Agilent Technologies 89410A Getting Started Guide
Agilent Technologies Part Number 89410-90092
Printed in U.S.A.
For instruments with firmware version A.08.00
Print Date: May 2000
© Agilent Technologies 1994,1995, 2000. All rights reserved.
8600 Soper Hill Road Everett, Washington 98205-1209 U.S.A.
ThissoftwareanddocumentationisbasedinpartontheFourth
Berkeley Software Distribution under license from The Regents of the
University of California. We acknowledge the following individuals and
institutions for their role in the development: The Regents of the
University of California.
The Agilent 89410A at a Glance
12
14
3
2
1
10
11
13
17
15
16
18
7
4
5
6
9
8
8
ii
Agilent 89410A Front Panel
1-A softkey’s function changes as different
menus are displayed. Its current function is
determined by the video label to its left, on the
analyzer’s screen.
2-The analyzer’s screen is divided into two
main areas. The menu area, a narrow column
at the screen’s right edge, displays softkey
labels. The data area, the remaining portion of
the screen, displays traces and other data.
3-The POWER switch turns the analyzer on
and off.
4-Use a 3.5 inch flexible disk (DS,HD) in this
disk drive to save your work.
5-The KEYBOARD connector allows you to
attach an optional keyboard to the analyzer.
The keyboard is most useful for writing and
editing HP Instrument BASIC programs.
6- The SOURCE connector routes the
analyzer’s source output to your DUT. Output
impedance is selectable: 50 ohms or 75 ohms.
7-The EXT TRIGGER connector lets you
provide an external trigger for the analyzer.
8-The PROBE POWER connectors provides
power for various HP active probes.
9-The CHANNEL 1 input connector routes
your test signal or DUT output to the analyzer’s
receiver. Input impedance is selectable: 50
ohms, 75 ohms, or 1 megohm.
10-Use the DISPLAY hardkeys and their
menus to select and manipulate trace data and
to select display options for that data.
11-Use the SYSTEM hardkeys and their
menus to control various system functions
(online help, plotting, presetting, and so on).
12-Use the MEASUREMENT hardkeys and
their menus to control the analyzer’s receiver
and source, and to specify other measurement
parameters.
13-The REMOTE OPERATION hardkey and
LED indicators allow you to set up and monitor
the activity of remote devices.
14-Use the MARKER hardkeys and their
menus to control marker positioning and
marker functions.
15-The knob’s primary purpose is to move a
marker along the trace. But you can also use it
to change values during numeric entry, move a
cursor during text entry, or select a hypertext
link in help topics
16-Use the Marker/Entry key to determine the
knob’s function. With the Marker indicator
illuminated the knob moves a marker along the
trace. With the Entry indicator illuminated the
knob changes numeric entry values.
17-Use the ENTRY hardkeys to change the
value of numeric parameters or to enter
numeric characters in text strings.
18-The optional CHANNEL 2 input connector
routes your test signal or DUT output to the
analyzer’s receiver. Input impedance is
selectable: 50 ohms, 75 ohms, or 1 megohm.
For ease of upgrading, the CHANNEL 2 BNC
connector is installed even if option AY7
(second input channel) is not installed.
For more details on the HP 89410A
front panel, display the online help
topic “Front Panel”. See the chapter
“Using Online Help” if you are not
familiar with using the online help
index.
iii
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iv
Saftey Summary
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with
specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies, Inc.
assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
GENERAL
This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth
terminal). The protective features of this product may be impaired if it is used in
a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
All Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) used in this product are Class 1 LEDs as per
IEC 60825-1.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This instrument is intended for indoor use in an installation category II,
pollution degree 2 environment. It is designed to operate at a maximum relative
humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. Refer to the
specifications tables for the ac mains voltage requirements and ambient
operating temperature range.
BEFORE APPLYING POWER
Verify that the product is set to match the available line voltage, the correct fuse
is installed, and all safety precautions are taken. Note the instrument’s external
markings described under Safety Symbols.
GROUND THE INSTRUMENT
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be connected
to an electrical protective earth ground. The instrument must be connected to
the ac power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire
firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet.
Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of
the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could
result in personal injury.
v
FUSES
Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal
blow, time delay, etc.) should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or
short-circuited fuse holders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
DO NOT REMOVE THE INSTRUMENT COVER
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component
replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified service
personnel.
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified
service personnel.
WARNING The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure,
practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Caution The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could
result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
vi
Safety Symbols
Warning, risk of electric shock
Caution, refer to accompanying documents
Alternating current
Both direct and alternating current
Earth (ground) terminal
Protective earth (ground) terminal
Frame or chassis terminal
Terminal is at earth potential.
Standby (supply). Units with this symbol are not completely disconnected from ac mains when
this switch is off
vii
Notation Conventions
Before you use this book, it is important to understand the types of keys on
the front panel of the analyzer and how they are denoted in this book.
Hardkeys Hardkeys are front-panel buttons whose functions are always the same.
Hardkeys have a label printed directly on the key. In this book, they are printed like this:
[
Hardkey
Softkeys Softkeys are keys whose functions change with the analyzer’s current menu
selection. A softkey’s function is indicated by a video label to the left of the key (at the
edge of the analyzer’s screen). In this book, softkeys are printed like this: [
Toggle Softkeys Some softkeys toggle through multiple settings for a parameter.
Toggle softkeys have a word highlighted (of a different color) in their label. Repeated
presses of a toggle softkey changes which word is highlighted with each press of the
softkey. In this book, toggle softkey presses are shown with the requested toggle state
in bold type as follows:
“Press [
Shift Functions In addition to their normal labels, keys with blue lettering also have a
shift function. This is similar to shift keys on an pocket calculator or the shift function
on a typewriter or computer keyboard. Using a shift function is a two-step process.
First, press the blue [
display). Then press the key with the shift function you want to enable.
Shift function are printed as two key presses, like this:
[
Shift][Shift Function
].
key name on
]”means“pressthesoftkey [
] key (at this point, the message “shift” appears on the
Shift
]
key name
].
softkey
] until the selection on is active.”
Numeric Entries Numeric values may be entered by using the numeric keys in the
lower right hand ENTRY area of the analyzer front panel. In this book values which are
to be entered from these keys are indicted only as numerals in the text, like this:
Press 50, [
Ghosted Softkeys A softkey label may be shown in the menu when it is inactive. This
occurs when a softkey function is not appropriate for a particular measurement or not
available with the current analyzer configuration. To show that a softkey function is not
available, the analyzer ‘’ghosts’’ the inactive softkey label. A ghosted softkey appears
less bright than a normal softkey. Settings/values may be changed while they are
inactive. If this occurs, the new settings are effective when the configuration changes
such that the softkey function becomes active.
viii
enter
]
In This Book
This book, “Agilent 89410A Getting Started Guide”, is designed to help
you become comfortable with the Agilent 89410A DC-10MHz Vector
Signal Analyzer. It provides step-by step examples of how to use this
analyzer to perform tasks which you have probably performed with other
analyzers. By performing these tasks you will become familiar with many
of the basic features—and how those features fit together to perform
actual measurements.
This book also contains a chapter to help you prepare the analyzer for
use, including instructions for inspecting and installing the
Agilent 89410A.
To Learn More About the Agilent 89410A
You may need to use other books in the Agilent 89410A manual set. See
the “Documentation Roadmap” at the end of this book to learn what each
book contains.
ix
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x
Table of Contents
1 Using Online Help
To learn about online help 1-2
To display help for hardkeys and softkeys 1-3
To display a related help topic 1-4
To select a topic from the help index 1-5
2 Making Simple Noise Measurements
To measure random noise 2-2
To measure band power 2-3
To measure signal to noise ratios 2-4
To measure adjacent-channel power 2-6
3 Using Gating to Characterize a Burst Signal
To Use Time Gating 3-2
4MeasuringRelativePhase
To measure the relative phase of an AM signal 4-2
To measure the relative phase of an PM signal 4-4
5 Characterizing a Filter
To set up a frequency response measurement 5-2
To use the absolute marker 5-4
To use the relative marker 5-5
To use the search marker 5-6
To display phase 5-7
To display coherence 5-8
xi
6 General Tasks
To set up peripherals. 6-2
To print or plot screen contents 6-3
To save data with an internal or RAM disk 6-4
To recall data with an internal or RAM disk 6-5
To format a disk 6-6
To create a math function 6-7
To use a math function 6-8
To display a summary of instrument parameters 6-9
Inspection and Installation
7 Preparing the Analyzer for Use
Preparing the Analyzer for Use 7-2
To do the incoming inspection 7-5
To install the analyzer 7-7
To change the line-voltage selector switch 7-8
To change the fuse 7-9
To connect the analyzer to a LAN 7-10
To connect the analyzer to a serial device 7-10
To connect the analyzer to a parallel device 7-11
To connect the analyzer to an HP-IB device 7-11
To connect the analyzer to an external monitor 7-12
To connect an external frequency reference 7-12
To connect the optional frequency reference 7-13
To connect the optional keyboard 7-14
To clean the screen 7-16
To store the analyzer 7-16
To transport the analyzer 7-17
If the analyzer will not power up 7-18
Index
Documentation Road Map
Need Assistance
xii
1
Using Online Help
You can learn about your analyzer from online help which is built right into the
instrument and is available to you any time you use the analyzer. This section
shows you how to use online help to learn about specific keys or topics. You can
use online help in conjunction with other documentation to learn about your
analyzer in depth, or you can refresh your memory for keys you seldom use.
You can use online help while working with your analyzer since online help does
not alter the analyzer setup.
1-1
Using Online Help
To learn about online help
1 Enter the online help system:
Press [
2 Display online help for the [
Press [
3 Use the knob or the up-arrow or down-arrow keys to move through the pages.
4 Quit online help:
Press [
or
Press [
Take a few moments to read the help overview. It’s only five pages long, and it
includes descriptions of advanced features like the index and cross-reference
“links” that can help you locate the information you need more quickly.
When you enter the help system it displays help on the last key you pressed. If
you have just turned on the analyzer online help for the [
].
Help
Help
] on the numeric keypad.
5
].
Help
] on the keypad.
0
] hardkey:
] key is displayed.
Help
This legend shows which
numeric keys access online
help features
When you quit help, the analyzer restores the display and menu that was
displayed before you enabled help. Using online help does not alter your
measurement setup.
1-2
Using Online Help
To display help for hardkeys and softkeys
This example displays topics related to triggering.
1 Enter the online help system:
Press [
2 Display help for a hardkey:
Press [
3 Use the knob or the up and down arrow keys to page through the topic.
4 Select a softkey topic:
Press [
5 Quit online help:
Press [
or
Press [
Pressing [
other key when help is enabled, the analyzer displays a help topic describing the
key’s function. For help on the preset state, select “Preset hardkey” from the
help index (you will learn how to do this later in this section) or press [
then [
].
Help
].
Trigger
trigger type
Help
] on the keypad.
0
Help
], [
IF channel 1
]
] always returns the analyzer to its preset state. If you press any
Preset
].
].
Preset
]
These lines show the name
of the selected softkey and
the path to its hardkey
1-3
Using Online Help
To display a related help topic
This example displays topics related to saving and recalling.
1 Enter the online help system:
Press [
2 Display help for a hardkey:
Press [
3 Scroll with the knob to highlight the Math topic.
4 Select that topic:
Press [
5 Return to previous topics:
Press [
6 Quit online help:
Press [
On a given screen full of online help text, there may be several special words (or
phrases) that are linked to related topics. Most of these words are underlined to
identify them as links, but one is highlighted to identify it as the
currently-selected link. The knob allows you to select a different link by moving
the highlighting from one link to the next. Once you’ve selected the link you
want, press [
].
Help
Save/Recall
].
4
].
7
Help
].
].
] on the keypad to display the related topic.
4
The highlighted link
shows what topic is
displayed if you press 4
Underlined links show
other topics available
from this online help topic
You can follow links through as many as 20 topics and still return to the original
topic. Just press [
] one time for each link you followed, and you’ll return to the
7
original topic via all of the related topics you displayed.
1-4
Using Online Help
To select a topic from the help index
1 Enter the online help system:
Press [
2 Display the index:
Press [
3 Turn the knob to select the topic you want help on
or
for faster paging press and hold the up-arrow or down-arrow keys then use the
knob to select a topic.
4 Display the topic:
Press [
5 Quit online help:
Press [
or
Press [
The help index contains an alphabetical listing of all help topics. Most topics
listed in the index describe the hardkeys and softkeys, but some are of a more
general nature. These more general topics are only available via the index or via
“links” from related topics. An example appears below–the “Front Panel Tour”
topic is only available through the index or the “links”, not by pressing any
hardkey or softkey.
