Service Guide
N9912A
Agilent Technologies
RF Analyzer
(2 MHz – 4 GHz)
(2 MHz – 6 GHz)
Part Number N9912-90003
Printed in USA
March 23, 2011
Supersedes Print Date: August 2009
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2008, 2009, 2011
Warranty Statement
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PRO VIDED “AS I S,” 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 ANY INFORMA TI ON CONTAINED HEREIN.
SHOULD AGILENT AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT W ITH
WARRANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT CONFLICT
WITH THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE AGREEMENT WILL
CONTROL.
DFARS/Restricted Rights Notice
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.
Certification
Agilent Technologies, Inc. certifies that this product met its published specifications at the
time of shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies, Inc. further certifies that its
calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of
Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute's calibration facility, and
to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.
ii Service Guide N9912-90003
Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are available
for Agilent Technologies, Inc. products. For information about these agreements and for
other assistance, contact Agilent. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 2-5.
Safety and Regulatory Information
The safety and regulatory information pertaining to this product is located in Chapter 1,
“Safety and Regulatory Information.”
Safety Notes
The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with
each of the notes and its meaning before operating this instrument. All pertinent safety
notes for using this product are located in Chapter 1, “Safety and Regulatory Information.”
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.
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.
Service Guide N9912-90003 iii
Documentation Map
This Service Guide is available only on the Web via an Internet
connection. It contains information for testing, adjusting,
troubleshooting, and repairing your N9912A analyzer.
The User’s Guide, included with the product, helps you to quickly
familiarize yourself with the analyzer. Procedures are provided for
preparing, configuring, and making measurements with the analyzer.
The Quick Reference Guide, included with the product, is an
abbreviated form of the User’s Guide containing some of the most
commonly referred to information. The pages of the Quick Reference
Guide are laminated with clear plastic to resist damage when used
outdoors.
Printing Copies of Documentation from the Web
To print copies of documentation from the Web, download the PDF file from the Agilent
web site:
•Go to www.agilent.com.
• Enter the document’s part number (located on the title page) in the Search box.
• Click Search.
iv Service Guide N9912-90003
Contents
1 Safety and Regulatory Information
Information in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Chapter One at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Safety Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Before Applying Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Electrostatic Discharge Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Instrument Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
2 General Product Information
Information in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Chapter Two at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Physical Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Electrical Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Analyzer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Option 110, Transmission Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Option 111, QuickCal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Option 230, 4 GHz Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Option 231, 6 GHz Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Option 235, Preamplifier for Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Option 302, External USB Power Sensor Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Option 303, Network Analyzer Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Agilent Support, Services, and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Service and Support Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Calibration Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Contacting Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Shipping Your Analyzer to Agilent for Service or Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
3Tests and Adjustments
Information in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Chapter Three at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Protect Against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Allow the Analyzer to Warm Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Review the Principles of Connector Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Service Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Before Returning an Instrument to a Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Operational Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Performance Tests (Agilent N7841A Software Package) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
General Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Spectrum Analyzer Specific Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Adjustments (Agilent N7841A Software Package). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
General Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Service Guide N9912-90003 Contents-1
Contents
Spectrum Analyzer Specific Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
4 Troubleshooting
Information in This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Chapter Four at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Protect Against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Assembly Replacement Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Getting Started with Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Check the Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Troubleshooting Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Power Up Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Front Panel Group Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Measurement Group Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
5 Theory of Operation
Information in This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Chapter Five at-a-Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Analyzer System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Functional Groups of the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Front Panel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
A3 Front Panel Interface Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
A2 LCD Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Measurement Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
A4 RF Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
A5 System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
A6 SOM Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Main Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Grounding and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Voltages and Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Power Control and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Battery Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Operation in Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
CAT and NA Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
SA Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Power Meter Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Temperature Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
User Calibration in CAT and NA Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
One Port Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Two Port Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
QuickCal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Firmware Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-28
User Accessible Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-28
Operational Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Erase User Data Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Error Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Contents-2 Service Guide N9912-90003
Contents
LAN Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
6Replaceable Parts
Information in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Chapter Six at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Ordering Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
Assembly Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Replaceable Parts Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Entire Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Front Panel Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Measurement Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Case Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Miscellaneous Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12
7 Repair and Replacement Procedures
Information in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Chapter Seven at-a-Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Personal Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Safety Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Assembly Replacement Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Removal and Replacement Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Removing and Replacing the Main Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Removing and Replacing the Case Group Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-6
Removing and Replacing the Front Panel Group Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-18
Removing and Replacing the Measurement Group Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-25
Post-Repair Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-39
Manual Checks and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-40
8 General Purpose Maintenance and Service Procedures
Information in This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Chapter Eight at-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Service Related User Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
To View Currently Installed Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
To View the Current Firmware Revision, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
To View the Error Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
To View Temperature Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
Erase User Data Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5
To View Currently Installed Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5
Re-Installing Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5
Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
To Check the Current Firmware Revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
Miscellaneous Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Cleaning the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Battery Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Service Guide N9912-90003 Contents-3
Contents
Contents-4 Service Guide N9912-90003
1 Safety and Regulatory Information
Service Guide N9912-90003 1-1
Safety and Regulatory Information RF Analyzer
Information in This Chapter N9912A
Information in This Chapter
This chapter provides safety information that will help protect you and your network
analyzer. It also contains information that is required by various government regulatory
agencies.
