The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Keysight Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but
not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Keysight Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Manual Part Number
N9021-90004
Edition
Edition 1, January 2021
Printed in USA/Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
a.To ensure that these newly installed options are functioning properly, the procedure that follows includes the
requirement of performing certain adjustments and performance verification tests. However, the completion of
these tests does not guarantee that the instrument meets all advertised specifications.
1.5 Hours
1.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
a
a
Software and test equipment is required for making adjustments and for performance verification
testing.
Information on how to obtain this software can be found at:
www.keysight.com/find/calibrationsoftware
While Keysight does recommend that a full calibration be performed after the installation of this
upgrade, the end user must ultimately determine whether they want this service or not. If a full
calibration is required, arrangements regarding the level of calibration must be made between the
end user and the calibration provider.
Introduction
This kit includes parts to upgrade a N9021B MXA signal analyzer to add Option EXM, External
Mixing. This kit includes parts to upgrade a MXA regardless of frequency range option installed.
In addition to installing the hardware to support Option EXM, a license for the following option will
also be installed:
— N9021B-EXM, External Mixing
Installation Note N9021-900043
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Installation Kit Parts List
QuantityDescriptionKeysight Part Number
1Adapter- Coaxial Straight Female-SMA to Female-SMA, 50W1250-1666
1Cable Assembly, External Mixing, Front Panel (W29)N9020-20166
1Cable Assembly, mmW Front End to W29 (W17) (for use in millimeter wave
analyzers)
1Cable Assembly, Coaxial 275 mm LG (W30) (for use in millimeter wave
analyzers)
1Label, WarningN9030-80018
14Screw, M3 x 0.5, (6 mm long), flat head 0515-1946
5Cable Ties1400-0249
1Entitlement Certificate5964-5178
1Entitlement Certificate Envelope5967-7169
1Installation NoteThis note
a.This cable is included in the Opt EXM Cable Kit with Wire Markers, p/n N9021-60006.
N9020-20167
8121-2025
labeled ‘903’ and ‘13’
a
with ends
4Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Tools Required
— T-10 TORX Driver
— T-20 TORX Driver
— 5/16-inch torque wrench
— ¼-inch open-end wrench
—Diagonal cutters
— Keysight Calibration and Adjustment Software, N7814A (revision E.25.00 or later)
— Test equipment and computer supported by the X- Series Performance Tests and Adjustment
Software
— N9021B MXA Signal Analyzer Service Guide, N9021-90002.
— Microsoft Windows based personal computer with internet access and USB port
— USB storage device with > 4 GB free memory
Initial Instrument Functionality Check
Power on the instrument and allow the instrument to boot up. Run an alignment and display the
measurement screen. (The instrument will probably display a spectrum analyzer screen and you will
see the instrument sweeping.)
There should be no alignment failures. If there are failures, investigate and fix the problem before
continuing.
Before you disassemble the instrument, turn the power switch to Standby. After the instrument
has completely shut down, unplug the instrument. Failure to unplug the instrument can result in
personal injury.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. All work on
electronic assemblies should be performed at a static-safe workstation. Refer to the
documentation that pertains to your instrument for information about static-safe workstations
and ordering static-safe accessories.
Installation Note N9021-900045
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Analyzer Disassembly
If the instrument is placed on its face during any of the following procedures, be sure to use a soft
surface or soft cloth to avoid damage to the front panel, keys, or input connector.
Make sure any adapters on the front panel are removed.
1. Disconnect the instrument from ac power.
2. Refer to Figure 1. Using the T-20 driver, remove the 4 screws (1) (two on each side) that
attach the handle strap (2) on each side of the instrument.
3. Remove the four key locks from the instrument four bottom feet.
4. Remove the four instrument bottom feet (6).
5. Using the T-20 driver, remove the four screws (including washers) (3) that hold the rear feet
(4) in place.
6. Pull the instrument cover (5) off towards the rear of the instrument.
Figure 1 Instrument Outer Case Removal
6Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Top Brace Removal
Refer to Figure 2. To remove the top brace (1), use the T-10 driver to remove the twelve screws (3)
(0515-0372) attaching the top brace to the chassis. Remove the wire hold down 1 (as shown in
Figure 3). Remove and discard the 14 screws (15 screws with Option B5X) (4) (0515-1946)
attaching the top brace to the boards.
Figure 2 Top Brace Removal
Installation Note N9021-900047
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Figure 3 Wire Hold Downs
8Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Front Frame Assembly Removal
Make sure any connectors on the front panel are removed.
