The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Keysight Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but
not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Keysight Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Manual Part Number
N9038-90039
Edition
Edition 1, March 2016
Printed in USA/Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
This document provides detailed instructions for the installation of Option EXM, External Mixing
upgrade in the N9038A MXE EMI Receiver. Please be sure to read this entire document before
attempting to perform this upgrade. Then, be sure to perform the steps in this procedure in the
order that they are listed so that the installation will complete properly and the instrument will
function as desired when completed.
Prerequisites
In addition to the serial number requirements mentioned above, there is one other prerequisite that
must be met before installing this Option EXM upgrade in an N9038A MXE EMI Receiver. It is:
Options:
N9038A-W7X Windows Embedded Standard 7, 64 bit OS
Instructions on how to verify that this prerequisite has been met prior to the installation of this
upgrade are included later in this document.
If the instrument being upgraded does not meet the serial number requirements mentioned above
do not proceed with this upgrade, a different upgrade will be required to add external mixing to this
instrument.
Installation Note N9038-900393
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
What you will find in this Document
ESD Information ............................................................................................................... page 5
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. All work on electronic
assemblies should be performed at a static-safe workstation. Figure 1 shows an example of a
static-safe workstation using two types of ESD protection:
—Conductive table-mat and wrist-strap combination.
—Conductive floor-mat and heel-strap combination.
Both types, when used together, provide a significant level of ESD protection. Of the two, only the
table-mat and wrist-strap combination provides adequate ESD protection when used alone. To
ensure user safety, the static-safe accessories must provide at least 1 megohm of isolation from
ground.
These techniques for a static-safe workstation should not be used when working on circuitry
with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts.
Figure 1 Example of a Static-Safe Workstation
Installation Note N9038-900395
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Handling of Electronic Components and ESD
The possibility of unseen damage caused by ESD is present whenever components are transported,
stored, or used. The risk of ESD damage can be greatly reduced by paying close attention to how all
components are handled.
— Perform work on all components at a static-safe workstation.
— Keep static-generating materials at least one meter away from all components.
— Store or transport components in static-shielding containers.
Always handle printed circuit board assemblies by the edges. This will reduce the possibility of
ESD damage to components and prevent contamination of exposed plating.
Test Equipment Usage and ESD
— Before connecting any coaxial cable to an analyzer connector, momentarily short the center and
outer conductors of the cable together.
— Personnel should be grounded with a 1 megohm resistor-isolated wrist-strap before touching
the center pin of any connector and before removing any assembly from the analyzer.
— Be sure that all analyzers are properly earth-grounded to prevent build-up of static charge.
For Additional Information about ESD
For more information about preventing ESD damage, contact the Electrical Over
Stress/Electrostatic Discharge (EOS/ESD) Association, Inc. The ESD standards developed by this
agency are sanctioned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
6Installation Note N9038-90039
Contents
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Reference
DescriptionPart NumberQuantity
Designator
A1A1MP1Overlay, Main KeyboardN9038-800011
J3Connector, Front Panel - External Mixing1250-16661
W24
W24
Cable, Coaxial, Front End Assy (A13) J13 to Front End Ctrl (A15) J903
Cable, Coaxial, Front End Assy (A13) J13 to Front End Ctrl (A15) J903
W27Cable, Semi-Rigid, Limiter Assy (A23) J103 to Coaxial Switch (SW1) Port 1N9038-213011
W45
W45
Cable, Semi-Rigid, W46 to Front End Assy (A13) J8
Cable, Semi-Rigid, W46 to Front End Assy (A13) J8
b
a
W46Cable, Semi-Rigid, Front Panel J3 to W46N9020-201661
a.These parts are only needed for instruments with frequency range Option 544
b.These parts are only needed for instruments with frequency range Options 503, 508, and 526
c.Six cable ties are included with this kit so that ones that need to be cut during the installation process can be
replaced and the new cables can be secured. Use as needed.
Installation Note N9038-900397
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Tools Required
—Torx Driver T-10
—Torx Driver T-20
— 1/4” Open End Wrench
— 5/16" Open End Torque Wrench
— 3/8” Deep Socket Torque Wrench
— Multi-Bit Torque Driver
— Diagonal Cutters
— USB storage device with > 1 GB free memory
—USB Mouse and Keyboard
— Computer with Internet Access
— MXE Service Guide*
— N7818A MXE Calibration and Adjustment Software
— Test Equipment Required by the Calibration and Adjustment Software
* Can be downloaded from http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pd f/N9038-90029.pdf
8Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Initial Instrument Functionality Check
Power on the instrument and allow it to complete its boot up process, run its initial alignments and
display the initial measurement screen. Verify that there are no alignment failures or other
instrument messages that would indicate that there is an issue with either the instrument hardware
or software. If there are any issues, investigate and fix the problem before continuing with this
upgrade.
