Quick Reference Guide
Agilent Technologies
8560 E-Series and EC-Series
Spectrum Analyzers
Manufacturing Part Number: 08560-90159
Printed in USA November 2000
© Copyright 1993 − 2000 Agilent Technologies
Notice.
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c
Copyright AgilentTechnologies 1993 - 2000
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Introduction
This Quick Reference Guide is a convenient reference for both manual and
automated measurements. It is provided for the experienced spectrum analyzer
user.
Chapter 1 gives an overview of front-panel keys and connectors, rear-panel
connectors, and display annotation.
Chapter 2 leads you through a simple measurement procedure.
Chapter 3 diagrams the front-panel key location menus.
Chapter 4 documents front-panel key and softkey functions.
Chapter 5 documents programming commands and information.
Chapter 6 documents the error messages.
Appendix A provides simplied blo ck diagrams of the instruments.
For additional instrument information, consult the:
Agilent Technologies 8560 E-Series and EC-Series Spectrum Analyzers User's
Guide
Agilent Technologies 8560 E-Series and EC-Series Spectrum Analyzers
Calibration Guide
iii
Contents
1. InstrumentOverview
The FrontPanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Display Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
2. Making a Basic Measurement
Reference Level Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
3. MenuTrees
4. FrontPanel Key Functions
Finding the FrontPanel Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Key Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
5. Programming Reference
Programming Commands (functional index) . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Key versus Programming Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Mass Memory Module Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Programming Commands (alphabetical index) . . . . . . . . 5-42
Notation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-88
Syntax Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-89
Secondary Key Word Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-90
6. Error Messages
A. Block Diagrams
Contents-1
Figures
1-1. 8560 E-Series and EC-Series FrontPanel . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1-2. Display Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1-3. 8560 E-Series Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
1-4. 8560 EC-Series Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
2-1. 300 MHz Center Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2-2. 20 MHz Frequency Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2-3. Activated Normal Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2-4.010 dBm Reference Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2-5. Peaked Signal to Reference Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Tables
1-1. Front-Panel Connector Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
4-1. FrontPanel Softkey Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4-2. Conversion-Loss Flatness Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
4-3. External Mixing Frequency Bands and Recommended
Harmonics (For Unpreselected External Mixers) . . . . . 4-25
5-1. FrontPanel Key Versus Command . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
5-2. Mass Memory Mo dule Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
6-1. Remote Operation Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6-2. Data and Other User-Generated Errors . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Contents-2
1
Instrument Overview
This chapter introduces the front-panel and rear-panel keys and connectors on
the 8560 E-Series and EC-Series sp ectrum analyzers. Complete descriptions
of each front-panel function are in Chapter 5 of the 8560 E-Series and 8560
EC-Series User's Guide.
Instrument Overview 1-1
The Front Panel
Figure 1-1. 8560 E-Series and EC-Series Front Panel
1. FREQUENCY, SPAN, and AMPLITUDE are the fundamental functions for
most measurements. The HOLD key freezes the active function and holds it
at a set value until a function key is pressed again. HOLD also blanks the
softkey menu and expands the graticule display horizontally to ll the full
CRT.
2. INSTRUMENT STATE functions generally aect the state of the entire
spectrum analyzer, not just the state of a single function.
3. MARKER functions read out frequencies and amplitudes along the
spectrum analyzer trace, let you make relative measurements, automatically
locate the signal of highest amplitude on a trace, and tune the analyzer to
track a signal automatically.
4. CONTROL functions allowyou to adjust the resolution and video
bandwidths, the sweep time, and the display, and let you vary other
functions that control spectrum analyzer measurement capabilities.
1-2 Instrument Overview
5. DATAkeys, STEP keys, and the knob allowyou to change the numeric
value of an active function. Use the data keys to enter an exact value or
to move quickly from one end of the frequency range to the other. The
step keys vary a value in predened increments or, for some functions, in
increments that you choose. The knob allows you to ne-tune most numeric
values.
6. The front-panel connectors include an RF input, an active-probe power,
a 300 MHz calibrator signal, a 310.7 MHz IF input (not available on the
8560E/EC ,Option 002), and a rst LO output. A short specication
summary of these connectors is outlined in Table 1-1.Avolume knob is
provided for making adjustments to the volume of the built-in speak
LINE button turns the sp ectrum analyzer on and o. The LED abo
LINE button indicates whether or not ac po
wer is applied to the spectrum
er. The
ve the
analyzer.
Caution
Do not exceed the maximum safe input lev
els. This can
damage the input attenuator and the input mixer. The
maximum input level to the 50 RF input is +30 dBm with a
minimum of 10 dB input attenuation.