1. Refer to Figure 4. Using the T-10 driver, remove the eight screws (1) (0515-1035), four on
each side, to detach the Front Frame Assembly from the chassis.
2. Refer to Figure 5. Pull the Front Frame Assembly carefully away from the chassis. Remove the
ribbon cable W1 from the motherboard. The cable has locking tabs on each side, pinch and
pull to release.
W1 may have locking springs on each side. Depress the spring on each side of the connector to
remove from the motherboard.
Figure 4 Front Frame Removal
Installation Note N9021-900049
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Figure 5 Front Panel Cable
10Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Add Cables to A13 Front End and A15 Front End Controller, Millimeter Wave
N9021B MXAs
This procedure only applies to millimeter wave N9021B MXAs (frequency range options 532, 544,
and 550).
1. Locate the flexible coax assembly in the Opt EXM Cable Kit with Markers. This is cable W30
and should be labeled “8121-2025” and have the ends labeled “903” and “13”
2. Connect the end of W30 that is labeled “903” to A15J903.
3. Connect the end of W30 that is labeled “13” to A13A1J13. J13 is one of the connectors along
the top side of A13. Torque the cable nut to 10 inch-pounds.
4. Remove the SMA termination on A13A1J8. A13A1J8 is to the left of A13A1J13.
5. Locate semi-rigid coax cable, part number N9020-20167, in the upgrade kit. This is W17.
Connect the end with the SMA male connector A13A1J8, with the SMA female connector
pointing towards where the front panel would be. The long, straight section of W17 should be
parallel to the casting of the A13 Front End and level. Refer to Figure 6. Note that W29 is
routed below W17. Torque the cable nut to 10 inch-pounds.
Figure 6 Orientation of W17 in a Millimeter Wave N9021B MXA
Installation Note N9021-9000411
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Add EXT MIXER Connector and Cable to Front Frame Assembly
1. Locate the SMA female to SMA female connector (1250-1666), ¼” lockwasher (2190-0067),
and ¼” hex nut (2950-0223) in the kit. If the SMA connector includes hardware, discard that
hardware and use the 2190-0067 lockwasher and 2950-0223 hex nut included in this kit.
2. Remove the hole-plug in the top-most hole in the upper right corner of the front frame
assembly. This hole will be labeled “EXT MIXER”.
3. Insert the SMA female to SMA female connector in the hole in the front frame assembly from
the front of the assembly. The hex feature on the connector should engage with the recess in
the front frame assembly. Refer to Figure 7. Secure the connector using the ¼” lockwasher
and ¼” hex nut from the rear. Torque to 21 inch-pounds.
Figure 7 Attaching SMA Female Connector
4. Locate the External Mixing, Front Panel semi-rigid coax assembly in the kit, part number
N9020-20166. This is W29. Note that this cable is symmetrical; either end can be connected to
the front-panel connector.
5. Connect one end of W29 to the SMA female connector as shown in Figure 8.
6. Orient W29 so that the cable slopes upward from the Ext Mixer connector at a 15 degree
angle. The top of the connector should be approximately level with the top of the shield over
the Front Panel Interface board. Refer to Figure 9. Torque the cable nut on the Ext Mixer
connector to 10 inch-pounds.
12Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Figure 8 Connecting W29 to Ext Mixer Connector
Figure 9 Proper Orientation of W29
Installation Note N9021-9000413
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Front Frame Replacement
1. Refer to Figure 10. Reattach the ribbon cable W1. Ensure the locking tabs are engaged.
2. Refer to Figure 11. Carefully position the Front Frame Assembly onto the chassis. Ensure no
cables are crushed. Replace the eight screws (1) (0515-1035), four on each side of the
chassis. Torque to 9 inch pounds.
Figure 10 Front Panel Cable
14Installation Note N9021-90004
Figure 11 Front Frame Replacement
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
3. Refer to Figure 12. When the front panel is installed, cables W17 and W29 typically do not
align. This is OK since the cables are flexible.
4. Refer to Figure 13. Align and connect cables W17 and W29. Hand-tighten the nut.
Figure 12 W17 and W29 Before Alignment
Installation Note N9021-9000415
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Figure 13 W17 and W29 Properly Aligned
5. Refer to Figure 14. Use a ¼” open-end wrench to prevent the SMA female connector on W17
from twisting. Use a 5/16” torque wrench to torque the nut on W29 to 10 inch-pounds.