Instrument Operating System Requirement Verification
Verify that Option W7X (Windows Embedded Standard 7, 64 bit OS) is installed in the instrument by
pressing System, Show, System and verify that there is an entry for:
N9038A-W7XWindows Embedded Standard 7, 64 bit OS
If N9038A-W7X is not found in the instrument do not proceed any further with this upgrade. Option
N9038AK, N9094AK-PC4 (or greater) and N9094AK-W7X will need to be installed before
proceeding.
Frequency Range Option Determination
The frequency range option an instrument has will need to be known in order to perform this
upgrade. To determine this press System, Show, System and look for the N9038A-5xx option that
is installed and note it in the space below.
Frequency Range Option: N9038A-5___
The frequency range option recorded above will be used to determine certain steps to take in the
installation instructions to follow.
Installation Note N9038-900399
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Overview
Outer Hardware Removal
1. Referring to the MXE Service Guide Chapter 18, Assembly Replacement Procedures:
a. Remove the Instrument Outer Case
b. Remove the Top Brace
c. Remove the Front Frame assembly
Front End Assembly Cable Installation
2. Referring to Figure 2, remove the W27 cable from the A21 Limiter assembly J103 and the SW1
Calibrator Switch Port 1. This cable will not be reused.
Figure 2 W27 Cable Connection Locations
3. Locate the new W27 cable (N9038-21301) and install it in the same location that the old one
was just removed from and torque both ends to 10 inch-lbs. using a 5/16” open end wrench.
The removal and slight relocation of certain cable assemblies may be required to
properly route the cables included with this upgrade. Be sure to safely route and
reconnect all cables affected once the new cables are installed.
10Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
4. Referring to Figure 3 for instruments with frequency Option 503, 508, and 526, or Figure 4 for
instruments with Option 544, remove the two 50 Ω terminations from J8 and J13. These
terminations will not be reused.
Figure 3 A13 Front End Assembly Connector & Cable Locations (Option 503, 508, 526)
Figure 4 A13 Front End Assembly Connector & Cable Locations (Option 544)
Installation Note N9038-9003911
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
5. Locate the following new part for the frequency range option installed:
Frequency Range Option 503, 508, and 526
W24 Cable, Coaxial, Front End Assy (A13) J13 to Front End Ctrl (A15) J9038121-2027
Frequency Range Option 544
W24 Cable, Coaxial, Front End Assy (A13) J13 to Front End Ctrl (A15) J9038121-2025
6. Attach the new W24 cable to the A13 Front End assembly J13 and torque to 10 inch-lbs. using
a 5/16” open end wrench.
7. Referring to Figure 5, carefully route the other end of the W24 cable across the top of the
instrument to J903 of the A15 Front End Control assembly, making sure that it snaps in
securely.
Figure 5 A15 Front End Control Assembly Connector & Cable Location
8. Locate the following new part for the frequency range option installed:
Frequency Range Option 503, 508, and 526
W45 Cable, Semi-Rigid, W46 to Front End Assy (A13) J8N9020-20132
Frequency Range Option 544
W45 Cable, Semi-Rigid, W46 to Front End Assy (A13) J8N9020-20167
9. Referring to Figure 2 for instruments with frequency Option 503, 508, and 526, or Figure 3 for
instruments with Option 544, attach the new W45 cable to J8 of the A13 Front End assembly.
Position the loose end of the cable as closely as possible to that shown in the figure used.
Torque the connector to 10 inch-lbs. using a 5/16” open end wrench.
10.Replace any cable ties that were cut during the installation of the new cables with the new
ones provided. Secure any other cable assemblies where groups of them intersect to reduce
individual cable vibration.
12Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
11.Referring to Figure 6, remove the RPG knob (1) from the face of the front frame assembly by
firmly grasping it and pulling it straight off of its shaft. This knob will be reused.
Figure 6 A1 Front Frame Assembly
12.Remove the main Keyboard overlay (2) by carefully prying it loose from the front frame
assembly. It will be easiest to start loosening it around either the RF Input connector or the
RPG. The overlay will not be reused.
13.Locate the new A1A1MP2 Main Keypad Overlay (N9038-80001) and carefully install by
removing the paper backing material and adhering it to the front frame assembly. Carefully
align it so that it does not contact any of the front panel keys or connections.
14.Reinstall the original RPG knob (1) by aligning the flat spot on the shaft with the flat spot on
the back of the knob and press it on firmly until the shaft bottoms out in the knob.
16.Discard the nut and lock washer that comes with the new J3 connector.
Installation Note N9038-9003913
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
17.Referring to Figure 7, install the new J3 Front Panel Connector (1) using the new lock washer
(2) and hex nut (3). Torque to 21 inch-lbs. using a 3/8" socket wrench.
Figure 7 External Mixing Front Panel Connector Installation
18.Locate the new 50 Ω termination (1810-0118) and install it onto the end of J3 that sticks out
the front of the front panel assembly.
14Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
19.Referring to Figure 8, attach the new W46 cable to the back side of J3 but do not tighten it all
the way.
Figure 8 W46 Cable Installation
Installation Note N9038-9003915
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
20.Referring to Figure 9, orient W46 so that the cable slopes upward from the J3 connector at a
15 degree angle. The top of the connector should be approximately level with the top of the
shield over the front panel interface board. Torque the connection to J3 to 10 inch-lbs. using a
5/16" open end wrench.
Figure 9 W46 Cable Orientation
16Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Front Frame Assembly Replacement
21.Using a T-10 driver verify that all screws in the instrument that are accessible at this point are
properly torqued to 9 inch-lbs.
22.Using a 5/16" open end wrench verify that all cables in the instrument that are accessible at
this point are properly torqued to 10 inch-lbs.
23.Referring to Figure 10, reattach the W6 cable to the A23 Limiter assembly P2 and the W8
cable to the A8 Motherboard assembly J9.
Figure 10 Front Frame Cable Connections
24.Carefully install the front frame assembly onto the instrument chassis, making sure that no
cables are pinched and that the O-ring gaskets around the input connectors remain in place.
Installation Note N9038-9003917
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
25.Referring to Figure 11, reattach the front frame assembly to the instrument chassis using the
original 8 screws (1) and torque to 9 inch-lbs. using a T-10 driver (there are 4 screws on each
side).
Figure 11 Front Frame Assembly Installation
18Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
26.Referring to Figure 12, carefully attach the loose end of W46 to the loose end of W45.
27.Using a 1/4" open end wrench to keep W45 from rotating, torque the connector on W46 to
10 inch-lbs. using and a 5/16" open end wrench.
Be sure to hold the connector on the end of W45 still when tightening this connection. Only
rotate the connector on W46 to tighten. Doing otherwise will damage W45.
Figure 12 External Mixing Interconnect
Installation Note N9038-9003919
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Instrument Button Up
28.Referring to the MXE Service Guide Chapter 18, Assembly Replacement Procedures, reinstall
the Top Brace.
29.Locate the new EXM Warning Label (N9030-80018) and attach it to the Top Brace as shown in
Figure 13.
Figure 13 EXM Warning Label Placement
30.Referring to the MXE Service Guide Chapter 18, Assembly Replacement Procedures, reinstall
the Instrument Outer Case.
Initial Instrument Power Up
31.Plug the instrument into the AC power source and turn it on.
32.If any instrument errors are reported at this point they can be ignored.
33.Close the instrument application by pressing File, Exit, OK.
20Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
License Key Retrieval and Installation
34.Follow the instructions on the enclosed License Entitlement Certificate to redeem the new
external mixing license key for the instrument being upgraded.
35.Once the new license key has been redeemed follow the installation instructions that come
with the license file to install it into the instrument.
36.Once the license has been installed an acknowledgment of this such as seen in Figure 14 can
be expected.
37.To ensure that the instrument is able to support this upgrade, update the instrument software
to the latest version. If the instrument software is already the latest version, restart the
instrument and proceed to step 41.
The minimum software requirement for this upgrade is A.17.00. However, it is recommended
that the latest software available be installed.
38.Download the latest instrument software version and installation instructions from:
http://www.keysight.com/find/mxe_software
39.Once the correct software update file has been downloaded proceed with the software
installation by starting at step #4 under the Update Procedure section on page 3 of the
Instrument Software Installation Instructions.
40.When the instrument software update has completed the instrument will automatically cycle
the power and reboot.
41.At this point the instrument configuration for the new functionality is complete and the
instrument application should load properly with no error messages being displayed.
Installation Note N9038-9003921
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Upgrade Installation Verification
42.Verify that the external mixing upgrade license key has been installed by pressing System,
Show, System and make sure that the following option is present:
N9038A-EXMExternal Mixing
43.The installation of Option EXM is now complete. Proceed to the Adjustments and Performance
Verification section of this document.
22Installation Note N9038-90039
Option EXM – External Mixing Upgrade
Adjustments and Performance Verification
Calibration Software and specified test equipment is required to perform the automate adjustments
and performance verification testing. Information on how to obtain this software and what
equipment is required can be found at: