Agilent N9330A
Handheld Cable &
Antenna Tester
User’s Guide
s"
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2007-2008
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language)
without prior agreement and written
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N9330-90001
Edition
Third Edition, Dec 2008
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Qianfeng Hi-Tech Industry Park
Chengdu 611731, P.R.China
Software Revision
This guide is valid for A.01.00 revisions of
the Agilent N9330A Handheld Cable &
Antenna Tester firmware.
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
WARNI NG
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
Warranty
The material contained in this document
is provided “as is,” and is subject to
being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, Agilent
disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual
and any information contained herein,
including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not
be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or performance
of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the
user have a separate written agreement
with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in
the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD
Departments and Agencies of the U.S.
Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater than
Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
(June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any
technical data.
Contents
1Overview
Introduction 2
Front Panel Overview 3
Top Panel Overview 4
Working with Batteries 5
2 Getting Started
Checking the Shipment 8
Safety Considerations 10
Your first 10 minutes with the N9330A 14
3 Making Measurements
Selecting a Measurement Mode 20
Calibrate the N9330A before making measurements 21
Measuring Return Loss/SWR/Cable Loss 25
Measuring Distance to Fault (DTF) 27
4 Using Functions
Using Markers and Pass/Fail Limit Lines 32
Processing Traces 35
Saving and Recalling a file 38
Viewing system statistics 41
Some Helpful Hints 42
System Setups 50
5 Key Reference
AMPTD 54
CAL 56
Distance 58
Enter and ESC/CLR 62
Frequency 63
Limit 64
Marker 66
Meas/View 68
Mode 70
System 71
6 Instrument Messages
Error Message List 74
Warning List 75
7 Menu Map
FREQ/DIST 78
AMPTD 79
MEAS/VIEW 80
SYS 81
LIMIT 82
Marker 83
Agilent N9330A
Handheld Cable & Antenna Tester
1
Overview
#$
1
1Overview
Introduction
Agilent has designed the N9330A handheld cable
and antenna tester (25 MHz to 4 GHz) to simplify
the job of installing and maintaining cable and
antenna systems. In addition to measuring SWR,
Return Loss and Cable Loss, the N9330A also
performs Distance- to- Fault (DTF) measurements
that assist in determining cable defect locations, It
is also useful in identifying maintenance necessary
to maintain peak performance of your cable and
antenna systems.
Basic measurement functionality
Basic measurement functionality of the N9330A
includes:
• SWR
• Return loss
• Cable loss
• DTF (SWR and return loss)
Optimized usabilities
The Agilent N9330A has the following features:
• 7.2 inch sunlight-viewable display enables you to
read the screen easily and clearly under high
light levels.
• Rechargeable lithium- ion battery supports a
minimum of four hours continuous operation
when fully charged.
• Arc- shaped handles and a rugged rubber casing
ensure a comfortable and firm hold.
• Auto file naming makes editing file names fast
and easy.
• USB interface for easy and fast file saving to PC
or memory stick.
• User definable power saving mode.
2 N9330A User’s Guide
Front Panel Overview
15
14
Overview 1
12
13
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
1
Caption Brief Description
1 Standby switch Turns the tester On or Off
2 Function hardkeys Including hardkeys: Mode, FREQ/DIST,
3 Preset hardkey Returns the tester to a known state
4 Enter hardkey Confirms a selection or configuration
5 CAL hardkey Enters a calibration procedure
6 ESC/CLR hardkey Escapes from a procedure or clears
7 Save and Recall keys For file operation
8 Auto scale hardkey Sets the amplitude borders automatically
9 Contrast hardkey Adjusts the screen contrast
10 Knob Selects an option or edits a number
11 Brightness hardkey Adjusts the screen brightness
12 Buzzer Beeps differently on different actions
13 Softkeys Indicates current menu functions
14 Screen Displays measured traces and status
15 Strap handle For hand carry
N9330A User’s Guide 3
2
AMPTD, MEAS/VIEW, SYS, Hold/Run,
Limit and Marker
characters or numbers
4
3
1Overview
Top Panel Overview
1
2
3
4 5
Caption Brief Description
1 RF Output Connector
(N-type)
2USB interface Type B
(Device)
3USB interface Type A
(Host)
4 LED indicator Lights (On) when external DC
5 LED indicator (Charging) Lights (On) when the battery is
6External DC power
connector
7 LAN interface Reserved for future expansion
8 Tilt Stand (rear of instru-
ment)
Outputs swept signal to DUT
Connects to a PC
Connects to a USB memory stick
power is connected to the tester
charging
Connects to external DC power,
for use with either the AC-DC
charger-adapter or automotive
12V DC adapter
Allows user to lean instrument
back for better viewing when
placed on flat surface
8
6
7
4 N9330A User’s Guide
Working with Batteries
Always use the original battery type, as supplied
with the tester.