Chapter One at-a-Glance
Section Title Summary of Content Start Page
Safety Symbols
General Safety Considerations
Electrostatic Discharge
Protection
Regulatory Information
Descriptions of CAUTION and WARNING
symbols used throughout this manual.
A list of safety points to consider when
servicing your network analyzer.
A discussion of electrostatic discharge (ESD)
and related recommendations and
requirements for ESD protection.
Definitions of instrument markings.
Instructions for disposing of the analyzer’s
lithium battery.
Page 1-3
Page 1-3
Page 1-5
Page 1-6
1-2 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer Safety and Regulatory Information
N9912A Safety Symbols
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with
each of the symbols and its meaning before operating this instrument.
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 note until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.
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.
General Safety Considerations
Safety Earth Ground
WARNING This is a Safety Class I 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 protective earth
contact. Any interruption of the protective conductor, inside or
outside of the instrument, will make the instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited.
CAUTION Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this product.
Failure to ensure adequate grounding by not using this cord may cause
product damage.
Service Guide N9912-90003 1-3
Safety and Regulatory Information RF Analyzer
General Safety Considerations N9912A
Before Applying Power
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.
CAUTION This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and Pollution
Degree 2 per IEC 61010-1:2001 and 664 respectively.
CAUTION The measuring terminals on this instrument are designed to be used with
external signals described in Measurement Category I, but NOT with
external signals described in Categories II, III, and IV. The input of this
instrument cannot be connected to the mains.
Servicing
WARNING These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only.
To avoid electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you
are qualified to do so.
WARNING Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended. Discard used
batteries according to local ordinances and/or manufacturer’s
instructions.
WARNING No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers.
WARNING For continued protection against fire hazard, replace line fuse only
with same type and rating. The use of other fuses or material is
prohibited.
WARNING 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).
1-4 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer Safety and Regulatory Information
N9912A Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is essential while removing assemblies
from or connecting cables to the network analyzer. Static electricity can build up on your
body and can easily damage sensitive internal circuit elements when discharged. Static
discharges too small to be felt can cause permanent damage. To prevent damage to the
instrument:
• always have a grounded, conductive table mat in front of your test equipment.
• always wear a grounded wrist strap, connected to a grounded conductive table mat,
having a 1 MΩ resistor in series with it, when handling components and assemblies or
when making connections.
• always wear a heel strap when working in an area with a conductive floor. If you are
uncertain about the conductivity of your floor, wear a heel strap.
• always ground yourself before you clean, inspect, or make a connection to a
static-sensitive device or test port. You can, for example, grasp the grounded outer shell
of the test port or cable connector briefly.
• always ground the center conductor of a test cable before making a connection to the
analyzer test port or other static-sensitive device. This can be done as follows:
1. Connect a short (from your calibration kit) to one end of the cable to short the center
conductor to the outer conductor.
2. While wearing a grounded wrist strap, grasp the outer shell of the cable connector.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the test port and remove the short from the
cable.
Figure 1-1 shows a typical ESD protection setup using a grounded mat and wrist strap.
Refer to “ESD Supplies” on page 6-12 for part numbers.
Figure 1-1 ESD Protection Setup
Service Guide N9912-90003 1-5
Safety and Regulatory Information RF Analyzer
Regulatory Information N9912A
Regulatory Information
This section contains information that is required by various government regulatory
agencies.
Instrument Markings
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.
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.