The 8560E/EC, 8561E/EC, and 8562E/EC
dc coupled. When ac coupled, the maximum dc input v
is650 V. When dc coupled, the maximum dc input v
<
0.2 V. The default power-up mode is ac coupled, whichis
can be ac or
oltage
oltage
best for maximum protection.
The 8563E/EC, 8564E/EC, and 8565E/EC
are dc coupled
only. A maximum of 0.2 V dc should be input. Option 006,
which extends the frequency coverage down to 30 Hz, is
especially susceptible to damage from dc voltages.
Instrument Overview 1-3
Table 1-1. Front-Panel Connector Data
Connector Frequency Range Amplitude/
Voltage Limits
INPUT 50 8560E/EC
30 Hz | 2.9 GHz (dc coupled)
100 kHz | 2.9 GHz (ac coupled)
8561E/EC
30 Hz | 6.5 GHz (dc coupled)
100 kHz | 6.5 GHz (ac coupled)
8562E/EC
30 Hz | 13.2 GHz (dc coupled)
100 kHz | 13.2 GHz (ac coupled)
8563E/EC
9 kHz | 26.5 GHz (dc coupled)
+30 dBm Max
0.2 V dc Max (dc coupled)
50 V dc Max (ac coupled)
+30 dBm Max
0.2 V dc Max (dc coupled)
50 V dc Max (ac coupled)
+30 dBm Max
0.2 V dc Max (dc coupled)
50 V dc Max (ac coupled)
+30 dBm Max
0.2 V dc Max (dc coupled)
Option 006
30 Hz | 26.5 GHz (dc coupled)
8564E/EC
9 kHz | 40 GHz (dc coupled)
+30 dBm Max
0.2 V dc Max (dc coupled)
Option 006
30 Hz | 40 GHz (dc coupled)
8565E/EC
9 kHz | 50 GHz (dc coupled)
+30 dBm Max
0.2 V dc Max (dc coupled)
Option 006
30 Hz | 50 GHz (dc coupled)
PROBE
POWER
CAL OUTPUT 300 MHz
IF INPUT*
|| +15 V,012.6 V
(150 mA max)
0
10 dBm60.3 dB
310.7 MHz 0 V dc Max
(for use with
external mixers)
1ST LO
OUTPUT
RF OUT 50
z
3.00 GHz | 6.81 GHz +16.5 dBm62.0 dB
+14.5 dBm63.0 dB
300 kHz | 2.9 GHz
0
10 dBm to +1 dBm
* Not available with Option 002 or Option 327.
y
LO output of an 8560E/EC Option 002.
z
Available only with an 8560E/EC Option 002.
y
1-4 Instrument Overview
This page intentionally left blank.
Instrument Overview 1-5
Display Annotation
Figure 1-2. Display Annotation
1. Number of video averages.
2. Logarithmic or linear amplitude scale per division.
3. Marker amplitude and frequency.
4. Title area.
5. Data invalid indicator, displayed when analyzer settings are changed before
completion of a full sweep.
6. Menu title and softkey menu.
7. Error message area.
8. Frequency span or stop frequency.
1-6 Instrument Overview
9. Sweep time.
10. Indicator of uncoupled function for sweep time, resolution bandwidth,
video bandwidth, or input attenuation.
11. Video bandwidth.
12. Resolution bandwidth.
13. Center or start frequency.
14. Active special functions: these characters appear along the left edge of the
display. Press
4
DISPLAY
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
5
,
ANNOT HELP
to view this information.
A = IF adjust turned OFF
C = DC coupling selected (ac coupling is default)
D = Detector mo de set to sample, negative peak, or positive peak
E = SR sweep-time equations in use (refer to tracking generator menus)
F=Frequency oset is less than or greater than 0 Hz
G=Internal tracking generator is ON
K = Signal trackisON
M=Trace math is ON
N = Normalization is ON
R = Reference level oset is less than or greater than 0 dB
S = Single-sweep mode
T=Trigger mode set to line, video, or external
W = Amplitude correction (amp cor) is ON
X = 10 MHz reference is external
+ = External mixer bias is greater than 0 mA
0
= External mixer bias is less than 0 mA
15. Active function area.
16. Message area.
17. Marker indicator.
18. Indicator of reference-level position when in normalized mo de.
19. Reference level.
20. Input attenuator value (internal mixing) or conversion loss
(external mixing).
Instrument Overview 1-7
The Rear Panel
The functions available from the rear panels of the 8560 E-series and the 8560
EC-series are shown in Figure 1-3 and Figure 1-4; 8560 E-series and EC-series
instruments are functionally identical, except that 8560 EC-series instruments
oer a VGA port. Descriptions of these functions follow.
Figure 1-3. 8560 E-Series Rear Panel
1-8 Instrument Overview
Figure 1-4. 8560 EC-Series Rear Panel
Caution
To prevent damage to the instrument, be sure to set the
voltage selector to the appropriate value for your local
line-voltage output. (Item 9 in Figure 1-3.) For more
information, refer to the user's guide.
Instrument Overview 1-9
1. J4 provides a detected video signal proportional to the vertical deection
of the displayed trace. The output range is nominally 0 V to 1 V when
terminated in 50, and can be used when the displayisin10dBper
division or LINEAR mo de. For resolution bandwidth settings less than
300 Hz, a 4.8 kHz IF signal with a dc oset is present at J4. The video
output connector is deleted in Option 327.
2. J1 provides a 4 impedance earphone jack for 8560 E-series instruments.
3. J5 accepts a TTL signal as an external trigger, or as a trigger for gated
video. The input signal range is 0 V to 5 V (TTL). When the sp ectrum
analyzer is in the external trigger mode, the instrumentsweep triggers
on the rising or falling edge (as determined b
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
y
TRIG POL POS NEG
)of
the signal at about +1.5 V. When the sp ectrum analyzer is congured to
trigger in gated video mo de, the instrumentsweep trigger depends upon
the setting of
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
GATE CTL EDGE LVL
.
4. J6 provides either blanking output or gate output. The blanking output
is 0 V to 5 V (TTL) that is lo
The output is high (5 V) during retrace and when the instrumen
w (0 V) during spectrum analyzer sweeps.
tis
between bands in multiband sweeps. Use the blanking output for pen
lift when plotting with nondigital plotters. This output is also useful for
synchronizing instruments. When used as the gate output, it pro
vides a
TTL signal that indicates the status of the gate when the gate is in edge
trigger mode. A high TTL signal indicates the gate is on, while a lo
signal indicates the gate is o. The gate output is not active in lev
w TTL
el mode.
5. J2 is the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) connector.
6. J3 allows connection of option modules, such as the 85620A mass memory
module or the 85629B test and adjustment module (TAM). The 85629B
is not compatible with the 8564E/EC or 8565E/EC. The 562E/TAM
Interface Software is required when using the TAM with the 8562E
spectrum analyzer.
7. X POSN, Y POSN, and TRACE ALIGN on 8560 E-series instruments
allow you to align the spectrum analyzer display using a sp ecial pattern.
Refer to the softkey
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
CRT ADJ PATTERN
under the
4
5
menu, or consult
CAL
the user's guide. 8560 EC-series instruments are not adjustable.
1-10 Instrument Overview
8. J11 is either an alternate sweep output with Option 005, or an external
leveling input with an 8560E/EC Option 002 (built-in tracking generator).
9. The VOLTAGE SELECTION switchchanges the line voltage setting for
the appropriate lo cal voltage.
10. J10 is the output for the 310.7 MHz IF output. (Option 001)
11. J9 provides a 10 MHz, 0 dBm minimum, time-base reference signal. This
connector can be switched to an input, in order to connect an external
reference. An external reference must be 10 MHz at a minimum of 0 dBm.
To select the external reference mode, use the softkey
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
the
REAR PANEL
softkey menu under the
4
AUX CTRL
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
10 MHZ EXT INT
5
key.
in
12. J8 provides dierent selectable outputs: a 0 V to 10 V ramp corresponding
to the sweep ramp that tunes the lo cal oscillator, or a sw
eeping dc output
of 0.5 V/GHz (0.25 V/GHz is also available with the 8564E/EC and
8565E/EC). The output can be selected from the softkeys a
you press
4
AUX CTRL
5
and
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
REAR PANEL
. External tracking generators, such
as the 85640A, require the 0.5 V/GHz output for operation. When y
have selected preselected external mixers, the 0.5 V/GHz output pro
signal of approximately 1.5 V/GHz of LO frequency to con
vailable when
ou
vides a
trol the mixer.
13. The LINE input operates at nominally 115 V (47 Hz to 440 Hz) or at
nominally 230 V (47 Hz to 66 Hz).
14. J1 on 8560 EC-series instruments provides a VGA port. The VGA port is
always active and does not require user in
terface.
15. J7 provides a 4 impedance earphone jack for 8560 EC-series instruments.
Instrument Overview 1-11
2
Making a Basic Measurement
A basic measurementinvolves tuning the spectrum analyzer to place a signal
on the screen, then measuring the frequency and amplitude of the signal with a
marker.
We can measure an input signal in four simple steps:
1. Set the center
2. Set the frequency
3. Activate the
4. Set the
amplitude
frequency
marker
span
.
.
.
.
Making a Basic Measurement 2-1
As an example, we will measure the 300 MHz calibration signal. First, switch
on the spectrum analyzer (for maximum accuracy, if the analyzer has just
been powered up, allow for a 5-minute warmup). Connect the analyzer CAL
OUTPUT to the INPUT 50 on the front panel, and complete these steps:
1. Set the center frequency.
Press
4
FREQUENCY
by
CENTER
display. See Figure 2-1.To set the center frequency to 300 MHz, use the
keys in the DATA section of the front panel to enter 300 MHz. These data
keys allowyou to select the exact numeric value of the active function,
which, in this case, is the center frequency. The step keys and knob also
allowyou to select function values.
5
. This activates the center frequency function, indicated
appearing in the active function blo ck on the left side of the
Figure 2-1. 300 MHz Center Frequency
2-2 Making a Basic Measurement
2. Set the frequency span.
Press
4
5
. Note that
SPAN
identifying it as the current active function. To reduce the frequency
span|for example, to 20 MHz|either key in 20 MHz, or use the STEP
key to \step down" to this value. (Like data keys, step keys can also b e used
to change the numeric value of the active function.) The resulting display
is shown in Figure 2-2. Note that the resolution and video bandwidths
are coupled to the frequency span; they are automatically adjusted to
appropriate values for a given span. Sweep time is a coupled function also.
SPAN
is now displayed in the active function blo ck,
4+5
Figure 2-2. 20 MHz Frequency Span
Making a Basic Measurement 2-3
3. Activate the marker.
Press
4
5
, which is located in the MARKER section of the front panel.
MKR
This activates the normal marker and places it at the center of the trace
(in this case, at or near the peak of the signal). Use the knob to place the
marker at the peak of the signal. The marker reads both the frequency and
the amplitude, and displays these values in the active function block. In this
case, the marker reads
300.00 MHz
and010.00 dBm
, as shown in Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3. Activated Normal Marker
2-4 Making a Basic Measurement
4. Set the amplitude.
Generally, placing the signal peak at the reference level provides the best
measurement accuracy. When a marker is active, a fast method to ne-tune
the signal peak to the reference level is to use
located under the
to the marker amplitude value. See Figure 2-4. When no marker is active,
to adjust the signal peak to the reference level, press
in010 dBm, or use either the step keys or the knob. Using the knob is
the easiest way to ne-tune the signal peak to the reference level, whichis
located at the top of the graticule.
4
MKR
5
key. This function sets the reference level equal
!
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
MARKER
!
REF LVL
4
AMPLITUDE
5
, then key
, whichis
Figure 2-4.010 dBm Reference Level
Making a Basic Measurement 2-5
Reference Level Calibration
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
The reference-level calibration function,
REF LVL ADJ
, allows the spectrum
analyzer internal gain to be adjusted so that when the calibrator is connected
to the input, the reference level at top-screen equals the calibrator amplitude.
Use the instrument state from the previous example and follow the pro cedure
below to calibrate the reference level.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Turn the marker o by pressing
accesses a menu of calibration routines. The fth softkey function on this list is
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
REF LVL ADJ
. Press
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
REF LVL ADJ
spectrum analyzer, use the knob on the fron
4
5
,
MKR
MARKERS OFF
. Press
4
CAL
5
. This
to activate the function. To calibrate the
t panel to adjust the peak of the
signal to the reference level, as shown in Figure 2-5.
Note the number that appears in the active function blo c
the number0appears when the signal is adjusted. This n
k. In this example,
umber, which ranges
from0528 to +528 (033 to +33 for rmware revisions920528), is a relative
value indicating howmuch amplitude correction was required to calibrate the
spectrum analyzer. The number is usually around 0. If the amplitude is at
either end of the range, or if it cannot be adjusted to a v
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
consult the user's guide. To store the value, press
alue within this range,
STORE REF LVL
. When
entering or storing a value using the data keys, the entry must b e terminated
by pressing
4
ENTER
5
, which is located in the lower right-hand corner of the
spectrum analyzer.
2-6 Making a Basic Measurement
Reference Level Calibration
Figure 2-5. Peaked Signal to Reference Level
Recalibrating the reference level is usually necessary only when the am
temperature changes more than 10
C. Because the spectrum analyzer
bient
continually monitors and reduces any IF errors, executing the reference-level
calibration is seldom necessary.
Making a Basic Measurement 2-7
3
Menu Trees
This chapter illustrates the dierent softkey menus available when pressing the
front-panel keys.
Menu Trees 3-1
* Becomes
y
Available only with internal mixing.
z
Not available for an 8563E/EC, 8564E/EC, or 8565E/EC.
x
Available only when
k
Not available for an 8560E/EC.
3-2 Menu Trees
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NORM REF LVL
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NORMLIZE ON OFF
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
when
NORMLIZE ON OFF
is set to ON.
is set to ON.
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