Installing a Battery
Insert a battery with the correct polarity orientation.
CAU-CAUTION
Step Notes
1 Open the battery cover Use a phillips type screwdriver,
2 Insert the battery Observe correct battery polarity
3 Close the battery cover Push the cover closed, then
loosen the retaining screw, then
pull the battery cover open.
orientation when installing.
re-fasten the cover with the
retaining screw.
Overview 1
Viewing Battery Status
Determine the battery status in either of the
following methods:
• Check the battery icon in the lower right corner
of the front panel screen: it indicates the
approximate level of charge.
• Press [SYS] > {More} > {Status} to check the
current battery voltage.
N9330A User’s Guide 5
1Overview
Charging a Battery
You should only charge the battery when it is
installed in the tester.
Never use an incorrect, modified, or damaged charger.
CAU-CAUTION
Internal Charging
You may recharge the battery in the N9330A while
the tester is operating or when it is turned off.
1 Install the battery in the tester
2 Attach the correct AC/DC adapter and switch
external power on.
3 The green LED indicating external power and
charging status lights should turn on, indicating
that the battery is charging.
When the battery is fully charged, the green
charging LED turns off.
The charging time for a fully depleted battery, is
approximately four hours.
6 N9330A User’s Guide
Agilent N9330A
Handheld Cable & Antenna Tester
2
Getting Started
#$
7
2 Getting Started
Checking the Shipment
Check the shipment and order list when you
receive the shipment.
• Inspect the shipping container for damages.
Signs of damage may include a dented or torn
shipping container or cushioning material that
indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting.
• Carefully remove the contents from the shipping
container, and verify if the standard accessories
and your ordered options are included in the
shipment, according to checklist and AC Power
Cord checklist on next page.
For any question or problems, contact Agilent
Technologies for consultant and service at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
8 N9330A User’s Guide
AC Power Cord
Getting Started 2
Plug Type Cable Part
250V 10A
250V 10A
250V 16A
125V 10A
125V 10A
230V 15A
125V 15A
250V 16A
250V 16A
Number
8121-1703 BS 1363/A Option 900
8120-0696 AS 3112:2000 Option 901
8120-1692 IEC 83 C4 Option 902
8120-1521 CNS 10917-2
8120-2296 SEV 1011 Option 906
8120-4600 SABS 164-1 Option 917
8120-4754 JIS C8303 Option 918
8120-5181 SI 32 Option 919
8120-8377 GB 1002 Option 922
a
Plug
Description
/NEMA 5-15P
For use in
Country & Region
United Kingdom,
Hong Kong,
Singapore, Malaysia
Australia, New
Zealand
Continental Europe,
Korea, Indonesia,
Italy, Russia
Option 903
Unite States,
Canada, Taiwan,
Mexico
Switzerland
South Africa, India
Japan
Israel
China
N9330A User’s Guide 9
2 Getting Started
Safety Considerations
Agilent has designed and tested the N9330A in
accordance with IEC Publication 61010- 1:2001
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use, and the
tester is supplied in a safe condition. The N9330A
is also designed for use in Installation Category II
and pollution Degree 2 per IEC 61010 and IEC
60664 respectively.
Read the following safety notices carefully before
you start to use this tester set to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the product in a safe
condition.
WARNING
Personal injury may result if the tester’s cover are removed.
There are no operator-serviceable parts inside. Always
contact Agilent qualified personnel for service. Disconnect
the product from all voltage sources while it is being
opened.
WARNING
This product is a Safety Class I tester. The main plug should
be inserted in a power socket outlet only if provided with a
protective 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
Electrical shock may result when cleaning the tester with
the power supply connected. Do NOT attempt to clean
internally. Use a clean soft cloth to clean the outside case
only.
WARNING
Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended.
10 N9330A User’s Guide
Getting Started 2
WARNING
CAU-CAUTION
CAU-CAUTION
CAU-CAUTION
CAU-CAUTION
Do NOT dispose of batteries in a fire.
Do NOT place batteries in the trash. Batteries must be
recycled or disposed of properly.
The VxWorks operating system requires full conformity to
USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 standards from a USB disk. Not all the
USB disk are buil t that way. If you have pro blems connec ting a
particular USB disk, please reboot the analyzer before
inserting the next.