(If accompanied by a year, it is when the design was proven.)
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
ICES/NMB-001
This is a marking to indicate product compliance with the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard (ICES-001).
This is a symbol of an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1
Class A product.
This is a required mark signifying compliance with an EMC
requirement. The C-Tick mark is a registered trademark of the
Australian Spectrum Management Agency.
This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/ electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE
Directive Annex I, this product is classed as a “Monitoring and Control
instrumentation” product.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or
see http://www.agilent.com/environment/product/ for more
information.
1-6 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer Safety and Regulatory Information
N9912A Regulatory Information
Battery Disposal
If the either the primary power battery, or the RTC (real time clock) battery (on the A3
front panel interface board) needs to be disposed of, dispose of it in accordance with your
country’s requirements. If required, you may return the battery to Agilent Technologies for
disposal. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 2-5 for assistance.
For instructions on removing and replacing the primary power battery, refer to “Removing
and Replacing the Main Battery” on page 7-5.
For instructions on removing and replacing the RTC (real time clock) battery located on
the A3 front panel interface board, refer to “Replacing the A3 Front Panel Interface Board
(FPIB)” on page 7-22.
Service Guide N9912-90003 1-7
Safety and Regulatory Information RF Analyzer
Regulatory Information N9912A
1-8 Service Guide N9912-90003
2 General Product Information
Service Guide N9912-90003 2-1
General Product Information RF Analyzer
Information in This Chapter N9912A
Information in This Chapter
Chapter Two at-a-Glance
Section Title Summary of Content Start Page
Cleaning instructions for the external surfaces of
Maintenance
your analyzer.
Page 2-3
Information about electrical maintenance of your
analyzer.
Analyzer Options
Agilent Support, Services, and
Assistance
A list of the options available for the microwave
network analyzers.
The Internet address (URL) for Agilent assistance.
Service and support options available.
Calibration options available.
Important information about shipping your
analyzer to Agilent for service or repair.
Page 2-3
Page 2-4
2-2 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer General Product Information
N9912A Maintenance
Maintenance
WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the analyzer from the mains
source before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened
with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean
internally.
Physical Maintenance
Clean the analyzer case using a dry or slightly damp cloth only.
Electrical Maintenance
Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 2-5 and to Chapter 3, “Tests and Adjustments.”
Analyzer Options
Below is a list of options available for the FieldFox N9912A at the time of initial product
release. Additional options will be added as product features are enhanced. Go to
www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox2 for information on currently available upgrade options.
Option 110, Transmission Measurement
This option allows use of the second port in either the NA (network analyzer) or CAT (cable
and antenna test) modes for transmission measurements.
Option 111, QuickCal
This option provides a calibration that is performed automatically using calibration
standards that are built-in to the N9912A. Calibration standards are automatically
switched in as needed. QuickCal is ideal for making quick DTF and cable loss
measurements without taking the time to perform a full O,S,L Cal.
Option 230, 4 GHz Spectrum Analyzer
This option allow the N9912A to make spectrum analyzer measurements from 100 kHz to
4 GHz. This option can be installed only on a 4 GHz unit.
Option 231, 6 GHz Spectrum Analyzer
This option allow the N9912A to make spectrum analyzer measurements from 100 kHz to
6 GHz. This option can be installed only on a 6 GHz unit.
Option 235, Preamplifier for Spectrum Analyzer
This option adds a preamplifier to the input port for spectrum analyzer measurements.
Service Guide N9912-90003 2-3
General Product Information RF Analyzer
Agilent Support, Services, and Assistance N9912A
Option 302, External USB Power Sensor Support
This option allows the use of an external USB controllable power sensor.
Option 303, Network Analyzer Capability
This option allows the N9912A to make one-port network analyzer measurements. For
two-port network analyzer measurements, add Option 110.
Agilent Support, Services, and Assistance
Information on the following topics is included in this section.
• “Service and Support Options”
• “Calibration Options”
• “Contacting Agilent”
• “Shipping Your Analyzer to Agilent for Service or Repair”
Service and Support Options
The analyzer’s standard warranty is a one-year return to Agilent Technologies service
warranty.
NOTE There are other repair and calibration options available from Agilent
Technologies. Contact Agilent for additional information on available service
agreements for this product. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 2-5.
Calibration Options
Commercial Calibration Certificate with Test Data
A complete set of measurements that test the analyzer to the manufacturer’s published
specifications. It includes a calibration label, a calibration certificate, and the
corresponding calibration data report. This calibration conforms to ISO 9001.
ISO 17025 Standards Compliant Calibration
A complete set of measurements that test the analyzer to the manufacturer’s published
specifications. It includes a calibration label, an ISO 17025 calibration certificate, and the
corresponding calibration data, measurement uncertainties, and guardbands on all
customer specifications. This calibration conforms to ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.
This calibration option is available at the time of purchase or can be obtained later by
sending your analyzer to Agilent for calibration. Refer to “Shipping Your Analyzer to
Agilent for Service or Repair”.
2-4 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer General Product Information
N9912A Agilent Support, Services, and Assistance
ANSI Z540 Standards Compliant Calibration
A complete set of measurements that test the analyzer to the manufacturer’s published
specifications. It includes both pre- and post-adjustment data with measurement
uncertainty information compliant to the ANSI/NCSL Z540 standard.
This calibration option is available at the time of purchase or can be obtained later by
sending your analyzer to Agilent for calibration. Refer to “Shipping Your Analyzer to
Agilent for Service or Repair”.
Contacting Agilent
Assistance with test and measurements needs and information on finding a local Agilent
office are available on the Web at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact your Agilent field engineer.
NOTE In any correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the Agilent product
by its model number and full serial number. With this information, the
Agilent representative can determine whether your product is still within its
warranty period.
Shipping Your Analyzer to Agilent for Service or Repair
IMPORTANT Agilent Technologies reserves the right to reformat or replace the internal
hard disk drive in your analyzer as part of its repair. This will erase all user
information stored on the hard disk. It is imperative, therefore, that you
make a backup copy of your critical test data located on the analyzer’s hard
disk before shipping it to Agilent for repair.
If you wish to send your network analyzer to Agilent Technologies for service or repair:
• Include a complete description of the service requested or of the failure and a
description of any failed test and any error message.
• Ship the analyzer using the original or comparable antistatic packaging materials.
• Contact Agilent for instructions on where to ship your analyzer. Refer to “Contacting
Agilent” on page 2-5.
Service Guide N9912-90003 2-5
General Product Information RF Analyzer
Agilent Support, Services, and Assistance N9912A
2-6 Service Guide N9912-90003
3 Tests and Adjustments
Service Guide N9912-90003 3-1
Tests and Adjustments RF Analyzer
Information in This Chapter N9912A
Information in This Chapter
This chapter contains procedures to help you check, verify, and adjust your N9912A
analyzer.
• The checks verify the operation of the assemblies in your analyzer.
• The adjustments allow you to tune your analyzer for maximum response.
NOTE The Agilent N7841A software package is required to test and adjust your
analyzer. This software package must be purchased separately. It can be
downloaded from the Internet and a license purchased on-line, or it can be
ordered on a CD-ROM. Go to www.agilent.com/find/calibrationsoftware for
further information. The help file for the N7841A software package is also
available at this URL.
Chapter Three at-a-Glance
Section Title Summary of Content Start Page
Items to consider or procedures to perform before
testing is begun:
•
Verify the operating environment.
Before You Begin
Service Test
Equipment
Before Returning an
Instrument to a
Customer
Operational Check
Performance Tests
(Agilent N7841A
Software Package)
a
• Protect Against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
• Allow the Analyzer to Warm Up
• Review the Principles of Connector Care
A list of additional equipment recommended for
servicing the N9912A analyzer.
A list of things to do before returning an instrument to
a customer after servicing is completed.
An operation check that should be performed before
returning an instrument to a customer.
A list of performance tests included in the Agilent
N7841A software package.
Page 3-3
Page 3-5
Page 3-6
Page 3-6
Page 3-7
Adjustments (Agilent
N7841A Software
Package)
3-2 Service Guide N9912-90003
a
a. The Agilent N7841A software package must be purchased separately. Go to
www.agilent.com/find/calibrationsoftware for information.
A list of adjustments included in the Agilent N7841A
software package.
Page 3-8
RF Analyzer Tests and Adjustments
N9912A Before You Begin
Before You Begin
Before checking, verifying, or adjusting the analyzer, refer to the following paragraphs to:
• Make sure the operating environment is within 19 to 27 ° C and 5 to 95% humidity.
