point

on the highest displayed signal, and determines the frequency
difference between the two markers. N dB is the active function and the
value of N is set by the user . The measurement defaults to -3 dB when it
is first turned on. The measurement runs continuously, re-executing at
the end of each sweep.

No other signal can appear on the display within N dB of the highest
signal. The measured signal cannot have more than one peak that is
greater than or equal to N dB. A signal must be greater than the peak
excursion above the threshold to be identified. The setting for peak
excursion may be increased from the 6 dB default value so that noise
will not be identified as signals. Increasing the value too much may
cause a smaller signal to be missed or misinterpreted as part of a larger
signal. The amplitude scale may be either linear or logarithmic.
Key Access:

Measure

% AM On Off determines the percent of amplitude modulation of the largest

displayed signal and its two sidebands. The sidebands are assumed to
be entirely from amplitude modulation. If there are differences in the
sideband amplitude, the larger value is used. The measurement runs
continuously, re-executing at the end of each sweep.

The three signals that make up the AM signal, must all be displayed.
The frequency spacing of the sideband signals must be the same within
the span accuracy of the measurement. All of the signals must be
greater than the peak excursion above the threshold. The amplitude
scale may be either linear or logarithmic. Key Access:

Measure

TOI On Off finds the third-order intercept of the two highest amplitude signals and

the two associated distortion products. The measurement compensates
for unequal test signal amplitude. The measurement runs continuously,
re-executing at the end of each sweep. The units for the displayed value
can be selected by pressing the

Amptd Units softkey. The two test signals

and the two associated distortion products must all be displayed for the
measurement to function. The relative amplitudes and frequencies of
the displayed signals must fit the TOI pattern. All of the signals must
be greater than the peak excursion above the threshold.
Key Access:

Measure

92 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

More

More

The More key is used to move between successive pages in multi-page
menus. When the

More key is active, a designation appears in the more

field on the screen (such as 1 of 3), to show that there are more menu
pages available.

Chapter 4 93

Front-Panel Key Reference

Peak Search

Peak Search

Peak Search immediately places the currently selected marker on the

signal having the highest peak on the display. If no marker is active, a
marker is created and placed on the highest peak.

Peak Search is an immediate execution key. Pressing Peak Search does

not change the key menu activated on the display. A peak search may
be performed while in any key menu.

94 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Preset

Preset

Preset provides a convenient starting point for making most

measurements. Pressing

Preset displays menu keys used for accessing

the operating modes available for your spectrum analyzer. See the
following Preset Conditions Table, for the conditions established by
pressing

Preset.

The instrument preset function performs a processor test, but does not
affect alignment data. Pressing Preset clears both the input and output
buffers, but does not clear trace B. The amplitude values of trace C are
set to the reference level. Amplitude-correction factors are turned off.
Limit line testing is turned off, but the limit line tables remain in
spectrum analyzer memory. The status byte is set to 0.

NOTE Turning the spectrum analyzer on performs an instrument preset.

Turning on the spectrum analyzer also fetches alignment data;
completes a processor test; clears trace B, trace C, and both the input
and output buffers; turns off amplitude-correction factors; turns off
limit line testing; and sets the status byte to 0. The last state of the
spectrum analyzer (before it was switched off) is recalled when

Power

On IP Last is set so that Last is underlined.

Table 4-1 Preset Conditions

Amplitude correction
factors

off

Amplitude units default values
Annotation and

graticule display

on

Attenuation 10 dB (auto-coupled)
Center frequency 750 MHz
CF step size 10% of span
Coupled functions all set to AUTO
Detector positive peak
Display line level 2.5 divisions below reference level, display off
Frequency offset 0 Hz
Limit line testing off
Log scale 10 dB/division
Marker counter off

Chapter 4 95

Front-Panel Key Reference

Preset

Marker counter
resolution

auto-coupled

Markers off
Mixer level –10 dBm
Reference level 0 dBm in power-on units
Reference level offset 0 dB
Reference level

position

top (10th) graticule

Resolution bandwidth 3 MHz (auto-coupled)
Span 1.5 GHz
SRQ mask octal 50
Start Frequency 0 Hz
Stop Frequency 1.5 GHz
State registers unaffected
Sweep continuous
Sweep Time 5 ms
Threshold level one graticule above baseline, display off
Title cleared
Trace A clear-write
Trace B store-blank
Trace C store-blank, at reference level
Trace registers unaffected
Trigger free run
VBW/RBW ratio 0.3
Video averaging off
Video bandwidth 1 MHz (auto-coupled)

96 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Print

Print

Option A4H (HP-IB and Parallel) and 1AX (RS-232 and Parallel) only.

Print initiates an output of the display data, without an external

controller, to a previously specified graphics printer. Refer to Chapter 1
of this manual or the HP ESA-L1500A Spectrum Analyzer
Programmer’s Guide for detailed information about printing.

Press the

Print key to immediately print the screen to the

currently-defined printer . The screen remains frozen (no further sweeps
are taken) until the data transfer to the printer is complete. Press

System, Printer to access menu keys to redefine the print device and

port. Refer to the

System key description in this chapter for more

information about the structure and definitions of the printer and port
keys.