Use USB disk in FAT or FAT32 format, with only one partition
for data saving and loading with the tester.
If left the tester unused, a fully charged battery will discharge
itself over time.
Never use a damaged or worn-out adapter or battery.
If you are charging the batteries internally, even while the
tester is powered off, the tester may become warm. To avoid
overheating, always disconnect the tester from the AC
adapter before storing the tester into the soft carrying case.
Always power on the N9330A before connecting an electronic
calibrator.
The average continuous power input is limited not to exceed
+23 dBm, DC voltage to 50 VDC. Instrument damage may
result if these precautions are not followed.
Temperature extremes will affect the ability of the battery to
CAU-CAUTION
charge. Allow the battery to attain ambient operating
temperature before use or charging.
Storing a battery in extreme hot or cold places will reduce the
capacity and lifetime of a battery. Battery storage is
recommended at less than 45
o
C.
N9330A User’s Guide 11
2 Getting Started
Environmental Requirements
Agilent technologies has designed this tester for
use under the following conditions:
• Operating temperature:
0 to 40
–10 to 50
• Storage temperature: –40 to 70
• Humidity: 85% +
o
C (using AC- DC adapter)
o
C (using battery)
5%
Electrical Requirements
This tester allows the use of either a lithium
battery pack (internal), AC- DC adapter shipped
with the tester, or optional Automotive +12VDC
adapter for its power supply.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
This tester was manufactured in an ESD protected
environment. This is because most of the
semiconductor devices used in this tester are
susceptible to damage by static discharge.
Depending on the magnitude of the charge, device
substrates can be punctured of destroyed by
contact or mere proximity of a static charge. The
result can cause degradation of device
performance, early failure, or immediate
destruction.
ElectroStatic charges are generated in numerous
ways, such as simple contact, separation of
materials, and normal motions of persons working
with static sensitive devices.
When handling or servicing equipment containing
static sensitive devices, adequate precautions must
be taken to prevent device damage or destruction.
Only those who are thoroughly familiar with
industry accepted techniques for handling static
sensitive devices should attempt to service circuitry
with these devices.
o
C
12 N9330A User’s Guide
Instrument Markings
The CE mark shows that the product
complies with all relevant European
Legal Directives
(If accompanied by a year, it signifies
when the design was proven).
The CSA mark is a registered trademark
of the Canadian Standards Association.
Getting Started 2
N10149
The C- Tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Australian Spectrum
Management Agency.
ISM1-A
This symbol is an Industrial Scientific
and Medical Group 1 Class A product
(CISPR 11, Clause 4)
The instruction manual symbol: indicates
that the user must refer to specific
instructions in the manual.
The standby symbol is used to mark a
position of the instrument power switch.
indicates this product complies with the
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirements and you must not discard
this equipment in domestic household
waste. Do not dispose in domestic household waste. To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or
refer to
http://www.agilent.com/environment/product/
N9330A User’s Guide 13
2 Getting Started
Your first 10 minutes with the N9330A
The N9330A is fitted with a sunlight- viewable
screen, which is viewable under all lighting
conditions. If you are using your N9330A in direct
sunlight, you do NOT need to shield the display
from the sunlight. In bright lighting conditions, the
display is brighter and easier to read when you
allow light to fall directly on the screen.
Use only the original N9330A AC/DC adapter or the
CAU-CAUTION
original battery for power source.
Do not apply excessive RF or DC signals to the tester RF
CAU-CAUTION
OUTPUT connector. The maximum damage RF input level
is +23 dBm (or +
Power on the N9330A
Pressing the standby button switches on the
tester. The tester then boots up and runs an internal self- test that includes the following items:
• internal temperature
• battery voltage (if battery powered)
• battery capacity (if battery powered)
50 VDC signal input).
Using the tilt stand
14 N9330A User’s Guide
Getting Started 2
Making the first measurement
Four easy steps:
1 Select a measurement mode.
2 Set the desired measurement range, or select a
frequency range from the list of signal standards.
3 Calibrate the tester.
4 Connect the DUT (Device Under Test) to the
tester RF OUT connector being careful not to
apply a signal which exceeds the maximum signal levels.
Step 1. Selecting a measurement mode
Pressing [MODE] brings up a check box for you to
choose a measurement mode from the following
five modes:
• SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
• Return loss vs. Frequency
• Cable loss
• DTF- SWR
• DTF- Return loss
Example: selecting the return loss measurement
1 Press [MODE] to bring up the mode selection
check box
2 Use the rotary control knob to select the Return
Loss vs. Frequency
3 Press [ENTER] to confirm your selection.
A measurement mode indicator – FREQ- RL will be
displayed in the top middle part of the screen.