Figure 14 Torque Cable W29 onto W17
16Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Top Brace Replacement
1. Refer to Figure 15. To replace the top brace, place the brace in the correct position and attach
to the chassis using the flathead screws (3) (0515-0372). Attach the top brace to the boards
using the 14 screws (15 screws with Option B5X) (4) (0515-1946) included in the kit.
2. Refer to Figure 16. Reinstall wire hold down 1.
3. Torque all screws to 9 inch-pounds.
Figure 15 Top Brace Replacement
Installation Note N9021-9000417
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Figure 16 Wire Hold Downs
4. In the upgrade kit, locate the Warning Label, N9030-80018.
5. Refer to Figure 17. Attach the Warning Label to the top brace as shown.
Figure 17 Add Warning Label to Top Brace
18Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Final Assembly
1. Refer to Figure 18. Slide the instrument cover back onto the deck from the rear. The seam on
the cover should be on the bottom. Be sure the cover seats into the gasket groove in the Front
Frame Assembly.
2. Replace the four rear feet to the rear of the instrument. Torque the rear feet screws
(0515-1619 and 3050-0893 washers) to 21 inch pounds.
3. Replace the bottom feet by sliding into place until they snap in. Install the locks by pressing in
flat.
4. Replace the handle straps on both sides of the instrument. Torque the handle strap screws to
21 inch pounds.
5. Locate the 50 ohm SMA termination in the kit, part number 1810-0118. Attach the SMA
termination to the front panel EXT MIXER connector.
Figure 18 Instrument Outer Cover Replacement
Installation Note N9021-9000419
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Licensing the New Option
Installation Procedure over USB
1. Locate the Option Upgrade Entitlement Certificate (5964-5178) from the kit.
2. Redeem the Option Upgrade Entitlement Certificate by following the instructions on the
Certificate.
3. After redeeming your Option Upgrade Entitlement Certificate you will receive an email with an
attached License File.
4. Locate a USB storage device. Perform a virus scan on this device before use.
5. Save the License File to the root directory of the USB Storage Device.
6. Connect the USB Storage Device to one of the analyzer’s USB ports. Connect a mouse to
another USB port. Windows will detect the new hardware and may display the configuration
menu shown in Figure 19. This menu may be configured according to your preferences.
Figure 19 USB Storage Device Configuration Menu
7. The analyzer will automatically consume the License File (this may take a few minutes). When
the License File is consumed the Keysight License Manager will display a “Successful License
Installation” message similar to the one shown in Figure 20.
20Installation Note N9021-90004
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Figure 20 Successful License Installation
Alternate Installation Procedure
The License File can be manually installed over USB or LAN by placing the license file in the
following analyzer folder: C:\Program Files\Agilent\licensing.
Verify the License Installation
1. Before the licenses will be recognized, the XSA application must be restarted. Press File, Exit.
An Exit Analyzer dialog box will appear; press Enter to confirm the exit.
2. Double-click on the LaunchXSA icon on the Windows desktop. Wait for the XSA application to
finish starting (the analyzer should be sweeping).
3. Press System, ShowSystem on the analyzer to display a list of all displayed options. You
should see the following option listed:
— N9021B-EXM External Mixing
Verify Optional Functionality
1. Press MODE/MEAS, Spectrum Analyzer, Swept SA, OK.
2. Press Input/Output and tap Select Input.
3. Verify that there is a selection for “External Mixer” below the “RF Input” selection.
Installation Note N9021-9000421
Option EXM, External Mixing Upgrade Kit
Utilities, Adjustments, and Performance Verification Tests
Calibration Software and specified test equipment is required to perform the adjustments, and can
be used to automate the performance verification testing. Information on how to obtain this
software can be found at:
http://www.keysight.com/find/calibrationsoftware
Utilities Required
None
Adjustments Required
The following adjustments are the minimum set required to ensure that the newly installed
hardware is functioning properly
— IF Input Gain Adjustment
— LO Output Power Adjustment
Performance Testing Required
The following performance verification tests are the minimum set required to ensure that this newly
installed option is functioning properly.
— IF Input Gain Accuracy
— LO Output Power Accuracy
A full calibration is required to assure the instrument meets all specifications
The end user must ultimately determine whether they want a full calibration to be performed after
the installation of this upgrade or not. If a full calibration is required, arrangements regarding the
level of calibration must be made between the end user and the calibration provider.
For assistance, contact your nearest Keysight Technologies Sales and Service Office. To find your
local Keysight office access the following URL, or if in the United States, call the following
telephone number: