Agilent FieldFox N9923A RF Vector Network Analyzer User's Guide

Agilent

FieldFox

RF Vector Network

Analyzer

N9923A

User’s Guide

Manufacturing Part Number: N9923–90001

Print Date: May 1, 2014

Supersedes: November 1, 2013

©Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Warranty Statement

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Safety and Regulatory Information

The safety and regulatory information pertaining to this product is located on page 151.

Where to Find the Latest Information

Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information please visit: http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox

Software Updates

Is your product software up-to-date? Periodically, Agilent releases software updates to fix known defects and incorporate product enhancements. To search for software updates for your product, go to www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport .

2 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Elements of this product's Software use SharpZipLib as an "as provided" stand alone capability.

Copyright 2004 John Reilly

This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public

License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU

General Public License for more details.

To receive a copy of the GNU General Public License, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place

- Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307, USA.

Linking this library statically or dynamically with other modules is making a combined work based on this library. Thus, the terms and conditions of the GNU General Public License cover the whole combination.

As a special exception, the copyright holders of this library give you permission to link this library with independent modules to produce an executable, regardless of the license terms of these independent modules, and to copy and distribute the resulting executable under terms of your choice, provided that you also meet, for each linked independent module, the terms and conditions of the license of that module. An independent module is a module which is not derived from or based on this library. If you modify this library, you may extend this exception to your version of the library, but you are not obligated to do so. If you do not wish to do so, delete this exception statement from your version.

____________________________________________________________________________

Elements of this product's software use ANTLR.

Copyright (c) 2005-2008 Terence Parr

All rights reserved.

Conversion to C#: Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Sam Harwell, Pixel Mine, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:

1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.

2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.

3. The name of the author may not be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED

WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,

EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT

OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS

INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN

CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN

ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH

DAMAGE.

FieldFox User’s Guide 3

4

A.07.50 Firmware Release Updates ............................................... 7

Overview ...................................................................................................... 8

Options and Features ....................................................................... 8

Accessories ....................................................................................... 9

FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help ............... 9

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox ................................... 11

Check the Shipment ....................................................................... 11

Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter ........... 11

Install the Lithium-Ion Battery ..................................................... 12

FieldFox ON/OFF Settings ............................................................ 13

FieldFox High-Temperature Protection ....................................... 14

Avoid Overpowering the FieldFox ................................................ 14

Take the FieldFox Tour .................................................................. 16

Front Panel....................................................................................... 17

Top Panel ......................................................................................... 18

Side Panel ........................................................................................ 18

Screen Tour ..................................................................................... 19

How to Enter Numeric Values ...................................................... 20

NA (Network Analyzer) Mode ................................................................ 21

NA Mode Settings .......................................................................... 22

Time Domain - Option 010 ....................................................................... 37

Time Domain (Transform) Settings ............................................. 38

Trace Settings ................................................................................. 42

Gating ............................................................................................... 43

CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode - Option 305 .............................. 46

CAT Mode Settings ........................................................................ 47

Return Loss Measurements ......................................................... 53

1-Port Cable Loss Measurements ............................................... 53

2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements ......................................... 55

DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements ................................................ 56

DTF Measurement Settings .......................................................... 57

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Calibration for NA, CAT, and VVM Modes ............................................ 64

Verifying Calibration and Jumper Cable Integrity ..................... 79

Calibration Method Summary ....................................................... 80

Power Meter Mode .................................................................................. 81

Power Meter Settings .................................................................... 82

Frequency Offset using Power Sensor (FOPS) – Option 208 .............. 88

FOPS Settings ................................................................................. 89

Pulse Measurements Mode - Option 330 .............................................. 94

Pulse Measurement Settings ....................................................... 95

VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode ............................................................. 105

Overview ........................................................................................ 106

VVM Mode Settings ..................................................................... 106

1-Port Cable Trimming Measurements ..................................... 110

2-Port Transmission Measurements ......................................... 111

A/B and B/A Measurements .................................................... 112

Data Analysis Features .......................................................................... 113

All about Markers ......................................................................... 113

All about Limit Lines .................................................................... 122

All about Trace Math ................................................................... 125

File Management .................................................................................... 127

Saving and Recalling Files .......................................................... 127

Printing ........................................................................................... 133

System Settings ...................................................................................... 135

Run/Hold ....................................................................................... 135

Preset ............................................................................................. 136

User Preset .................................................................................... 136

Volume Control ............................................................................. 137

Display Settings ............................................................................ 137

Preferences.................................................................................... 139

System Configuration .................................................................. 142


Service Diagnostics ...................................................................... 148

Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery ................................................ 151

Viewing Battery Charge Status .................................................. 151

Charging the Battery .................................................................... 152

Reconditioning the Battery ......................................................... 154

Battery Care ................................................................................... 155

Maximizing Battery Life............................................................... 155

Lithium Ion Battery Disposal ...................................................... 156

Safety Considerations ............................................................................ 157

Certification and Compliance Statements ................................ 166

Appendix A: Connector Care Review ................................................... 167

Appendix B: Specifications/Data Sheet ............................................. 168

Appendix C: Instrument Calibration ..................................................... 169

Index ......................................................................................................... 170


A.07.50 Firmware Release Updates

For customers upgrading FieldFox firmware, the following is a list of changes from the previous release:

NA Mode

Mixed-mode Measurements (Opt 212) ............... 23

Parameter Conversion .......................................... 23

NA/CAT Calibrations

1-port Response Calibration ................................ 75

Waveguide Effective Velocity Factory ................ 76

USB Power Meter Mode

Frequency Offset (Opt 208) .................................. 88

Ext Zero for U8480 series ..................................... 82

Support for U8488A (67 GHz) ............................. 81

Pulse Measurements

Trace Memory ....................................................... 104

All Modes (System)

USB Keyboard Support ........................................... 9

USB Printer Support ........................................... 133


Overview

Options and Features

The FieldFox may be ordered to include the following options and features:

Options and Features

RF Vector NA Mode

▪ 2 MHz to 4 GHz (Option 104)


▪ Forward Measurements S11, S21

▪ Full 2-port S-parameters (Option 122) Adds S22, S12 and Full

2-port Calibration.

Cable and Antenna Test (CAT) Mode (Option 305)



Measurements:

▪ Distance-to-fault (DTF)

▪ DTF & Return Loss

▪ Return Loss (dB)

▪ VSWR

▪ DTF (VSWR)

▪ Cable Loss (1-Port)

▪ Insertion loss (2-Port)

QuickCal (Option 112)

Built-in cal kit. Industry first!

Power Meter Mode (Option 302)

Use with Agilent External USB Power Sensors

Vector Voltmeter (VVM) Mode (Option 308)

Measure electrical length

Measurements:

▪ 1-Port Cable Trimming (Mag and Phase)

▪ 2-Port Transmission (Mag and Phase)

Designed for Field Environment

▪ Lightweight 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) including battery

▪ Rugged, weather resistant shell with no fan/vents

▪ Daylight viewable 6.5” (16.5 cm) color LCD

▪ Backlit keys for night use

▪ Integrated kickstand

▪ Configurable hand and shoulder straps

▪ Softcase for carrying all gear

▪ Quick Reference Guide with laminated pages

Slots for removable USB Flash Drive and micro SD Card

▪ Expands internal storage

▪ Useful for file transfer

▪ Flash Drive and micro SD Card not included

Learn more

NA Mode on page 21

Cal on page 64.

CAT Mode on page 46

Cal on page 66

Power Meter Mode on

page 81

VVM Mode on page

105

Save / Recall on page

129


Overview

▪ FieldFox release 4.0 supports micro SDHC (high-capacity) Card

Battery or AC Power

▪ Rechargeable Li-Ion battery with ~4 hr life

▪ Easily removable battery

▪ AC/DC adapter

▪ External battery charger (N9910X–872)

FieldFox Data Link Software

▪ Basic capability to print measurement traces on a PC.

▪ Capability to create/modify cal kit and cable definition files.

▪ Help file included with the software installation

▪ Download the latest version of the software at www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

Additional Features

▪ Menus localized to 7 languages

On page 151.

Languages on page

139

Accessories

The following accessories are included with every N9923A FieldFox. Spare accessories can be ordered at any time.

Description Accessory Part

Number

8121-1351

N9910X–873

N9910X–870

N9910X–880

N9910X–884

N9910X–890

N9910X–891

Cable-Assembly Patch-5E RJ-45 Male/RJ-45 Male 7 FT-LG

AC/DC Adapter

Lithium-Ion Battery

Softcase w/ Backpack & Shoulder Strap

Instrument Shoulder Strap

User’s Guide (printed copy)

Quick Reference Guide (printed copy)

NOTE Although not supplied, a USB keyboard CAN be used with the FieldFox.

To see a complete list of accessories that are available for the FieldFox, please visit: http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox.

FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help

The following manuals and software are available for the FieldFox. For the very latest versions, please visit the FieldFox support website at : www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport .

Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual.

 User’s Guide –This manual, included with shipment.

 Quick Reference Guide – Printed copy with laminated pages for outdoor use included with shipment.

 Supplemental Online Help - Concepts and Reference information http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

 FieldFox Data Link Software and Help – Free download.

 Service Guide – Free download .

9

 Firmware Updates – Check to see if you have the latest FieldFox firmware.

Conventions that are used in the Manual

 Hardkey indicates a front panel button. The functionality of these buttons does not change.

The six Softkey menus change dynamically and follow these color conventions:



Softkey

Blue indicates an available setting.



Softkey

Green indicates a change in menu level when selected.



Softkey

Black indicates the default or selected setting.

 Softkey Yellow indicates an active entry in process.



Softkey

Grey indicates a key that is NOT available.

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. More pertinent safety notes for using this product are located in “Safety

Considerations” on page 151.

CAUTION

WARNING

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 product. Do not proceed beyond a caution notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

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.


Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox

Check the Shipment

When you receive your FieldFox, check the shipment according to the following procedure:

1. Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting. If not damaged, save the packaging

material in case the FieldFox needs to be returned.

2. Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container, and verify that the standard accessories and your ordered options are included in the shipment according to the Box Contents List.

3. For any question or problems, refer to Contacting Agilent on page 2.

Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter

Voltage: 100 VAC to 250 VAC

Frequency: 50 Hz to 60 Hz

Current: 1.25 – 0.56 A

The AC/DC adapter supplied with the analyzer is equipped with a three-wire power cord, in accordance with international safety standards. The power cable appropriate to the original product shipping location is included with the

FieldFox.

Various AC power cables are available from Agilent that are unique to specific geographic areas. You can order additional AC power cables that are correct for use in different areas. For the power cord part number information please visit: http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox 11

Install the Lithium-Ion Battery

Step

1. Open the battery door.

2. Insert the battery.

3. Close the battery door.

Notes

Push the button on the battery compartment door while sliding the door outward.

The terminals end of the battery is inserted into the compartment.

Slide the battery compartment door upwards until it latches.

Battery Usage

When you receive your FieldFox, the lithium-ion battery is not installed, and it is partially charged to approximately 40% to preserve battery life. A lithium-ion battery has no memory effect, so it can be used partially charged, as shipped.

A fully charged battery will power your FieldFox for about four hours, so if you plan to use it for this long, you should fully charge the battery.

NOTE The FieldFox will shut down to prevent the battery from discharging to a level that is damaging. If this occurs, charge the battery either internally or externally.

Learn more about the lithium-ion battery on page 151.

Battery charge status is viewable:



In the upper-right corner of the screen.

 On the Battery screen. To access the screen, select System,

Service

Diagnostics

, and

Battery

.

 On the battery. Open the FieldFox battery compartment door to view the battery LCD.


NOTE

To conserve battery power:

 Use Run/Hold to single-trigger a measurement when needed.

Hold

is shown on the display.

 Press System then

Display

then

Brightness

. Use the ▲|▼ arrows, the rotary knob, or numeric keypad to adjust the brightness to dim the FieldFox display as much as possible.

 Briefly press the power button to switch to Stand By mode when the FieldFox is not being used. Press again to restore power. All current settings are preserved.

When powered by the battery only, the FieldFox can stay in Stand By mode for a maximum of four hours and then it powers off automatically. When the relative battery charge drops about 20%, the FieldFox will power off to preserve the remaining charge.

To recharge a battery:

Use ONLY a FieldFox charger to recharge a battery.

 The battery can be fully charged while in the FieldFox in about 4 hours with the FieldFox either ON or OFF.

 It can be fully charged externally using the external battery charger (Opt 872) in about 4 hours.

When the battery is removed, the FieldFox can still be powered by the AC/DC adapter.

FieldFox ON/OFF Settings

 To turn power ON, briefly press the power button. The LED is green. Boot-up takes about 1 minute.

 To switch to Stand By mode (low battery drain), briefly press the power button. To turn power ON, briefly press the power button. Power and settings are restored instantly. See the Note above concerning Stand By mode.

 To turn Power OFF (very low battery drain), press and hold the power button until power is OFF - about 4 seconds. Data and instrument state are NOT automatically saved when the FieldFox is powered OFF. Learn how to save

data and instrument state on page 127.

 You can make a setting to automatically Power ON the FieldFox when a power

source is connected. Learn how on page 148.

Power button LED status

 Solid green – Power is ON

 Blinking green – FieldFox in Stand By mode

 Blinking amber – Battery charging.

 Blinking amber and green – Stand By mode and battery charging.

 Not lit – Power is Off and battery is not charging.


14

FieldFox High-Temperature Protection

NOTE

The following features prevent degradation or damage in the event of high internal temperatures in the FieldFox.

Do NOT store the FieldFox in the softcase while powered ON or in Stand By mode.

How to monitor the internal FieldFox temperature:

 Press System, then

Service Diagnostics

.

 Then

Internal Temperatures

.

The temperature at which the following events occur is the average of the RF1,

SB1, SB2 temperatures. These temperatures come from internal sensors embedded within FieldFox.

NOTE

Temperature Control Mode

At approximately 73 °C, the FieldFox enters Temperature Control mode by reducing display intensity and measurement speed. This should decrease the internal temperature which preserves measurement accuracy and maintains the long-term reliability of the FieldFox.

When entering Temperature Control mode, save your instrument state and data that you want to keep.

When the temperature drops to approximately 71°C, normal operating settings are restored.

Measurement speed specifications do NOT apply in Temperature Control Mode.

High-Temp Shutdown

In extreme situations, Temperature Control mode may not stop an increase in the FieldFox internal temperature. At approximately 75°C, High-Temperature

Shutdown will engage and turn OFF the FieldFox.

Just prior to shutdown, the FieldFox will display a warning of imminent shut down.

Avoid Overpowering the FieldFox

WARNING

The FieldFox can be damaged with too much power or voltage applied.

Exceeding the maximum RF power levels shown below will cause an ADC Over

Range

message to appear on the screen.

Maximum Input Voltages and Power:



Port 1 and Port 2 Connector: ±50 VDC,

+23 dBm RF



External Trig/Ref Connector: 5.5 VDC



DC Input: 19 VDC,


NOTE

Very often, coaxial cables and antennas build up a static charge, which, if allowed to discharge by connecting to the FieldFox, may damage the instrument input circuitry. To avoid such damage, it is recommended to dissipate any static charges by temporarily attaching a short to the cable or antenna prior to attaching to the FieldFox.


16

Take the FieldFox Tour

Front Panel


Front Panel

No.

1

2

Caption

Power

LED

Description

ON: press momentarily.

STAND BY: with FieldFox power ON, press briefly.

OFF: press and hold about 4 seconds until the FieldFox shuts off.

Not lit: FieldFox OFF, not charging

Green: FieldFox ON. Charging status indicated by battery icon on screen

Orange, flashing: FieldFox STAND BY

Orange, intensity increasing, flashing slowly: FieldFox OFF, charging

Displays a submenu for system setup 3

4

System

Function keys Includes: Freq/Dist, Scale/Amptd, BW, Sweep, Trace, Meas

Setup , Measure , and Mode

9

10

11

12

13

5

6

7

8

Preset

Enter

Marker

Activates marker function

Mkr→/Tools

Displays a submenu for marker functions

Esc

14 Arrow keys

15

◄Back

16 Rotary knob

17

18

Softkeys

Screen

Returns the analyzer to a known state

Confirms a parameter selection or configuration

Save/Recall

Saves the current trace or recalls saved data from memory

Limit

Run/Hold

Cal

Exits and closes the dialog box or clears the character input

Sets limit lines for quick Pass/Fail judgment

Toggles between free Run and Hold/Single operation.

Displays a submenu for calibration functions

Increases or decreases a value or setting.

Returns to the previous menu selection.

Highlights an item for selection, or enables incremental changes to values.

Allows selection of settings for configuring and performing measurements, and for other FieldFox functions.

Transflective screen, viewable under all lighting conditions. If you are using your FieldFox 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. Alternative color modes exist that maximize viewing in direct sunlight conditions, as well as other conditions such as nighttime work.

Note: Clean the Transflective screen with gentle and minimal wiping using Isopropyl alcohol applied to a lint-free cloth.

Learn More on Page:

13

13

133

Refer to specific Mode.

--

--

--

--

127

122

135

64

136

--

113

117

--

136 - Display settings

19 - Screen Tour


Top Panel

Caption

Port 1

Ext Trig/Ext Ref

Port 2

Description

For CAT and NA measurements, contains source and A / R1 receivers.

Maximum: ±50 VDC, +23 dBm RF

External Reference BNC connector to connect to an external frequency reference. Maximum: 5.5 VDC.

External Triggering is not used on the N9923A.

For CAT and NA mode, contains source and B / R2 receivers.

Maximum: ±50 VDC, +23 dBm RF.

Learn More

CAT Mode on page 46

NA Mode on page 21

Ext Ref on page 143

CAT Mode on page 46

NA Mode on page 21

Side Panel

Caption Description

Ethernet cable connector to read trace data using the FieldFox Data Link

Software.

Reserved for future use.

Learn More

Data Link webpage

DC power connector used to connect to the AC/DC adapter. Maximum: 19 VDC,

4 ADC.

Micro Secure Digital slot. Use to extend the memory of the FieldFox.

On page 12

File locations on page 127

Standard USB connector used to connect a power sensor for Power Meter Mode.

Also used to save files to a USB flash drive.

Use of Keyboard and Mouse is NOT supported.

Audio output jack.

File locations on page 127


Screen Tour

17

18

19

20

13

14

15

16

21

22

Caption Description

7

8

5

6

3

4

1

2

9

10

11

12

Title – write your own text here

Current Mode

Run / Hold

Display Format

Scale/division

Calibration Status (CAT and NA)

Velocity Factor (Fault Meas)

Averaging Status and Count

Data / Mem Display (CAT and NA)

Resolution Setting

Measurement Start Freq or Distance

Bandpass / Lowpass setting (Fault Meas)

IF BW in NA Mode

Output Power Level (CAT and NA)

Measurement Stop Freq or Distance

Actual Sweep Time

Limit Line Status

Time and Date

Marker Readout

Battery Status

Measurement Type (CAT and NA)

Reference Level

Reference Position

Learn More on Page:

138

135

27

Mode dependent

64

59

Mode dependent

125- Trace Math

Mode dependent

Mode dependent

59

146

113

151

51

Mode dependent

Mode dependent

122

Mode dependent

Mode dependent


How to Enter Numeric Values

Many settings on the FieldFox require the entry of numeric values.

How to enter numeric values

Use any combination of the following keys:

 Numeric 0–9 keys, along with the polarity ( +/-) key.

 Up/Down arrow keys to increment or decrement values.

 Rotary knob to scroll through a set of values.

 Back erases previously entered values.

 Esc exits data entry without accepting the new value.

To complete the setting:

 Press Enter or a different

softkey

or hardkey.

Multiplier Abbreviations

Many times after entering numeric values, a set of multiplier or suffix softkeys are presented. The following explains the meaning of these abbreviations.

Select Frequency multipliers as follows:



GHz

Gigahertz (1e9 Hertz)



MHz

Megahertz (1e6 Hertz)



kHz

Kilohertz (1e3 Hertz)



Hz

Hertz

Select Time multipliers as follows:



s

Seconds



ms

milliseconds (1e–3)



us

microseconds (1e–6)



ns

nanoseconds (1e–9)



ps

picoseconds (1e-12)


NA (Network Analyzer) Mode

Learn more about NA Mode measurements in the FieldFox Supplemental Online

Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

In this Chapter

How to Measure S-parameters ............................ 22

Mixed-mode measurements ................................. 23

Parameter Conversion .......................................... 23

Receiver Measurements ........................................ 23

Multi-Trace Configurations .................................. 25

Quick Settings ........................................................ 26

Calibration Settings ............................................... 27

Format ..................................................................... 27

Frequency Range ................................................... 28

Scale Settings ......................................................... 28

Electrical Delay ...................................................... 29

Phase Offset ............................................................ 29

Averaging ................................................................ 30

IF Bandwidth .......................................................... 31

Smoothing ............................................................... 31

Single/Continuous ................................................. 31

Resolution (number of points) ............................ 32

Sweep Time ............................................................. 32

Output Power ......................................................... 33

System Impedance ................................................. 33

Port Extensions ...................................................... 33

Velocity Factor ....................................................... 34

Increase Dynamic Range ...................................... 35

See Also

All about Calibration ............................................. 64

Set Markers ........................................................... 113

Use Limit Lines .................................................... 122

Use Trace Math .................................................... 125

Making 75Ω (ohm) Measurements at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

NA (Network Analyzer) Mode 21

NA Mode Settings

Select NA Mode before making any setting in this section.

How to select NA Mode

 Press Mode_.

 Then

NA

.

About S-parameters

S-parameters (scattering parameters) are used to describe the way a device modifies a signal. The FieldFox can measure four S-parameters. The syntax for each parameter is described by the following:

S (out | in) out

= FieldFox receiver port

in

= FieldFox source port

22

The FieldFox automatically switches the internal source and receivers to make both forward and reverse measurements. Therefore, the FieldFox can measure all four S-parameters with a single connection.

When the source comes from port 1, the measurement is said to be in the

forward direction.

When the source comes from port 2, the measurement is said to be in the reverse direction, which requires Option 122.

S11 and S22 reflection measurements are used to measure the amount of reflections off the corresponding DUT port. Low reflections means there is a good impedance match between the source and DUT.

S21 and S12 transmission measurements are used to measure the loss or gain through a DUT over a specified frequency range. Both ends of the DUT must be connected to the FieldFox. The FieldFox signal source is transmitted out one of the test port connectors, through the DUT, and into the other test port connector.

How to measure S-parameters

1. Press Preset then

Preset

2. Press Measure 1 then choose from the following: o

S11

Reflection measurement at port 1. o

S21

Forward 2-port transmission measurement.


NOTE o

S12

Reverse 2-port transmission measurement. Requires Opt 122. o

S22

Reflection measurement at port 2. Requires Opt 122.

OR select a multi-trace configuration. Learn more on page 25.

3. Press Freq/Dist then either

Start

and

Stop

or

Center

and

Span

to enter a

Frequency Range for the measurement.

4. Press BW 2 then

IFBW

to select the IF Bandwidth for the measurement.

Narrower bandwidths require more time to sweep, but lowers trace noise.

5. Press Sweep 3 then

Resolution

to select the number of data points for the measurement. More data points require more time to sweep.

6. Press Cal 5 to calibrate the measurement. Learn more on page 64.

7. All other settings, described in the following section, can be made AFTER calibration without compromising measurement accuracy.

Mixed-Mode S-Parameters

In NA Mode ONLY, mixed-mode S-parameters (also known as Balanced measurements) are available with Option 212.

Because the FieldFox has only two test ports, only reflection measurements are available. Connect the balanced input or output of your DUT to the FieldFox ports 1 and 2.

For highest accuracy, a Full 2-port calibration is recommended.

All FieldFox settings and features are supported (except Parameter Conversion) with mixed-mode S-parameters.

Learn more about Balanced Measurements with the FieldFox in the FieldFox

Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

How to make mixed-mode S-parameter measurements

 Press Measure 1

 Then

More

 Then choose from the following: o

Scc11

Common reflect/common incident for logical port 1 o

Sdd11

Differential reflect/differential incident for logical port 1 o

Sdc11

Differential reflect/common incident for logical port 1. o

Scd11

Common reflect/differential incident for logical port 1.

To make balanced reflection measurements at the DUT output, connect the DUT output to the FieldFox ports.

Parameter Conversion

In NA Mode ONLY, converts the active S-parameter trace to an equivalent impedance (Z), admittance (Y), or reciprocal 1/S-parameter.

How to select parameter conversions


 Then select an S-parameter


24

NOTE

 Then

More

 Then

Conversion


Off

(default) No conversion is performed. o

Z Conv ( -- ) or Y Conv ( -- )

Perform conversion for impedance (Z) or admittance (Y). Then choose from the following for either: o

Auto

The displayed S-parameter is converted to the appropriate Z or Y parameter: Refl for S11 and S22; Trans for S21 and S12. When the Sparameter is changed, the appropriate conversion changes automatically. o

Refl

The displayed S-parameter is converted to Z or Y reflection, regardless of whether the S-parameter is reflection (S11 or S22) or transmission (S21 or S12). o

Trans

The displayed S-parameter is converted to Z or Y transmission, regardless of whether the S-parameter is reflection (S11 or S22) or transmission (S21 or S12). o

1/S

The displayed S-parameter is converted to 1/S-parameter.

Receiver Measurements

In NA Mode ONLY, you can make unratioed, uncorrected receiver measurements.

These measurements are typically used as diagnostic tools for service personnel.

The receivers measurements are NOT corrected for absolute power. They are only useful for making relative measurements. The Y-Axis and markers are labeled in dB - NOT dBm. Specifically, R1 and R2, do NOT indicate the actual power levels out of the source ports. The actual power levels are close to the typical output power of +6 dBm (High power) and -40 dBm (Low power).

How to make receiver measurements


 Then

Advanced

 Then choose from the following:

A

Port-1 test port (*1)

B

Port-2 test port (*2)

R1

Port-1 reference receiver (*1)

R2

Port-2 reference receiver (*2)

(* ) indicates the Auto-selected source port for the measurement



Source Port

The FieldFox port to provide the source signal. Choose from the following: o

Auto

The FieldFox sets the source port based on the selected receiver. o

Port 1

Select when measuring transmission at B receiver. o

Port 2

Select when measuring reverse transmission at A receiver.

Learn more about Raw Receiver Measurements at the FieldFox Supplemental

Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm


Multi-Trace Configurations

In NA Mode you can display multiple traces on the FieldFox screen.

A 3-trace configuration. Tr2 is the ACTIVE trace as indicated by the highlighted Tr 2

Trace Setting Notes

 The Frequency Range, IF BW, Resolution, Average, and Output Power settings are common for all displayed traces.

 All other trace settings, such as measurement, format, and limit lines, are applied individually to the ACTIVE trace in the same manner as when a single trace is present.

 By default, a marker is created on ALL traces as shown in the above image.

However, they can be created individually by disabling Coupled Markers.

Learn more on page 115.

How to select a multi-trace configuration

 Press Trace 6

 Then

Num Traces


Default measurements depend on the options that are installed.

x1

1 trace standard configuration

x2

2 traces overlayed on a single graticule

x2H

2 traces on separate horizontal graticules

x3H

3 traces on separate horizontal graticules

X3

3 traces overlayed on a single graticule

x4

4 traces on separate graticules

 How to activate a trace in order to change a setting

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows OR


 Press Trace 6 then select

Trace 1

,

Trace 2

,

Trace 3

, or

Trace 4

, Only traces that are shown can be activated.

How to maximize the viewing of the active trace

 Press System 7

 Then

Full Screen

 Press any key to return to the standard display.

Quick Settings

Both NA and CAT Modes allow you to view and change most relevant settings from a single location.

26

NOTE

The Quick Settings menu. The resolution is being edited.

Interference Rejection and System Z0 can be changed ONLY from the Quick

Settings menu. Learn more about these settings on pages 33 and 33. ALL other

settings can also be made using the standard softkey menus.

How to view and change Quick Settings

 Press Meas Setup 4.

 Then

Settings

.

 Press

Next Page

and

Previous Page

to view all settings. If these softkeys are

NOT available, then all available settings fit on one page.

 To change a setting: o

Use the ▲|▼ arrows to highlight a setting. o

Then press

Edit

. The current setting changes to

yellow.

o

Some settings require you to press a softkey to change the value. Otherwise, use the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or rotary knob to change the value. o

When finished changing a value, press

Done Edit

.

 Press

Dock Window

to relocate the Settings table to a position relative to the trace window. The Dock Window setting persists through a Preset. Choose from the following:


o

Full (Default setting) Only the Settings table is shown on the screen. The trace window is temporarily not shown. o

Left The Settings table is shown to the left of the trace window. o

Bottom The Settings table is shown below the trace window. o

When finished changing ALL settings, press

Done

to save your settings.

Calibration Settings

NA Mode has a page specifically for making settings that pertain to Port

Extensions, including Velocity Factor and Media Type.

Learn more about Port Extensions on page 33.

Learn more about Media Type in Waveguide Calibrations on page 76.

How to view and change Calibration Settings


 Then


 Make these settings in the same manner as Quick Settings in the previous section.

Format

Select the display format in which to present measurement results. This setting can be changed at any time without affecting calibration accuracy.

NOTE Learn more about Display Format at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

The marker onscreen readout can be changed to formats other than the display

format. Learn how to set marker format on page 117.

How to select a NA Format

 Press Measure 1.

 Then

Format [current setting]

.


Log Magnitude

Displays magnitude in dB o

Linear

Displays positive values only. Y-axis: Unitless (U) for ratioed measurements; Watts (W) for unratioed measurements. o

VSWR

Used mainly for S11 and S22. Displays unitless reflection data. o

Phase

Displays phase in degrees. The trace ‘wraps’ every 360 degrees, from

+180 to –180, for easy scaling. o

Smith

Used mainly for S11 and S22. Displays series resistance and reactance. o

More

then… o

Polar

Used mainly for S11 and S22. Displays magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient.


28

o

Group Delay

Used mainly for S21 and S12. Displays signal transmission

(propagation) time through a device in seconds. The Group Delay aperture is the current Smoothing aperture. Default is 1.5 % of the X-axis. o

Learn how to set Smoothing aperture on page 31.

o

Learn more about Group Delay measurements at the FieldFox


o

Unwrap Phase

Same as Phase, but without 180 degree wrapping.

NOTE Phase is unwrapped by comparing the phase from one data point to the next. If the phase difference between two data points is greater than 180 degrees, or if the phase of the first data point is greater than 180 degrees from DC, than the phase measurement is probably NOT accurate. To ensure that the phase measurement is accurate, increase the resolution setting. When making a narrowband measurement, reduce the start frequency for the unwrapped phase measurement to ensure the first data point is less than 180 degrees from DC.

Frequency Range

Set the range of frequencies over which you would like to make measurements.

When the frequency range is changed after a calibration is performed, the cal

becomes interpolated. Learn more on page 64.

How to set Frequency Range

This can be done in two ways:

 Press Freq/Dist


1.

Start

and

Stop

frequencies – Specify the beginning and end of the sweep.

2.

Center

and

Span

frequencies - Specify the center frequency and span of frequencies (half on either side of center).

 Follow each by entering a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

 After using the ▲|▼ arrows or the rotary knob, press Enter. The increment setting of the arrows is based on the current span and can NOT be changed in

NA Mode.

 After using the keypad, select a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier

abbreviations on page 20.

Scale Settings

Adjust the Y-axis scale to see the relevant portions of the data trace. The Y-axis is divided into 10 graticules.

This setting can be changed at any time without affecting calibration accuracy.

How to set Scale

 Press Scale / Amptd.

 Then choose from the following methods:


1.

Autoscale

Adjusts the Y-axis to comfortably fit the Min and Max amplitude of the active trace.

2.

Autoscale All

Autoscales all of the traces on the screen. Useful for multitrace configurations.

3. Set Scale, Reference Level, and Reference Position o

Scale

Manually enter a scale per division to view specific areas of the trace. o

Ref Level

Manually set the value of the reference line. Enter a negative value by pressing Run/Hold (+/-) either before or after typing a value. o

Ref Position

Manually set the position of the reference line. Values must be between 0 (TOP line) and 10 (BOTTOM line)

Scale annotation on the

FieldFox screen

· Reference Line = red arrow

· Ref Level = –40 dB

· Ref Position = 1

· Scale = 2 dB per division

Electrical Delay

Electrical delay is a mathematical function that simulates a variable length of lossless transmission line. Use the electrical delay feature to compensate for the linear phase shift through a device and view only the deviation from linear phase of the device.

You can set the electrical delay independently for each measurement trace. To apply an electrical delay to all measurement traces, use Port Extensions. Learn

how on page 33.

How to set Electrical Delay

 Press Scale / Amptd

 Then

More

 Then

Electrical Delay

 Enter a time value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

 Press a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier abbreviations on page 20.

Phase Offset

Phase offset mathematically adjusts the phase measurement by a specified amount, up to 360°. Use this feature in the following ways:

Improve the display of a phase measurement. This is similar to the way you would change the reference level in an amplitude measurement. Change the phase response to center or align the response on the screen.


30

Emulate a projected phase shift in your measurement. For example, if you know that you need to add a cable and that the length of that cable will add a certain phase shift to your measurement, you can use phase offset to add that amount and simulate the complete device measurement.

You can set the phase offset independently for each measurement trace.

How to set Phase Offset


 Then

More

 Then

Phase Offset

 Enter a value in degrees using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. Press Enter

Averaging

Averaging helps to reduce the effects of random noise on a measurement. You specify the number of measurements to be averaged. The more measurements averaged, the greater the amount of noise reduction. An average counter is shown in the left edge of the screen as Avg <n> where <n> is the number of measurements that are averaged.

Averaging can be set before or after calibration. When set before calibration, each calibration standard is measured <n> times and averaged. More time is needed to perform the calibration, but there will be less noise in the resulting error terms which means that subsequent measurements will also have less noise. In addition, noise is further reduced by continuing to average after calibration.

How to set Averaging

 Press BW 2.

 Then

Average <n>

where <n> is the number of measurements to average.

 Enter a value using the numeric keypad. Enter 1 for NO averaging.

 Press Enter.

 Then

Average Mode

Choose from the following: o

Sweep - Each data point is based on the average of the same data point being measured over <n> consecutive sweeps. The average counter shows the number of previous sweeps that have been averaged together to form the current trace. When the counter reaches the specified count, then a ‘running average’ of the last <n> sweeps is displayed. o

Point - Each data point is measured <n> times and averaged before going to the next data point. On subsequent sweeps, averaging restarts by measuring each data point again <n> times. The average counter is not updated because data is not displayed until all the averages have been applied. o

Point averaging is usually faster than sweep averaging. However, you may need to increase the Point Average count to obtain the same level of noise reduction as with sweep averaging.


 While averaging is in process, press Sweep 3 then

Restart

to restart the averaging at 1.

IF Bandwidth

The FieldFox converts the received signal from its source to a lower intermediate frequency (IF). The bandwidth of the IF bandpass filter is adjustable. Reducing the IF receiver bandwidth reduces the effect of random noise on a measurement.

However, narrower IF bandwidths cause longer sweep times.

How to set IF BW

 Press BW 2.

 Then

IF BW


300 Hz | 1 kHz | 3 kHz | 10 kHz | 30 kHz

Smoothing

Trace smoothing averages a number of adjacent data points to smooth the peakto-peak noise values on a displayed trace. The number of adjacent data points that are averaged is known as the smoothing aperture . Aperture is set by specifying a percentage of the X-axis span.

Trace smoothing does NOT significantly increase measurement time.

Smoothing is used in Group Delay measurements, although it can be used with any NA format EXCEPT Polar or Smith Chart. Learn more about NA Mode

formats, including Group Delay, on page 27.

When enabled,

Smo

appears on the FieldFox screen.

How to set Smoothing

 Press BW 2.

 Then

Smoothing ON OFF

 Then

Sm. Aperture

and enter a value between 0 and 25 (percent) using the numeric keypad.

 Press Enter

Single or Continuous Measure

This setting determines whether the FieldFox measures continuously or only once each time the

Single

button is pressed. Use Single to conserve battery power or to allow you to save or analyze a specific measurement.


How to set Single or Continuous

 Press Sweep 3.

 Then choose one of the following:


NOTE o

Single

Automatically sets Continuous OFF and causes FieldFox to make

ONE measurement, then hold for the next Single key press. When a data trace is displayed, the entire trace is measured, then holds. The

Hold

annotation changes to an arrow

-->

while the measurement occurs. o

Continuous ON OFF

Makes continuous measurements. This is the typical setting when battery power is not critical.

You can also use Run / Hold +/- to toggle between Single and Continuous.

Resolution (Number of Data Points)

Data points are individual measurements that are made and plotted across the Xaxis to form a trace. Select more data points to increase measurement resolution.

However, more data points requires more time to complete an entire measurement sweep.

When the Resolution is changed after a calibration is performed, the cal becomes

interpolated. Learn more on page 64.

How to set Resolution


 Then

Resolution

.


101 | 201 | 401 | 601 | 801 | 1001 |1601 | 4001 | 10001

.

 Using SCPI, Resolution can be set to any number of points between 3 and

10001. See the Programming Guide at www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

Sweep Time

The fastest possible sweep time is always used as the default setting. Use the Min

Swp Time setting to slow the sweep time when measuring long lengths of cable.

Learn more about measuring long cable lengths at the FieldFox Supplemental


The actual sweep time is shown on the FieldFox screen. See the Screen Tour on

page 19. To increase the sweep time, enter a value that is higher than the actual

sweep time. The increase will not be exactly the amount that you enter, as the actual sweep time is the composite of many factors.



How to set Sweep Time


 Then

Min Swp Time

.

 Enter a value using the numeric keypad.



Output Power

Set the power level out of the FieldFox to High, Low, or manually set power level to a value between High and Low.

Generally, the high power setting is used when measuring passive, high-loss devices to place the signal farther from the noise floor. However, for devices that are sensitive to high power levels such as amplifiers, use the Low power setting.

For best measurement accuracy, use the Manual power setting at -15 dBm. After calibration, the power level can be decreased for amplifiers, or increased for higher dynamic range.

Caution Power Level settings in this mode will NOT change Power Level settings in other modes. To help prevent damage to your DUT, use caution when changing modes with your DUT connected to the FieldFox test ports.

How to set Output Power

Output power is NOT leveled with any of the power settings.


 Then

Power

 Then

Output Power

o

High (Default setting) Sets output power to the maximum achievable power at all displayed frequencies. Please see the FieldFox Specifications for expected power levels. o

Low Sets output power to approximately –42 dBm. o

Man Set output power to an arbitrary value. o o o

Then press

Nominal Power

Then enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

Press

Enter

.

System Impedance (Z0)

To accurately view data presented in Smith Chart format, first set the System

Impedance. Learn how to select Smith Chart format on page 27.

Learn how to make 75Ω measurements at the FieldFox Supplemental Online


How to set System Impedance


 Then

Settings

 Then scroll to System zo and press

Edit

.

 Then type either 50 or 75 and press

Enter

.

Port Extensions

Port extensions allow you to electrically move the calibration reference plane on either port 1 or port 2 after you have performed a calibration.


34

NOTE FieldFox analyzers do NOT support port extensions for waveguide component measurements.

Why use Port Extensions

Use port extensions if you are unable to perform a calibration directly at your device because the location is not accessible. Perform a calibration at a convenient place, then use port extensions to compensate for the time delay

(phase shift) to the desired reference plane. On the FieldFox, port extensions does not compensate for the loss of the additional electrical length, nor any mismatch errors beyond the calibration reference plane.

Also use port extensions if you have already performed a calibration, and then decide that you need to add a length of transmission line in the measurement configuration. Use port extensions to "tell" the FieldFox that you have added the length to a specific port..

 With S11 and S22 reflection measurements, the FieldFox doubles the port extension valued that you enter to account for the additional delay in the forward and reverse directions.

 With S21 and S12 transmission measurements, the port 1 and port 2 extensions are added together. This accounts for the total transmission delay going through ports 1 and 2.

Port extensions and Electrical Delay differ in the following ways:

 Electrical delay applies to a specific trace

 Port extensions apply to specific hardware ports

Port Extensions and Electrical Delay can be set independently. When both are

set, the delay adds together. Learn more about Electrical Delay on page 29.

How to apply Port Extensions


 Then

Port Extensions

 Then

Port Extensions ON

 Then

Port1 Extension

or

Port2 Extension

 Then enter time value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. Press

Enter

or select a seconds (time) multiplier.

You can also set Port Extensions by pressing Meas Setup 4 then

Calibration

(settings).

While setting Port Extension, the physical length of the extension (in meters ONLY), at the current Velocity Factor setting, is visible to the right (red box in above image).

Velocity Factor

The electrical delay or port extension value is entered as delay, or electrical

length, in units of time.


Entering the velocity factor causes the FieldFox to accurately display the equivalent physical length in meters (NOT available in feet) that corresponds to the entered electrical delay.

Velocity factor is the ratio of the velocity of wave propagation in a coaxial cable to the velocity of wave propagation in free space. This velocity depends on the relative permittivity of the cable dielectric (

 r

).

Velocity factor = 1/sqrt(εr)

VF = 0.66 corresponds to wave propagation through a polyethylene dielectric.

VF = 1.0 (default setting) corresponds to wave propagation through free space (a vacuum).

How to set Velocity Factor


 Then

Port Extensions

 Then

Velocity Factor

 Then enter a value between 0.1 and 1 using the numeric keypad, then press

Enter

.

You can also set Velocity Factor by pressing Meas Setup 4 then

Calibration

(settings).

Increase Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is the difference between maximum input power to the FieldFox receiver (without compressing the receiver), and the minimum measurable power

(noise floor). Measurement accuracy is increased when the DUT response is at least 10 dB above the noise floor. For a measurement to be valid, input signals must be within these boundaries.

The following settings will increase the dynamic range of your NA mode measurement.

 Increase Power Level: Press Meas 4 then

Output Power High

 Lower the IFBW: Press BW 2 then

IF BW

 Increase Averaging: Press BW 2 then

Average

The following procedure MAY increase the dynamic range of your NA mode measurement. The results you see will depend on the performance of your DUT.

With an S21 trace active:


1. With RF OUT (port-2) open, press Trace 6 then

Math and Memory

then

Data->Mem

2. Re-connect the DUT.

3. Press

Data Math

then

Data-Mem


Time Domain - Option 010

With NA Mode, Time Domain (Opt 010), frequency information is used to calculate and display measurements with time as the horizontal display axis. The response values appear separated in time allowing a different perspective of the test device's performance and limitations.

NA Mode settings that are NOT unique to Time Domain are documented in the

NA Mode chapter on page 21

In this Chapter

Overview ................................................................. 37

Time Domain (Transform) Settings

Transform Settings Table ..................................... 38

Frequency Range and Points ............................... 39

Stimulus (Mode) ..................................................... 39

Set Frequency Lowpass ....................................... 39

Start/Stop Time ...................................................... 39

Distance Units ........................................................ 40

Window Layout ...................................................... 40

Transform Window ................................................ 40

Line Loss and Velocity Factor ............................. 41

Data Chain .............................................................. 42

Trace Settings

Transform Enable .................................................. 42

Gating Enable ......................................................... 42

Gating Settings

Start, Stop, Center, and Span Gate Times ......... 44

Gating Type ............................................................. 44

Overview

In normal NA Mode operation, the FieldFox measures the characteristics of a test device as a function of frequency. With Time Domain (opt 010), frequency information is used to calculate the inverse Fourier transform and display measurements with time on the horizontal display axis. The response values appear separated in time, allowing a different perspective of the test device's performance and limitations.

The graphic below compares the same cable reflection measurement data in both the frequency and time domain. The cable has two bends. Each bend creates a mismatch or change in the line impedance.

Time Domain - Option 010 37

38

The frequency domain of an S11 measurement shows reflections caused by mismatches in the cable. It is impossible to determine where the mismatches physically occur in the cable.

The Time Domain response shows both the location and the magnitude of each mismatch. The responses indicate that the second cable bend is the location of a significant mismatch. This mismatch can be gated out, allowing you to view the frequency domain response as if the mismatch were not present. Learn more

about gating on page 43.

Markers that are created on a Time Domain trace can be used to pinpoint the distance of the mismatch from the reference plane.

For more information on Time Domain theory, see http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-5723EN.pdf

Time Domain (Transform) Settings

You can set and view most of the Time Domain settings on the Transform

Settings table.

Transform Settings Table

The following settings are listed in the order they appear on the Transform

Settings menu selection.

How to make settings on the Transform settings table


 Then

Transform

 Then

Transform Settings

.

 Press

Next Page

and

Previous Page

to view all settings.


Use the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob to highlight a setting. o

Numeric settings can be changed by pressing numbers using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter or select a suffix if available. o

Some settings allow you to press

Edit

to toggle the value. Other settings require that you then press a softkey to change the value. o


Done Edit

.

 Press

Dock Window

to relocate the Settings table to a position relative to the trace window. The Dock Window setting persists through a Preset. Choose from the following: o

Full (Default setting) Only the Settings table is shown on the screen. The trace window is temporarily not shown.


NOTE o


Bottom The Settings table is shown below the trace window.

 When finished changing ALL settings, press

Done


Frequency Range and Points

Like CAT mode, all Time Domain measurements are made in the frequency domain and, using Inverse Fourier Transform (IFT), time is calculated. Select the frequency range from which Time Domain measurements are calculated.

Increasing the data points will improve measurement resolution. However, more data points will usually result in slower sweep updates.

Set frequency range and points before selecting Stimulus Mode.

Stimulus (Mode)

There are three variations on how the Time Domain transform algorithm is applied to the frequency domain measurement. Each method has a unique application.



Lowpass Impulse

- Highest resolution. Most useful for seeing small responses in devices that pass low frequencies, such as cables.



Lowpass Step

- Easiest to identify inductive and capacitive discontinuities in devices that pass low frequencies such as cables.

In both Lowpass modes, frequencies down to DC and negative frequencies are extrapolated. Therefore, when either Lowpass mode is selected, Set Freq.Low

Pass is automatically applied to adjust the start frequency. Learn more about Set

Frequency Lowpass below.

When the Start Frequency or resolution is changed AFTER selecting a Lowpass mode, then Stimulus mode is set to Band Pass and Transform is disabled.



Band pass

- Easiest method - can be used with any frequency sweep. Most useful for measuring band limited devices such as filters and DC blocked cables. This mode does NOT show capacitive and inductive reactance. For the same frequency span and number of points, band pass mode has twice the impulse width, which hides closely spaced responses degrading the response resolution.

Set Frequency Lowpass

This setting is made automatically when either Lowpass mode is selected.

USE ONLY IN LOW PASS MODES. When this setting is made, the start frequency is adjusted to be harmonics of the start frequency. Start frequency is computed by the following formula:

Low Pass Start Frequency = Stop Frequency / Number of points.

Start/Stop Time

The following settings adjust the display resolution, allowing you to zoom IN or

OUT on a response. When the start or stop time is updated, they may be automatically adjusted to limit the display to one alias-free response on either side of zero time.


NOTE

How to set Start and Stop time


 Then

Transform

 Then

Transform Start Stop

 Then choose from: o

Start

Sets the transform start time. o

Stop

Sets the transform stop time.

Zero (0) seconds is always the calibration reference plane. Negative values are useful if moving the reference plane.

Distance Units

When markers are present on a Time Domain trace, marker X-axis values are shown both in units of time (seconds) and distance. Select the units in which the marker distance data is presented.

Distance Units are also used when setting Time Domain Line Loss. Learn more

on page 41.

Choose from: m (meters), or Feet.

Window Layout

This setting is used to create additional traces, or select a new layout for traces that are already created,

Choose from: x1, x2, x2H, x3H, x4.

Learn more about multi-trace configurations on page 25.

Transform Window

There are abrupt transitions in a frequency domain measurement at the start and stop frequencies, causing overshoot and ringing in a Time Domain response.

The Window setting reduces the abruptness of the frequency domain transitions.

This causes you to make a tradeoff in the Time Domain response.

The Window setting applies to ALL traces.


NOTE

How to make Window setting


 Then

Transform

 Then

More

 Then

Transform Window

 A settings table appears that allows you to navigate and select the following settings. These settings are made exactly like those made on the Transform

Settings table. Learn how on page 38.

Any of the following four methods can be used to make this same Window setting. Impulse Width values are calculated from the frequency span and Kaiser

Beta value.

1. Window Min Medium Max

2. Percent

3. Kaiser Beta

4. Impulse

Width

0

0

100.455 ps

50

6.50

168.501 ps

100

13.00

231.284 ps

Line Loss and Velocity Factor

By default, the FieldFox does NOT correct Time Domain measurements to account for the inherent loss of a cable. However, to make more accurate measurements, Line Loss and Velocity Factor should be considered.

About Velocity Factor and Line Loss

o

Velocity Factor is a property of the physical material of a cable. A VF of 1.0 corresponds to the speed of light in a vacuum, or the fastest VF possible. A polyethylene dielectric cable has VF = 0.66 and a cable with PTFE dielectric has VF = 0.7. o

Line Loss is specified in dB/m (or ft). In addition to the length of the cable, loss is also directly proportional to the frequency of the signal that passes through the cable.

The following is an example showing how Line Loss works:

The DUT is a 100 meter transmission cable. The Line Loss value is .1 dB/meter. This means that a signal traveling ONE WAY through the cable will lose 10 dB of power (100 m * .1dB/m). Because the FieldFox performs this measurement with 1 port, the test signal travels down the cable and then back, for a total loss of 20 dB.

For the purpose of illustrating this point, connect an OPEN to the end of the cable – a maximum-sized fault - for 100% reflection of the 300 MHz test signal.

Without compensation for the loss of the cable, a –20 dB response would be visible at 100 meters, which is the OPEN at the end of the DUT. This is from 10 dB of loss through the cable in each direction.


With compensation for the loss using the manufacturer’s specification, the

FieldFox compensates the trace as though the signal traveling through 100 meters was increased by +20 dB. Therefore the response will show 0 dB for 100% reflection.

Data Chain

This setting, available only on the Table Settings, reverts to the default when the

FieldFox is Preset. Choose from the following:

 Standard – The normal FieldFox data processing chain. Transform calculations are performed AFTER error correction and trace math.

 8510 – The data processing chain used by the Agilent 8510 network analyzer.

Transform calculations are performed BEFORE error correction and trace math. Learn more at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help website: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

Trace Settings

The following two settings apply to specific traces.

Transform Enable

Enable Time Domain transform for the specific trace.

 Select the trace.


 Then

Transform


On

Trace displays Time Domain data. o

Off

Trace displays frequency domain data.

Gate Enable

Enable Gating for the specific trace.

 Select the trace.


 Then

Transform


On

Trace displays Time Domain data. o

Off

Trace displays frequency domain data.


Gating

Perhaps the most beneficial feature of Time Domain transform is the Gating function. When viewing the Time Domain response of a device, the gating function can be used to "virtually" remove undesired responses. You can then simultaneously view a frequency domain trace as if the undesired response did not exist. This allows you to characterize devices without the effects of external devices such as connectors or adapters.

Gating is best performed while viewing a Time Domain trace. Then, either disable

Transform, or separately view a frequency domain trace to see the trace with the gated effects removed.

NOTE When a discontinuity in a test device reflects energy, that energy will not reach subsequent discontinuities. This can "MASK", or hide, the true response which would have occurred if the previous discontinuity were not present. The Gating feature does NOT compensate for this.

The following image shows how gating can affect measurement results.

All 4 traces show the same S11 measurement.

Trace 1 shows the frequency response without gating enabled.

Trace 2 shows the transform response without gating enabled.

Trace 3 shows the transform response with gating enabled.

Trace 4 shows the frequency response with gating enabled.

How to make Time Domain Gating settings


 Then

Transform

 Then

Gating


On

Gating is being performed. o

Off

Gating is NOT being performed.


Start, Stop, Center, and Span Gate Times

These settings specify the time in the trace to be gated (in or out). The gate times can be specified using either Start and Stop or Center and Span.

 Press

Gating Start/Stop

 A settings table appears that allows you to navigate and select the following settings. These settings are made exactly like those made on the Transform

Settings table. Learn how on page 38.

Gating Type

This setting defines the type of filtering that will be performed for the gating function. The gate start and stop flags on the display point toward the part of the trace you want to keep.

 Choose from the following: o

Bandpass

- KEEPS the responses within the Gating Start and Stop times. o

Notch

- REMOVES the responses within the Gating Start and Stop times.

Gating Shape

This setting defines the filter characteristics of the gate function. Choose from

Minimum, Normal, Wide, Maximum.

44

Time domain Gate Shape setting

Gate Shape

Minimum

Normal

Wide

Maximum

Passband

Ripple



0.1 dB



0.1 dB

 0.1 dB



0.01 dB

Sidelobe

Levels

-48 dB

-68 dB

-57 dB

-70 dB

Cutoff Time

1.4/Freq Span

2.8/Freq Span

4.4/Freq Span

12.7/Freq Span

Minimum Gate

Span

2.8/Freq Span

5.6/Freq Span

8.8/Freq Span

25.4/Freq Span

Cutoff time is the time between the stop time (-6 dB on the filter skirt) and the peak of the first sidelobe.

 T

1

is the gate span, which is equal to the stop time minus the start time.

 T

2

is the time between the edge of the passband and the 6 dB point, representing the cutoff rate of the filter.

 T

3

is the time between the 6 dB point and the edge of the gate stopband.


For all filter shapes T

2

is equal to T

3

, and the filter is the same on both sides of the center time.

Minimum gate span is twice the cutoff time. Each gate shape has a minimum recommended gate span for proper operation. This is a consequence of the finite cutoff rate of the gate. If you specify a gate span that is smaller than the minimum span, the response will show the following effects:

 distorted gate shape that has no passband

 distorted shape

 incorrect indications of start and stop times

 may have increased sidelobe levels.


CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode - Option 305

CAT Mode is typically used to test an entire transmission system, from the transmitter to the antenna. This process is sometimes referred to as Line

Sweeping.

CAT Mode is similar to NA (Network Analyzer) Mode. Learn more at the FieldFox


CAT Mode Distance to Fault measurements are discussed on page 56.

In this Chapter

Measurement Selection ......................................... 47

Quick Settings ........................................................ 48

Frequency Range ................................................... 48

Scale Settings ......................................................... 49

Averaging ............................................................... 49


Resolution ............................................................... 50

Sweep Time ............................................................. 51

Output Power ......................................................... 51

Interference Rejection .......................................... 51

Coupled Frequency ............................................... 52

Procedures

Return Loss Measurement ................................... 53

1-Port Cable Loss Measurement .......................... 53

2-Port Insertion Loss Measurement ................... 55

Distance to Fault Measurements ......................... 56

See Also

All about Calibration ............................................. 64

Set Markers ........................................................... 113

Use Limit Lines .................................................... 122

Use Trace Math .................................................... 125


CAT Mode Settings

Select CAT Mode before making any setting in this chapter.

How to select CAT Mode

 Press Mode.

 Then

CAT

.

Measurement Selection

How to select a CAT Mode Measurement

Learn more about the following measurements

 Press Measure 1.

 Then choose one of the following: These softkeys also appear after CAT Mode is selected. o

Distance to Fault

1-port reflection measurement that uses Inverse Fourier

Transform (IFT) calculations to determine and display the distance to, and relative size of, a fault or disruption in the transmission line. Units are in return loss format, expressed as a positive number in dB, unless the measurement selected is DTF (VSWR). Learn more about DTF Measurements

on page 56.

o

Return Loss & DTF

Displays both a Return Loss measurement and a DTF measurement. Use this format to display the frequency settings that are used to make the DTF measurement. The frequency range settings for these two

measurements can be coupled or uncoupled. Learn more on page 52.

o Calibrations are applied to both traces. o When in Hold mode and Single sweep is performed, only the active trace is triggered. Use the ▲|▼ arrows to activate a trace. o

Return Loss

1-port reflection measurement that displays the amount of incident signal energy MINUS the amount of energy that is reflected. The higher the trace is on the screen, the more energy being reflected back to the

FieldFox. Learn how to measure Return Loss on page 51.

o

VSWR

(Voltage Standing Wave Ratio – also known as SWR) 1-port reflection measurement that displays the ratio of the maximum reflected voltage over the minimum reflected voltage. The higher the trace is on the screen, the more energy being reflected back to the FieldFox. Learn more about VSWR at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

o

DTF (VSWR)

Distance to Fault in VSWR format. o

More

Shows the following menu items: o

Cable Loss(1-Port)

1-port reflection measurement that displays the loss of a

transmission line. Learn more on page 51.

o

Insertion Loss (2-Port)

2-port transmission measurement that accurately displays the loss through a cable or other device in dB. Both ends of the cable must be connected to the FieldFox. NO phase information is included

in this measurement. Learn more on page 55.

CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode - Option 305 47

48

o

DTF (Lin)

Distance to Fault in Linear format.

Quick Settings Table

Both CAT and NA Modes allow you to view and change most relevant settings from a single location. All of these settings are discussed in this chapter and, unless otherwise noted, ALL of these settings can also be made using the standard softkey menus.

How to view and change Quick Settings


 Then

Settings

.

 Press

Next Page

and

Previous Page

to view all settings. If these softkeys are

NOT available, then all available settings fit on one page.



Then press

Edit


yellow.

o



Done Edit

.

 Press

Dock Window






Done


Frequency Range

Set the range of frequencies over which you would like to make CAT Mode measurements.

When the frequency range is changed after a calibration is performed, the cal

becomes interpolated. Learn more on page 64.

How to set Frequency Range

 Press Freq/Dist.


Start

and

Stop

frequencies - beginning and end of the sweep. o

Center

and

Freq Span

frequencies – the center frequency and span of frequencies (half on either side of center).

 Follow each setting by entering a value using the numeric keypad, ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.


o

After using the keypad, select a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier


o

After using the ▲|▼ arrows or the rotary knob, press Enter. The amount of frequency increment is based on the current span and can NOT be changed in CAT Mode.

Scale Settings

Adjust the Y-axis scale to see the relevant portions of the data trace. The Y-axis is divided into 10 graticules.


How to set Scale

 Press Scale / Amptd .


1.

Autoscale

Automatically adjusts the Y-axis to comfortably fit the Min and

Max amplitude of the trace on the screen.

2.

Autoscale All

Autoscales all of the traces on the screen, useful only for dual-trace configurations.

3. Set Scale, Reference Level, and Reference Position o

Scale


Ref Level


Ref Position

Manually set the position of the reference line. Values must be between 0 (TOP line) and 10 (BOTTOM line)

4. Set Top and Bottom graticule values. The scale per division is calculated o

Top

to set the value of the Top graticule. o

Bottom

to set the value of the Bottom graticule. o

Enter a negative value by pressing Run/Hold (+/-) either before or after typing a value.

Scale annotation on the

FieldFox screen

· Reference Line = red arrow

· Ref Level = -40 dB

· Ref Position = 1

· Scale = 2 dB per division

Averaging

Trace Averaging helps to smooth a trace to reduce the effects of random noise on a measurement. The FieldFox computes each data point based on the average of the same data point over several consecutive sweeps.


50

NOTE

Average Count determines the number of sweeps to average. The higher the average count, the greater the amount of noise reduction.

An average counter is shown in the left edge of the screen as Avg N. This shows the number of previous sweeps that have been averaged together to form the current trace. When the counter reaches the specified count, then a ‘running average’ of the last N sweeps is displayed. Average Count = 1 means there is NO averaging.


Averaging is often used to increase the dynamic range of a measurement. To achieve the highest dynamic range, select NA mode and reduce the IF Bandwidth

setting. Learn more about dynamic range on page 35.

How to set Trace Averaging

 Press BW 2 .

 Then

Average N

where N is the current count setting.



 While Trace Averaging is in process, press Sweep 3 then

Restart

to restart the averaging at 1.



Single





 Then choose one of the following: o

Single



Hold


-->


Continuous ON OFF


 You can also use Run / Hold +/- to toggle between Single and Continuous.

Resolution (Number of Data Points)

Data points are individual measurements that are made and plotted across the Xaxis to form a trace. Select more data points to increase measurement resolution.

However, more data points require more time to complete an entire measurement sweep.

When the Resolution is changed after a calibration is performed, the cal becomes

interpolated. Learn more on page 64.


NOTE



 Then

Resolution

.


101 | 201 | 401 | 601 | 801 | 1001

.

 Using SCPI, Resolution can be set to any number of points between 3 and

10001. See the Programming Guide at www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

Sweep Time

The fastest possible sweep time is always used as the default setting. Use the Min

Swp Time setting to slow the sweep time when measuring long lengths of cable.

Learn more about measuring long cable lengths at the FieldFox Supplemental


The actual sweep time is shown on the FieldFox screen. See the Screen Tour on

page 19. To increase the sweep time, enter a value that is higher than the actual

sweep time. The increase will not be exactly the amount that you enter, as the actual sweep time is the composite of many factors.



How to set Sweep Time


 Then

Min Swp Time

.

 Enter a value using the numeric keypad.


Output Power






Output power is NOT leveled with any of the power settings.


 Then

Power

 Then

Output Power


52

o

High (Default setting) Sets output power to the maximum achievable power at all displayed frequencies. Please see the FieldFox Specifications for expected power levels. o


Man Set output power to an arbitrary value. o Then press

Nominal Power

o Then enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. o Press

Enter

.

Coupled Frequency

This setting, especially useful for a Return Loss & DTF measurement, allows both measurements to have different frequency ranges.

How to set Coupled Frequency

With a Return Loss & DTF measurement present:

 Press Meas Setup 4

 Select the DTF measurement (Tr2) using the ▲|▼ arrows.




Coupled Freq ON

- Both the Return Loss and DTF traces have the same frequency range settings.



Coupled Freq OFF

(default setting) - Both traces are allowed to have individual frequency range settings. When set to OFF: o

The Return Loss measurement frequency settings are made in the usual

manner. Learn how on page 48. When a new Start or Stop frequency is

selected, Coupled Frequency is automatically set to OFF. o

The DTF measurement is made using the frequencies as determined by the

DTF Frequency Mode setting. Learn more on page 58.

Interference Rejection

Use this setting when you suspect that other signals in the area are interfering with a measurement. Interference may look like a spike or lack of stability in the measurement trace. While monitoring a measurement at a specific frequency, toggle this setting between ON and OFF. If the measurement result decreases while ON, then there is an interfering signal in the area. Continue to make measurements with Interference Rejection ON. However, this will slow the measurement speed.

Once enabled, up to SIX sweeps may be required before the interfering signal is neutralized.


How to set Interference Rejection



 Then

Interference Rejection [current setting]

.


Off

No interference rejection and fastest possible sweep speed. o

Minimum

The lowest level of Interference rejection. o

Medium

The medium level of Interference rejection. o

Maximum

The highest level of Interference rejection.

Return Loss Measurements

Return loss can be thought of as the absolute value of the reflected power as compared to the incident power.

When measuring an OPEN or SHORT, all incident power is reflected and approximately 0 dB return loss is displayed.

When measuring a LOAD, very little power is reflected and values of 40 dB to 60 dB are displayed.

The minus sign is usually ignored when conveying return loss. For example, a component is said to have 18 dB return loss, rather than –18 dB.

How to measure Return Loss

 Connect the cable or any adapter used to connect the device under test (DUT).

 Select Preset then

Preset

Returns the FieldFox to known settings.

 Select Mode then

CAT

(Cable and Antenna Test)

 Then

Return Loss

(Default measurement).

 Press Freq/Dist and enter

Start

and

Stop

frequency values of the measurement.

 Press Meas Setup 4 then

Settings

to make appropriate settings before calibrating.

 Disconnect the cable or DUT and press Cal 5 then follow the calibration prompts.

 Reconnect the cable or DUT.

 The return loss trace is displayed on the FieldFox screen.

1-Port Cable Loss Measurements

While all cables have inherent loss, weather and time will deteriorate cables and cause even more energy to be absorbed by the cable. This makes less power available to be transmitted.

A deteriorated cable is not usually apparent in a Distance to Fault measurement, where more obvious and dramatic problems are identified. A Cable Loss measurement is necessary to measure the accumulated losses throughout the length of the cable.

A 2-port Insertion Loss measurement is usually more accurate than a 1-port

Cable Loss measurement. However, to perform a 2-port Insertion Loss measurement, both ends of the cable must be connected to the FieldFox.


NOTE In high-loss conditions, a Cable Loss measurement becomes ‘noisy’ as the test signal becomes indistinguishable in the FieldFox noise floor. This can occur when measuring a very long cable and using relatively high measurement

frequencies. To help with this condition, use High Power (page 51) and

Averaging. (page 49).

How to make a 1-port Cable Loss Measurement


Preset

.

2. Then

More

then

Cable Loss (1-Port)

.

3. Connect the cable to be tested.

4. Press Freq/Dist and enter

Start

and

Stop


5. Press Sweep 3 then

Min Swp Time

. Increase the Sweep Time until a stable trace is visible on the screen. The amount of time that is required increases with longer cable lengths. Learn more about measuring long cable lengths at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

6. Remove the cable to be tested.

7. Press Cal 5, then

QuickCal

or

Mechanical Cal

.

8. Follow the prompts to perform calibration at the end of the jumper cable or

adapter. Learn more about Calibration on page 66.

9. Connect the cable to be tested.

NOTE

Low-level standing waves (also known as ‘ripple’) which may be visible in reflection measurements, can hide the actual loss of the cable. Steps 10 through

13 can minimize the ripple. Perform the measurement with and without steps 10 through 13 and choose the method with the least amount of ripple.

10. Connect a LOAD at the end of the cable to be tested. This limits the reflections to faults that are located in the cable under test.

11. Press Trace 6 then

Data->Mem

to store the trace into Memory.

12. Remove the LOAD and leave the end of the cable to be tested open.

13. Press

Data Math

then

Data

– Mem

. The ripple in the measurement is removed. These minor imperfections in the cable should not be considered in the Cable Loss measurement.

14. Use Averaging to remove random noise from high-loss measurements. Press

BW 2

then

Average

.

The displayed trace shows the Cable Loss values in one direction through the cable. A Return Loss measurement would show the loss for both down the cable and back. Therefore, a Cable Loss measurement is the same as a Return Loss measurement divided by 2.

The average Cable Loss across the specified frequency range is shown on the screen below the graticules.


2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements

A 2-port Insertion Loss measurement is used to measure the loss through a DUT

(device under test) – or cable – over a specified frequency range. The FieldFox signal source is transmitted out the PORT 1 connector, through the DUT, and into the PORT 2 connector. Both ends of the DUT must be connected to the FieldFox., either directly or indirectly using a jumper cable or adapter.

‘Insertion’ loss simply means loss through a device, usually expressed in dB. It is exactly the same measurement as “S21 Transmission” in NA Mode.

2-port Insertion Loss measurements are generally more accurate than 1-port

Cable Loss measurements.

How to make a 2-port Insertion Loss Measurement

1. Press Mode then

CAT

.

2. Then

More

then

Insertion Loss (2-Port)

.

3. Press Freq/Dist and enter

Start

and

Stop


4. Press Sweep 3, then select a

Resolution

setting.

5. Press Cal 5, then perform a calibration. Learn more on page 70.

6. Connect the DUT and view the insertion loss measurement results.

When measuring very long lengths of cable, it may be necessary to increase the sweep time. Learn more about measuring long cable lengths at the FieldFox



DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements

CAT Mode Distance to Fault (DTF) measurements are generally used to locate problems, or faults, in a length of cable or transmission line. In this chapter, the cable to be tested is referred to as the DUT (Device Under Test).

Settings that are NOT unique to DTF measurements are documented in the CAT

Mode chapter on page 21.

In this Chapter

How to make DTF Measurements ....................... 56

DTF Settings Table ................................................ 57

DTF Measurement (Format) ................................ 57

DTF Start and Stop Distance ............................... 57

Frequency Mode ..................................................... 58

Coupled Frequency ............................................... 59

Cable (Correction) Specifications ....................... 59

Window Settings .................................................... 62

DTF Units ................................................................ 62

Calculated DTF Values .......................................... 62

About Alias Faults ................................................. 63

Optional settings

Markers .................................................................. 113

Limit Lines ............................................................ 122

Save Measurement Settings and Results ......... 127

Trace Math is NOT available in DTF Measurements.

How to make DTF Measurements

Before starting, you may need the following:

 Jumper cable or adapter to connect the beginning of the DUT to the FieldFox.

 LOAD with correct connector type and gender to terminate the end of the DUT

(if possible).

 The known length and cable type of the DUT. If the cable type is not known, then the Cable Loss (dB/Meter) and Velocity Factor of the DUT are required.

1. Connect any necessary jumper cable or adapter to the FieldFox PORT 1. Do

NOT connect the DUT.


Preset

to return the FieldFox to the default settings.

3. Then Mode then

CAT

.

4. Then

Distance To Fault

.

5. Press Freq/Dist , then

Stop Distance

and enter the length of the DUT. You can optionally set the Start Distance.

6. Press Cal 5 and follow the Cal prompts. Learn all about Calibration on

page 64.


7. Disconnect any components or antenna that should NOT be measured and connect a LOAD at the end of the DUT.

8. Press Meas Setup 4 then

DTF Cable Specifications

.

9. Either press

Recall Coax Cable

, or enter the

Velocity Factor

and

Cable

Loss

of the DUT.

10. Connect the start end of the DUT to the FieldFox.


Settings

then

Next Page

. If the Alias-free Range setting is False, then you may see Alias faults on the screen. Learn more on

page 63.

DTF Measurement Settings

DTF Settings Table

You can set and view all of the DTF settings, including some calculated values, on

the DTF Settings table. Learn about the calculated values on page 63.

How to make settings on the DTF settings table


 Then

Settings

.

 Press

Next Page

and

Previous Page



Use the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob to highlight a setting. o

Numeric settings can be changed by pressing numbers using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter or select a suffix if available. o

Other settings require you to press

Edit

, then press a softkey to change the value. o


Done Edit

.

 Press

Dock Window






Done


DTF Measurement (Format)

You can select from 3 different DTF Formats.



Distance to Fault (dB)

Faults are displayed on the Y-axis in return loss format, expressed as a positive number in dB.

DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements 57

58

NOTE o

DTF (VSWR)

Faults are displayed on the Y-axis in SWR. Learn more about

SWR at the FieldFox Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm

o

More

then

DTF Lin

Faults are displayed on the Y-axis in linear (unitless) format.

DTF Start and Stop Distance

In DTF measurements, you set the physical length of cable or other device to be tested. The FieldFox calculates the frequency range of the measurement from this distance. The longer the cable to be tested, the lower the frequencies that are used. You can also set the frequencies manually using the Frequency Mode

[Bandpass] setting.

How to set Start and Stop Distance

 With a DTF measurement present, press Freq/Dist.


Start Distance

Enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob, then Enter. By default, the Start Distance is set to 0

Meters. This means that the measurement will display faults starting at the point at which calibration standards are connected. o

Stop Distance

Enter a value between the start distance and 5 km (or

16,404 ft.) using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob, then Enter .

Frequency Mode

All DTF measurements are made with frequency settings and, using Inverse Fast

Fourier Transform (IFFT), the time and distance to faults are calculated.

The start and stop frequencies for the measurement are always annotated on the screen below the start and stop distances.

How to set Frequency Mode

With a DTF measurement present,


 Then

Frequency Mode

 Choose one of the following: o

Lowpass Mode

The frequency range of a DTF measurement is set automatically based on the Start and Stop Distances. Use Lowpass mode when the DUT is a cable ONLY. o

Bandpass Mode

(Default setting) The frequency range of a DTF measurement is set manually. Use Bandpass mode when the DUT contains a diplexer or other filtering device which does not pass some frequencies.

Typically, you will set the frequency range of the measurement to the passband of the filter. However, you may also want to test the ability of the filter to reject unwanted frequencies. In this case, set the frequency range to include those frequencies which the filter may not be adequately rejecting.


When the DTF frequencies are set manually, they may not be the optimum frequencies for measuring the distance to fault. The distance may no longer be

alias-free. Learn more about alias-free range on page 63.

How to manually set Frequencies in Bandpass Mode


 Then

Min Start Freq

and type the start of the frequency range to use for the

DTF measurement.

 Then

Max Stop Freq

and type the stop frequency to use for the DTF measurement.

OR

 Press

More

 Then

Max Freq Span

and type the frequency range to use for the DTF measurement.

 Then

Center Frequency

and type the center frequency of the range to use for the DTF measurement.

These settings specify the minimum and maximum frequencies to be used for the

DTF measurement. These exact frequencies may not be used, but a narrower frequency range may be used that will still pass through the bandpass filter.

To see the frequencies that are used in the DTF measurement, press Meas Setup

4

then

Settings

then

Next Page

. The calculated Start and Stop frequencies determine the exact frequency range being used.

Coupled Frequency

When both a DTF and non-DTF measurement are present, this setting allows you to have different frequency ranges for each measurement. Learn more on page

52.

Cable (Correction) Specifications

By default, the FieldFox does NOT correct DTF measurements to account for the inherent loss of a cable. However, to make more accurate DTF measurements, the

Cable Loss and Velocity Factor values should be considered.

About Velocity Factor and Cable Loss

o

Velocity Factor is a property of the physical material of a cable. A VF of 1.0 corresponds to the speed of light in a vacuum, or the fastest VF possible. A polyethylene dielectric cable has VF = 0.66 and a cable with PTFE dielectric has VF = 0.7. o

Cable Loss is specified in dB/meter. In addition to the length of the cable, loss is also directly proportional to the frequency of the signal that passes through the cable.

The following is an example showing how DTF cable correction works:


60

The DUT is a 100 meter transmission cable. The Cable Loss value is .1 dB/meter. This means that a signal traveling ONE WAY through the cable will lose 10 dB of power (100 m * .1dB/m). Because the FieldFox performs this measurement with 1 port, the test signal travels down the cable and then back, for a total loss of 20 dB.

After a calibration has been performed, for the purpose of illustrating this point, connect an OPEN to the end of the cable – a maximum-sized fault - for 100% reflection of the 300 MHz test signal.

Without compensation for the loss of the cable, a –20 dB response would be visible at 100 meters, which is the OPEN at the end of the DUT. This is from 10 dB of loss through the cable in each direction.

With compensation for the loss using the manufacturer’s specification, the

FieldFox compensates the trace as though the signal traveling through 100 meters was increased by +20 dB. Therefore the response will show 0 dB for 100% reflection.

How to enter Cable Loss and Velocity Factor

Cable Loss and Velocity factor can be entered using one of the following methods:

 Manually enter cable loss and velocity factor for the measurement.

 Select or create a cable file which contains the cable loss and velocity factor.

With a DTF measurement present:


 Then


 Select

Cable Corr

o

Auto

Use Cable Loss and Velocity Factor values from a Cable file. See “How to Edit, Save, and Recall a Cable File” below. This will overwrite a manuallyentered value. o

Man

Manually enter a value for Cable Loss and Velocity Factor.

 Then: o

Velocity Factor

Using the numeric keypad, enter a value between 0.01 and

1. Then press Enter. o

Cable Loss

Using the numeric keypad, enter a positive Cable Loss value in dB/m, then press Enter.

How to Edit a Cable File

The FieldFox includes many predefined cable files with the manufacturer’s specifications. You can edit these files or create new cable files using the following procedure or using the FieldFox Data Link Software. Learn more at: www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

The Cable correction data survives a Mode Preset and Preset.

With a DTF measurement present:


 Then


 Then

Edit/Save/Recall Cables


 Press

New

then

Yes

to clear all data from the existing DTF Cable table and reset header information to default settings.

 Then

Edit Cable

to open the Cable Editor.

 Then use the ▲|▼ arrows to select a field, o

When editing Cable Description information, press

Edit

then modify the selected field using the FieldFox labeler. o

When editing Frequency/Loss pairs, enter numbers using the numeric keypad, then select a frequency suffix. Then

Enter

. Learn more about “How the Freq/Loss pairs are applied” below.

 Optionally choose from the following: o

Previous / Next Page

Quickly scrolls through pages of Freq/Loss data. o

Add Data

Add a blank Freq/Loss pair to the table, o

Delete/Clear

then: o

Delete Line

Remove the selected Freq/Loss pair from the table. o

Clear All

then

Yes

Remove all Freq/Loss pairs from the table and resets header information to default settings.

 Press

Done

to close the Cable Editor.

How to Save or Recall a Cable

 Press

Save Cable

to saves your changes to the specified Storage Device. Enter

a filename using the FieldFox labeler (learn more on page 127). Learn more

about Cable files below.

 Press

Recall Cable

to load a Cable file from the specified Storage Device.



Storage Device

Changes the device used to save or recall Cable files. This is a different setting from the Storage Device setting on the Save/Recall menu.

Choose from Internal (default setting), USB (must be connected) or SD card.

About Cable files

 Cable files are saved to, and recalled from, the Cables folder. If the folder does not already exist on a USB or SD card, it is created automatically before storing the file.

 Cable files are stored as *.xml files. Existing cable files that are preloaded into the FieldFox firmware can be overwritten. Your edited file will NOT be overwritten when firmware is updated.

How the Freq/Loss pairs are applied

When the cable file contains one Freq/Loss pair, that correction value is applied to the entire displayed frequency span.

When the cable file contains two or more Freq/Loss pairs, the Loss value that is used is interpolated from the Freq/Loss pairs and the DTF center frequency. For example, using a cable file with the following Freq/Loss pairs:

1 GHz: 0.1 dB/m

2 GHz: 0.2 dB/m


62

The center frequency for the measurement is determined from the calculated

(Stop – Start) frequency values (seen on the second page of DTF Settings):

Calculated Start = 2.0 MHz

Calculated Stop = 3.598 GHz

Center Freq = 1.80 GHz

The Loss value for the measurement is interpolated from the Freq/Loss pairs at the Center Freq:

1 GHz = 0.1 dB/m

1.8 GHz = 0.18 dB/m

2 GHz = 0.2 dB/m

The correction for loss at 5 meters in one direction: 0.18 dB/m * 5m = 0.9 dB.

All DTF measurements correct for loss for travel down the DUT and back, so double the correction: 0.9 dB * 2 = 1.8 dB.

Window Settings

Window settings provide the ability to choose between optimizing DTF measurements for resolving closely-spaced faults or for the ability to measure low-level faults.

How to select Window settings


 Then

Settings

.

 Then press ▲|▼ arrows to move to the Window row.

 Then press

Edit

.

 Then press

Window

repeatedly and choose from the following: o

Maximum – Optimized for dynamic range, the noise floor is lowered to provide the ability to measure low-level responses. (Default setting) o

Medium – Compromise between Min and Max window settings. o

Minimum – Best Response Resolution, providing the ability to resolve between two closely-spaced responses.

 Then press

Done Edit

.

 Again press

Done

.

DTF Units

The DTF Units setting is available ONLY on the DTF Settings table.

By default, X-axis units for DTF measurement settings are displayed in Meters.

How to change DTF units

 With a DTF measurement present, press Freq/Dist.

 Then

DTF Units

.

 The current selection is underlined

m (meters) Feet

.


Calculated DTF values

Press

Next Page

on the DTF Settings Table to view the following calculated

Values noted on the FieldFox screen with c - <setting>

Start Frequency – Start frequency that is used to calculate DTF.

Stop Frequency – Stop frequency that is used to calculate DTF.

Range Resolution. Indicates the accuracy of the distance to fault measurement.

For example, with range resolution of 500 mm, if the distance to fault is 10 meters, this value could be inaccurate by +/- 500 mm or between 9.5 to 10.5 meters. This value is calculated from frequency span / resolution (points).

Response Resolution, not displayed, indicates the distance that could be between two faults and still show as separate faults. Learn more in Window Settings on

page 59.

Maximum Distance. The distance that could be viewed with the current settings.

Defined by: Vf*c*Points/(2*Bandwidth) where: o

Vf = velocity factor o c = speed of light o

Points = resolution o

Bandwidth = frequency range

Alias-free Range (On/Off) o

On = No Alias images o

Off = Alias images may appear in the response.

About Alias Faults

An alias fault is not a true device response. An alias fault appears because of the method used to convert frequency to time.

On the DTF Settings page (above) the c - Alias-free Range = Off setting indicates alias images MAY appear on the screen.

Shorter stop distances (less than 10 meters) and a higher resolution (1001 points) will be more likely to result in Alias-free Range = Off.

When the Alias-free Range = Off, the following procedure will help to determine if a response is true or an alias response:

1. Put a marker on the response in question and note the distance to the fault.

2. Change the start or stop distance.

A true fault response will not move in distance. That is, if a true fault is present at 10.3 meters, changing the stop distance from 15 m to 20 m will not move the fault; the fault will remain at 10.3 meters. However, an alias response will appear to move.

An un-terminated cable (with NO perfect load at the end) will show faults that appear to be beyond the end of the cable. These are NOT alias faults. These faults appear as the signal reflects off the open at the end of the cable and travels back down the cable toward the connection at the FieldFox. Re-reflections are measured at the FieldFox as mirror images of the original faults. The largest fault is the open end of the cable. To avoid confusion, set the Stop distance shortly after that fault.


Calibration for NA, CAT, and VVM Modes

Calibration removes the systematic errors that are associated with measurements in NA, CAT, and VVM Modes. Key presses are identical in all of these Modes.

In this Chapter

Why and When to Calibrate ................................. 64

Definitions .............................................................. 64

CalReady ................................................................. 65

How to Perform a Calibration ............................. 66

QuickCal .................................................................. 66

Mechanical Cal ....................................................... 68

ECal .......................................................................... 70

Simple Response Cal ............................................. 72

View Cal .................................................................. 72

Calibration Type .................................................... 72

Isolation Step of a 2-port Cal ............................... 75

Waveguide Calibrations ........................................ 76

Enhanced Response Optimization ...................... 76

Interpolation........................................................... 76

Questionable Accuracy ......................................... 78

Compatible Mode Calibrations ............................ 78

Save a Calibration ................................................. 78

CalReady Properties.............................................. 78

Verify Calibration .................................................. 79

Calibration Method Summary ............................. 80

See Also

Learn How to Make 75 ohm Measurements at the FieldFox Supplemental Online


Why and When to Calibrate

There are well-defined and understood systematic errors that are measured and calculated during the calibration process. These errors are caused by leakage signals inside the FieldFox, by the frequency response of the FieldFox receivers, and by reflections inside the FieldFox that interact with the DUT. After calibration, these errors are removed from subsequent measurements.

To maintain highest measurement accuracy, perform a new calibration when any of the following changes occur:

 When any of the following measurement settings change: Frequency Range,

Power Level, IF BW, and Resolution. Therefore, make these measurement settings before calibrating. Increased Averaging, lower IF BW, and higher

Resolution all cause slower sweeps and slower calibration times. Learn about

Interpolation and Questionable Accuracy on page 76.

 When the FieldFox temperature changes more than about 10°F (5°C). Learn

how to monitor the internal temperature on page 14.


 When the connection to the DUT changes, requiring a different jumper cable or adapter.

Definitions

DUT (Device Under Test) The cable, antenna, transmission line, amplifier, or anything else that is connected to the FieldFox that is to be measured.

Calibration Standards - OPEN, SHORT, LOAD, and THRU

 OPEN, SHORT, and LOAD are ‘reflection’ standards that are used during calibration. When an RF signal ‘hits’ these components, the signals are reflected in a predictable manner. These components can also be used to terminate a DUT port during some measurements. o

SHORT and OPEN standards both cause 100% of an RF signal to be reflected.

The difference between these two standards is what happens to the phase of the reflected signal, which is beyond the scope of this discussion. Although an OPEN standard is a precision component, simply leaving nothing connected at the end of a cable can be a reasonable substitute for an OPEN. o

A LOAD standard absorbs almost ALL of the incident signal and very little signal is reflected back to the source.

 A THRU standard is used during some calibration steps to connect PORT 1 to

PORT 2 in place of the DUT. A Flush THRU connection can be made when cables that connect with the DUT can mate with each other. Learn more on

page 72. Otherwise, any reasonably short cable can be used as a THRU

standard.

Calibration Reference Plane is the point (or points) at which the DUT and cal standards are connected during a calibration. This can be at the FieldFox test port connectors, or at the end of jumper cables or adapters.

CalReady

Every FieldFox contains a factory calibration that was performed at the port 1 and port 2 connectors over the entire frequency range of the FieldFox using a number of data points that allows reasonable interpolation over the FieldFox frequency range. This calibration, known as CalReady, allows you to immediately make accurate measurements for a DUT that is connected directly at the test ports (PORT 1 and/or PORT 2). CalReady corrects measurements when the

FieldFox is turned ON, when Preset is pressed, and when a measurement is created with no other correction in place.

When measuring a DUT using a jumper cable or adapter - NOT a direct connection to a test port connector – then for highest accuracy a QuickCal or

Mechanical Cal is recommended. CalReady can also be used to check the integrity of the jumper cable that is attached to the test ports.

CalRdy

is shown when a measurement is corrected using CalReady.

You can change the properties of the CalReady calibration. Learn more on page

78.

Learn how to see when your factory CalReady calibration was performed on page

148.

Calibration for NA, CAT, and VVM Modes 65

How to Perform a Calibration

In CAT, NA, or VVM Mode, press Cal 5 .

The following appears:

66

NOTE

Choose Calibration Method screen

Response Cal – Used to quickly calibrate ONE measurement using mechanical

standards. Measurement accuracy is generally low. Learn more on page 70.

Quick Cal (Option 112) – Using built-in cal standards, quickly and accurately cal measurements when using a jumper cable or adapter to connect the DUT to the

FieldFox test ports. Learn more on page 66.

Mechanical Cal – Using mechanical cal standards from a cal kit, perform an accurate calibration at one or both test ports, adapters, or jumper cables. Learn

more on page 68.

User Cal OFF ON – Turns ON and OFF the effects of a calibration that you performed. The OFF state reverts to CalReady which can never be turned OFF.

View Cal – Shows the properties of the current calibration. Learn more on page

72.

More – Learn about CalReady Properties on page 78.

Press Esc at any time to end the calibration process.

QuickCal (Option 112)

QuickCal is ideal for a quick and simple calibration of the measurement when using a jumper cable or adapter to connect the DUT to the FieldFox test ports.

QuickCal corrects for phase shift, time delay, and loss of adapters or jumper cables.

QuickCal does not require a specific Cal Kit and is a very simple calibration. If the highest accuracy is required, a mechanical calibration with a high quality calibration kit is recommended.

QuickCal is designed for DUTs fitted with Type-N and 7/16 connectors.

If the DUT has different connectors, such as 3.5 mm (male) or SMA male connectors, QuickCal can still be used by selecting 'Other' connector. However, the accuracy of QuickCal with ‘Other’ connectors is not specified.


If the DUT has 3.5 mm-female or SMA-female connectors, QuickCal is NOT recommended. For accurate and repeatable measurements of devices with female

3.5 mm or SMA connectors, use mechanical calibration.

Important QuickCal Notes

 7/16 connectors can be used with QuickCal ONLY up to 6 GHz.

 Type-N 75 Ohm can be used with QuickCal ONLY up to 3 GHz.

 QuickCal cannot be used with waveguide, or if the test fixture or test setup

(before DUT) includes an attenuator.

 During QuickCal, the frequency range of the measurement MAY be extended to provide maximum flexibility.

How to perform a QuickCal

 In CAT, NA, or VVM Mode, press Cal 5.

 Then

QuickCal

o

Press

Change DUT Connectors

to select the correct connector types that are on your DUT. Although there is no Cal Kit required, selecting the connector type and gender from the list provides an accurate OPEN model which means a more accurate calibration. If the DUT connector type is not listed, select Unknown/Other. o

The connector choices that are offered depend on the frequency range. For example, if you have selected a frequency range that exceeds 18 GHz, the only connector options you will be presented with in QuickCal are 'other 50 ohm' or 'other 75 ohm'. This is because 3.5 mm connectors, which go beyond

18 GHz, are not supported with QuickCal.

 For each DUT port: o

Select the connector type of the DUT using the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob. o

Press

Change Gender

to change the gender of the DUT connector. o

Then press

Next…

to make the selection.

 Select/Change Cal Type. The FieldFox always RECOMMENDS a Cal Type that will quickly and accurately calibrate all of the displayed S-parameters. The other Cal Types that are listed will NOT necessarily calibrate all of the

displayed S-parameters. Learn more about Cal Types on page 72.

o

Using the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob, select a Cal Type, then press

Select and Finish

.

 Press

Start Calibration

No Connection

 Disconnect the DUT from the FieldFox.

 If a jumper cable or adapter is required to connect the DUT to the FieldFox, connect those components to the FieldFox test ports connectors. The effects of those components will be measured and removed during the calibration, and only the effects of the DUT will be displayed in the measurement results. These should be high-quality components!

 Do NOT connect anything at the cal reference plane where the DUT connects.


68

NOTE

 Press

Measure

Optionally Connect Load(s)

 Connect a Load standard at the point where the DUT will be connected and press

Measure

under the following conditions: o

When a jumper cable has too much loss. If a ‘Cal Failed’ error appears and you skipped the Load measurement, then perform the Cal again but measuring the Load. o

When your DUT has high return loss such as the reject band of a filter. Then measuring the load improves accuracy. Even with the optional Load, phase accuracy begins to degrade when the return loss is greater than about 20dB.

 Press

Skip Step

in all other cases and when making DTF measurements.

Measuring a load would do little to improve accuracy.

Connect THRU (Not used for 1-port cals)

 Connect port 1 to port 2, either by mating the connectors that attach to the

DUT (Flush THRU), or by using a short jumper cable. Learn more about Flush

THRU on page 72. Then press

Measure

.

 Press

Finish

.

CAL ON Q

is shown on the screen for all displayed measurements that are corrected with QuickCal.

Using QuickCal with a Long Jumper Cable

QuickCal requires a sufficient frequency span to adequately characterize the jumper cable (the cable between the instrument port and the DUT). If a ‘Cal

Failed’ error appears and you connected the optional Load standard, then increase the frequency span of the measurement until the error no longer appears. After the calibration, you can then decrease the frequency span as

needed and rely on interpolation. Learn more about Interpolation on page 77.

QuickCal is also limited in how much jumper cable loss it can tolerate. If

QuickCal without the load is failing, then measure the load during the QuickCal to see if that resolves the issue.

Mechanical Cal

Mechanical Calibration is performed using discrete standards from a Cal Kit.

Several Cal Kit definitions are built into the FieldFox.

Visit www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport to see a complete list of supported

Cal Kits. Also at this website, download DataLink software that allows you to edit Cal Kit definitions or add a new Cal Kit.

Mechanical Cals are extremely accurate when performed using the correct Cal

Kits with standards that are clean and in good repair, and when using correct connection procedures.

How to perform a Mechanical Cal

 Disconnect the DUT from the FieldFox.


 If a jumper cable or adapter is required to connect the DUT to the FieldFox, then connect those components to the FieldFox connectors. The effects of those components will be measured and removed during the calibration, and only the effects of the DUT will be displayed in the measurement results. These

should be high-quality components!

 In NA, CAT, or VVM Mode, press Cal 5.

 Then

Mechanical Cal

This page summarizes the Mechanical Cal to be performed and allows you to make changes. For best results, review the screen and make changes in the following order:

1. S-parameters – Verify that these are all of the S-parameters that you want calibrated. If not, press Esc to terminate the calibration process, then return to the Trace menu to display all of the traces to be calibrated. Learn how on

page 25.

2. DUT Connectors – For each DUT port that is shown, verify the correct type and gender of the DUT connector. If a DUT port is not shown, then that port is not included in the list of S-parameters to be calibrated.

3. Cal Kit - Verify the correct Cal Kit for each DUT port to be calibrated. See a

list of supported Cal Kits in the FieldFox data sheet. See page 168.

If the DUT connector type, gender, or Cal Kit is NOT correct for the DUT ports to be calibrated, then: o

Press


to select the correct connector types that are on your DUT. o

For each port: o

Use the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob to change the DUT connector type. o

Press

Change Gender

to change the gender of the DUT connector. o

Then press

Next…

to make the selections. o

For each port: o

Use the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob to select the Cal Kit that you have, and are going to use, for the specified ports. o

Then press

Next…

to make the selection.


70

NOTE

4. Calibration Type - The FieldFox always RECOMMENDS a Cal Type that will quickly and accurately calibrate all of the displayed S-parameters. Change from the RECOMMENDED Cal Type ONLY if you understand the

implications. Learn more about Cal Types on page 72.

To select a different Cal Type: o

Press

Change Cal Type

. o

Then using the ▲|▼ arrows or rotary knob, select a Cal Type, o

Then press

Select and Finish

.

Begin Calibration

 Press


.

If an error appears (“Failure to compute calibration steps…”), check to ensure that the frequency range of the Cal Kit covers the frequency range of the measurement. You can verify the frequency range of your Cal Kit at: www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport, Click Cal Kits.

 Follow the Cal Wizard prompts. Connect the specified standard at the point where the DUT will be connected, then press

Measure

.

 At any time, press

Back

to Re-Measure a standard if you feel it was not properly connected.

 Press

Finish

to complete the calibration.

CAL ON U

is shown on the screen for all displayed measurements that are corrected with the Mechanical Cal.

ECal

ECal is a complete solid-state calibration solution. Every ECal module contains electronic standards that are automatically switched into position during a calibration. These electronic standards have been measured at the factory and the data stored within the memory of the ECal module. The FieldFox uses this stored data, along with the measured data, to calculate the error terms for a measurement calibration.

You can perform the following calibrations with ECal:

 1-Port Reflection calibration

 Full 2-Port calibration

All Agilent USB ECal modules are supported. ECal modules are available in a variety of connector types, covering many frequency ranges. For information about available ECal modules, see http://www.agilent.com/find/ecal

Select an ECal module that has connectors of the same type and gender as the

DUT. If such an ECal module is not available, a module with connectors different from the DUT can be used by selecting a User Characterization. However, a User

Characterization can NOT be PERFORMED using the FieldFox. It must be performed using a bench top Agilent VNA, such as the PNA or ENA. Learn more about User Characterization at the PNA Help website: http://na.tm.agilent.com/pna/help/latest/S3_Cals/ECal_User_Characterization.ht

m .


NOTE

How to Perform a Calibration Using ECal

 Make measurement settings on the FieldFox (frequency range, number of points, etc.)

The frequency range of the measurement MUST be within the frequency range of the ECal module or an error will appear when “Calculating Steps” during the calibration.

 Connect the ECal module USB cable to the FieldFox USB.

 Allow the module to warm up until it indicates READY.

 Connect the ECal module ports to the FieldFox at the calibration reference plane (where the DUT will be connected).

 Press Cal 5 to start the Calibration.

 Press

Mechanical Cal / ECal

 Press


. For each test port to be calibrated, select the

Connector Type and Gender of the DUT / ECal module. The connected ECal module and relevant User Characterizations will appear as the default Cal Kit.

 Optionally press

Advanced

then

ECal Auto Orient

. o

ON

(default) The FieldFox automatically senses the direction in which the

ECal module ports are connected to the FieldFox ports. o

OFF

If power to the ECal module is too low, it cannot detect which FieldFox ports it is connected to. If you are having this problem, select OFF. Then during the calibration, the FieldFox will prompt you to connect the ECal module ports to specific FieldFox ports.

 Optionally press

Advanced

then

Simple ECal

. o

ON

(default) The FieldFox assumes that both ports of the ECal module can be connected at both calibration reference planes. You therefore receive a single prompt to connect the ECal module to both ports. o

OFF

Select when physical restrictions prohibit the ECal module from being connected to both calibration reference planes simultaneously. You will receive separate prompts to connect the ECal module to Port 1, then to connect the ECal to Port 2.

 Press


. When prompted, connect the ECal module, then press

Measure. The standards within the ECal module are automatically connected and measured.

NOTE

When prompted: "Connect port 1 to port 2", then you can connect them however you choose, including using the internal ECal THRU. This is an

‘Unknown THRU’.

When prompted: "Connect port 1 directly to port 2", then you must connect the ports directly together at the calibration reference plane with no adapter or other cabling. This is a ‘Flush THRU’.



72

Simple Response Cals

Simple Response Cals are used to quickly calibrate the magnitude and phase of a measurement using any Open, Short, or Thru component. These may be calibration standards, but because a Cal Kit is not selected, they are not modeled.

Measurement accuracy is generally low. Use a Simple Response Cal to make quick measurements when using a jumper cable to connect the DUT to the

FieldFox. Otherwise, CalReady is usually more accurate.

NOTE You can perform a Simple Response Cal for either: S11, S22, or S21 AND S12.

When prompted, choose a standard based on the displayed measurements to be calibrated. For example, to calibrate S11, connect either an OPEN or SHORT standard to the port 1 reference plane.

1-port response cals are also available from the Mechanical Cal menu. Learn

more on page 75.

Normalize uses a THRU standard or cable between port 1 and port 2 to cal an

S21 and S12 Transmission measurement (NA Mode) and a 2-port Insertion Loss measurement (CAT Mode). In VVM Mode, this is performed using Zero.

NOTE

How to perform a Response Cal

 Select the measurements to be calibrated. See the relevant Mode (NA, CAT, or

VVM) for measurement selections.

 Press Cal 5 then

Response Cal

 For 1-port measurements: o

Select either

Open Response

or

Short Response

for the port to be calibrated. Port 2 is available only with Option 122. o

Connect an OPEN or SHORT standard to the specified port and press

Measure

 For 2-port measurements: o

Select

Normalization

o

Connect a short, high-quality, phase stable cable between the FieldFox port 1 and port 2 connectors, then press

Measure

With a Normalization Cal, all subsequent insertion loss measurements are made relative to the insertion loss of the THRU cable. For example, if you use a cable with 1 dB of loss, then after Normalization, the display will show 0 dB of loss with this cable in place. Therefore, for highest accuracy, when measuring the

DUT also attach the cable that was used in the normalization cal.

 Press

Finish

.

 Connect the DUT.

CAL ON U

is shown on the screen when a Response Cal is correcting ONLY the appropriate measurement.

View Cal

From the Choose Calibration screen (page 66), press

View Cal

to see the following screen:


The top box shows the properties of the current calibration that you performed and the displayed S-parameters that it is correcting.

The bottom box shows the S-parameters that are displayed but NOT corrected by the current performed calibration, but rather the CalReady calibration. Learn

more about CalReady on page 65.

Calibration Type

The FieldFox simplifies the calibration process by recommending the most accurate and efficient calibration type based on the displayed S-parameters.

However, there may be times when you may want a little more accuracy or a little faster sweep time. The following information can help you learn about the various calibration choices.

Definitions:

Non-insertable DUT – A device whose connectors could NOT mate together.

They either do not have the same type of connector or they have the same gender. This also means that the test port cables could NOT mate together as in the above diagram.

Insertable DUT – A device whose connectors could mate together. They have the same type of connector and opposite or no gender. This also means that the test port cables could mate together, as in the above diagram.

Defined THRU – A THRU standard for which there is a Cal Kit definition such as in the 8551xA Cal Kits.

Flush THRU – When the test port cables mate together when measuring an

Insertable DUT. Flush THRU is also a Defined THRU with a definition of zero loss and zero length.


74

Sweep Directions – Both FULL 2-Port Cals listed below result in correction that requires background measurements sweeps in both directions, regardless of the displayed measurements. The displayed traces are updated at a slower rate than

Enhanced Response and 1-port calibrations, which require sweeps in one direction only.

1-Port (OSL)

DUT: Not Applicable

S-parameters Corrected: S11 or S22

Standards: OPEN, SHORT, LOAD

Sweeps in ONE direction.

FULL 2-Port (Requires Option 122).

Most comprehensive calibration. Corrects all S-parameters.

DUT: Non-Insertable or Insertable

Standards: OPEN, SHORT, LOAD on BOTH ports. Any THRU between ports.

For more information on the Unknown Thru process, see the FieldFox


Sweeps in BOTH directions.

FULL 2-Port (QSOLT) – Mechanical Cal ONLY (Requires Option 122)

Quicker to perform than Full 2-port. Corrects all S-parameters.

DUT: Insertable only

Standards: OPEN, SHORT, LOAD on port 1. Flush THRU between ports.


Enhanced Response Cal - Forward OR Reverse (May require an option)

Faster measurements than Full 2-Port.


S-parameters Corrected: S21 and S11 (Forward) OR S12 and S22 (Reverse)

Standards: OPEN, SHORT, LOAD on ONE port. Defined THRU between ports.

Sweeps in ONE direction.

NOTE Also select an Enhanced Response Optimization. Learn more on page 76.

TRL – Mechanical Cal ONLY.

Potentially better accuracy than Full 2-port. Corrects all S-parameters.


Standards: Thru, Reflect, Line or variations of these. A TRL Cal Kit MUST be selected to see this Cal Type.


Learn more about TRL Calibration in the Supplemental Online Help: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/FieldFox.htm


NOTE

1-port Response Cals (Open or Short)

Calibrate the magnitude and phase of a measurement using ‘modeled’ mechanical standards. Measurement accuracy is better than Simple Response

Cals (available on the main Cal page) but NOT as good as full 1-port cal.

Corrects either S11 or S22. Can be used with Isolation (see following section).

Learn more about Simple Response Cals on page 72.


Standards: OPEN or SHORT on ONE port.


Isolation Step of a 2-port Cal

The optional isolation step of a 2-port calibration corrects for crosstalk which is the internal signal leakage between the test ports. The additional Isolation step measures Load standards that are connected to both FieldFox test ports.

Perform an isolation calibration when you are testing a device with high insertion loss, such as the stop band of a filter or a switch in the open position.

The isolation step can add noise to the error model when the measurement is very close to the noise floor of the analyzer. To improve measurement accuracy, set a narrow IF Bandwidth during the calibration.

The Isolation step is NOT allowed with ECal or QuickCal.

How to perform the additional Isolation step

With a 2-port measurement selected:


Mechanical Cal / ECal

 Then

Advanced

 Then

Omit Isolation

o

OFF

Perform the Isolation step o

ON

(default) Omits the Isolation step

 Then <Back

 Configure and perform the calibration as usual. At the first step of the Cal you will be prompted to connect a Load standard to each test port.

If the first calibration step does NOT prompt you to connect Load standards to each port, then the Cal Kit probably does not contain an Isolation standard. You can use DataLink software to edit the Cal Kit and add an isolation standard using a Load standard. See Data Link Help for more information: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/DataLinkHelp/DataLink.htm

 This setting survives an Instrument Preset.


76

Waveguide Calibrations

In general, calibrating with Waveguide is very similar to calibrating with coax.

However, most coax mechanical Cal Kits have standards that can be used over a very wide frequency range. Waveguide Cal Kits are used over a narrow frequency range. Therefore, it is VERY IMPORTANT to set the frequency range of the measurement WITHIN the frequency range of the waveguide Cal Kit. Otherwise, an error message will appear during the ‘Calculating Steps’ portion of the calibration.

Waveguide Cal Kits

Agilent sells two waveguide Cal Kit series: the premium 11644A series and the economy N9911X series. Both are available online at www.Agilent.com

Effective Velocity Factor

Velocity factor is the speed at which an electromagnetic signal passes through the transmission medium relative to the speed of light. This value is important when distance is being calculated in DTF measurements (CAT mode) and Time

Domain (NA mode).

When the media is waveguide, the velocity factor changes with frequency.

FieldFox calculates this ‘effective’ velocity factor automatically. However, the settings are different for CAT mode and NA mode.

CAT Mode - How to make Waveguide settings

These settings are necessary ONLY when making DTF measurements.

 Press Measure 1 then select a DTF measurement.


 Then

Settings

(Learn how to use the Quick Settings table on page 26.)

 Set Media = Waveguide. Frequency Mode = BandPass is automatically selected for you.

 Scroll down to Waveguide Definitions. Select the Waveguide Standard being used. If your waveguide standard is NOT listed: o

Select User Waveguide. Then press Done. o

Then


, then

Edit/Save/Recall Cables

, then

Edit

Cable.

o

Scroll to set Waveguide Definition and set VF Corr = Auto. o

Then set the Min, Max, and Cutoff Frequencies.

 Set Cable Correction = Auto. The Effective Velocity Factor is calculated automatically based on the frequencies of the waveguide standard. To override this setting, set Cable Correction = Man.

NA Mode - How to make Waveguide settings

These settings are necessary ONLY when your measurement requires electrical delay or port extensions, or if using Time Domain Transform.


 Then

Transform

 Then

Transform Settings


 Under Transform Stimulus Settings, set the Start and Stop frequencies to those of the Waveguide.

 Set Stimulus = Bandpass Impulse


 Then


 Set Media = Waveguide



Set Cutoff Frequency. This is the absolute minimum frequency of the waveguide. This value must be less than the Start Frequency of the Waveguide.



Enter the calculated Effective VF value into the Velocity Factor setting.

Enhanced Response Optimization

When Enhanced Response Cal Type is selected, either for one calibration or for

CalReady, this setting optimizes the calibration based on the type of DUT being

measured. See also: CalReady Properties on page 78.

This setting does NOT survive Preset.


More

 Then

Enh.Response


Non-Reciprocal

(default) An amplifier is a Non-Reciprocal device because it has gain in the forward direction, and very high loss (isolation) in the reverse direction. This choice provides the best correction for non-reciprocal devices, and reasonable correction for reciprocal devices. o

Reciprocal

A reciprocal DUT is a device in which the insertion loss through the device is similar in both the forward (S21) and reverse (S12) directions.

A cable is a reciprocal device. This choice provides the best correction for reciprocal devices. However, S11 measurements on non-reciprocal devices will appear to have more return loss than the non-reciprocal choice.

Interpolation *

Highest measurement accuracy is achieved when the frequency range or resolution settings remain the same during the measurement as when the

FieldFox was calibrated. If these settings change after performing a calibration, the FieldFox will interpolate the calibration so that VERY accurate measurements continue to be made.

Interpolated Calibrations are only slightly less accurate than a calibration performed at the measurement settings. Learn more about the relative accuracy

of FieldFox calibrations on page 80.

When a calibration that you performed is being interpolated, an asterisk is added to the Cal annotation. For example:

Cal ON U*

is shown on the screen when the current Response or Mechanical cal is being interpolated. An

*

is never added to a CalRdy.


78

Cal ON ? – Questionable Accuracy

When the Output Power, Interference Rejection, or IF BW (NA Mode ONLY) setting is changed AFTER performing a calibration, a question mark is added to the Cal annotation. For example:

Cal ON Q?

. is shown on the screen when the current QuickCal is being interpolated. An

?

is never added to CalRdy.

The resulting measurement accuracy depends on how much the setting has changed. For highest accuracy, recalibrate using the new settings.

Compatible Mode Calibrations

The FieldFox can have only ONE calibration present for all modes (except

CalReady). Calibrating in one mode will overwrite calibrations for other modes.

Because NA, CAT, and VVM modes are very similar, a calibration that is performed in one mode can also be applied in the other modes.

To apply a Cal that was performed in a different mode, press Cal 5 then select

Cal ON.

Save the Calibration

After performing any type of calibration, you can save the FieldFox settings along with the calibration into a STATE (*.sta) file. These settings and calibration can then be recalled as necessary. To learn how, see Saving and Recalling Files

on page 127.

CalReady Properties

There are several factory CalReady calibrations on every FieldFox. These can be selected based on the type of DUT that you measure most often, and the compromise that you prefer to make between measurement speed versus measurement accuracy. Remember, CalReady was performed at the test ports.

Therefore, a CalReady calibration is most accurate when the DUT is connected to

the test ports. Learn more about CalReady on page 65.

This setting does NOT survive Preset or Power ON/OFF.


More

 Then

CalRdy


Full 2-Port Cal

– Corrects all four S-parameters. Requires a forward and reverse sweep, which causes slower trace measurements. Learn why on page

72.

o

Enhanced Response

(default) – Corrects forward (S21 and S11) and reverse (S12 and S22) measurements separately. Therefore, when measurements in only one direction are required, this choice provides faster trace measurements than a full 2-port cal. Also choose an Enhanced

Response Optimization. Learn more on page 76.

To find the best choice for your DUT:

 Press Preset then

Preset

.

 Select the appropriate S-Parameter and other settings (frequency range, resolution, and so forth).


 Press Trace 6 then

Math and Memory

then

Data->Mem

.

 Press

Data & Memory

.


More

 Select a CalReady Cal to compare with the current setting.

 Press Esc to exit the cal menu.

 View the differences in the two traces.

Verifying Calibration and Jumper Cable Integrity

After calibrating, it is important to verify that the calibration is good. When using a jumper cable, also verify that the cable is of high quality.

Verify a Calibration

 Connect a LOAD standard at the calibration reference plane (where calibration standards were connected). This may be at the end of the jumper cable or at

FieldFox PORT 1 connector.

 In CAT Mode, select

Return Loss

.

 In NA Mode, select

S11

with Log Mag format.

 Observe the trace on the FieldFox screen: o

Lower than 35 dB indicates a GOOD calibration. o

Higher than



0 dB indicates that you should recalibrate.

Verifying Phase Accuracy

 Connect a LOAD standard at the calibration reference plane (where calibration standards were connected).

 In NA Mode, select a S11 Reflection with Polar or Smith Chart format.

 Because all LOAD standards have delay, you should see a small amount of phase rotation as a function of frequency. In general, the measurement result should agree with the characteristics of the calibration standard.

Test the Jumper Cable

With the LOAD standard still connected, move the jumper cable while observing the trace.

 If the measurement trace is relatively stable, the jumper cable is of good quality.

 If you observe significant movement in the peaks of the measurement trace when moving the cable (>5 dB), the jumper cable may need to be replaced.


Calibration Method Summary

 Mechanical Full 2-port Cal is ALWAYS the most accurate Cal method. The quality of a Mechanical Cal is completely dependent on the quality of the

OPEN, SHORT, LOAD standards and the quality of the standard connections.

Use the correct high quality standards to ensure the most accurate calibration.

 QuickCal is ideal for DTF measurements. QuickCal should be performed when good accuracy is required and when using a jumper cable or adapter. o

QuickCal is NOT recommended when the DUT has 3.5 mm-female or SMAfemale connectors. o

Even with the optional Load, phase accuracy begins to degrade when the return loss is greater than about 20dB.

 CalReady is accurate ONLY when the DUT is connected at the test ports and most accurate at room temperature.

 For highest accuracy, a new QuickCal or Mechanical Cal should be performed: o o o

When the temperature changes more than about 10°F (5°C)

When the connection to the DUT requires a different jumper cable or adapters.

When any of the following measurement settings change: Frequency Range,

Power Level, IF BW, and Resolution.


Power Meter Mode

Power Meter measurements, available with Option 302, are made with Agilent

USB power sensors. Power readings are displayed on the FieldFox screen.

In this Chapter

Supported Power Sensors .................................... 81

How to Connect the Power Sensor ..................... 81

Average/Peak ......................................................... 82

Zeroing ..................................................................... 82

Set Frequency ......................................................... 83

Set Source Control ............................................... 83

Set Scale .................................................................. 84

Set Relative and Offset Power ............................. 84

Set Display Units ................................................... 85

Set Averaging.......................................................... 86


Step Detection Mode ............................................. 86

Set Limits ................................................................ 86

See Also

Frequency Offset using Power Sensor ............... 88

Supported Power Sensors

For a complete list of supported Agilent USB Power Sensors, please visit: www.agilent.com/find/usbsensorsforfieldfox

NOTE The FieldFox does NOT support the following Agilent USB Power Sensor features: External Triggering (Time Gated Burst Power Measurement), Power

Sweep Operation, and Frequency Sweep Operation. External Zeroing is NOT allowed on the U2020 X-series Power Sensors.

Power Meter Mode 81

82

CAUTION

Please refer to your USB Power Sensor User’s Guide and observe the damage levels of your device.

How to Connect the Power Sensor

Connect your Power Sensor to one of the USB ports.

NOTE Use an attenuator between the DUT and the power sensor when measuring power levels that are higher than +20 dBm. The attenuator value can be

subtracted from the measurement using the Offset feature, discussed on page 84.

A sequence of status lights are displayed on the base of the power sensor.

 Green blinking light indicates the power sensor is communicating or self-tests are being performed. Because the FieldFox is usually communicating with the power sensor when it is connected, this is the normal mode of operation.

 Amber light indicates Zeroing is being performed.

 Red light indicates an error has occurred with the power sensor. Refer to power sensor documentation.

 No light indicates the FieldFox is not communicating with the power sensor.

This is the case when in Hold mode or when NOT in Power Meter Mode.

Power Meter Settings

Select Power Meter Mode before making any setting in this section.

How to select Power Meter Mode

 Press Mode_.

 Then

Power Meter

.

Average / Peak



Average

Measures and reports the average of the power measurements. o

Peak

Available ONLY on the U202x power sensors. Measures and reports peak power detected at sensor input.

Zeroing

The Agilent USB Power Sensors perform Internal Zeroing automatically. Because

Agilent USB Power Sensors have an internal switch, Internal Zeroing does NOT require that the power source be turned OFF.

For highest measurement accuracy, when measuring power levels below –30 dBm, External Zeroing should be performed.

During External Zeroing, the power source MUST be turned OFF or the power sensor disconnected from the power source (device under test). Power is OFF when power sensor measurements are below –60 dBm. When power higher than this is detected at the sensor, a warning message is shown on the FieldFox and

External Zeroing will not proceed.


NOTE External Zeroing is NOT allowed on the U2020 X-series Power Sensors.

How to perform External Zeroing

 Press Cal 5 .

 Then

External Zero

.

While either Internal or External Zeroing is being performed, “Zeroing...” is shown on the FieldFox screen. While this message is present, do NOT make any changes to the FieldFox.

In addition, once External Zeroing has started, the power source must be OFF for the entire time that the Zeroing message is present. Otherwise, the calibration will be compromised but NO warning is shown.

Frequency

A table of correction factors versus frequency is stored within the Agilent U2000

Series Power Sensors. The frequency of the power to be measured is entered in the FieldFox so that the appropriate correction factor can be used.

The frequency of the power measurement is NOT limited by the frequency range of the FieldFox, but the frequency range of the power sensor, which can be much wider.

How to enter frequency of the Power Measurement

 Press Freq/Dist or Meas Setup 4 .

 Then

Frequency

.

 Then type a value using the numeric keypad. The default frequency is 50 MHz.

 Then press a multiplier key. Learn about multiplier abbreviations on page 20.

The current frequency is shown on the FieldFox screen.

Source Control

This feature may require an option on some FieldFox models.

With the FieldFox internal source enabled, these settings allow you to make simple, absolute power measurements. The source and the power sensor can be physically separated by a long distance when using a long USB cable.

Set the internal source frequency by setting the frequency of the power measurement. Learn how in the previous section.

Power Meter measurements are limited by the combined frequency ranges of the internal source when enabled and the frequency range of the power sensor. For example, assume the frequency range of your sensor is 9 kHz to 18 GHz and the frequency range of the FieldFox is 2 MHz to 6 GHz.

 With the Source ON, measurements are limited to 2 MHz to 6 GHz.

 With the Source OFF, measurements are allowed from 9 kHz to 18 GHz.

How to set Source Control and Power Level


 Then

Advanced


84

NOTE

NOTE

When Option 208 (FOPS) is enabled, to access Source Control, press Sweep 3

Then

Power Setup

Learn more about FOPS beginning on page 88.

 Then

Source Enable

o

ON

Turn ON the internal source o

OFF

Turn OFF the internal source

Optionally set the power level.

 Press

Src Nom Power

(0 dBm default setting) Set output power to an arbitrary value at the displayed CW frequency.

 Then enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

 Press

Enter

Amplitude accuracy may be compromised when the Source is ON, Battery Saver is ON, and the Preamp is ON. For highest amplitude accuracy under these

conditions, turn Battery Saver OFF. Learn how on page 142.

Scale

The scale of the Power Meter display can be set manually or automatically. The major and minor ticks are set automatically and can NOT be changed. Although the scale settings are limited, you can view measurements beyond these settings by performing Autoscale.

How to Scale the Power Meter display

Manually:



Scale Min

Sets the low power level of the power meter display. Type a number and select the units or press Enter. This value is limited to –100 dBm. o

Scale Max

Sets the high power level of the power meter display. Type a number and select the units or press Enter. This value is limited to 100 dBm.

Autoscale:

Using Autoscale, the current reading is used for the center of the scale, and Min and Max values are set accordingly.


 Then

More

.

 Then

Autoscale

.

Relative and Offset Power Measurements

Power measurements can be made that are relative to another reading or that are offset by a fixed value.


Power Meter Mode

 Use Relative to measure the difference between power levels.

 Use Offset to account for components or a long length of cable that is used before the power sensor. For example, if using a 10 dB attenuator to protect the FieldFox, enter an Offset Value of 10 to read the power as it would appear without attenuation. If using a 10 dB amplifier, enter an Offset Value of –10 to read the power as it would appear without amplification.

How to set Relative and Offset Power Measurements



Relative On Off

When switched to ON, the FieldFox measures and stores the current power level. Subsequent power measurements display a power level which is relative to the stored value. When relative is ON, the units change from dBm to dB or from Watts to %. o

Offset On Off

Toggles ON and OFF the displayed power level using the

Offset value. o

Offset Val

Value by which the power meter display is offset. A positive value compensates for a component with loss. A negative value compensates for a component with gain. Offset values are limited to +/- 100 dB.

Display Units

Sets the Power Meter display to dBm or Watts. When making relative power measurements, these change to dB and %.

How to set Power Meter display units

 Press Meas Setup 4 or Scale / Amptd.

 Then

Unit

.


dBm (dB)

Sets Power Meter display to dBm or dB. o

Watt (%)

Sets Power Meter display to Watts or %.

Resolution

Sets the number of digits to display after the decimal point on the digital power meter display.



 Then

More

.

 Then choose from 0, 1, 2 , or 3.

85

86

Averaging

Power Meter Averaging is used to improve measurement accuracy in low power or noisy power situations. Increased averaging improves measurement accuracy, but also reduces measurement speed.

How to set Power Meter Averaging

 Press BW 2 or Meas Setup 4.


Averaging Auto Man Off

o

Auto Allows the USB Power Sensor to use its Auto Averaging settings.

See the USB Power Sensor documentation for details. o

Man Manually enter an averaging count by setting Num Averages. o

OFF Performs NO averaging. o

Num Averages

Sets the number of Power Meter readings to be averaged before a valid reading is displayed. When a number is entered, Averaging is automatically set to Man.



Single






Single



Hold


-->


Continuous



Step Detection Mode

The FieldFox supports the Step Detection feature that is present in U2000 series power meters. When enabled, this feature reduces settling time after a significant step in the measured power. For more information, please refer to the USB Power Meter documentation.

How to set Step Detection mode


 Then

Step Detection ON Off



ON Enables step detection (default setting) o

OFF Disables step detection

Limits

In Power Meter Mode, Minimum and Maximum limits set a visible range of acceptable readings between these two values. Readings that are below the minimum or above the maximum are clearly visible on the power meter display.

How to set Limits

 Press Limit 8.


Min Limit On Off

Toggles the display of the Minimum limit ON and OFF. o

Min Limit Value

Sets the Minimum limit power value. Power reading lower than this will exceed the limit. o

Max Limit On Off

Toggles the display of the Maximum limit ON and OFF. o

Max Limit Value

Sets the Maximum limit power value. Power reading higher than this will exceed the limit.


Frequency Offset using Power Sensor (FOPS) – Option 208

FOPS is accessed through (and requires) Option 302 USB Power Meter Mode.

With both options installed, you can send a signal with the FieldFox internal source at one frequency, and measure this signal with an Agilent U-Series USB

Power Sensor at another frequency.

Display for FOPS

In this Chapter

Overview ................................................................. 89


Sweep Type and Frequency ................................. 90

Power Sensor Settling ........................................... 92

Sweep Settings ....................................................... 92

Amplitude Markers ................................................ 93

See Also

Trace Math ............................................................ 125


Overview

The following shows a typical use case for FOPS:

NOTE

 The DUT is a long section of cable with a mixer and bandpass filter on the IF

Output.

 The FieldFox source is tuned to f1.

 The USB power sensor, with an equally long USB/LAN cable, is connected to the IF Output. USB/LAN extenders are NOT provided with the FieldFox or

Agilent USB power sensors.

 Conversion gain/loss is measured at f2, which is (f1 +/- f Offset).

The dynamic range with FOPS may be significantly different when using various power sensors. In general, the lower frequency range sensors have better dynamic range.

FOPS Settings

The following settings are unique to FOPS. Standard USB Power Meter mode settings, which may be useful with FOPS, are documented in that chapter

starting on page 81.

Select Power Meter (USB Sensor) before making any setting in this section.

How to select Power Meter (USB Sensor)

 Press Mode

 Then

Power Meter (USB Sensor)

 Then connect a USB Power Sensor to either FieldFox USB port.

 For a complete list of supported Agilent USB Power Sensors, please visit: www.agilent.com/find/usbsensorsforfieldfox

Frequency Offset using Power Sensor (FOPS) – Option 208 89

90

NOTE






Src Power Measure

Similar to a ‘normalization’ cal, this selection guides you through the following steps to make a measurement at the reference plane and then store the data trace into memory.

1. Connect the power sensor to the measurement reference plane. This is the location to where power measurements are to be referenced. For example, to measure only the conversion loss through a converter, attach the power sensor to the cable that connects to the converter input.

2. Press

Measure

. When finished, press

Src Data -> Mem

to store the measured data into FieldFox memory. Preset or Mode Preset will clear the stored memory.

3. Optionally choose from the following: o

Re-Measure

Make another measurement o o

Src Data

View only the re-measured data.

Src Memory

View only the stored memory data. o

Src Data & Memory

View both the re-measured data and the stored memory data.

4. Press

Done



Src Pwr Memory

Not available until source data is stored into memory.

Displays only the source power memory trace.



Gain

Not available until source data is stored into memory. Displays the

Output power / Source power (memory trace).



Rx Power

Displays the raw output power at the USB power sensor.

Sweep Type and Frequency

Set the source and receiver frequencies for the FOPS measurements. The receiver is an Agilent U-Series Power Sensor. These are broadband measurement devices, which means that they measure power over a very wide frequency range. Tables of frequency and power correction factors are stored within the power sensors.

The receiver (Rx) frequencies are used ONLY to apply the appropriate correction factors to the power levels measured with the power sensor.

It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that ONLY the signal of interest is present at the power sensor. All other signals MUST be filtered appropriately.

How to set Sweep Type and Frequency


 Then

Frequency

 Then

Sweep Type




CW

Used to make standard (non-offset) power meter measurements at a

single frequency. Learn more beginning on page 81.


NOTE To make swept FOPS measurements at a single frequency, choose Swept, then enter a Src Center frequency, then Span = 0 Hz.



Swept

Used to make swept FOPS measurements. o

Then enter source (Src) frequencies as either Center and Span or Start and

Stop. Both methods set the FieldFox internal source sweep range out the

Port 1 RF Output connector.

The frequency limits are determined by the limits of both the FieldFox and the power sensor. o The LOW frequency is limited by the higher of either the FieldFox or the power sensor minimum frequencies. o The HIGH frequency is limited by the lower of either the FieldFox or the power sensor maximum frequencies. o

Then

More

. o

Then

Freq Display

. This determines how the receiver frequencies below the graticules are displayed. Choose from the following: o

Start

Annotated as Start and Stop frequencies. o

Center

Annotated as Center and Span frequencies. o

Then choose from the following two methods to determine the offset

frequency (the frequency that the receiver is offset from the source). This is typically the frequency of the LO that is used with the frequency converter.

The frequency offset may be positive, negative, or zero. o

Freq Offset

Enter an Offset frequency. The receiver frequencies are calculated. o

Offset Calculator

Enter the Receiver Start and Stop frequencies. Then press

Calculate Offset

. o

Press

Rx Swp

to select the receiver sweep direction. o

Fwd

Used for systems for which the output frequency is Offs + Src. The output frequency of the DUT and the receiver sweeps in the same direction as the source. o

Rev

Used for systems for which the output frequency is Offs - Src. The output frequency of the DUT and the receiver sweeps in reverse direction as compared to the source.

Invalid Settings

Violations of the following conditions will return an error message:

 The frequency span for the source and receiver must be the same.



Both the source and receiver frequencies must be positive.

FOPS Configuration Examples

Negative Offset, RxSwp =

Fwd

(Offs + Src)

Src = 2 GHz to 3 GHz

Offset = -1 GHz

Rx = 1 GHz to 2 GHz


92

Positive Offset, RxSwp =

Rev

(Offs - Src)


Offset = 3.8 GHz

Rx = 1.800 GHz to 800 MHz

Positive Offset, RxSwp =

Fwd

(Offs + Src)


Offset = 3.8 GHz

Rx = 5.8 GHz to 6.8 GHz

Power Sensor Settling

The following two settings work together to allow you to choose the right compromise between measurement speed and accuracy.

Each power sensor reading is considered "settled" when either:

 The difference between two consecutive readings are within the Tolerance value – or when:

 The Max (number of) Readings has been made.

The readings that were taken are averaged together to become the displayed reading.

How to choose Power Sensor settling

 Press BW 2

 Then

Tolerance

. Enter a value in dB between 0 and 10 using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. Tolerance of 0 will never be achieve, so the Max Readings will always be made. Press

Enter

 Then

Max Readings

. Enter a value between 1 and 20 using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. Press

Enter

Sweep Settings

These settings provide added control of the FOPS measurement.

How to make additional sweep settings

 Press Sweep 3




Power Setup

o

Source Enable

o

ON

Turn ON the internal source (required for FOPS). o

OFF

Turn OFF the internal source


NOTE Amplitude accuracy may be compromised when the Source is ON, Battery Saver is ON, and the SA mode Preamp is ON. For highest amplitude accuracy under these conditions, turn Battery Saver OFF. Learn how on page Error! Bookmark

not defined.. o

Src Nom Power

(-15 dBm default setting) Set output power to an arbitrary value at the source CW frequency. Then enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. Press

Enter



Num Points

or

Freq Step Size

Both settings control the number of power sensor measurements between the Start and Stop frequencies. Enter one setting and the other will be changed automatically. There must be at least two data points.



Dwell /Point

Specifies a settling time (in seconds) after the internal source steps to the next frequency and before the power sensor makes a measurement.

Amplitude Markers

Amplitude markers are horizontal dotted lines that you can move to any amplitude level on the screen. The two amplitude markers can be set independently or used as a pair of delta markers.

Amplitude markers can be used as a visual comparison aid with the data trace.

How to make Amplitude Marker settings

 Press Marker

 Then

More

 Then

Ampl Markers


OFF

Amplitude markers are NOT displayed. o

ON

Amplitude markers ARE displayed at their previous positions.

 Then

Ampl Mkr 1 or 2

 Enter a value in dBm for the marker using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

 Press

Delta AmplMkr


ON

AmplMkr 2 value is relative to AmplMkr 1. When AmplMkr 1 is moved,

AmplMkr 2 also moves to maintain the AmplMkr 2 value between them. o

OFF

The two amplitude markers move independent of one another.

Trace Math

Trace Math allows you to compare data traces and perform simple math. Learn

how to use Trace Math beginning on page 125.


Pulse Measurements Mode - Option 330

Pulsed power meter measurements, available with Option 330, are made with

Agilent U2020 X-Series USB Peak Power Sensors. These sensors are capable of detecting, measuring, and storing data from a train of pulses at the RF input.

This data is queried from the USB Power Sensor and displayed on the FieldFox screen. You can then analyze the data using several selectable settings.

94

In this Chapter

NOTE

Supported Power Sensors .................................... 95


Frequency / Time ................................................... 96

Zoom Window ......................................................... 97

Scale ......................................................................... 97

Averaging ................................................................ 98

Video Bandwidth ................................................... 98

Single or Continuous Measure ............................ 99

Resolution ............................................................... 99

Triggering ................................................................ 99

Pulse Timing Diagram ......................................... 101

Marker Settings .................................................... 101

Amplitude Markers .............................................. 102

Marker Search ...................................................... 102

Auto Analysis ....................................................... 103

Pulse Top ............................................................... 103

Grid ........................................................................ 104

Trace Memory ....................................................... 104

Many of the features included with the FieldFox Pulse Measurements Mode are discussed in detail in these two documents:



Agilent U2020 X-Series USB Peak Power Sensors Programmer’s Guide. http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/U2021-90003.pdf


 “Best Practices For Making The Most Accurate Radar Pulse Measurements” http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5991-0434EN.pdf

Supported Power Sensors

Pulse measurements are made using any of the Agilent U2020 X-Series USB Peak

Power Sensors.

Zeroing of the U2020 X-Series USB Peak Power Sensors is performed automatically at power up, every 5 seconds, and prior to measuring low level signals.

Switching between Pulse Measurement Mode and Power Meter Mode

NOT Supported - Using a single USB Peak Power Sensor and switching between Power Meter Mode and Pulse Measurement Mode. Both modes will attempt to program the sensor, which could cause one or both modes to hang, or at least report inaccurate data.

Supported - Using one U2000A Average Power Sensor connected to the top

USB port for Power Meter Mode, and one Peak Power Sensor connected to the bottom USB port for Pulse Measurement Mode.

How to Connect the Power Sensor

Connect your Power Sensor to one of the FieldFox USB ports.

NOTE Use an attenuator between the DUT and the power sensor when measuring power levels that are higher than +20 dBm. The attenuator value can be

subtracted from the measurement using the Offset feature, discussed on page 84.

A sequence of status lights are displayed on the base of the power sensor.

 Green blinking light indicates the power sensor is communicating or self-tests are being performed. Because the FieldFox is usually communicating with the power sensor when it is connected, this is the normal mode of operation.

 Amber light indicates Zeroing is being performed.

 Red light indicates an error has occurred with the power sensor. Refer to power sensor documentation.

 No light indicates the FieldFox is not communicating with the power sensor.

This is the case when in Hold mode or when NOT in Pulsed Measurement

Mode.

Pulse Measurement Settings

Select Pulse Measurement Mode before making any setting in this section.

How to select Pulse Measurement Mode

 Press Mode_

 Then

More

if your FieldFox contains more than five measurement modes.

 Then

Pulse Measurement

Pulse Measurements Mode - Option 330 95

96


The pulse measurement results are presented as either a traditional power meter display or as a trace graph.

How to select the Measurement



Average

Average power (Meter display) o

Peak

Peak power (Meter display) o

Pk to Avg

Displays the difference between the above two measurements

(Meter display) o

Trace Graph

(default) The primary trace (Tr 1) plots pulse data in amplitude versus time. Optionally, you can enable a secondary ‘zoom’ trace.

Learn how on page 97.

When a ‘Meter display’ measurement is selected, the following Pulse

Measurement Mode settings are identical to the standard USB Power Meter

Mode settings. o

Learn how to set Scale on page 84.

o

Learn how to set Relative and Offset Power on page 84.

o

Learn how to set Display Units on page 85.

o

Learn how to set Limits on page 86.

Frequency / Time

How to set Frequency



Frequency

Sets the center frequency of the carrier on which pulse modulation resides. This is used to set amplitude correction of the USB

Power Sensor.

How to set Time

Specify the time over which data will be acquired by the USB Power Sensor.

When Trace Graph is selected, Tr 1 is annotated with these values. Time can be specified using either of the following pairs of values: o

Center 1

and

Time/div 1

Specify the center time and time per division. o

Start Time

and

Time Length

Specify the start time and length of acquisition. o

A positive start time indicates a delay after the sensor detects a pulse signal. o

A negative start time displays data that is acquired BEFORE the sensor detects a pulse signal (or T-zero).

 Follow each by entering a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.




Zoom Window

When Trace Graph is selected as the measurement, a secondary Zoom Trace can be used to view a zoomed portion of Tr 1. When Zoom Window is ON, blue vertical posts appear on Tr 1 to indicate the current start, center, and stop times of the zoom window. The zoom window can be scaled using the standard Scale settings.

How to make Zoom Window settings

 Press Trace 6

 Then

Zoom Window


ON

Opens the zoom window on the bottom half of the FieldFox screen. The window includes the zoomed trace. o

OFF

Closes the zoom window.



Zoom Center

While monitoring the

T

within the blue vertical posts on Tr 1, enter a value for the center time using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.



Zoom Time/div

While monitoring the blue vertical posts on the primary trace, enter a value for the zoom window span using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.



Trace 1

Press to select Tr 1. This can also be done by using the ▲|▼ arrows.

Select a trace before making trace settings, such as Scale.



Zoom Trace

Press to select the zoom trace.

Scale

For Meter-style measurements, learn how to set Scale, Relative and Offset Power,

display Units, and Resolution beginning on page 84.

How to set Scale for Trace Graph measurements

 Select a trace to scale using the ▲|▼ arrows.


 Then choose from the following methods:



Autoscale

Automatically adjusts the Y-axis to comfortably fit the Min and Max amplitude of the trace on the screen.

 Set Scale, Reference Level, and Reference Position: o

Scale


Ref Level


Ref Position

Manually set the position of the reference line. Values must be between 0 (TOP line) and 10 (BOTTOM line).


98

o

Offset ON

Enable Offset. When only trace 1 is visible,

Offset ON

appears to the left of the trace. o

Offset Val

Enter a value by which all amplitude values will be offset. This can have the effect of virtually removing a component from the measurement path. A positive value compensates for a component with loss.

A negative value compensates for a component with gain. Offset values are limited to +/- 100 dB.

Averaging

Averaging helps to reduce the effects of random noise on a measurement. The more measurements that are averaged, the greater the amount of noise reduction. Averaging is allowed for all pulse measurements.

Averaging is performed in the USB Power Sensor before the data is sent to the

FieldFox.

Annotation in the left pane shows the state of the Average setting. When Manual is selected, the ‘Num of Averages’ is setting is also shown.


 Press BW 2.

 Then

Averaging


Auto

Averaging is set to a reasonable value by the USB Power Sensor. o

Man

Averaging is set to the value specified in the ‘Num Averages’ setting. o

Off

Averaging is OFF



Num Averages

Select a value using the numeric keypad, then press

Enter

.

Video Bandwidth

The Video Bandwidth setting enables an FIR (finite impulse response) filter within the USB Power Sensor. The filter setting affects the appearance of the trace results.

Video Bandwidth is allowed for all pulse measurements

How to set Video Bandwidth

 Press BW 2.

 Then

Video Bandwidth


Off

Video Bandwidth is disabled. o

Low

Similar to a low pass filter, ripple in the pass band is minimized but allows higher side-lobes on the filter skirt. o

Medium

Smooth pass band with reasonable transition ripple. o

High

The pass band ripple is similar to the OFF setting, but the transition skirts are smoother.



This setting determines whether the FieldFox continuously queries the USB

Power Sensor for data, or only once each time the

Single

button is pressed. Use

Single to conserve battery power or to allow you to save or analyze specific data.




Single

Automatically sets Continuous OFF and causes the FieldFox to query the USB Power Sensor ONCE, then hold for the next Single key press.

Hold

is annotated in the upper left corner of the display. o

Continuous

Queries the USB Power Sensor whenever a valid trigger signal is present. This is the typical setting when battery power is not critical.


Resolution

Resolution is the number of individual acquisitions that occur in the USB Power

Sensor. This data is read by the FieldFox and plotted across the X-axis to form a trace. More data points increases measurement resolution. However, more data points requires more time to acquire, query, and plot.



 Then

Resolution


Low

240 data points. o

Medium

1000 data points. o

High

Calculated value - approximately 8000 data points.

Triggering

For pulse measurements, a trigger signal refers to the event that causes the USB

Peak Power Sensor to initiate measurement acquisition. It does NOT refer to triggering the FieldFox.

Trigger settings can be used with ALL pulse measurements unless stated otherwise.

A

Waiting for Trigger

message on the FieldFox screen is posted on behalf of the

USB Power Sensor when it is waiting for a pulse signal at the RF Input (Internal) or a TTL signal at the USB Sensor External Trigger input.

How to make Trigger settings


 Then

Trigger

 Then

Trig Type


100


Freerun

The USB Power Sensor acquires data without waiting for a trigger.

This mode is NOT supported for Trace Graph measurements. o

Internal

The USB Power Sensor acquires data when a valid pulse signal is detected at the RF input. The following Trigger settings determine the validity of the trigger signal. o

External

The USB Power Sensor acquires data when a valid TTL signal is detected at the USB Power Sensor external trigger input.

Trigger Edge

This setting determines which edge of a trigger signal initiates data acquisition.


 Then

Trigger

 Then

Trig Edge


Pos

Acquisition is triggered by the rising (positive) edge of a valid signal. o

Neg

Acquisition is triggered by the falling (negative) edge of a valid signal.

Trigger Delay

After a valid trigger signal is received at the USB Power Sensor, data acquisition begins after the specified Trigger Delay time PLUS the specified Start time. See

the Pulse Timing diagram on page 101 for more information.


 Then

Trigger

 Then

Trig Delay

 Then enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

Auto Trigger

Used ONLY when Trigger Type = Internal, this setting determines whether the trigger level is set manually or is set to the default level in the USB Power Sensor firmware.


 Then

Trigger

 Then

AutoTrig


ON

Trigger level is determined by the USB Power Sensor firmware. o

OFF

The trigger level is set manually using the Trigger Level setting.

Trigger Level

Used when Trigger Type = Internal AND Auto Trigger = OFF (Manual).



 Then

Trigger

 Then

Trig Level

 Then set the trigger level using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. A line appears on Tr 1 at the current trigger level setting. Data acquisition occurs when the RF input signal crosses the line. This setting can be used with either Positive or Negative edge triggering.

Trigger Settings Annotation

Trigger settings are annotated on the FieldFox screen as highlighted in

red

in the following image:

Trig Level = -10 dBm, Trig Type (Int), Pos Slope (/), Delay

Pulse Timing Diagram

Marker Settings

Markers are not allowed with Meter-style measurements.

Markers are displayed on Tr 1 and also on the zoom trace if the marker is within the zoom window time span.

Up to six standard markers can be used to provide readouts of the Y-axis amplitude at the current X-axis location.

The six standard markers can also be used as Delta Markers.

Learn more about standard markers on page 113.


102

Amplitude Markers

Amplitude markers are horizontal dotted lines that you can move to any amplitude level on the screen. The two amplitude markers can be set independently or used as a pair of delta markers.

Amplitude markers can be used as a visually comparison aid with the pulse measurement traces.

How to make Amplitude Marker settings


 Then

More

 Then

Ampl Markers


OFF

Amplitude markers are NOT displayed. o

ON

Amplitude markers ARE displayed at their previous positions.

 Then

Ampl Mkr 1 or 2

 Enter a value in dBm for the marker using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

 Press

Delta AmplMkr


ON

AmplMkr 2 value is relative to AmplMkr 1. When AmplMkr 1 is moved,

AmplMkr 2 also moves to maintain the AmplMkr 2 value between them. o

OFF

The two amplitude markers move independent of one another.

Marker Search

Use Marker Search to find and move markers to locations on the Tr 1 trace.

How to Search with Markers

 Activate the marker to be used for the search

 Then press Mrk ->/Tools.

 Then

Marker Search

 Then

Zone Search


ON

Available ONLY when the zoom window is enabled, the search is limited to the zone defined by the zoom window. o

OFF

The search is performed over the entire Tr 1 trace.

Then choose from the following:



Target

,

Peak

, and

Minimum

. Learn more about these standard features

beginning on page 117.



Rise Time

Select, then set a value in dB. Delta markers are created and placed at the Peak and at the specified value BEFORE the Peak.


NOTE



Fall Time

Select, then set a value in dB. Delta markers are created and placed at the Peak and at the specified value AFTER the Peak.

Rise and Fall time in Marker Search uses different criteria than in Auto Analysis and will therefore result in different reported values.

Auto Analysis

Auto Analysis reports the following TEN pulse measurements:

1 - Average Power

2 - Peak Power

Average power level of all measured data points

Highest reading of all measured data points

3 - Peak minus Average

Difference between the above two results

4 - Pulse Top

Power value based on the specified Pulse Top setting.

5 - Rise Time

6 - Fall Time

7 - Pulse Width

8 - Pulse Period

9 - Duty Cycle

10 - Pulse Rep Freq

The time it takes for a pulse to rise from 10% to 90% of its peak value.

The time it takes for a pulse to fall from 90% to 10% of its peak value.

The time between the rising edge and falling edge of a pulse.

The time of one complete pulse cycle

The ratio of the pulse duration to the pulse period.

The rate, in pulses / sec, at which pulses recur.

How to enable Auto Analysis

 Press Mrk ->/Tools.

 Then

Auto Analysis


OFF

Analysis OFF o

ON

The Analysis values appear below trace 1.

Pulse Top

Pulse Top is NOT the same as the pulse Peak. Pulse Top is used to set and report the reference power level. You enter a value in percent, and the Pulse Top value is reported in the Auto Analysis table in dB down from 100% of the reference power level.

How to set Pulse Top

 Press Mrk ->/Tools

 Then

Pulse Top

 Then enter a percent value between 0 and 100 using the numeric keypad, the

▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob. o

When set to 10%, 10 dB down from the 100% reference level is reported. o

When set to 50%, 3 dB down from the 100% reference level is reported.


o

When set to 90%, 0.5 dB down from the 100% reference level is reported.

Grid

Enables and disables the display of a 10 x 10 grid on the FieldFox screen.

How to enable Grid display

 Press Mrk ->/Tools

 Then

Grid

OFF

Grid OFF

ON

A grid of X/Y lines appears on the screen.

Trace Memory

A memory trace is a pulse measurement Tr 1 data trace (NOT the trace in the

Zoom window) that has been stored in the FieldFox volatile memory. It then becomes static, meaning it is not updated with normal pulse measurements. It can be displayed on the screen by itself, or with a pulse trace for comparison purposes.

The Tr 1 trace is displayed in yellow.

The memory trace is displayed in blue.

How to display data and memory traces

 Press Trace 6.

 Then

Trace Memory

 Then

Data->Mem

to store the current live trace into memory. A ‘beep’ sounds to confirm the data trace has been saved to memory. There is no display annotation that indicates that the memory trace has been stored. o

Press

Data

to view only the data trace. o

Press

Memory

to view only the memory trace.

Press

Data & Memory

to view both the live trace and the stored memory trace.


VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode

VVM Mode (Option 308) measures the electrical length of cables and other devices. The 1-Port Cable Trimming and 2-Port Transmission measurement displays the electrical length in both Magnitude and Phase.

Display for the 1-Port Cable Trimming measurement

In this Chapter

Overview ............................................................... 106

VVM Calibration ................................................... 109

Measurement Selection ....................................... 106

Frequency Selection ............................................ 107

Display Resolution ............................................... 107

IF Bandwidth ........................................................ 107

Output Power ....................................................... 108

Averaging .............................................................. 108

Single/Continuous ............................................... 109

Zeroing ................................................................... 109

Procedures

1-Port Cable Trimming Measurement .............. 110

2-Port Transmission Measurement ................... 111

A/B and B/A Measurement ................................ 112

VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode 105

Overview

In the FieldFox, both 1-port and 2-port measurement types use a different configuration setup from the HP/Agilent 8508A Vector Voltmeter.

106

Typical 8508A measurement configuration

–as shown in the 8508A manual.

The above block diagram requires an external source and directional coupler to measure the electrical length of a DUT or cable to be trimmed. Separate paths are used to measure the Incident signal (A) and Reflected signal (B). To measure the ratio of the Reflected/Incident signals, you were required to select B/A for both the Magnitude and Phase display.

In the FieldFox, the source and directional coupler are inside the instrument.

This allows you to connect the DUT to ONLY the FieldFox Port 1, with NO external instruments, in order to make Cable Trimming measurements.

See the FieldFox block diagram and Cable Trimming procedures beginning on

page 110.

VVM Mode Settings

Select VVM Mode before making any setting in this section.

How to select VVM Mode

 Press Mode

 Then

VVM


How to select a VVM Measurement



1-Port Cable Trimming

1-port reflection measurement. Learn how to make

this measurement on page 110.


NOTE o

2-Port Transmission

2-port transmission measurement. Learn how to make

this measurement on page 111.

B/A

and

A/B

2-port ratioed receiver measurements using external sources.


Frequency Selection

VVM measurements are made at a single CW frequency.

How to set Frequency

Frequency can be set to 1 Hz resolution.


 Then

Frequency

 Enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

 After using the ▲|▼ arrows or the rotary knob, press Enter. The increment setting of the arrows is based on the current span and can NOT be changed in

VVM Mode.



Display Resolution

You can display either one digit or two digits after the decimal point for both magnitude and phase readings.

This setting survives a Preset and Mode Preset.


 Press Scale/Amptd

 Then

Resolution

 Then choose: o

1

0.0 (default) o

2

0.00

IF Bandwidth

Reducing the IF receiver bandwidth reduces the effect of random noise on a measurement. However, narrower IF bandwidths cause longer measurement times.

For highest accuracy, perform calibration and Zero AFTER changing the IF

Bandwidth. Learn about Zeroing on page 109.

How to set IF BW

 Press BW 2

 Then

IF BW


300 Hz | 1 kHz | 3 kHz | 10 kHz | 30 kHz


108

Output Power






 Press Meas Setup 4 then

More

 Then

Output Power

o

High (Default setting) Sets output power to the maximum achievable power at the displayed frequency. Please see the FieldFox Specifications for expected power levels. o


Man Set output power to an arbitrary value. o o o

Then press

Nominal Power

Then enter a value using the numeric keypad, the ▲|▼ arrows, or the rotary knob.

Press

Enter

.

Averaging

Averaging helps to reduce the effects of random noise on a measurement. The

FieldFox computes the displayed value over several consecutive readings.

Average count determines the number of readings to average. The higher the average count, the greater the amount of noise reduction.

An average counter is shown in the left edge of the screen as Avg N. This shows the number of previous readings that have been averaged together. When the counter reaches the specified count, then a ‘running average’ of the last N readings is displayed.

Average count = 1 means there is NO averaging.




 Then

More

 Then

Average N

where N is the current count setting.




To restart the averaging process, press Meas Setup 4, then

More

, then

Restart



Single




 Press Meas 4


Single

Automatically sets Continuous OFF and causes the FieldFox to make ONE measurement, then hold for the next Single key press. When a data trace is displayed, the entire trace is measured, then holds. The

Hold


-->


Continuous


 You can also use Run / Hold +/- to toggle between Single and Continuous.

VVM Calibration

Calibration of a VVM Mode measurement can be accomplished using one of several methods depending on the desired level of accuracy.

 The simplest method is to use CalReady which is accurate at the test port connectors. CalReady does not correct for the loss or delay of jumper cables or adapters that may be used to connect the DUT to the FieldFox. Learn more

about CalReady on page 65.

 The next simplest method is to perform a Zeroing.

 When using jumper cables or adapters to connect the DUT to the FieldFox, the most accurate method is to perform a QuickCal or Mechanical Cal. Learn more

on page 64. Press

Zero OFF

before calibrating.

Zeroing

Zeroing, also known as Normalization, or Data/Memory, simply “Zeroes” the

Magnitude and Phase display when

Zero

is pressed. All subsequent measurements are relative to the measurement that was made when Zero was pressed.

 When performing a 1-Port Cable Trimming operation, a reference cable is connected and measured. Then Zero is pressed, and subsequent cables are measured and trimmed to match electrical length of the reference cable.

 For 2-port measurements, Zero is typically pressed when a THRU connection is

made in place of a DUT. Learn more on page 111.

Press

Zero OFF

before performing a QuickCal or Mechanical Cal.


How to select Zeroing

o

Press Meas Setup 4 o

Then

Zero

o

Press

Zero OFF

to turn zeroing off.

1-Port Cable Trimming Measurements

A 1-Port Cable Trimming measurement is used in a cable fabrication procedure to validate proper electrical length.

 The

R

receiver measures incident signal (green line) out of the source.

 The

A receiver measures reflected signal (red line) from the end of the DUT (black line).

 In VVM mode, the display ALWAYS shows ratioed (A/R) measurements which is the electrical length of the DUT.

110

FieldFox Block Diagram

How to make a 1-Port Cable Trimming Measurement


VVM

then

1-Port Cable Trimming

.

2. Press Freq/Dist and enter the frequency for the measurement.


Zero OFF

.

4. Calibrate the FieldFox: (Learn more about VVM calibration on page 109.)

o

If using an adapter to connect the cables to the FieldFox, press Cal 5 then select either

QuickCal

or

Mechanical Cal

. Follow the FieldFox calibration prompts. During calibration, the measurement (S-parameter) is referred to as S11. o

If connecting the cables directly to the FieldFox test port, CalReady is very accurate.

5. To ensure that the FieldFox is properly calibrated, perform the following

optional Measurement Verification procedure.

NOTE This measurement verification procedure is suitable for low frequency measurements. However, for high frequency measurements, a more sophisticated procedure is required. a. Connect a short standard to the PORT 1 calibration plane (the location where the calibration was performed). b. Press Meas Setup 4 and press

Zero

. c. Connect the open standard to the FieldFox PORT 1 connector. d. Confirm that magnitude measurement is less than –0.1 dB and that the phase value reads 180 degrees.


6. Attach the shortest cable to the FieldFox PORT 1 connector. This cable is the reference cable. Leave the end of the reference cable open (unterminated).

7. Press Meas Setup 4 then press

Zero

.

8. Remove the reference cable from the FieldFox PORT 1 connector.

9. Connect an unterminated, longer cable to the FieldFox PORT 1 connector.

10. Observe the displayed phase difference between the reference cable and the attached cable.

11. Carefully trim the cable until the phase shift reads zero. The attached

cable’s electrical length is now matched to the reference cable.

12. Repeat steps 9 through 11 for the remaining cables to be trimmed.

2-Port Transmission Measurements

A 2-Port Transmission measurement is used for measuring electrical length, insertion loss, gain, or isolation of a DUT at a single CW frequency. The FieldFox signal source is transmitted out the port 1 connector, through the DUT, and into the port 2 connector. In the following image, the gain of an amplifier is being measured.

2-Port Transmission measurement of an amplifier

How to make a 2-Port Transmission Measurement


VVM

then

2-Port Transmission

.

2. Press Freq/Dist and enter the measurement frequency.

3. Calibrate the FieldFox using one of the methods described on page 109.

Before performing a QuickCal or Mechanical Cal, press Meas Setup 4 then

Zero OFF

.

4. Connect the DUT.

Notes:

 The magnitude value is the gain (positive value) or the loss (negative value) of the DUT.

 The phase value is the difference in phase (in degrees) between the DUT input and output.

 To measure isolation of the amplifier, reverse the connection to the amplifier

(PORT 1 to the amplifier output).


A/B and B/A Measurements

NOTE

These measurements allow you to use the FieldFox A and B receivers, along with an external source, to make ratioed measurements.

These measurements require the “Full 2-port S-parameters” option.

The image below shows a typical configuration for a B/A magnitude and phase measurement of a 2-port DUT. This DUT can be an antenna / probe setup. Using network analyzer terms, the image shows the A receiver as the reference receiver which measures the signal that is applied to the DUT. The B receiver is the test port receiver which measures the DUT response.

B/A Transmission measurement with external source

Procedure

1. Connect the external source’s frequency reference output to the FieldFox

Freq Ref IN

on the top panel. If you are unable to use a common frequency reference, then increase the IFBW to ensure you are measuring the peak of the correct signal. After locating and tuning to the signal, you may be able to lower the IFBW to reduce noise.

2. On the FieldFox, select System , then

System Configuration

, then

Frequency Ref

, then

Ext

.

3. Press Mode, then

VVM

, then

B/A

or

A/B

4. For highest accuracy, set the FieldFox output power to Low. Press Meas

Setup 4

, then

More

, then

Output Power Low

.

5. To calibrate, replace the DUT with a THRU connection, preferably by connecting together the two Power Splitters (shown in green). For low frequency measurements, TEEs can be used.

6. Press Meas Setup 4, then

Zero

.

7. Connect the DUT and measure.


Data Analysis Features

The following features can be used to analyze NA and CAT mode measurement results.

In this Chapter

All about Markers ................................................ 113

About Delta Markers .................................... 114

Marker Table .................................................. 115

Coupled Markers ........................................... 115

Marker Colors ................................................ 116

Marker Trace.................................................. 116

Marker Format .............................................. 117

Searching with Markers ............................... 117

What Is a ‘Peak’ ............................................. 120

Marker Functions .......................................... 121

All about Limit Lines .......................................... 122

Relative Limit Lines ..................................... 123

Build From Trace .......................................... 123

Limit Options ................................................. 124

How to Save and Recall Limits ................... 125

All about Trace Math ........................................... 125

About Math Operations ................................ 126

All about Markers

Markers move along the X-axis range of the measurement trace to provide a numerical readout of each measured data point. Markers also allow you to search for specific Y-axis values.

A trace can contain up to six markers.

The marker readout on the FieldFox shows X and Y-axis information for the active marker ONLY.

A Marker Table can be displayed that allows you to simultaneously view X and Yaxis information for all markers.

Markers can be used in CAT, NA, and Pulse Measurements Modes.

How to create Markers

 Press Marker.

 Then

Markers 1...6

to select a marker to activate.

 Then

Normal

to activate that marker. A marker is created on the trace in the middle of the X-axis. That marker is now active.

 Then move the marker using the rotary knob, the ▲|▼ arrows, or by entering an X-axis position with the number keys.

 Then press

Enter

.

Data Analysis Features 113

How to move a Marker after it is created


 Then

Markers 1...6

repeatedly until the marker of interest is selected. The

OFF, Normal, or Delta softkey is black to indicate the current setting of each marker.

 Then move the marker as when it was first created.

 Markers can also be moved using one of the marker search functions. Learn

more on page 117.

114

Marker 2 is active, marker 1 is NOT active.

About Delta Markers

A delta marker provides X-and Y-axis readout information that is relative to a

‘reference’ marker.

A delta marker is created with a ▲ (delta symbol) to distinguish it from the reference marker.

All six markers can be delta/reference marker pairs.

Peak search functions can be performed using delta markers. The delta marker moves to the peak;; the reference marker does NOT move.


A Delta marker and its associated reference marker. The marker readout shows the difference between the two markers in frequency and amplitude.

How to Create a Delta Marker

 Create a Normal marker and move it to the reference position.

 Press

Delta

. The marker becomes the reference marker. It becomes fixed at its

X-Axis position.

 Move the Delta marker by entering a value with the numeric keypad, by using the ▲|▼ arrows, or using the rotary knob.

 Press

Enter

when finished.

How to move the Reference marker

 Press

Delta

to turn the Delta marker OFF.

 Move the marker to the new position.

 Then press

Delta

again, to turn the Delta marker back ON.

Marker Table

The Marker Table can be displayed at the bottom of the FieldFox screen. It can display information for up to 6 markers in a full-width window, and up to 3 markers for a half-width window (NA mode). The marker table “squeezes” the graticule area when activated.

How to display the Marker table


 Then

Marker Table On Off

.

Coupled Markers

Coupled Markers, available in NA Mode only, allows you to simultaneously create and move markers that have the same number for all traces. For example, when marker 2 is created on a trace, a marker 2 is created for ALL traces. When any marker 2 is moved, they all move together to the same X-axis position.

 Coupled markers are relevant only in multi-trace configurations.

 All markers are either coupled or uncoupled. There can NOT be one marker coupled and another uncoupled.

 Peak functions move the marker to the peak on the active trace, while all other markers move to the same X-axis position.


116

NOTE

Coupled Markers move on ALL traces at the same time.

How to create Uncoupled Markers

Markers are coupled by default.

To create markers that are NOT coupled (move independently on each trace):


 Then

More

 Then

Coupled Markers OFF

Marker Colors

In NA and CAT Modes, markers are the same color as the trace to which they are assigned, as shown in the above image. In SA Mode, the marker color is NOT the same as the trace.

Marker colors can NOT be changed.

Marker Trace

Both CAT and NA Modes can display a data trace and a memory trace. By default, markers are assigned to the data trace. However, you can move a marker between the data and memory trace. The marker moves to the same X-axis location on the specified trace.

When Coupled Markers is ON, this setting applies to the active marker for ALL traces that are coupled. Otherwise, this setting applies to the active marker on only the active trace.

How to move a marker between data and memory traces

 Create a data and memory trace that will host the marker. Learn how on page

125.

 Press Marker and Enter to create a marker.

 Then

More

 Then select the marker to move using

Marker 1,2,3,4,5,6

.

 Then toggle

Marker Trace Auto Data Mem

.



o

Auto - Marker resides on data trace when it is visible. Marker resides on memory trace when only IT is visible. o

Data - Marker resides on data trace, even when not visible. o

Mem - Marker resides on memory trace, even when not visible.

Marker Format

The Marker Format setting, available ONLY in NA Mode, allows you to choose the format of the marker readout that appears in the upper-right corner of the screen and in the marker table. The marker format can be independent of the trace format, and can be set independently for each trace. All markers on a trace have the same marker format.

How to choose marker format


 Then

More

 Then

Marker Format


Selection

Default

Same as displayed format

Example Y-axis value

R + jX

Complex impedance format

(3 rd

number is distance for Time Domain)

Z Magnitude

Impedance Mag.

22.8

Ω -j61.4Ω

287.9fF

66.08

Ω

Phase

Real

73.8°

0.2003

More

Imaginary

-0.6727

Mag & Phase

0.705, -73.7°

To view other formats, change the trace format, then select Default. Learn how

to change format on page 27.

Searching with Markers

Marker Searches are used to move markers to locations on the trace which exhibit the characteristics of the search criteria. Learn ‘What is a Peak’’ on page

120.

How to Search with Markers

The following menu structure applies to NA Mode. Keystrokes will be slightly different for CAT and Pulse Measurements Modes.

117

118

 Activate the marker to move. Activate the marker to be used for the search

(NOT necessary with Bandwidth search.)


 Then

Marker Search


Tracking ON OFF

(NA Mode ONLY) o ON causes the active marker to search for the specified criteria with each new sweep. Search criteria can include: Target, Bandwidth, Peak, Min.

The searches begin with the first sweep after Tracking is turned ON based on the current search type. The stimulus setting for a marker can NOT be changed manually. Trk appears next to the marker number. o OFF causes a new marker search only when the search feature is reexecuted. o

Peak

Moves the active marker to the HIGHEST amplitude data point of the trace. The Peak Excursion value is ignored. o

Min

(Not available in DTF) Moves the active marker to the LOWEST amplitude data point of the trace. o

Target

(NA Mode ONLY) Enter the Target value. The marker moves to the first occurrence of the Target value to the right of its current position. The

FieldFox interpolates between measured data points to find the exact Target value to two decimal points. The interpolated X-axis value is displayed in the marker readout or marker table. Subsequent presses of the Target softkey cause the marker to move to the right to find the next occurrence of the

Target value. When the marker reaches the end of the stimulus range, it

"wraps around" and continues the search from the beginning of the stimulus range. o

Bandwidth ON OFF

(NA Mode ONLY) Use to quickly toggle BW Markers ON and OFF. When OFF, the marker table appears showing the X and Y-axis positions of all enabled markers. o

Bandwidth

(NA Mode ONLY) Specify the level in dB from the peak or valley where bandwidth is measured. o Negative numbers search for a Peak bandpass, such as a filter S21 response. o Either of the following TWO methods can be used to search for a Valley or

Notch filter, such as the S11 response of a bandpass filter. o Negative values search down from the TOP (MAX) of the response. o Positive values search up from the BOTTOM (MIN) of the notch. o If you first enter Negative, then Positive values, it may be necessary to press Marker , then

More

, then

Markers All Off.


S21 of a filter with BW Markers and associated readout values.

The search criteria is -3 dB.


S11 of the same filter with same search criteria: -3 dB. The same values would result from a search criteria of approximately +30.4 dB.

Press Enter and four markers are automatically created to find the first negative or positive bandpass over the displayed frequency range.

Bandwidth Search can be used ONLY with Log Mag display format.

The following six values are displayed for Bandwidth Search:

 BW: Width of the filter. (marker 2 freq) minus (marker 3 freq).

 Center: Marker 4 frequency. Mathematical midpoint between marker 2 and marker 3.

 Q: Center Frequency / Bandwidth.

 Loss: Marker 1 amplitude.

 Left: Frequency of marker 2 or 3 (to left of marker 1).

 Right: Frequency of marker 2 or 3 (to right of marker 1).

 Press Back to return to the previous menu.

 Press

Peak Search

then choose from the following:

119

120

NOTE o

Peak

Moves the active marker to the HIGHEST amplitude data point of the trace. Peak Excursion value is ignored. o

Next Peak

Moves the active marker to the next highest amplitude peak from where it currently resides. o

Peak Left

Moves the active marker to the next data point to the left that meets the ‘Peak’ criteria. When no data points to the left meet the ‘Peak’ criteria, the marker does not move. o

Peak Right

Moves the active marker to the next data point to the right that meets the ‘Peak’ criteria. When no data points to the right meet the ‘Peak’ criteria, the marker does not move. o

More

then

Min Search

(Not available in DTF) Moves the active marker to the LOWEST amplitude data point of the trace.

The following applies to DTF Measurements ONLY:

o

More

. o

Track Peaks ON OFF

When Track Peaks is ON, markers will find the new peak with every sweep. While in this Mode, the markers can NOT be turned

OFF or moved. o

Find 3 Peaks

Three markers are created and find the highest peaks (faults) on the trace.

What Is a ‘Peak’

You define what the FieldFox considers a "peak" by setting the Peak Threshold and Peak Excursion.

These two peak criteria settings are set individually for each trace and for each mode (CAT, SA, or NA).

These settings do NOT survive a FieldFox or Mode Preset.

The Peak Threshold and Excursion settings are NOT available in DTF measurements. To make these settings, create a non-DTF CAT mode measurement, then change the measurement back to DTF.

How to set Peak Criteria

 Press Mrk ->/Tools.

In CAT and NA modes: o

Then

Peak Search

.

In SA mode: o

Then

More

o

Then

Mkr Properties

 Then

Peak Criteria

Then select from the following: o

Peak Threshold

Minimum amplitude (dB). To be considered valid, the peak must be above the threshold level. The valley on either side can be below the threshold level. Default = –190 for CAT and NA Modes; –90 for SA Mode.


Note: CAT mode Loss measurements are displayed in positive values. In these cases, the Peak Threshold setting is inverted. For example, Peak

Threshold = -20 will consider any peak that has less Loss than 20 dB to be valid.

Peak Excursion

The vertical distance (dB) between the peak and the valleys on both sides. To be considered a peak, data values must "fall off" from the peak on both sides by the excursion value. Default = 0.5 dB.

For example, the settings for the trace in the following image are: o

Threshold: –10 dB o

Excursion: 1 dB o

Scale = 1 dB / Division.


Peak A = Valid Peak (Above Threshold and Excursion Settings)

Peak B = Invalid Peak (Below 1 dB Excursion Setting)

Peak C = Invalid Peak (Below –10 dB Threshold Setting)

Marker Functions

Marker functions are used to change FieldFox frequency or distance settings to those of the active marker.

How to use Marker Functions

 Activate the marker to move.



Mrk -> Center

(Not available in DTF mode) The center frequency of the measurement becomes the value of the active marker. The frequency span is adjusted accordingly. o

More

then

Mkr -> Delay

(NA mode ONLY) The group delay value of the active marker becomes the electrical delay setting of the trace. Learn how to

set group delay format on page 27. Learn more about electrical delay on page

29.

The following applies to DTF Measurements ONLY:

o

More

then:

121

122

o

Marker=>Start Distance

The Start Distance of the measurement becomes the value of the active marker. Markers that would no longer appear on the screen are moved to the new Start Distance. o

Marker=>Stop Distance

The Stop Distance of the measurement becomes the value of the active marker. Markers that would no longer appear on the screen are moved to the new Stop Distance.

All about Limit Lines

Limit lines are visual representations, drawn on the FieldFox screen, of the specified limits for a measurement. With this capability, you can easily compare measured data versus specifications. Optionally, you can enable an audible beep and display Pass or Fail information for each measurement.

 You can have up to as many limit line segments as there are data points for each measurement trace allowing you to test all aspects of your measurements.

 Limit lines are available in CAT Mode and NA Mode. Power Meter Mode uses

different limit settings. Learn more on page 86.

 Limit lines and limit testing are NOT allowed in NA Mode with Smith Chart or

Polar display formats.

 Limit lines can be saved and recalled with an *.sta file. Learn more on page

127. They can also be saved and recalled independently from the Limit

softkeys. Learn more on page 125.

How to Create Fixed Limit Lines

There are two ways to build a Fixed limit line:

1. Build (limits) From a Trace. Learn how on page 123

2. Enter X/Y data points into the on-screen editor. The limit line is formed as the FieldFox ‘connects the dots’ on the screen. To create frequency gaps that are NOT tested, use separate limit lines. The X-axis values for two lines can overlap.


 Then

Edit Limits

. A limit line table appears.

 Use the Up / Down arrows and rotary knob to navigate the cursor to the following editable cells. o

Description - Press

Edit

, then enter a description for the limit line using the

FieldFox labeler (learn how on page 127).

o

Fixed/Relative – Press

Edit

to toggle between the following: o Fixed - the limit line does not move. The X/Y coordinates are absolute locations on the screen. o Relative - the limit line moves relative to the center frequency and reference level. Note: It is easiest to first create Fixed Limits, then change

this setting to Relative. Learn more on page 123.

o

Upper/Lower – Press

Edit

to toggle between the following: o Upper - FAILS any measured data point ABOVE the line. o Lower - FAILS any measured data point BELOW the line.



o

Off/On – Press

Edit

to toggle between the following: o On - Limit line is drawn on the screen and PASS/FAIL testing occurs. o Off - Limit line is NOT drawn on the screen and testing does NOT occur. o

Frequency – Enter a numeric X-axis value of the data point. o

Amplitude – Enter a numeric Y-axis value of the data point.

 Press

Add

then choose from the following: o

Add Point

- Adds a blank X/Y data point below the cursor. o

Add Limit

- Adds a default limit line below the current limit.

 Press

Clear

then choose from the following: o

Clear Point

- Removes the X/Y data point on which the cursor resides. o

Clear Limit

- Removes the limit Line on which the cursor resides. o

Clear All

- Removes ALL limit lines.

 Press <Back to return to the Limit menu.

Relative Limit Lines

Relative limit lines are X/Y coordinates that are referenced to the center frequency (X-axis) and Reference level (Y-axis).

Use relative limits to test devices or signals that are identical except for the center frequency or amplitude. With relative limit lines in place, you change the center frequency of the measurement and the limits look as though they are in the same location.

The same is true for Reference Level. When you expect to measure a different power level, instead of changing the Y-axis value of all of the fixed limits, simply change to relative limits. The limits will then remain a constant Y-axis distance from the Reference Level.

Each limit line can be changed at any time from Fixed to Relative, and Relative to

Fixed.

How to Create a Relative Limit Line

The easiest way to create a Relative limit line is to create a Fixed Limit at a

specific center frequency and reference level. Learn how on page 122. Then

change the limit line to Relative. The X/Y data points will be re-calculated relative to the center frequency and reference level.

Build From Trace

A limit line can be built from an existing trace. One X/Y point is made from each measured data point. Then, using an offset value, you can shift the limit line UP for upper limits or DOWN for lower limits.

Once limit lines have been built from the trace, changes that you make to the trace, such as frequency range, do NOT change the limits. However, the limit line properties can be edited just like standard limit lines.

123

124

NOTE

A lower limit line (red) built from the trace (yellow) shifted down 5 dB.

How to Build Limit Lines from a Trace

Build from Trace is NOT allowed for traces with more than 1001 data points.

 Select the trace from which limits will be built.


 Then

Edit Limits

.

 Then

Build From Trace

. A limit line table appears.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to select ON.

 Use

Offset

to shift the limit line UP or DOWN. Learn how below.

Limit Options

How to set Limit Options

 Press

Exit

if the limit table is visible.

 Then

Options

.


Beep

o

On Pass

Audible beep sounds when a sweep passes.

o

On Fail

Audible beep sounds when a sweep fails. o

Off

No audible beep sounds. o

Warning On Off

Shows

Pass

or

Fail

indication on the display with each sweep. Data points that fail are highlighted. o

Limit Type

o

Offset

Shifts the limit line up or down. Enter an offset value using the rotary knob, the ▲|▼ arrows, or by entering a value with the number keys. o Enter a positive offset to shift the limit line UP, usually used with UPPER limits.


o Enter a negative offset to shift the limit line DOWN, usually used with

LOWER limits. o

Margin

Shifts the limit line up or down like an offset, but only virtually. The limit line does NOT appear to move. Enter a Margin value using the rotary knob, the ▲|▼ arrows, or by entering a value with the number keys. o Enter a positive margin to virtually shift the limit line UP. o Enter a negative margin to virtually shift the limit line DOWN.

How to Save and Recall Limits

In addition to saving and recalling limits with an *.sta file, limit lines can also be saved and then recalled independent of the current mode or measurement. Use this feature to recall and apply existing limit lines to measurements with different settings or even a different frequency range.

Limit line files can be loaded into the FieldFox Data Link Software. Learn how in the help file that is included in the Data Link software.

How to Save and Recall Limits

 Press Save/Recall then

Select Device

to set the Device (Internal, SD card, or

USB flash drive) to be used for the Save or Recall. Learn more on page 129.

 Then press Limit.


Save Limits

After limit lines have been defined, this saves the line definition to a file on the specified device.

Recall Limits

Recalls a limit Line definition from the specified device.

All about Trace Math

Trace Math is available ONLY in CAT and NA Modes, but not in DTF measurements.

A trace is a series of measurement data points that are connected to form a line.

This ‘live’ data trace is updated as data points are measured.

A memory trace is a live trace that has been stored in the FieldFox volatile memory. It then becomes static, meaning it is not updated with measurements.

It can be displayed on the screen by itself, or with a data trace for comparison purposes.

 In NA mode, memory traces are the same color as data traces, but muted

(duller).

 In CAT mode, the data trace is displayed in yellow and the memory trace is displayed in blue.

How to display data and memory traces


 Then

Data->Mem

to store the ACTIVE data trace into memory. A ‘beep’ sounds to confirm the data trace has been stored to memory. There is no display annotation that indicates that the memory trace has been stored.


126

o

Press

Data

to view only the data trace. Data is annotated in the left pane. o

Press

Memory

to view only the memory trace. Mem is annotated in the left pane. o

Press

Data & Memory

to view both the data trace and the stored memory trace. Data&Mem is annotated in the left pane.

How to perform Trace Math

Trace math is performed between a data trace and a memory trace. When one of the following math operations are selected, the data trace displays the current measurement with the selected trace math applied. The math operation symbol indicated below in [brackets] is displayed in the left pane.


 If not already stored, press

Data->Mem

to store the current data trace into memory.

 Then

Data Math

.


Data + Memory

[D+M] Current trace data added to memory data. o

Data

– Memory

[D-M] Current trace data subtracted from memory data. o

Data / Memory

[D/M] Current trace data divided by memory data. o

Math Off

[Data] Displays trace data with NO math applied.

About Math Operations

Data / Memory and Data - Memory math operations are performed on complex linear data before it is formatted. Because data is often viewed in log format, it is not always clear which of the two math operations should be used. Remember: dividing linear data is the same as subtracting logarithmic data. The following illustrates, in general, when to use each operation.

Use Data / Memory for normalization purposes, such as when comparing traces

"before" and "after" a change is made or when measuring trace noise. In the following table, the Data/Mem values intuitively show the differences between traces. It is not obvious what Data-Mem is displaying.

Values to compare

0.5 dB and 0.6 dB

0.5 dB and 0.7 dB

Data/Mem

0.1 dB

0.2 dB

Data-Mem

–39 dB

–33 dB

Use Data - Memory to show the relative differences between two signals. Use for comparison of very small signals, such as the S11 match of two connectors.

In the following table, Data/Mem shows both pairs of connectors to have the same 2 dB difference. However, the second pair of connectors have much better

S11 performance (–50 and –52) and the relative significance is shown in the

Data-Mem values.

Values to compare Data/Mem Data-Mem

–10 dB and –12 dB

–50 dB and –52 dB

2 dB

2 dB

–24 dB

–64 dB


File Management

The FieldFox can save any of the following types of files:

 Current settings and calibration

 Trace data (*csv and *.S1P)

 Picture of the FieldFox screen

In addition, files can be saved to the internal memory, a USB Flash drive, or a micro SD card.

In this Chapter

Save Files .............................................................. 127

Recall Files ............................................................ 128

Set File Type and Device ................................... 129

Manage Files ........................................................ 131

Manage Folders ................................................... 131

Edit Keywords ...................................................... 132

Prefixes for Filenames ....................................... 133

Printing .................................................................. 133

See Also

Erase User Data ................................................... 149

Saving and Recalling Files

NOTE FieldFox State files are intended to be recalled on the same instrument model on which they were saved. Sometimes you may able to recall them within model families. An error will result when trying to recall a state file that was saved on a different model family.

The FieldFox model families are:

 N991x (VNA/SA) model family

 N992x (VNA) model family

 N993x (SA) model family

Save Files

How to Save a File

 Press Save/Recall 9.

 Then

Save

.

 At the top of the current ‘labeler’ screen (see following image) check the File

Type to save and Device (Internal, USB, Storage Card) to which the file is

saved. Learn how to change these settings on page 129.

 Then use the labeler to specify a filename.

NOTE Insert only ONE USB Flash Drive in the FieldFox when saving or copying files.

File Management 127

How to name files

The labeler is used to edit or change the current filename. It is also used to create a title, prefix, and keyword to display on the FieldFox screen. Learn about Titles

on page 138.

 Press

Select

to add the cursor character to the end of the existing filename.

 Press

Backspace

to erase the last character from the current filename.

 Press

Clear

to erase the current filename.

 The preselected keywords (File, Site, and so forth) can be selected just like a

single character. These keywords can also be edited. Learn more on page 132.

128

The FieldFox labeler. The current filename is GF2.

. The cursor is on the custom GF keyword. The file will be saved to USB (flash drive). File Type is “Picture”.

How to move the cursor

 Use the rotary knob to move cursor on the same row. The cursor will change rows when it comes to a row end.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to move the cursor up and down the rows.

When the current filename is complete

 Press

Done

to save the file to the specified filename. If the filename already exists, a warning is displayed.

 Press

Cancel

to close the labeler without saving a file.

 If the filename already exists, you are prompted to choose from the following: o

Press

Yes

to overwrite the existing file. o

Press

Cancel

to edit the filename.

Recall Files

The FieldFox can recall State files, Trace + State files, and image files.


NOTE

NOTE

State Files

ALL FieldFox instrument settings for ALL Modes are saved and recalled in a

*.sta file. If error correction is ON in CAT or NA Mode, then calibration data is also saved and recalled.

If error correction is OFF (CalRdy is active), calibration data is NOT saved in the

*.sta file. When a Trace + State file is recalled on a FieldFox other than the one it was saved on, differences in the CalRdy calibration data may result in differences between the displayed traces.

Image Files

The FieldFox can open and display *.png, *.jpg, and *.jpeg files.

How to Recall an *.sta File

Before recalling a file, first set File Type to State or Trace + State, and also

Select Device from which the file will be recalled.


 Then

Recall

.

 Navigate to the file to be recalled using the Up/Down arrow keys.

 Then

Recall File

or Enter .

Set File Type and Select Device

The following File TYPE and DEVICE settings are used to determine the type of file to save, and the location to be used for all file operations.

These two settings remain through an instrument preset, but are reset to the default values when the FieldFox power is shutdown.

Select Device (location of File Save/Recall)


 Then

Select Device

to set the LOCATION where the file is to be saved.

Choose from the following: o

Internal

Saves/Recalls files to/from the FieldFox internal memory. To

specify a folder, first select Manage Folders (learn how on page 131). The

Data Link software will read data ONLY from the \UserData folder. o

SD Card

Saves/Recalls files to/from the micro SD card (not included),

inserted in the card slot. See FieldFox Tour on page 16. Only the root folder

is available. o

USB

Saves/Recalls files to or from a USB Flash drive (not included) that is inserted in one of the USB connectors. Only the root folder is available.

Insert only ONE USB Flash Drive in the FieldFox when saving or copying files.

How to set File Type

State files are the only file type that can be recalled by the FieldFox.


 Then

File Type

. Choose one of the following:


130

o

State

Saves ALL FieldFox instrument settings for ALL Modes to a *.sta file.

If a calibration is ON in CAT or NA Mode, calibration data is also saved.

This file can be opened ONLY by a FieldFox. o

Trace + State

Saves the current trace and instrument settings to a *.sta file.

This file can be opened ONLY by a FieldFox. When recalled, the FieldFox sweep is set to Hold. o

Picture

Saves a 640 x 453 pixel image of the FieldFox screen to a *.png file.

The picture does NOT include the softkeys. o

Data (S1P) / (2P)

Saves CAT and NA Mode trace data to an *.S1P or *.S2P file, depending on the active measurement. This file format is used by CAE programs such as Agilent's Microwave Design System (MDS) and Advanced

Design System (ADS). It can also be imported into spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.

 Choose S1P to save data for the active data trace.

 Choose S2P (NA Mode ONLY) to save the four S-parameters: S11, S21, S12, and S22. Zeros are returned for parameters that are not displayed, except if full 2-port correction is ON (option 122). In this case, corrected data for all

S-parameters is returned, even if not displayed.

About SNP Files

 The SNP file includes header information, and the following data: o

S1P - saves 1-port (receiver) data for the active data trace. *.s1p Files contain 1 stimulus value and 1 S-parameter (total of 3 scalar values)

Stim Real(Sxx) Imag(Sxx)

o

S2P (NA Mode ONLY) - saves data for two S-parameters (S11, S21) if they are both displayed. *.s2p Files contain 1 stimulus value and 4 S-parameters

(total of 9 scalar values)

Stim Real(S11) Imag(S11) Real(S21) Imag(S21) Real(S12) Imag(S12) Real(S22) Imag(S22)

o

When parameters are corrected, data is returned even when not displayed.

When parameters are NOT corrected or displayed, and the format is

Mag/Phase, zero-filled data appears as 0 dB and 0 degrees. When the format is Real/Imaginary, zero-filled data appears as (1,0).

 Data is returned with the correction type that is applied for each S-parameter.

The correction type for each S-parameter is annotated in the header.

 Only the data trace is saved – not the memory trace.

 In CAT Mode, S1P files are always Magnitude(dB) / Phase (angle) format.

 In NA Mode, SNP files for traces in Smith Chart or Polar format saves

Real/Imaginary format. All other trace formats are saved in Mag/Phase format.

 Trace Math is ignored when saving data to an SNP file. o o

Data (csv)

Saves trace data from the current mode to a *.csv file. This format can be imported into spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel. o In CAT Mode, only the single data trace is saved – not the memory trace. o In NA Mode, all displayed data traces are saved – not the memory traces.


o In Power Meter and VVM Mode, NO data is saved.

Manage Files

Files that are stored in the FieldFox internal memory, micro SD card, and USB

Flash drive, can be copied to another device or deleted.

NOTE

How to Manage files


 Then

Select Device

to select the location (Internal, USB, or micro SD Card) of the file to copy or delete.

NOTE

When selecting Internal, it may also be necessary to first select Manage Folders to specify an active folder which contains the files to copy or delete.

 Then

More

.

 Then

Manage Files

.


NOTE For Copy File and Copy All Files, files are always copied to a subdirectory titled

Copy_<date.time stamp> of when the file was copied. For example,

“Copy_June.27.2013-00.40.47”. A new subdirectory is created every time a file is copied. Files can NOT be copied to other folders. To get a file to a different folder, it must be saved to the specified folder. o

Copy File

Select a file to copy. Then select a device to copy the file to.

Choose from Internal, USB (must be inserted), or SD Card (must be inserted). o

Copy All Files

All files that appear will be copied. Then select a device to copy the file to. Choose from Internal, USB (must be inserted), or SD Card

(must be inserted). o

Delete File

The selected file is deleted after a warning prompt is displayed.

Insert only ONE USB Flash Drive in the FieldFox when saving or copying files.

Manage Folders

You can create new folders, delete old folders, and select the active folder to which files can be saved. The Parent folder [..] is listed when not in the root directory.

How to Manage Folders


 Then

More

.

 Then

Manage Folders

.



132

o

Change Folder

Changes the active folder to which files can be saved. The active device and current folder is displayed at the top of the screen. Use the

▲|▼ arrows to highlight a folder within the current folder. Each time the

Change Folder softkey is pressed, the highlighted folder becomes the active folder. o

Create Folder

A new folder is created in the current folder. Select a name for the new folder from one of the displayed keywords: You can change these keywords using the following Edit Keywords function. o

Delete Folder

The selected folder and its contents are deleted after a warning prompt is displayed. A “Parent” folder or system folder can NOT be deleted.

 Press

Exit

when finished.

Edit Keywords

The preselected keywords (FILE, SITE, and so forth) can be edited to meet your specific needs. Your keywords will remain in the FieldFox until you change them.

Keywords are limited to 30 characters.

How to edit keywords


 Then

More

.

 Then

Edit Keywords

.

 Then

Next Page

and

Previous Page

to view all keywords.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to select a keyword to edit.

 When a keyword is selected, then press

Edit

.


Press

Select

to add the cursor character to the end of the selected keyword. o

Press

Backspace

to erase the last character from the end of the selected keyword. o

Press

Clear

to erase the selected keyword.

How to move the cursor:

 Use the rotary knob to move the cursor along the same row. The cursor will change rows when it comes to a row end.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to move the cursor up and down between rows.

When the selected keyword is complete:

 Press

Done

to save all keywords and close the Edit Keywords labeler. These keywords will exist on the FieldFox until changed.

 Press

Cancel

to close the labeler without saving changes.


File Management

Prefixes for Filenames

A prefix is used as a default filename to which characters can be added. The prefix can be customized, and quickly enabled or disabled. When enabled, the current prefix is automatically entered as the start of a filename when performing a Save operation.

How to enable and disable the current Prefix


 Then

More

.

 Then

Prefix ON OFF

The current selection is underlined.

How to edit the current Prefix


 Then

More

.

 Then

Prefix

.


Press

Select

to add the cursor character to the end of the Prefix. o

Press

Backspace

to erase the last character from the end of the Prefix. o

Press

Clear

to erase the Prefix. o

The preselected keywords (File, Site, and so forth) can be selected just like a single character. These keywords can also be edited. See Edit Keywords.

How to move the cursor

 Use the rotary knob to move cursor on the same row.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to move the cursor up and down the rows.

When the Prefix is complete

 Press

Done

to save the Prefix and close the labeler. This Prefix will exist on the FieldFox until it is changed.

 Press

Cancel

to close the labeler without saving changes.

Printing

The current screen or selected files can be printed using a PCL-compatible printer connected to one of the FieldFox USB ports.

Measurements can also be printed using the FieldFox Data Link software.

How to print the current screen or a saved file.

To save ink, first select an outdoor (white background) display color. Learn how

on page 138.

 Connect the printer to a USB port.

 Then press Save/Recall 9

 Then

Print

and choose from the following:

133



Printer and Page Setup

- Confirm that that printer is connected and configured properly. The Status line should read “Ready’. o

Make other print settings as desired.



Select Files for Printing

- Print up to 16 *.PNG images on one page that are stored on the Internal drive. Images can NOT be printed from the USB and SD card. o

Edit the Quick Settings table to select up to FOUR Rows and FOUR Columns for up to 16 total images to be printed on a single page. o

If necessary, edit the filenames to be printed. o

Select Done. Then

Print Selected Files

to begin printing.



Print Current Screen

– Immediately prints the FieldFox screen using the selected Printer and Page Setup settings.


System Settings

In this Chapter

Run/Hold ............................................................... 135

Preset ..................................................................... 136

User Preset ............................................................ 136

Volume Control .................................................... 136

Display Settings ................................................... 136

Brightness........................................................ 138

Colors ............................................................... 138

Trace Width ..................................................... 138

Title ................................................................... 138

Edit Keywords ................................................ 139

Full Screen Mode ............................................ 139

Preferences

Quick Settings Table ...................................... 140

Save and Reset Preferences ......................... 140

Startup Mode .................................................. 141

Language .......................................................... 141

Battery Saver .................................................. 141

System Configuration

Options (Licensing) ...................................... 142

GPS .................................................................. 143

Frequency Reference Source ...................... 145

Security Level ................................................ 146

Date and Time Settings ................................ 146

LAN Settings .................................................. 147

Power ON ....................................................... 148

Service Diagnostics ............................................. 148

Erase User Data............................................. 149

See Also

Battery Usage .................................................... 12

FieldFox Internal Temperatures .................... 14

Run/Hold

The Run/Hold key determines whether the FieldFox sweeps continuously or does NOT sweep, but holds the display results of the last sweep that was performed.

Use Hold to conserve battery power or to allow you to save or analyze the results of a specific measurement sweep.

The current sweep mode is shown on the screen as:



Continuous

System Settings 135

136

 Hold

Hold



--> is displayed while a single sweep occurs.

How to perform a single sweep while in Hold



Single

Automatically sets Continuous OFF (Hold) and causes FieldFox to make ONE measurement sweep, then hold for the next Single key press. o

Continuous

Makes continuous sweeps. This is the typical setting when battery power is not critical.

Preset

The Preset key restores the FieldFox measurement settings to a known condition.

You can preset the entire instrument, or just the current Mode (CAT, Power

Meter, NA.)

When Preset, the FieldFox becomes CalReady at the test ports. Learn more on

page 65.

The following settings always survive Preset and/or Mode Preset:

 External Reference state (page 143);

 Marker Peak Excursion and Threshold (page 120).

 VVM Display Resolution (page 107).

 Volume Control

How to Preset the FieldFox

 Press Preset.


Preset

Returns ALL Modes to the factory default settings. o

Mode Preset

Returns only the current Mode to the factory default settings.

The current settings for all other Modes remain.

User Preset

User Preset allows you to store custom settings for each mode, then recall the settings when the Preset key is pressed. Your custom settings are saved to a standard State file (UserPreset.sta). However, unlike State files, calibration data

is NOT saved. Learn more about State files on page 129.

How to set User Preset

 Make your custom settings for all modes.

 When finished, press Preset .

 Then

Save User Preset

, then select

Yes

to confirm.

 Then

User Preset ON


System Settings

How to recall User Preset

 Press Preset .


Preset (User)

The entire UserPreset.sta file is recalled. ALL modes assume the settings that were in place when the User Preset was saved. The active mode is the mode that was visible when the file was saved. o

Mode Preset (User)

The settings for only the current mode are recalled from UserPreset.sta.

NOTES

 Only the instrument settings are saved to UserPreset.sta. No trace data or calibration data is saved.

 User Preset ON / OFF is saved as a Preference setting. Like all preferences, this setting survives a FieldFox shutdown and power ON. Therefore, when User

Preset is ON during shutdown, the FieldFox will load UserPreset.sta when it is powered ON.

 To return to Factory Preset, select

User Preset OFF

. The contents of

UserPreset.sta remain stored on the FieldFox. When User Preset is OFF, you can also set the Startup Mode preference that determines which mode will be

visible after powering ON. Learn more on page 141.

Volume Control

System volume control is a FieldFox global setting which sets speaker volume for

ALL success beeps, key press clicks, and individual features that use the

FieldFox speaker.

The volume control setting remains through a FieldFox Preset. To cause your volume control setting to remain through a FieldFox shutdown, save the setting

as a Preference. Learn how on page 139.

How to set FieldFox Volume Control


 Then

Volume

 Then use the ▲|▼ arrows, the rotary knob, or numeric keypad to enter a value between 0 (lowest volume) and 100 (highest volume).

 Press

Volume

again and select Mute to quickly turn OFF the speaker volume.

Press

Volume

again to set volume ON to the previous volume control.

Display Settings

You can adjust the FieldFox for optimum viewing in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Display settings remain through a FieldFox Preset. To cause the display brightness, color settings, and trace width to remain through a FieldFox

shutdown, save the display settings as Preferences. Learn how on page 139.

137

138

NOTE Clean the transflective screen with gentle and minimal wiping using Isopropyl alcohol applied to a lint-free cloth.

Display Brightness

Change the brightness of the background.

How to set Display Colors


 Then

Display

 Then

Brightness

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows, the rotary knob, or numeric keypad to enter a value between 0 and 100%.

Display Colors

Change Display Colors to alter the viewing scheme.

How to set Display Colors


 Then

Display

 Then

Display Colors


Indoor

Outdoor Dusk

Outdoor Clouds

Outdoor Sun

Night Vision

Trace Width

You can set width of all displayed traces on the FieldFox. This may allow better viewing or enhance the look of screen images. This setting can be saved with

Preferences.

How to set Trace Width


 Then

Display

 Then

Display Colors


System Settings

 Then

More

 Then

Trace Width


Normal

- Standard width. o

Wide

- Enhanced width.

Title

A custom title can be made to appear in the upper-left corner of the FieldFox screen. The title can contain up to approximately 65 alpha-numeric characters.

To view the Title area, see the Screen Tour on page 19.

How to add or edit a Title


 Then

Display

.

 Then

Title

.

 Then enter or edit a title using the FieldFox labeler. This is the same labeler

function that is used to name files. Learn how to use the labeler on page 127.

 Then

Title ON OFF

to make the title appear and disappear from the screen.

Edit Keywords

During a file save operation, keywords can be quickly appended to other text to create unique filenames. The Edit Keywords feature allows you to create custom

keywords. Learn all about Edit Keywords on page 132.

Full Screen Mode

Full Screen Mode maximizes the display of the active trace. The screen annotations and the soft keys are removed.

How to set Full Screen Mode


 Then

Full Screen

.

To Exit full screen Mode, press any key.

Preferences

FieldFox preferences are settings that survive a shutdown. When your FieldFox is turned OFF, then back ON, these settings remain. All preference settings can be restored to their factory defaults. Learn how on page

There are two ways to make FieldFox preference settings:

 From softkey selections throughout the FieldFox menu structure. Do this to temporarily try a setting, then press Save Current Settings (as preferences).

Learn how in the next section.

 From the Quick Settings table.

139

140

Quick Settings Table

All preferences can be set from the Quick Settings table. They are immediately saved as Preferences when

Done

is pressed.

How to view and change Preference Quick Settings


 Then

Preferences

 Then

Preferences

 Press

Next Page

and

Previous Page




Then press

Edit


yellow.

o



Done Edit

o

When finished changing ALL preferences, press

Done

. All changes are immediately saved as Preferences.

 To exit the editing session without saving changes, press Esc at any time.

Learn more about these preference settings:

Setting Learn more…

Language on page 141

Display Settings

on page 137

Audio

on page 136

Date and Time

on page 146

GPS on page 143

CAT Distance Units on page 48

Battery Saver on page 141

Save and Reset Preferences

All preference settings can be made at one time from the Quick Settings table.

All settings that can be saved as preferences (except Battery Saver) can also be made from individual softkey selections throughout the FieldFox menu structure.

However, they ONLY remain set through a FieldFox shutdown when the current settings are saved as preferences.

The table above shows a list of all of these settings and where they are discussed in this User’s Guide.


System Settings

How to save current settings as Preferences

 Using softkeys, configure the settings as you would like them to remain.


 Then

Preferences

 Then

Save Current Settings

There is a beep when your settings have been saved.

 Press

Reset Preferences

to restore the factory default settings.

Language

Choose the language in which to display FieldFox softkeys and other messages.

How to select a Language

 Press System 7.

 Then

Preferences

.

 Then

Language

.


English

o

Espanol

– Spanish o

Deutsch

– German o

Italiano

– Italian o

Francais

– French o

Russian

o

Japanese

o

Chinese

o

Turkish

Startup Mode

The Startup Mode setting determines the mode that becomes active (visible) when User Preset is set to OFF (Factory Preset) and the FieldFox is powered ON.

Learn more about User Preset on page 129.

How to set Startup Mode


 Then

Preferences

 Then

Preferences

 Then scroll to Startup Mode and press

Edit

.

 Then repeatedly press the

Startup Mode

to scroll through the available choices. o

<Default>

is the factory default mode for your FieldFox model.

141

142

o

Built-in Power Meter Mode is NOT allowed as a Startup Mode.

Battery Saver

When the battery saver is OFF, the source power is left ON at the end of the sweep which consumes more power. This feature is used in CAT, NA and VVM modes.

How to set Battery Saver


 Then

Preferences

 Then

Battery Saver

o

ON – Default setting. To conserve battery power, the RF source power is turned OFF at the end of each CAT, NA, and VVM mode sweep. This behavior does not impact FieldFox measurements. o

OFF – Source power is kept ON at all times, including during trigger Hold mode and between single sweep acquisitions. The RF source stays at the stop frequency until another sweep begins. This provides a constant, uninterrupted RF output from the current source port: PORT 1 with forward measurements or PORT 2 with reverse measurements (Opt 122). This behavior also provides the highest trace stability sweep-to-sweep which may only be evident while using either single sweep or Run/Hold. With Battery

Save OFF, the use of a full battery charge is reduced by approximately 45 minutes.


Options (Licensing)

You can view and install options on your FieldFox. See all available options on

page 8.

How to view the Installed Options


 Then


 Then

Options(Licensing)

 Then

Show Options

The currently installed options are listed.

How to Install Options

A .lic file must already be on a USB Flash Drive. To learn how to obtain a .lic file, visit: http://www.agilent.com/find/softwarelicense

Insert the USB Flash Drive in the FieldFox.


 Then


 Then

Options


NOTE

NOTE

 Then

Install Options

The FieldFox reads, validates, then installs the options.

 Press and hold the power button to shutdown, then restart the FieldFox.

How to Delete ALL Options

Deleting individual options is NOT supported.


 Then


 Then

Options

 Then

Advanced

 Then

Delete All Options

After a warning message, all options on the FieldFox are deleted.

Delete All CFG Options

is to be used by Service Personnel ONLY.

GPS

GPS (Global Positioning System) allows you to ‘stamp’ each data trace with your physical position in latitude/longitude/elevation format. This can be useful when making measurements on cell towers or other antennas at remote locations.

This feature is usable ONLY with the GPS receiver that is shipped with Microsoft

“Streets and Trips” and “AutoRoute”. The GPS receiver is NOT available from

Agilent. Only the GPS USB receiver is used with the FieldFox. Therefore, it is

NOT necessary to purchase the very latest version of the map software.

 GPS can be used in all FieldFox modes.

 Your GPS settings can be saved with Preferences. Learn more on page 139.

How to make GPS settings


 Then


 Then

GPS


OFF

- Disable GPS (default setting). o

External

- Enable GPS using an external, customer-supplied, USB dongle device. When enabled, a check is made to detect a USB GPS device at the

USB connectors. When a device is detected, a search is made for satellites overhead. The GPS works best when outdoors and in full view of the open sky. When several satellites are found, the following screen appears and is updated frequently:


144

NOTE

 The left portion of the screen shows satellites and the corresponding number on the adjacent Satellite Power chart.



Sync Clock ON OFF

Enable and disable the synchronization of the FieldFox internal clock to the GPS UTC time standard.

The GPS Sync setting has the same restrictions as the Date and Time setting.

Time can be changed BACK no more than once a day and no more than 6 hours

at a time. Learn more on page 146.

o

ON

The FieldFox clock is synchronized and updated approximately every second to the time of the GPS clock. o

OFF

The FieldFox clock is NOT synched with GPS. When set to OFF after

Sync was ON, the date and time does NOT revert back to the settings before the clock was synchronized.



Display ON OFF

Enable and disable the GPS display on the FieldFox main window.



Lat/Lon Format

Change the format of the GPS display on the FieldFox screen.

Choose from: o

ddd°mm’ ss.sss”

degrees, minutes, seconds (default setting) o

ddd°mm.mmmmm’

degrees, minutes, fractional minutes o

ddd.ddddddd°

decimal degrees



Elevation Unit

Choose from: o

m

(Meters) o

Feet

GPS Status

With GPS enabled and a device detected, the following is displayed at the top of the FieldFox screen:


NOTE

In the above image, the following icons show if the FieldFox is locked on satellites:

-

GPS ON and locked on satellites

-

GPS ON, but NOT locked on satellites

-

GPS ON, but no GPS receiver is present or detected

Saving Data with GPS Enabled

GPS position and clock data are included when data is saved with the following files types: *.csv, *.SnP, State, State+Trace data save.

A warning is shown if the GPS is ON but unlocked at time of save, or if the GPS feature is ON but no GPS is physically present at time of save.

The following is a sample S1P file with GPS information:

!GPS Latitude: 38 28.87717 N

!GPS Longitude: 122 42.66625 W

!GPS TimeStamp: 06/25/2010 16:24:48

!GPS Seconds Since Last Read: 2

Frequency Reference Source

The FieldFox can phase lock with an external 10 MHz reference signal. When a high-stability 10 MHz reference signal is available, this can improve the accuracy and stability of measurements in CAT and NA Modes.

The External Reference setting will survive a FieldFox or Mode Preset and is saved as part of the Instrument State.

How to use an External Reference

Connect the 10 MHz External Reference to the EXT TRIG/EXT REF BNC connector on the FieldFox top panel. External Triggering is NOT available on the

N9923A.


 Then


 Then

Frequency Ref

 Then

Freq Ref Source Int Ext

The FieldFox may take up to 10 seconds to lock to a valid External Reference source.

When switched to Ext, if the FieldFox does NOT find an appropriate signal with which it can lock, then

Ext Ref UNLOCKED

is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen. This can occur when any of the following conditions exist:

 NO external reference signal is present.

 A low-level external reference signal is present.

 A very high-level external reference signal is present.

 The external reference is off-frequency.

For best results, the signal should be between –5 dBm and +5 dBm.


146

Security Level

For security reasons, you can prevent frequency information from appearing on the FieldFox while in NA or CAT modes.

How to set Security Level


 Then


 Then

Security Level


None

All frequency settings are visible. o

High

Frequency information is blanked from the following: o Display annotation o Softkeys o Marker display and marker table o Calibration properties o All settings tables o Limit line tables o All saved .png files o

Any of the following will re-display frequency information: o Set to

None

, Preset, Mode Preset, or FieldFox restart.

NOTE

TIP

Date and Time, Format, and Time Zone Settings

Set the local Date and Time, Date and Time format, and Time Zone that is shown on the FieldFox screen. The Date and Time is also used to identify files that are saved.

The Date and Time can also be set by synchronizing with GPS satellites. Learn

more on page 143.

Because of licensing security, the Date and Time setting is restricted as follows:

 Can be set backward no more than 5 hours at a time.

 Can be set forward any amount of time.

 Can be set backward or forward no more than once in a day. A new day begins at midnight.

The GPS Sync setting has the same restrictions.

There is no restriction for setting the Time Zone.

To change the Date and Time backward a significant amount, send an email to [email protected]

.

BEFORE setting the Date and Time, be absolutely certain that the Time Zone setting is correct.


How to set Date and Time, Date and Time Format, and Time Zone


 Then


.

 Then

Date and Time

.

 Press the ▲|▼ arrows to highlight the row to be edited.

 Then

Edit

.

 Use the rotary knob to highlight the field to be edited.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows or numeric keypad to edit that field.

 Press

Cancel

or

Done

when the edits are complete.

 Press

Done

to exit the Date and Time settings. The readout in the upper-right corner of the FieldFox screen will update accordingly.

LAN Settings

Configure the LAN settings to be used to communicate with the Data Link

Software. Learn more at: www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

System Settings

LAN Settings

How to configure the LAN settings

The first three ‘Current...’ settings can NOT be edited.


 Then


.

 Then

LAN

.

 Use the ▲|▼ arrows to select one of the following, then press

Edit

. o

Hostname Change the name that can be used to address the FieldFox if your server supports this feature. The default hostname is generated automatically. o

Obtain IP Choose from: o DHCP - IP Address is assigned dynamically. If your server supports this feature, the IP Address for the FieldFox is assigned each time it is started. o Static - Set the IP Address manually. The Address remains until you change it.

147

148

NOTE o

Static IP Address - Enter the IP Address – including periods - in the format nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn o

Static Subnet Mask - Enter the Subnet Mask – including periods - in the format nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn o

Static Gateway - Enter the Static Gateway – including periods - in the format nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn o

Apply Settings Choose from: o Power Up The above settings take effect when the FieldFox is started. o Now The above settings take effect immediately.

To make the LAN settings persist after power up, toggle Apply Settings to Now then back to Power Up. You should see a message indicating that the LANconfig file was saved.

 Press

Done Edit

when finished.

Power ON

When the FieldFox is without a power source, this setting allows the FieldFox to power ON as soon as a charged battery or the DC Adapter is inserted without pressing the power button.

How to set Power ON


 Then


 Then

Power ON


Auto

The FieldFox will power ON when a charged battery or the DC Adapter is inserted.

Manual

The FieldFox will power ON only when the power button is pressed.


 The Service diagnostics menu is generally used to display service-related information. To access these menu items, press System 7 then

Service

Diagnostics

.

System Information

The System information table shows important information about your FieldFox.

The following is the most useful information:

 Model Number – FieldFox model

 Serial Number – Identification number of your FieldFox

 Firmware Release – The currently installed version of software. Check to see if you have the latest firmware at: www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

 Network Identity – The network name and current IP address of your

FieldFox.


System Settings

 Reflectometer Cal - The Factory (CalReady) Calibration shows the date and time that the factory cal was performed for each test port and the Thru connection. The format is P1 <date time>, P2 <date time>, P1-P2 <date time>.

The factory calibration is updated when you send your FieldFox to Agilent for

Instrument Calibration. Learn more on page 169.

Error Log

The Error Log shows the information that has appeared on the FieldFox screen.

The most recent information is at the top of the table.

Press

Clear Errors

to erase this information.

Battery

Learn about this table on page 151.

Internal Temperatures

Learn all about this table and the importance of the internal FieldFox

temperatures on page 14.

Erase User Data

All data that you have written to the FieldFox can be erased with the press of a button. You would do this if your FieldFox is located in a secure environment and must be routinely erased of sensitive data.

All data is deleted from the FieldFox internal “UserData” partition. This includes all State files and Trace + State files (*.sta), all Data files (*.csv, *.snp), all Picture files (*.png), all Cal Kit files, and all Cable files.

External media that is inserted (mini-SD card or USB flash drive) is NOT erased.

The "Lost Clusters" folder and files is NOT erased because it is part of the file system housekeeping.

How to Erase User Data


 Then


.

 Then

Advanced

 Then

Erase User Data

 Then

Confirm Erase

 Then the following occurs: o

All data files and folders are deleted from the “UserData” partition. o

A large file of 0s is written to all of the free blocks on the partition. o

The large file is deleted. All blocks released by deleting this file are now available for use.

The FieldFox is rebooted, which manages the newly-freed data and re-writes the factory cal kits and cable files.

149

Debug Value

Used by Agilent Service Personnel only.


Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery

In this Chapter

Viewing Battery Charge Status .......................... 151

Charging the Battery ........................................... 151

Reconditioning the Battery ................................ 154

Battery Care ......................................................... 154

Maximizing Battery Life ..................................... 155

Battery Disposal................................................... 156

See Also

Installing the Battery ............................................ 12

Conserving Battery Power ................................... 12

Battery Safety Considerations........................... 161

Viewing Battery Charge Status

You can view the battery charge status in the following ways:

 Icons in the upper right of the front panel screen.

 Battery screen - select System then


then

Battery

.

 Built-in battery gauge. Learn more in the following section.

Front Panel Icons

Icon Status

Connected to external power through the AC/DC adapter. Battery installed and charging. The amount of charge is indicated by the number of bars shown.

Battery not charging with 84% battery life remaining.

Battery fully charged. A fully charged battery MAY NOT read 100%. Learn

more on page 154, Reconditioning the Battery.

Service Diagnostics – Battery Screen

The Battery screen displays the following information. To access the screen, select System then


then

Battery

.

Additional battery information is available using SCPI commands.

1. Status – Fully charged, No battery, Charging, Empty, or Discharging.

2. External DC Supply – True or False indicates if an external DC supply is connected.

3. Battery Present – True or False indicates if a battery is installed.

NOTE Items 4 through 8 are read directly from the battery. The information is based on the battery’s internal sensors and memory.

4. Voltage – measured by the battery’s sensor.

Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery 151

152

5. Current – amount of current being consumed when operating from internal battery. If battery is charging, indicates amount of charging current.

6. Battery Temperature – internal temperature of the battery as measured by a sensor embedded in the battery.

7. Present Run Time to Empty – minutes of power remaining based on amount of current being used now.

8. Charge Cycles – number of charge cycles the battery has experienced.

Charge cycle defined as ≥80% change in relative state of charge.

Built-In Battery Gauge

Each lithium ion battery has an LED gauge that displays its charge status. The gauge is active unless the battery is in shutdown mode.

To view the LED gauge, open the FieldFox battery compartment door, remove the battery, then press the button on the battery.

The battery in your FieldFox will have either 4 or 5 LED segments.

5-segment

Gauge

5 segments

4 segments

3 segments

2 segments

1 segment

Charge

Remaining

≥80%

60% to 79%

40% to 59%

20% to 39%

< 20%

4-segment

Gauge

4 segments

3 segments

2 segments

1 segment

Charge

Remaining

≥75%

50%,to 74%

25% to 49%

< 25%

Charging the Battery

When you receive your FieldFox, the lithium-ion battery is partially charged to approximately 30% to 40% to preserve battery life. Allow four hours to fully charge the battery internally, or three hours by using the external battery charger

(N9910X–872). A fully charged battery will power your FieldFox for about four hours. It is NOT necessary for you to do any type of battery preconditioning before use.

The FieldFox circuitry ALWAYS prevents the battery from discharging to a level that is damaging. However, if the battery is completely discharged, the FieldFox may not turn ON. If this occurs, the battery can still be charged either internally or externally.

Because a lithium-ion battery has no memory effect, you can charge a battery at any time regardless of the current charge status. However, this could impair the accuracy of its internal charge-remaining indicator. When the Max Error is

greater than 10%, the battery should be reconditioned. Learn more on page 154.

Internal Charging with the AC/DC Adapter

Important: Read the safety information for the AC/DC adapter on page 158.

Internal charging time for a fully depleted battery is approximately 4 hours with the FieldFox either ON or OFF.


AC/DC adapter

To charge a battery inside the FieldFox, insert the AC/DC adapter plug into the

Power connector on the FieldFox side panel (middle hinged door), then plug the adapter into an AC outlet.

 FieldFox ON: Charging is indicated by a battery icon in the upper right of the front panel screen. The icon shows 100% when charging is done.



FieldFox OFF: Charging is indicated by the FieldFox power LED glowing amber, with its intensity increasing from dim to bright every few seconds. This

pattern repeats until the LED turns off when charging is done. Learn more on page 17.

Using the External Battery Charger (N9910X–872)

Important: Read the safety information for the External Charger on page 160.

Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery

External Battery Charger (N9910X

–872)

153

154

The external battery charger (N9910X–872), lets you charge a fully depleted battery in approximately three hours. It is a two bay, level–3 stand-alone battery charger that is compliant with the standard Smart Battery System. The two bays are charged sequentially on a first-come, first-served basis, though a discharge can be performed in the left bay while the right bay is charging. It uses an external universal switching power supply

External Battery Charger LED

Green

Green flashing

Yellow flashing

Yellow/green

Red flashing

Yellow

Charging Status

Fully charged

Fast charging

Reconditioning – the accuracy of the battery’s internal LED charge gauge is being renewed. See “Reconditioning

Batteries.”

Battery is reconditioned

Error

Standby

For more information, refer to the Instruction Manual included with the external battery charger.

Reconditioning the Battery

The battery contains electronics that monitors battery usage and tracks how much capacity is available. This function can become less accurate because of temperature fluctuations, aging, self-discharge, repeated partial charging, and other factors. Reconditioning - also known as recalibrating - restores the accuracy of the battery capacity tracking system.

Reconditioning does NOT affect actual battery performance. It only recalibrates the charge level indicator.

Reconditioning is done by fully charging the battery, fully discharging it, recharging it again, and then verifying that the error has been corrected.

How to determine if a battery needs reconditioning

1. Press System then


then

Battery

.

2. On the Battery screen, if the Max Error is 10% or greater, the battery needs to be reconditioned.

This error will affect many of the displayed battery charge indicators.

After reconditioning, if the battery is not fully charged or continues to show more than a 9% Max Error reading, repeat the reconditioning procedure.

If the third reconditioning does not restore a full charge and give an error reading of 9% or less, the battery may need replacement.

You can recondition a battery internally, or with the External Charger (N9910X–

872). The external charger process is faster and simpler.

How to perform Internal Reconditioning

1. Fully charge the battery inside the FieldFox (either ON or OFF) using the

AC/DC adapter.

2. Confirm that the battery is fully charged. When fully charged, the following icon appears on the FieldFox:


3. Fully discharge the battery by disconnecting the AC/DC adapter, then leave the FieldFox ON until it shuts down (about four to five hours).

4. Remove the battery from the FieldFox, wait one minute, then re-install the battery.

5. Reconnect the AC/DC adapter.

6. Charge the battery and verify a full charge.

7. Check the System then


then

Battery

screen to verify that the Max Error is less than 10%.

How to Recondition with the External Battery Charger (N9910X–872)

1. Insert a battery into the left bay of the external charger.

2. Press the button labeled Push to Recalibrate Left Battery Bay

3. The charger will charge the battery fully, discharge it completely, then recharge it fully again. The entire process can take up to 12 hours.

4. Install the battery into the FieldFox.

5. On the System, Battery screen, verify that the battery is fully charged and reconditioned.

Battery Care

Visually inspect the battery periodically for signs of degradation, such as swelling, cracking of the battery shell, or leakage of fluid. If degradation occurs,

replace the battery and dispose of it properly. Learn how on page 156. Operation

with a degraded battery could result in damage to the FieldFox. Learn more on

page 161.

Maximizing Battery Life

 If AC power is not continuously available (Ex: in a field environment), use the battery and recharge it when it holds a 20% to 50% charge, as shown on the screen’s battery charge icon. At this charge level, 2 or 3 segments show on the battery gauge.

 If the FieldFox is not going to be used for more than a week, remove the battery. Best practice is to store the battery with a charge of about 50%. At this charge level, 3 segments show on the battery gauge. Batteries that remain idle eventually lose their ability to hold a charge.

 Allow a battery to warm to room temperature before charging it. Temperature shock can damage the battery chemistry and in some cases cause a short circuit.

 Store batteries in a cool, dry location, away from metal objects and corrosive gases.

Storage temperature limits (20% to 50% relative charge is recommended):

Transportation: –20°C to 50°C

Within 1 month: –20°C to 45°C

Within 6 months: –20°C to 40°C

Within 1 year: –20°C to 35°C

 Battery charging limits:

Charge temperature: 0°C to 45°C (<10°C slows charge on some batteries)

Discharge temperature: –10°C to 60°C

Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery 155

 Operate the FieldFox on battery power between the ambient temperatures of –

10 and +50°C (–14 to +122°F). Using the battery at lower or higher temperatures can damage it and reduce operating life. Cold temperatures affect battery chemistry, reducing charge capacity, especially below 0°C

(32°F).

Lithium Ion Battery Disposal

When you notice a large decrease in charge capacity after proper recharging, it’s probably time to replace the battery.

Lithium-Ion batteries need to be disposed of properly. Contact your local waste management facility for information regarding environmentally sound collection, recycling, and disposal of the batteries. Regulations vary for different countries.

Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

Agilent Technologies, through Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation

(RBRC), offers free and convenient battery recycling options in the U.S. and

Canada. Contact RBRC at 877-2-RECYCLE (877.273.2925) or online at: http://www.call2recycle.org/ for the nearest recycling location


Safety Considerations

Agilent has designed and tested the FieldFox in accordance with IEC Publication

61010–1:2001 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

Control and Laboratory Use, and the FieldFox is supplied in a safe condition.

The FieldFox 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 FieldFox to ensure safe operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

For the FieldFox

No operator serviceable parts inside except for the lithium–ion battery. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock do not remove covers.

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) when attached to the AC–DC adapter.

The unit may be used only in the operating conditions and positions specified by the manufacturer. The Agilent N9923A complies with the following standards

IEC 61010 2nd Edition/EN 61010 2nd Edition

Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010–1–04

USA: UL 61010–1 2nd Edition

Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to Agilent Technologies or a designated repair center for service to ensure that safety features are maintained.

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Applicable local or national safety regulations and rules for the prevention of accidents must be observed in all work performed.

Ensure that the connections with information technology equipment comply with

IEC950 I EN60950.

Observe all ratings and markings of the instrument before connecting the instrument.

Maximum Input Voltages and Power:

PORT 1 Connector: ±50 VDC, +23 dBm RF

Ext Trig/Ref Connector: 5.5 V DC

PORT 2 Connector: ±50 VDC, +23 dBm RF

DC Input: 19VDC, 4ADC

Safety Considerations 157

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION

When performing a measurement, ensure that the right safety and performance ratings of the instrument and accessories are used.

Do not expose the circuit or operate the instrument without its cover or while power is being supplied.

Do not operate the instrument in any environment at risk of explosion.

The power cord and connectors shall be compatible with the connector used in the premise electrical system. Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using the correct components may cause product damage and serious injury.

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.

For the AC/DC Adapter


WARNING

The AC/DC adapter is a Safety Class 1 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 product is likely to make the product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

Use only the designated AC/DC adapter supplied with the instrument.

WARNING

WARNING

Use only the designated power cord supplied with the AC/DC adapter.

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

No operator serviceable parts inside this product. Do not perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to Agilent

Technologies or a designated repair center for service to ensure that safety features are maintained.

Operated at an ambient temperature: 0 to 40°C; full power rating; derate linearly to 50 W at 50°C.

Maximum output rating: +15V/4.0 A.

Input rating: AC 100–240 V, 50/60Hz

Main Plug : Use a 3–pin main plug that complies with IEC 60884–1, Plugs and

Socket–Outlets for Household and Similar Purposes – Parts1: General

Requirements and country specific safety authority requirements, such as UL,

SA, BSI, VDE, CCC, SA, NZ, and PSE.

Appliance Connector: Use an appliance connector certified to IEC 60320–

1/EN 60320–1 requirements

To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the AC to DC adapter from the mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

When the FieldFox is connected to the AC/DC adapter, position the adapter so the power cord is readily accessible. The power cord is the disconnecting device. It removes main power to the AC/DC adapter. The FieldFox front panel switch is only for the DC power within the instrument, and not for the

AC/DC adapter. Alternately, an AC switch or circuit breaker (which is readily identifiable and is easily reached by the operator) may be installed and used as a disconnecting device to remove mains power from the AC/DC adapter.


WARNING

CAUTION

To avoid overheating, always disconnect the FieldFox from the AC/DC adapter before storing the FieldFox in the backpack.

If you prefer to leave the FieldFox connected to the AC/DC adapter while inside the backpack, you can disconnect the AC/DC adapter from its AC power source to prevent overheating.

The AC/DC adapter has an auto–ranging line voltage input – be sure the supply voltage is within the specified range.

The AC/DC adapter is for indoor use only.

CAUTION

CAUTION

Never use a modified or damaged charger. Use the original AC–DC adapter

ONLY.

For the External Battery Charger (N9910X–872)

Never use a non–SMBus charger because the battery issues commands over the SMBus to the charger to control the charge rate and voltage.

Never use a modified or damaged charger.


WARNING

For the Battery

Lithium battery packs may get hot, explode, or ignite and cause serious injury if exposed to abuse conditions. Be sure to follow these safety warnings:

Lithium–ion batteries:

Must not be exposed to high temperatures (>70°C) or fire.

Must be kept away from children.

Must not be short circuited.

Must be replaced only with Agilent qualified Li–ion batteries.

If replaced or charged improperly, there is a danger of explosion.

WARNING

WARNING

Do not connect the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery to each other with any metal object (such as wire).

Do not carry or store the battery with necklaces, hairpins, or other metal objects.

WARNING

WARNING

Do not pierce the battery with nails, strike the battery with a hammer, step on the battery, or otherwise subject it to strong impacts or shocks.

Do not solder directly onto the battery.

WARNING

Do not expose the battery to water or salt water, or allow the battery to get wet.

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Do not disassemble or modify the battery. The battery contains safety and protection devices, which if damaged, may cause the battery to generate heat, explode, or ignite.

Do not place the battery in direct sunlight, or use or store the battery inside cars in hot weather. Doing so may cause the battery to generate heat, explode, or ignite.

Using the battery in this manner may also result in a loss of performance and a shortened life expectancy.

There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type of battery recommended. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are charging the batteries internally, even while the FieldFox is powered off, the

FieldFox may become warm. Allow for proper ventilation.

Do not discharge the battery using any device except the FieldFox or the external battery charger (N9910X–872). When the battery is used in a device other than those specified, it may damage the battery or reduce its life expectancy. If the device causes an abnormal current to flow, it may cause the battery to become hot, explode, or ignite and cause serious injury


162

Battery Protective Functions

The following protective functions are designed into the lithium-ion rechargeable battery system used in FieldFox.

The protective functions can be divided between two categories: active and passive. Active protection refers to the type of protection that depends on at least two or more protection devices working together to enable the protection

Passive protection refers to the type of protection that is always enabled independent of any other protection device.

Active Protection

Primary Overcharge Voltage: This prevents the battery from being charged if the voltage across any cell exceeds approximately 4.35 V per cell. Once the overcharge protection is tripped, the voltage across each cell must drop below approximately 4.15 V to reset the protection and permit charging.

Secondary Overcharge Voltage: This is a one-time, permanent protection that is triggered when the voltage across any cell exceeds approximately 4.45 V. Once this protection is tripped, the battery can no longer be used and must be replaced.

Overdischarge Voltage: This prevents the battery from discharging if the voltage across any cell drops below approximately 2.6 V. Once the overdischarge voltage protection is tripped, the voltage across each cell must be charged to approximately 3 V to reset the protection and permit discharging.

Primary Overcharge Current: This prevents the battery from being charged if the average charging current reaches or exceeds 3.5A for a time period of 120 seconds or more.

Secondary Overcharge Current: This prevents the battery from being charged if the charging current reaches or exceeds 4A+/–20% for a time period of 20 milliseconds or more.

Primary Overdischarge Current: This prevents the battery from being discharged if the average current out of the battery reaches or exceeds 5A for a time period of 120 seconds or more. This protection can be reset by removing the load.

Secondary Overdischarge Current: This prevents the battery from being discharged if the current out of the battery reaches or exceeds 6A for a time period of 20 milliseconds or more. This protection can be reset by removing the load.

Short Circuit Protection: This prevents the battery from being charged or discharged and protects against damage or lost data if the current in or out of the battery reaches or exceeds 12.5A for a time period of 183 microseconds or more.

This protection can be reset by removing the load.

Overtemperature Charging: The system microcontroller prevents the battery from being charged if the cell temperature exceeds 46C. Once the overtemperature charging protection is tripped, the cell temperature has to drop to or below 45C to reset the protection and permit charging.

Overtemperature Discharging: The system microcontroller prevents the battery from being discharged if the cell temperature exceeds 65C. Once the overtemperature discharging protection is tripped, the battery is automatically shut off which results in turning off the instrument as well.



Passive Protection

Reverse Charging: A reverse protection diode prevents against damage or lost data due to a reverse charge polarity applied to the battery terminals.

Primary Overtemperature: A PTC(positive temperature coefficient) polyfuse in series between the Li-ion cells and the charging and discharging transistors will open up and limit current flow to the battery terminals as a function of very high temperatures. This protection is resettable once the overstress condition is removed.

The maximum operating temperature of this fuse is 85C.

Secondary Overtemperature: A second PTC polyfuse built into each Li-ion cell will open up and limit current flow as a function of very high temperatures.

Tertiary Overtemperature: A current interrupt device (CID) within each Li-ion cell will permanently open up when the temperature reaches 95C. As each cell fuse is permanently interrupted, overall battery performance will become severely degraded, up to and including disabling the battery.

Overcurrent Fuse: This is a one-time blow fuse with a rated current of 12A.

Batteries: Safe Handling and Disposal

To learn how to safely handle and dispose of the FieldFox battery, refer to the

Material Safety Data Sheet for the manufacturer of the battery at: http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/Reference/MSDS.htm

Environmental Requirements

Refer to the Specifications section of this document.

Electrical Requirements

The FieldFox allows you to use either the lithium-ion battery or the AC/DC adapter - both are included.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

The FieldFox was constructed in an ESD protected environment. This is because most of the semiconductor devices used in this instrument are susceptible to damage by static discharge.

Static charges are generated in numerous ways, such as simple contact, separation of materials, and normal motions of persons working with the

FieldFox. To prevent instrument damage, practice industry accepted techniques for handling static sensitive devices when using the FieldFox.

Very often, coaxial cables and antennas also build up a static charge, which, if allowed to discharge by connecting to the FieldFox, may damage the instrument input circuitry. To avoid such damage, it is recommended to dissipate any static charges by temporarily attaching a short to the cable or antenna prior to attaching to the instrument.

163

164

FieldFox Markings

The CSA mark is a registered trademark of CSA International.

The C-Tick mark is a registered trademark of the Australian Spectrum

Management Agency.

This symbol combines the following three markings:

CE indicates product compliance with all relevant European legal

Directives (if accompanied by a year, it signifies when the design was proven).

ICES indicates product compliance with the Canadian Interference-

Causing Equipment Standard (ICES–001).

ISM indicates this is an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class

B product (CISPR 11, Clause 4)

The Korean Certification (KC) mark is required for products that are subject to legally compulsory certification. The KC mark includes the marking's identifier code that has up to 26 digits and follows this format:

KCC-VWX-YYY-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

The standby symbol is used to mark a position of the instrument power line switch.

This symbol indicates separate collection for electrical and electronic equipment, mandated under EU law as of August 13, 2005. All electric and electronic equipment are required to be separated from normal waste for disposal (Reference WEEE Directive, 2002/96/EC).

Indicates the time period which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the product.

CAUTION, risk of danger, refer to safety information in manual.

Dispose of properly

Hot surface - connectors get hot during extended operation, so care must be taken when making connections and disconnections.

Battery 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 battery parts can be recycled. Consult local or country regulations.

Dispose of properly. Do not throw batteries away – collect as small chemical waste.

Recycle the old battery properly. Consult local or country regulations related to disposal.



Keep battery away from excessive heat. Do not dispose of by burning.

UL recognized in Canada and the United States.

Packaging Markings

This symbol on all primary and secondary packaging indicates compliance to China standard GB 18455–2001.

AC/DC Adapter Markings

The UL Marks are registered certification marks of Underwriters

Laboratories Inc. (UL). It means that UL has tested and evaluated representative samples of that product and determined that it meets

UL's safety requirements. When accompanied by a 'C' and 'US', it indicates compliance to both Canadian and US requirements.

NOM Mark (Normality of Mexico) indicates that the product was tested by an accredited laboratory in Mexico and meets Mexico’s safety requirements.

Japan’s safety and EMC compliance mark.

China’s safety and EMC compliance mark.

Taiwan’s safety and EMC compliance mark.

Singapore’s safety mark.

Korea’s safety and EMC mark.

GOST, Russia’s safety and EMC mark.

AC (Alternating Current).

Direct current (DC) equipment

CAUTION, risk of danger, refer to safety information in manual.

DC connector polarity

Dispose of properly

165

166

Certification and Compliance Statements

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.

Manufacturer’s Declaration

This product has been designed and tested in accordance with accepted industry standards, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The documentation contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.

Declaration of Conformity

Should the Declaration of Conformity be required, visit: http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm

.

For more information, see Contacting Agilent .

Compliance with German Noise Requirements

This is to declare that this instrument is in conformance with the German

Regulation on Noise Declaration for Machines (Laermangabe nach der

Maschinenlaermrerordnung –3. GSGV Deutschland).

Acoustic Noise Emission Geraeuschemission

LpA <70 dB LpA <70 dB

Operator position

Normal position per ISO 7779 am Arbeitsplatz normaler Betrieb nach DIN 45635 t.19

Compliance with Canadian EMC Requirements

This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES–001.

Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB du Canada.

South Korean Class B EMC declaration

This equipment is Class B suitable for home electromagnetic environment and is suitable for use in all areas.


Appendix A: Connector Care Review

Proper connector care and connection techniques are critical for accurate and repeatable measurements. The following table contains for tips on connector care.

Prior to making connections to your analyzer, carefully review the information about inspecting, cleaning, and gauging connectors. For course numbers about additional connector care instruction, contact Agilent Technologies. Refer to:

Handling and Storage

Do



Keep connectors clean



Extend sleeve or connector nut



Use plastic end-caps during storage

Visual Inspection

Do



Inspect all connectors carefully



Look for metal particles, scratches,

 and dents

Connector Cleaning

Do



Try compressed air first



Use isopropyl alcohol a



Clean connector threads

Gaging Connectors

Do Not



Touch mating-plane surfaces



Set connectors contact-end down



Store connectors or adapters loose

Do Not



Use a damaged connector - ever

Do Not



Use any abrasives



Get liquid into plastic support beads

Do



Clean and zero the gage before use



Use the correct gage type



Use correct end of calibration block



Gage all connectors before first use

Making Connections



Do Not

Use an out-of-specification connector





Do

Align connectors carefully

Make preliminary connection contact lightly



Turn only the connector nut



Use a torque wrench for final connection

Do Not



Apply bending force to connection



Over tighten preliminary connection



Twist or screw any connection



Tighten past torque wrench “break” point a

Cleaning connectors with alcohol shall only be done with the DC power cord removed, in a wellventilated area, and with the power to the FieldFox turned OFF. Allow all residual alcohol moisture to evaporate, and the fumes to dissipate prior to energizing the instrument.

Appendix A: Connector Care Review 167

Appendix B: Specifications/Data Sheet

To ensure the highest accuracy and consistency, the N9923A Specifications are stored ONLY at : http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5990-5363EN.pdf


Appendix C: Instrument Calibration

Over time, the active components in the FieldFox age and the performance may degrade or drift. To ensure that the FieldFox is performing to the published specifications, you should have an instrument calibration performed periodically.

How Often Should I Get an Instrument Calibrated?

You determine the calibration period which best meets your requirements.

However, a 12 month calibration cycle is appropriate for most users.

There are two things to consider: performance drift and connector wear.

The instrument specifications are set to consider the performance drift that may occur over a 12 month period. Therefore, getting the instrument calibrated at 12 month intervals ensures that the analyzer maintains performance within the operating specifications. If you need the analyzer to maintain more consistent operation, you may want to have the instrument calibrated more often.

Connector wear is a bigger factor and depends on the number of connections that are made. The test ports become noticeably worn after 500 to 700 connections. This could represent about 12 months with average use. With more frequent connections, the calibration cycle should be sooner. You can extend the time between calibrations and thereby save money by using connector savers and

by performing proper Connector Care. Learn more on page 166.

How Do I Get an Instrument Calibrated?

To get the instrument calibrated, send it to one of the Agilent Technologies service centers. Please visit this website to learn how: www.agilent.com/find/calibration .

What Are My Choices of Instrument Calibration?

The following types of instrument calibration are available from Agilent

Technologies service center:

Agilent

Calibration

Includes the test data from the calibration and the certificate of calibration, stating the instrument has been calibrated and is operating within the published specifications.

ANSI Z540

Calibration

Includes the test data from the calibration and the certificate of calibration, stating the instrument has been calibrated using a process in compliance with ANSI Z540.1 and is operating within the published specifications.

ISO 17025

Calibration

Includes the test data from the calibration and the certificate of calibration, stating the instrument has been calibrated using a process in compliance with ISO 17025 and is operating within the published specifications.

Appendix C: Instrument Calibration 169

Index

1

1-port cable loss measurements

CAT mode, 52

1-port cable trimming measurements, VVM mode, 109

2

2-port insertion loss measurements

CAT mode, 54

2-port transmission measurements,

VVM mode, 110

A

AC/DC adapter markings, 164 power requirements, 11 using, 151 accessories, 9

Agilent, contacting, 2

Alias Faults, 62 all about markers, 112 all about trace math, 124 appendix B, 166 averaging, 48

Averaging, 30

VVM, 107 avoid overpowering, 14

B

bandpass mode, 57 battery care, 154 charge status,viewing, 150 charging, 13 external, 152 internal, 151 disposal, 155 gauge, 151 installing, 12

LED, 153 markings, 163 maximizing life, 13, 154 protective functions, 161 reconditioning external, 154 internal, 153 safe handling, 162 service diagnostics, 150 viewing charge status, 12

Battery Saver, 141 bridge cancellation measurements,

VVM mode, 110

170

brightness, display, 137

C

cable and antenna test. See CAT

Cable Editing

DTF, 58 cable loss measurements, 53

Cal On ?, 76

Calculated DTF values, 62 calibration

Cal On ?, 76

CAT and NA modes, 63 verifying integrity, 77

Calibration Type, 72

CalReady, 64

CalReady Properties, 77 care of the battery, 154

CAT mode

1-port cable loss measurements,

52

2-port insertion loss measurements, 54 calibration, 63

DTF measurements, 55 return loss measurements, 52 settings, 46

CD, included, 9 certification statements, 165 charge status, viewing, 150 charging the battery externally, 152 internally, 151

Clean Screen, 17 colors, display, 137 compliance statements, 165 connector care review, 166 considerations, safety, 156 contacting Agilent, 2 control, temperature, 14

Coupled Frequency, 51, 55, 58

Coupled Markers, 114 cursor, moving, 132

D

data analysis features, 112 declaration of conformity, 165 delta marker, 114 display brightness, 137 clean, 17 colors, 137 front panel, 19 settings, 136

Display Resolution

VVM, 106 disposal of battery, 155 dissipate static charge, 15 distance to fault. See DTF distance, start and stop, 57

DTF measurements, 55

Dynamic Range, 35

E

ECal, 69

Electrical Delay, 29

Enhanced Response Optimization,

75

Erase User Data, 148 error max, 151, 153 red flashing LED, external battery charger, 153 systematic, 63

ESD, 162 external zeroing, 82

F

features overview, 8 features, data analysis, 112 file management, 126 files managing, 130 prefixes, 132 saving and recalling, 126 folders, 130

Format, 27 frequency range, setting, 47

Frequency Offset using Power

Sensor, 87

Frequency Range

CAT mode, 47

NA mode, 28

Frequency Reference Source, 144 front panel, 17

G

Gating, 42 gauge, battery, 151 getting started information, 11

GPS, 142 group delay, 27, 28

H

high-temperature protection, 14 hold, 134


how to add or edit a title, 138 change units to feet, 61 create delta marker, 114 limit lines, 123 markers, 112 determine if a battery needs reconditioning, 153 display "live" and memory traces, 124 edit keywords, 131 edit, enable and disable the current prefix, 132 enter numeric values, 20 make

1-port cable loss measurement,

53

1-port cable trimming measurement, 109

2-port insertion loss measurement, 54

2-Port transmission measurement, 110 manage files, 130 manage folders, 130 measure return loss, 52 monitor the internal FieldFox temperature, 14 move cursor, 127, 132 marker, 113 reference marker, 114 name files, 127 perform external battery reconditoning,

154 internal reconditoning, 153 normalization, 71

QuickCal, 66 single sweep while in Hold,

135 trace math, 125 preset, 135 recall an *.sta file, 128 recondition battery with external battery charger, 154 save file, 126 save and recall limits, 124 select

NA formats, 27

NA mode, 22

VVM measurements, 105

VVM mode, 105

Windows settings, 61 set zeroing, 109 bandpass mode ON, 57 display colors, 137

Index

frequency range, 47 full screen mode, 138 interference rejection, 51 limit options, 123 output power, 33 resolution, 50 scale, 48 start and stop distance, 57 sweep time, 50 sweep type, 31, 49, 108 trace averaging, 49 use marker search functions, 116 view and change Quick Settings,

26, 47

I

IF Bandwidth, 30

VVM, 106 initial use, preparing for, 11 input voltages and power, maximum, 14 insertion loss measurements, 54 installing battery, 12 interference rejection, 51

Interference Rejection

CAT mode, 51

Interpolation, 76

Isolation, 74 keywords, 130

K

L

LAN Settings, 146 language, settings, 140 latest information, where to find, 2

LED battery, 153 on/off settings, 13, 17

Licensing, 141 limit lines saving and recalling, 124 setting, 123

Limit Lines, 121 lithium-ion battery installing, 12 managing files, 130 folders, 130 manuals, 9 markers creating, 112 delta, 113

M

moving, 113 table, 114 trace, 115 markings

AC/DC adapter, 164 battery, 163

FieldFox, 163 packaging, 164 math operations, 125 maximizing battery life, 154 maximum input voltages and power,

14 measurements

1-port cable loss, CAT mode, 52

1-port cable trimming, VVM mode, 109

2-port insertion loss, CAT mode,

54

2-port transmission, VVM mode,

110 bridge cancellation, VVM mode,

110 distance to fault (DTF)

CAT mode, 55 return loss, CAT mode, 52 selection, 46

Mechanical Cal, 67

Media Type, 75

Mixed-Mode S-Parameters, 23 mode

NA, 21 power meter, 80 temperature control, 14

VVM, 104 moving the cursor, 132 multipliers, 20

Multi-Trace Configurations, 24

N

NA Factory Cal, 148

NA mode calibration, 63 settings, 22, 24 network analyzer, 21 normalization, 71 numeric values, 20

O

O, S, L cal, 67 on/off settings, 13

Opt 010, 36 options and features, 8 installing, 141 output power, 33

Output Power

NA Mode, 32, 107

Output Power CAT Mode, 50 overpowering, avoid, 14

171

overview, 8

P

packaging markings, 164 panel front, 17 side, 18

Parameter Conversion, 23 peak criteria, 119 excursion, 120 threshold, 119

Phase Offset, 29

Port Extensions, 33 power meter mode, 80 power requirements for the AC/DC adapter, 11 power sensor input, 14

Power Sensors, 80 power, maximum, 14

Preferences, 138 prefixes for file names, 132 preparing for initial use, 11 preset settings, 135

Printing, 132 protection, high temperature, 14 protective functions of the battery,

161

Pulse Measurements, 93

Q

Quick Settings, 26, 47

CAT mode, 47

NA mode, 26

QuickCal, 65

R

recalling files, 126, 127

Receiver Measurements, 24 reconditioning the battery externally, 154 internally, 153 reference marker, 114

Resolution

CAT mode, 49

NA mode, 32

Response Cals, 71 return loss measurements, CAT mode, 52 reviewconnector care, 166 run/hold, 134

S

S11 measurements, NA mode, 22,

24 safety considerations, 156

Save Preferences, 139 saving files, 126

Scale Settings

CAT mode, 48

NA mode, 28 scale, setting, 48

Screen cleaning, 17 screen, front panel, 19

Security Level, 145 service diagnostics, 150 settings display, 136

NA mode, 22 on/off, 13 preset, 135

VVM mode, 105 windows, 61 side panel, 18

Smoothing, 31

Source Control with USB Power

Meter, 82

S-parameters, 22

Specifications/Data Sheet, 167 stand-by mode, 13 start and stop distance, 57

Startup Mode, 140 static charge, dissipate, 15

Step Detection Mode, 85 sweep time, 50 type, 31, 49, 108

Sweep Time

CAT mode, 50

NA mode, 32 system configuration settings, 141

System Impedance (Z0), 33 system settings, 134

T

temperature control mode, 14

Time Domain, 36

Time Zone, 145 title, editing, 138 trace averaging, setting, 49 trace math, 124

Trace Width, 137

Transform, 36

Transform Window, 39

TRL, 73

U

units, changing, 61

V

values multipliers, 20 numeric, 20 vector voltmeter, 104

Velocity Factor, 34 verifying integrity of calibration, 77 jumper cables, 77 viewing charge status, battery, 150

Volume Control, 136

VVM Calibration, 108

VVM mode

1-port cable trimming measurements, 109

2-port transmission measurements, 110 bridge cancellation measurements, 110 settings, 105

W

Waveguide Calibrations, 75 where to find the latest information,

2 windows settings, 61

FieldFox User’s Guide

Agilent FieldFox N9923A RF Vector Network Analyzer User's Guide

Assistant Bot

Agilent

FieldFox

RF Vector Network

Analyzer

User’s Guide

Warranty Statement

DFARS/Restricted Rights Notice

Technology Licenses

Contacting Agilent

Safety and Regulatory Information

Where to Find the Latest Information

2 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

FieldFox User’s Guide 3

4

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

FieldFox User’s Guide 5

6 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

A.07.50 Firmware Release Updates

FieldFox User’s Guide 7

Overview

Options and Features

8 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Overview

Accessories

FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help

9

Conventions that are used in the Manual

Safety Notes

10 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox

Check the Shipment

Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox 11

Install the Lithium-Ion Battery

Battery Usage

12 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

FieldFox ON/OFF Settings

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox 13

14

FieldFox High-Temperature Protection

Temperature Control Mode

High-Temp Shutdown

Avoid Overpowering the FieldFox

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox 15

16

Take the FieldFox Tour

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Front Panel

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox 17

Top Panel

Side Panel

18 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Screen Tour

Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox 19

How to Enter Numeric Values

Multiplier Abbreviations

20 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

NA (Network Analyzer) Mode

In this Chapter

NA (Network Analyzer) Mode 21

NA Mode Settings

About S-parameters

22

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Mixed-Mode S-Parameters

Parameter Conversion

NA (Network Analyzer) Mode 23

24

Receiver Measurements

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Multi-Trace Configurations

NA (Network Analyzer) Mode 25

Quick Settings

26

N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide

Calibration Settings

Format