• Make sure that proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided.
• Review the principles of connector care.
Protect Against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
This is important. If not properly protected against, electrostatic discharge can seriously
damage your analyzer, resulting in costly repair.
CAUTION To reduce the chance of electrostatic discharge, follow all of the
recommendations outlined in “Electrostatic Discharge Protection” on
page 1-5, for all of the procedures in this chapter.
Allow the Analyzer to Warm Up
Before testing or adjusting the N9912A analyzer, allow it to warm up as described under
“DUT Warmup” in the “Getting Started” section of the N7841A help file.
Service Guide N9912-90003 3-3
Tests and Adjustments RF Analyzer
Before You Begin N9912A
Review the Principles of Connector Care
Proper connector care and connection techniques are critical for accurate and repeatable
measurements. Refer to Table 3-1 for tips on connector care.
Prior to making connections to your analyzer, carefully review the information about
inspecting, cleaning, and gaging connectors. Refer to the calibration kit documentation for
detailed connector care information.
For course numbers about additional connector care instruction, contact Agilent
Technologies. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 2-5.
Table 3-1 Connector Care Quick Reference Guide
Handling and Storage
Do • Keep connectors clean Do Not • Touch mating-plane surfaces
• Extend sleeve or connector nut • Set connectors contact-end down
• Use plastic end-caps during storage • Store connectors or adapters loose
Visual Inspection
Do • Inspect all connectors carefully Do Not • Use a damaged connector - ever
• Look for metal particles, scratches,
and dents
Connector Cleaning
Do • Try compressed air first Do Not • Use any abrasives
• Use isopropyl alcohol
• Clean connector threads
Do • Clean and zero the gage before use Do Not • Use an out-of-specification
• Use the correct gage type
• Use correct end of calibration block
• Gage all connectors before first use
Do • Align connectors carefully Do Not • Apply bending force to connection
• Make preliminary connection contact
lightly
• Turn only the connector nut • Twist or screw any connection
• Use a torque wrench for final
connection
a
Gaging Connectors
Making Connections
• Get liquid into plastic support
beads
connector
• Over tighten preliminary
connection
• Tighten past torque wrench
“break” point
a. Cleaning connectors with alcohol shall only be done with the instrument’s power cord
removed, and in a well-ventilated area. Allow all residual alcohol moisture to evaporate,
and the fumes to dissipate prior to energizing the instrument.
3-4 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer Tests and Adjustments
N9912A Service Test Equipment
Service Test Equipment
The test equipment required for the TME based N7841A test and adjustment software is
listed in the N7841A help file.
The following additional test equipment is recommended when servicing the N9912A
analyzer:
• Main Battery—Required if the analyzer is returned for service without a battery.
Refer to Table 6-1 on page 6-12 for part numbers.
• USB flash drive—Used for firmware upgrades, option installation, etc. Also known as
USB memory stick. Must be 128 MB or larger.
• Small, free-standing fan—Used to cool the analyzer if internal temperature is too
high. See “DUT Warmup” in the “Getting Started” section of the N7841A help file for
usage instructions. Generic small office fan of approximately six inches in diameter is
sufficient.
• Type-N male cal kit—Tee cal kit, part number 1250-3607, is recommended. This
matches the default cal kit definition stored in the analyzer. Cal kits 85032E/F or
85054B/D may be substituted.
• Mini SD flash card—Required to re-load firmware onto the A6 SOM board. A “mini”
sized Secure Digital (SD) flash memory card is between “standard” and “micro” sizes.
The memory size must be at least 64 MB and not greater than 2 GB. This card is not
available from Agilent. To identify a supplier, search the Web for “mini sd card”.
• Stereo headphones or ear buds—May be used to troubleshoot sound output if there
is a problem with the internal speaker.
Service Guide N9912-90003 3-5
Tests and Adjustments RF Analyzer
Before Returning an Instrument to a Customer N9912A
Before Returning an Instrument to a Customer
When finished servicing an N9912A analyzer, perform the following before returning the
unit to the customer:
• Set the Display Colors to Indoors and the display Brightness to 80% via
Service (7) > Display.
• Perform an Operational Check as described in the following section.
• Connect and disconnect the external battery charger while the N9912A is operating and
confirm that the power cord icon is displayed appropriately at the top of the display.
• Charge the battery to 80% or higher.
Operational Check
1. Preset the instrument, press Preset (.) > Preset.
2. Leave the RF OUT connector open.
3. Press: Scale/Amptd > Ref Pos > 2 > Enter
4. The trace should be within +/- 5 dB of 0.00 dB.
5. Connect a known good load to the RF OUT connector.
6. The trace should be below 30 dB.
7. Press: Measure > More. If an Insertion Loss softkey is displayed, then do the following:
a. Press: Insertion Loss.
b. Connect a short cable between the RF OUT and RF IN connectors.
c. The trace should be within +/- 15 dB of 0.00 dB.
8. Press: Mode. If an SA softkey is displayed, then do the following:
a. Press: SA
b. Leave the RF IN connector open.
c. Between 30 MHz and 5 GHz, the trace should be below -45 dBm.
d. Between 5 GHz and 6 GHz, the trace should be below -35 dBm.
NOTE If the operational check fails, allow the instrument to warm up for 15 minutes
and try again.
3-6 Service Guide N9912-90003
RF Analyzer Tests and Adjustments
N9912A Performance Tests (Agilent N7841A Software Package)
Performance Tests (Agilent N7841A Software Package)
The performance tests section of the Agilent N7841A software package verifies the
electrical performance of your N9912A analyzer. The software automatically configures
your analyzer to execute the performance tests.
The N7841A software package is not included with the analyzer; it must be ordered
separately. It can be downloaded from the Internet and a license purchased on-line, or it
can be ordered on a CD-ROM. Go to www.agilent.com/find/calibrationsoftware for further
information.
There are:
• Four tests for the general functionality of the analyzer.
• Seven additional tests for the SA (spectrum analyzer) functions.
Total test time will vary from 7 to 36 minutes depending upon options installed.
Details for these tests and recommended troubleshooting information can be found in the
N7841A help file.
General Tests
Total test time for these tests is 8 minutes.
• Frequency Accuracy Test
• Error Terms Test (CAT Functional)—This test includes an adjustment (see
“Adjustments (Agilent N7841A Software Package)” on page 3-8) and should be
performed every 12 months.
• High/Low Output Power Output Test (CAT Functional)
• Crosstalk S21 Test (CAT Functional)
Spectrum Analyzer Specific Tests
Total test time for these tests is 29 minutes.
• Absolute Amplitude Accuracy Test
• IF Frequency Response Test (Functional)
• Frequency Response with Preamp Off Test
• Frequency Response with Preamp On Test
• Displayed Average Noise Level with Preamp On Test
• Noise Sidebands Test
Service Guide N9912-90003 3-7
Tests and Adjustments RF Analyzer
Adjustments (Agilent N7841A Software Package) N9912A
Adjustments (Agilent N7841A Software Package)
The adjustments section of the Agilent N7841A software package may be used to fine-tune
your analyzer.
The N7841A software package is not included with the analyzer; it must be ordered
separately. It can be downloaded from the Internet and a license purchased on-line, or it
can be ordered on a CD-ROM. Go to www.agilent.com/find/calibrationsoftware for further
information.
These adjustments consist of:
• Three general adjustments that are used to adjust the general functions of the analyzer.
• Seven adjustments specifically for the SA (spectrum analyzer) functions.
Total adjustment time will vary from 1 to 80 minutes depending upon options installed.
If multiple adjustments are to be performed, perform them in the order listed by the
N7841A software.
Details for these adjustments, and recommended troubleshooting information, can be
found in the N7841A help file.
General Adjustments
Total time for these adjustments is six minutes.
• “Frequency Accuracy”
• “ADC Overload Adjustment”
• “Error Terms (NA) Adjustment”—This adjustment is part of the Error Terms Test (see
“Performance Tests (Agilent N7841A Software Package)” on page 3-7) and should be
performed every 12 months. It refreshes the definition of the preset calibration.
Spectrum Analyzer Specific Adjustments
Total time for these adjustments is 75 minutes.
• “IF Frequency Response Adjustment”
• “Absolute Amplitude Adjustment”
• “Frequency Response with Preamp On Adjustment”
• “Frequency Response with Preamp Off Adjustment”
• “Attenuator Slope Adjustment”
•“IF Offset Adjustment”
• “Spur Dodging Adjustment”
3-8 Service Guide N9912-90003
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