If you need to abort a print in progress, use the

Esc (escape) key.

NOTE Printing requires an optional interface. Generally, spectrum analyzers

printing to a printer with an HP-IB interface set the printer address to

1. Spectrum analyzers using the RS-232 interface to print, must have
the baud rate set to match the baud rate of the printer being used. The
HP ESA-L1500A Spectrum Analyzer Programmer’s Guide, included
with the optional interfaces, details the different interfaces. Refer to
Chapter 1 for more information about printing.

Chapter 4 97

Front-Panel Key Reference

Search

Search

The Search key accesses the following marker and search function
menu keys.

Max Pk → CF places a marker on the highest peak, and then changes the spectrum

analyzer settings so that the peak is placed at the center frequency.
Key Access:

Search

Mkr → CF changes the spectrum analyzer settings so that the frequency of the

marker becomes the center frequency. Key Access:

Search

Mkr → Ref Lvl changes the spectrum analyzer settings so that the amplitude of the

active marker becomes the reference level. Key Access:

Search

Next Peak places the marker on the next highest peak. The signal peak must

exceed the peak threshold value. If there is no peak, the marker will not
move. (Also see the

Peak Excursn and Pk Threshold key descriptions.)

Key Access:

Search

Next Pk Right moves the marker to the next peak to the right of the current marker.

The signal peak must exceed the peak threshold value. If there is no
peak to the right, the marker will not move. (Also see the

Peak Excursn

and Pk Threshold key descriptions.) Key Access: Search

Next Pk Left moves the marker to the next peak to the left of the current marker.

The signal peak must exceed the peak threshold value. If there is no
peak to the left, the marker will not move. (Also see the

Peak Excursn

and Pk Threshold key descriptions.) Key Access: Search

Peak Excursn sets the minimum amplitude variation of signals that the marker can

identify as a peak. If a value of 10 dB is selected, the marker moves only
to peaks that rise and fall more than 10 dB above the peak threshold
value. Pressing

Preset or turning on power resets the excursion to 6 dB,

and the threshold to 90 dB below the reference level.

NOTE Two signal peaks, which are so close together that the amplitude drop

between them is less than the peak-excursion value, are not recognized
as two peaks. A signal peak is recognized only if it has a peak excursion
drop above the noise floor, on both sides of the signal.

When the peak excursion value is 6 dB or higher, the marker-peaking
functions may not recognize signals less than 6 dB above the noise floor.
To correct this, when measuring signals near the noise floor, the
excursion value can be reduced even further. To prevent the marker

98 Chapter 4

Front-Panel Key Reference

Search

from identifying noise as signals, reduce the noise floor variance to a
value less than the peak-excursion value by reducing the video
bandwidth or by using video averaging. Key Access:

Search

Pk Threshold sets a lower boundary to the active trace. The threshold line “clips”

signals that appear below the line when this function is on. The
boundary is defined in amplitude units that correspond to its vertical
position when compared to the reference level. In other words, if the
reference level is -10 dBm, and the threshold is set to −75 dBm, the
threshold will remain 65 dB below the reference level as the reference
level is changed.

The value of the threshold appears in the active-function block and on
the lower- left side of the display. The threshold level does not influence
the trace memory or marker position. The peaks found by the markers
must be at least the peak- excursion value above the threshold level.
The value of the threshold level can be changed using the step keys, the
knob, or the numeric keypad. Pressing any digit, 0 through 9, on the
numeric keypad brings up the selected terminator menu. The threshold
value affects peak searching functions (except for

Peak Search) even

when the

Pk Threshold function is set to On. Key Access: Search, More

Pk-Pk Search finds and displays the frequency and amplitude differences between the

highest and lowest trace points. Pressing

Pk-Pk Search performs the

routine similar to pressing the following keys:

Peak Search, Mkr ∆, and

Mkr → Min. Key Access: Search, More

Min Search moves the active marker to the minimum detected amplitude value.

Key Access:

Search, More

Mkr → Start changes the start frequency so that it is equal to the frequency of the

active marker. This moves the active marker to the left edge of the
display. Key Access:

Search, More

Mkr → Stop changes the stop frequency so that it is equal to the frequency of the

active marker. This moves the active marker to the right edge of the
display. Key Access:

Search, More

Mkr → CF Step changes the center-frequency step size to match the value of the active

marker. Press

Frequency then CF Step Auto Man to view the step size. If

marker delta is active, the step size will be set to the frequency
difference between the markers. Key Access:

Search, More

Mkr ∆→ Span sets the start and stop frequencies to the values of the delta markers.

The start and stop frequencies will not be set if the delta marker is off.
Key Access:

Search, More

Chapter 4 99

Front-Panel Key Reference

Single Sweep

Single Sweep

Single Sweep changes the sweep control to single sweep if the spectrum

analyzer is in the continuous sweep mode, and executes a sweep after
the trigger condition is met. If the analyzer is already in single sweep,
pressing

Single Sweep re- executes a new sweep after the trigger

condition is met.