See “Selecting a Measurement Mode" on page 20
for more information.
Step 2. Setting a measurement range
Pressing [FREQ/DIST] brings up a submenu for
setting the measurement range.
N9330A User’s Guide 15
2 Getting Started
If you previously chose a frequency domain
measurement, the submenu allows you to set the
start and stop frequency, or select a pre- defined
frequency range from the list of signal standards.
If you previously chose a DTF measurement, the
submenu allows you to set the start and stop displayed distance, and other cable measurement
related parameters.
Example: setting a frequency range from 1
1 Press {Start} > [1000] > [ENTER] to set the start
frequency to 1 GHz
2 Press {Stop} > [2000] > [ENTER] to set the stop
frequency to 2 GHz
The start frequency of 1000.0 (in MHz) displays at
the left lower corner of screen, and the stop
frequency 2000.0 displays at the right lower corner
of the screen.
Step 3. Calibrating theN9330A
The N9330A must be calibrated before making an
actual measurement (SWR/Return loss/Cable
loss/DTF) using the selected frequency span or the
full span of the instrument.
The N9330A offers two calibration modes:
• FullSpan Cal
Performs an Open-Short-Load calibration across
the full frequency range (25 MHz to 4 GHz). The
tester allows you to modify the frequency range
for measurement after the FullSpan Cal is
performed.
• SelectedSpan Cal
Selected Span calibration is the default
calibration mode. Performs an Open- Short- Load
calibration across a user- defined frequency
range. The tester requires re- calibration if the
Selected Frequency Span is changed.
Key Access: [SYS] > {Cal Mode}
GHz to 2 GHz
16 N9330A User’s Guide
Getting Started 2
Example: Performing a calibration
Assuming the Selected Frequency Span is from 1
GHz to 2 GHz for return loss measurement and the
T- combo calibrator tool is being used.
1 Press [CAL] to bring up a dialog box that will
guide you through the calibration. The normal
calibration order is open, short, and load.
2 Fasten the Open end of the T- combo to the RF
OUT connector on the top panel of the tester,
then press [ENTER] to initiate the open
calibration.
3 Fasten the Short end of the T-combo to the RF
OUT connector, then press [ENTER] to initiate the
short calibration.
4 Fasten the Load end of the T- combo to the RF
OUT connector, then press [ENTER] to initiate the
load calibration.
To abort a calibration, press the [ESC/CLR] button.
For more information about calibration, please
refer to “Calibrate the N9330A before making
measurements" on page 21.
Step 4. Connecting DUT to RF Output port
Example: Measuring return loss
Assuming you have completed the calibration
procedure above. Refer to the following instructions
to make a return loss measurement.
• Connect the cable under test to the RF OUT
connector on the top panel of the tester.
• The tester immediately performs the
measurement and displays a trace on the screen.
If further data analysis is necessary, refer to:
“Using Markers and Pass/Fail Limit Lines" on
page 32, “Processing Traces" on page 35.
N9330A User’s Guide 17
2 Getting Started
Contact Agilent Technologies
Agilent maintains sales and service offices around
the world to provide you with complete support for
your handheld cable and antenna tester. In any
correspondence or telephone conversations, refer to
your handheld cable and antenna tester by its
product number and the full serial number.
Go to http://www.agilent.com/find/assist for help with:
• product selection, configuration, and purchases.
• technical application assistance, and consulting.
• rental options, and refurbished equipment.
• repair, calibration, education and training.
If you do not have access to the internet, call the
appropriate number shown below. Or contact your
local Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.
United States (tel) 800 829 4444
(fax) 800 829 4433
Canada (tel) 877 894 4414
(fax) 800 746 4866
Latin America (tel) +1 (305) 269 7500
China (tel) 800 810 0189
(fax) 800 820 2816
Korea (tel) 080 769 0800
(fax) 080 769 0900
Japan (tel) +81 426 56 7832
(fax) +81 426 56 7840
Taiwan (tel) 0800 047 866
(fax) 0800 286 331
Europe (tel) +31 20 547 2111
Australia (tel) 1 800 629 485
(fax) +61 (3) 9210 5947
Other Asia Pacific
Countries
(tel) +65 6375 8100
(fax) +65 6755 0042
Email: tm_ap@agilent.com
18 N9330A User’s Guide
Agilent N9330A
Handheld Cable and Antenna Tester
3
Making Measurements
#$
19
3 Making Measurements
Selecting a Measurement Mode
Assuming you wish to make a return loss
measurement, you need to:
• Press the [MODE] hardkey to call up the mode
selection check box.