Help
].
1
].
4
Help
].
0
].
].
You can select any
topic in the index by
scrolling to highlight it
then pressing 4
1-5
2
Making Simple Noise
Measurements
This chapter shows you how to make typical noise measurements. In this
example, we will be making random noise, band power noise, and signal to noise
measurements.
2-1
Making Simple Noise Measurements
To measure random noise
1 Initialize the analyzer:
Press [
2 Select a power spectral density measurement:
Press [
3 Configure the measurement and display:
Press [
Press [
Press [
Press [
Press [
4 Start an averaged measurement:
Press [
The display should appear as shown below.
To learn more about the choices you make in this measurement, display online
help for the various keys used (see “Using Online Help” if you are not familiar
withhowtodothis).
].
Preset
Measurement Data
], [
Average
num averages
average type
Return
fast avg on
Meas Restart
average on
], 500, [
], [
rms (video)
] (bottom softkey),
], [
update rate
].
], [
](selectch1 with a 2-channel analyzer).
PSD
],
],
enter
],
], 100, [
] to speed the measurement.
enter
Normalized noise
measurement
In this example you are measuring the noise-power of the analyzer’s noise floor.
The displayed marker value reflects noise-power normalized to a 1-Hz bandwidth.
2-2
Making Simple Noise Measurements
To measure band power
1 Initialize the analyzer:
Press [
2 Select video averaging:
Press [
Press [
Press [
3 Start an averaged measurement:
Press [
4 Turn on the band power markers:
Press [
5 Change the width of the band:
Press [
then use the knob to change the width of the measurement band.
or
Press [
then enter the desired band width with the numeric entry keys.
The display should appear as below. The grid lines have been turned off to
highlight the band power markers.
].
Preset
Average
num averages
average type
Meas Restart
Marker Function
band width
band width
], [
], 50, [
], [
], [
],
average on
],
enter
rms (video)
]
].
], [
band power markers
Marker|Entry
],
], [
band pwr mkr on
], [
band power
].
],
Band power
markers
Band power magnitude
In this example you are measuring the power of the analyzer’s noise floor within
a defined band. The value displayed in the lower left corner of the display reflects
the total power within the frequency band encompassed by the markers. The grid
lines have been turned off to highlight the band power markers.
2-3
Making Simple Noise Measurements
To measure signal to noise ratios
1 Initialize the analyzer:
Press [
2 Supply a signal from the internal source:
Connect the SOURCE output to the CHANNEL 1 input with a BNC cable.
Press [
3 Place the marker on the signal peak:
Press [
or
Press [
4 Select video averaging:
Press [
5 Turn on the carrier-to-noise marker:
Press [
6 Press [
Rotate the knob to move the measurement band from the signal to a noise area.
The display should appear as below. The grid lines have been turned off to
highlight the band power markers.
].
Preset
], [
Source
Marker⇒
Shift
Average
Marker Function
Marker|Entry
], [
source on
], [
Marker
], [
average on
], [
sine freq
marker to peak
]
].
], [
band power markers
]
]
], 5, [
]
MHz
], [
band pwr mkr on
], [
power ratio C/N
].
Measured noise band
The diamond-shaped
marker provides a
reference point
Carrier to noise ratio
Step 3 above illustrates that there are two ways to perform certain actions—by
using the hardkey/softkey sequence or by using the short-cut shift/hardkey
sequence.
The value indicated in the lower left corner of the display reflects the difference
between the marker level at the carrier peak and the total noise within the band
markers.
2-4
Measured noise band
The diamond-shaped
marker provides a
reference point
Making Simple Noise Measurements
7 Change to a normalized noise measurement:
Toggle to [
power ratio C/No
The display should appear as below. The grid lines have been turned off to
highlight the band power markers.
The carrier-to-noise and carrier-to-normalized-noise marker measurements
require that the standard (diamond shaped) marker be on the signal peak as a
reference. If the marker is not on, the displayed value will only reflect the noise
level.
]
Carrier to noise ratio
normalizedtooneHertz
Now the value indicated in the lower left corner of the display reflects the difference
between the marker level at the carrier peak and the noise-power within the band
markers normalized to one Hertz bandwidth.