• Use the front- panel knob to select a measure-
ment type from the Mode Select list.
• Press the [ENTER] hardkey to confirm your selec-
tion.
Selecting “Return Loss”
measurement
The icon indicates the following frequency
domain measurement:
• SWR
• Return loss
• Cable loss
The icon indicates the following Distance to
Fault (DTF) measurement:
• SWR
• Return loss
20 N9330A User’s Guide
Making Measurements 3
Calibrate the N9330A before making measurements
Before making a measurement (SWR/Return
loss/Cable loss/DTF) in a specified frequency range
or the full span, you must calibrate your N9330A.
It is important to keep the calibration frequency
range as close as possible to the actual sweep
frequencies necessary for the measurements.
Calibrating over a larger frequency range than the
actual measurement range will reduce the accuracy
of the test results. For example, using a 1 GHz
calibration range when the measurement range is
only few kHz.
Performing one calibration is acceptable provided
the calibration frequency range selected
incorporates all intended measurement frequencies.
If the frequency span is changed, a new calibration
must be performed for that measurement. A new
calibration must be performed if any components
used in the calibration setup are changed. For
example, a short coaxial cable used to connect the
tester to the DUT.
Calibration Mode
The N9330A offers two calibration modes:
• FullSpan Cal
Runs an open- short- load calibration across the
full frequency span (25 MHz to 4 GHz). A
FullSpan Cal ignores the frequency changes
during measurements.
• SelectedSpan Cal
Performs an open- short- load calibration across a
user- defined frequency span. A SelectedSpan Cal
requires a re- calibration of the tester, after
changing the measurement frequency range.
Normally, the selected span should be set as
close to the actual swept frequency range.
Key access: [SYS] > {Cal Mode}
N9330A User’s Guide 21
3 Making Measurements
Types of Calibrators
Two types of calibrator tools are available from
Agilent for use with the tester:
• T-combo calibrator
This is a T- shaped mechanical calibrator. It
consists of a calibrated open, short and 50 Ω
load. Using the T- combo calibrator will result in
a more accurate calibration than when using the
an Electronic calibrator.
• Electronic calibrator
The Electronic calibrator enables you to perform
a one- step calibration process. It automatically
performs an open, short, and 50W load
calibration. The Electronic calibrator is a faster
but less accurate than when using a T-combo
mechanical calibrator.
Calibrating procedure introduction
Choose either the T- combo or the Electronic
calibrator to perform a calibration process.
Different combinations of calibration mode and
calibrator may benefit the measurement accuracy
differently. (Assuming the measurement resolution
remains unchanged):
• Using SelectedSpan calibration mode and the
T- combo calibrator provides a more accurate
calibration.
• Selecting FullSpan calibration mode and electronic
calibrator is the simplest, most convenient
calibration.
The tester default setting is the SelectedSpan
calibration mode. Agilent recommends using the
SelectedSpan calibration mode for best results.
It is important to keep the calibration frequency
range as close as possible to the actual sweep
frequencies necessary for the measurements.
Calibrating over a larger frequency span than the
actual measurement range will reduce the
22 N9330A User’s Guide
Making Measurements 3
accuracy. For example, using a 1 GHz calibration
range when the measurement range is only few
kHz.
Calibrate with an electronic calibrator
Never connect an electronic calibrator to the tester until after
NOTE
powering on the N9330A.
The tester needs about 35 sec. to record the data
of an Electronic calibrator the first time a new
Electronic calibrator is used with a specific tester.
After the initial use of an Electronic calibrator, the
tester requires approximately 12 sec. to perform
the automated open- short- load calibration.
The Electronic calibrator performs an automatic,
open- short- load consecutively:
1 Press [CAL] to bring up a dialog box for
calibration guidance.
2 Connect the Electronic calibrator to the RF OUT
connector on the top panel of the tester. Connect
the USB cable between the electronic calibrator
and the tester USB port. The correct USB cable
is supplied with an Electronic calibrator.
3 Press [ENTER] to start calibration.
Calibrate with a T-combo calibrator
Using a T- combo calibrator is a three step process
requiring the user to manually change the
open- short- load components. The default order of
the calibration process is open- short- load.
1 Press [CAL] to bring up the dialog box for
calibration guidance.
2 Connect the “Open” component of the T- combo
calibrator to the RF OUT connector of the tester.
Press [ENTER] to start the open calibration.
N9330A User’s Guide 23
Loading...