This type of measurement is often used to measure adjacent-channel power.
Another method is shown on the following page.
You can perform band power measurements in either Vector or Scalar Mode. If
you use Scalar mode and you have selected a combination of resolution
bandwidth, window type, and number of frequency points such that the analyzer
implements the detector, the analyzer will prompt you to select the sample
detector in order to calculate the band power accurately.
2-5
Making Simple Noise Measurements
To measure adjacent-channel power
This task shows an additional method of measuring adjacent-channel power.
The method shown on the previous page is preferred when carriers are
represented by a single tone. This second method is used when carriers are
heavily modulated or are defined over a band.
1 Use the band power markers, as shown in “To measure band power” to
perform an rms (video) averaged measurement of the desired band
encompassing the carrier. Save the trace in a register, for example register D1.
2 Create a math function: F1=SQRT(SPEC1*SPEC1/D1*D1). See “To create a
math function.”
3 Move the band power markers to encompass the desired adjacent-channel and
perform an rms averaged measurement.
4 Select the math function as measurement data:
Press [
Measurement Data
5 Start a new rms (video) average.
Press [
Meas Restart
], [
math func], [F1]
],
Carrier power spectrum is
used in a math function.
A math function
calcluates a ratio
Adjacent channel
power ratio
In rms averaging the power spectrum is in linear units (volts), rather than power
units, with its real part all positive and its imaginary part all zero. Therefore, the
spectra must be squared for use in power calculations.
Band power markers and a math function are used to determine
the ratio between the carrier power and adjacent-channel power.
2-6
3
Using Gating to
Characterize a Burst
Signal
This chapter uses the time gating feature to analyze a multi-burst signal which is
provided on the Signals Disk which accompanies the analyzer’s Operator’s
Guide. Time gating allows you to isolate a portion of a time record for further
viewing and analysis. For more details on time gating concepts see “Gating
Concepts” in the Operator’s Guide.
3-1
Using Gating to Characterize a Burst Signal
To Use Time Gating
First we’ll look at the spectrum of the signal and see that three components
exist. Then we’ll look at the time display of the burst signal and analyze each
burst separately to determine which spectral components exist in each burst.
1 Initialize the analyzer:
Press [
2 Load the source signal file BURST.DAT into data register D3:
Insert the Signals Disk in the analyzer’s disk drive.
Press [
Press [
Rotate the knob until the file BURST.DAT is highlighted.
Press [
3 Connect the SOURCE output to the CHANNEL 1 input with a BNC cable.
4 Turn on the source and select arbitrary signal D3:
Press [
Press [
The display should now appear as shown below.
].
Preset
Save/Recall
Return
recall trace
Source
Average
], [
default disk
] (bottom softkey), [
], [
from file into D3
], [
], [
source on
], [
average on
], [
], [
source type
].
internal disk
catalog on
].
enter
], [
arb data reg
] to select the internal disk drive.
] to display the files on the disk.
], [D3], [Return], [
arbitrary
].
The spectrum with averaging turned on. Note existence of three components.
3-2
Using Gating to Characterize a Burst Signal
5 Configure the display and the measurement:
Press [
Press [
Press [
Press [
Press [
], [
Display
], [
B
Measurement Data
Ref Lvl/Scale
], [
Trigger
], [
Time
main length
], [
2grids
], [
Yperdiv
trigger type
], 32, [us].
more display setup
], [
main time
], 50, [mV].
], [
internal source
], [
grids off
].
] (toggle to ch1 on a 2-channel analyzer).
].
6 Set up the time gating and examine the first burst:
Press [
Press [
Rotate the knob until the gate is at each end of the first burst signal.
The display should now appear as shown to the left below.
], [
Time
ch1 gate dly
gate on
], [
Marker|Entry
], [
gate length
], 10, [us].
]
7 Examine the second burst:
Rotate the knob until the gate is at each end of the second burst signal.
The display should now appear as shown to the right below.
Note that the [
] menu must be displayed, the [
Time
gate delay
] softkey active, and
the knob in the Entry mode to move the gate by turning the knob.
Spectrum (top trace) of the burst is derived by gating the time signal (bottom trace).
The gate’s delay and length are selected to encompass the burst signal (vertical
markers show gate position). Note existence of the first spectral component in
the left display and the existence of the other two components in the right display.
3-3
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