Aeroflex 3900 Series User manual

3900 Series
Operation Manual
Digital Radio Test Set
EXPORT CONTROL WARNING: This document contains controlled technology
or technical data under the jurisdiction of the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR 730-774. It cannot be transferred to any foreign
third party without the specific prior approval of the U.S. Department of
Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Violations of these
regulations are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
3900 Series
Digital Radio Test Set
Operation Manual
PUBLISHED BY
Aeroflex
COPYRIGHT ©Aeroflex 2009
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise
without the prior permission of the publisher.
Original Release Sep 2008
Issue-2 Feb 2009
10200 West York Street/ Wichita, Kansas 67215 U.S.A. / [phone] / FAX [phone]

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
i
Preface
About this Manual
This manual explains how to use Test Sets found in the 3900 Digital Radio Test Set Series. This
Series currently includes the 3901, 3902 and 3920 Models. Unless otherwise indicated, information
in this manual applies to the 3901, 3902 and 3920 Digital Radio Test Sets.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Double shielded and properly terminated external interface cables must be used with this equipment
when interfacing with the RS-232 and IEEE-488.
For continued EMC compliance, all external cables must be shielded and 3 meters or less in length.
Nomenclature Statement
The 3901, 3902 and 3920 Digital Radio Test Set is the official nomenclature for the test sets
currently included in the 3900 Digital Radio Test Set Series. In this manual, 3900, unit or Test Set,
refers to the 3901, 3902 and 3920 Digital Radio Test Sets unless otherwise indicated.
Some screen shots may reference frequencies above 1 GHz, which are only applicable to the 3902
and to the 3920 with the 2.7 GHz Frequency Range Option (390XOPT058) installed.
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for personnel familiar with radio test systems and associated equipment.

Preface
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
ii
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
iii
Service Upon Receipt of Material
Unpacking
Special design packing material inside the shipping container provides maximum protection for the
Test Set. Avoid damaging the shipping container and packing material when unpacking equipment;
if necessary the shipping container and packing material can be reused to ship the Test Set.
To prevent personal injury or damage to Test Set, Aeroflex recommends two people unpack the
Test Set.
Use the following steps to unpack the Test Set:
STEP PROCEDURE
1. Cut and remove sealing tape on top of shipping container. Open shipping container and
remove top packing mold.
2. Grasp Test Set firmly while restraining shipping container. Lift Test Set and packing material
vertically out of shipping container.
3. Place Test Set and end cap packing on a flat, clean and dry surface.
4. Remove protective plastic bag from Test Set.
5. Place protective plastic bag and end cap packing materials inside shipping container.
6. Store shipping container for possible future use.
Repacking Procedure

Service Upon Receipt
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
iv
Checking Unpacked Equipment
Inspect equipment for possible damage incurred during shipment. If Test Set had been damaged,
report the damage to Aeroflex Customer Service.
Review packing slip to verify shipment is complete. Packing slip identifies the following standard
items as well as purchased options. Report all discrepancies to Aeroflex.
Contact:
Aeroflex
Customer Service Dept.
10200 West York Street
Wichita, Kansas 67215
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
Description Part Number QTY
Test Set Ship Unit 9001-4402-200 (3901)
9001-4402-100 (3902)
9001-4402-800 (3920)
1
Cover, Lid 1414-4452-900 1
Kit, 390X Power Cords 7001-4444-800 1
Accessory Kit, RTS 7001-4247-400 1
3900 Series Getting Started Manual 1002-4400-8P0 1
3900 Series Operation Manual (CD-ROM) 1002-4400-2C0 1

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
v
Precautions
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL
General Conditions of Use
This product is designed and tested to comply with the requirements of IEC/EN61010-1 ‘Safety
requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use’ for Class I
portable equipment and is for use in a pollution degree 2 environment. The equipment is designed to
operate from installation supply Category II.
Equipment should be protected from liquids such as spills, leaks, etc. and precipitation such as rain,
snow, etc. When moving the equipment from a cold to hot environment, allow the temperature of the
equipment to stabilize before it is connected to the supply to avoid condensation forming. The
equipment must only be operated within the environmental conditions specified in the performance
data.
This product is not approved for use in hazardous atmospheres or medical applications. If the
equipment is to be used in a safety-related application, such as avionics or military applications, the
suitability of the product must be assessed and approved for use by a competent person.
Refer all servicing of unit to Qualified Technical Personnel. This unit contains no operator
serviceable parts.
Using this equipment in a manner not specified by the accompanying documentation may impair the
safety protection provided by the equipment.
Case, Cover or Panel Removal
Opening the Case Assembly exposes the operator to electrical hazards that may result in electrical
shock or equipment damage. Do not operate this Test Set with the Case Assembly open.
Safety Identification in Technical Manual
This manual uses the following terms to draw attention to possible safety hazards that may exist
when operating or servicing this equipment.
Safety Symbols in Manuals and on Units
Identifies conditions or activities that, if ignored, can result in equipment or
property damage, e.g., Fire.
Identifies conditions or activities that, if ignored, can result in personal injury or
death.
CAUTION: Refer to accompanying documents. (This symbol refers to specific
CAUTIONS represented on the unit and clarified in the text.)
Indicates a Toxic hazard.
Indicates item is static sensitive.
AC TERMINAL: Terminal that may supply or be supplied with AC or alternating
voltage.

Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
vi
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL (cont)
Equipment Grounding Protection
Improper grounding of equipment can result in electrical shock. Refer to Chapter 2, Installation for
information on properly grounding the Test Set.
Use of Probes
Refer to Appendix B, 3900 Platform Specifications for the maximum voltage, current and power
ratings of any connector on the Test Set before connecting it with a probe from a terminal device.
Be sure the terminal device performs within these specifications before using it for measurement, to
prevent electrical shock or damage to the equipment.
Power Cords
Power cords must be in good working condition. Power cords must not be frayed or broken, nor
expose bare wiring when operating this equipment.
Use Recommended Fuses Only
Use only fuses specifically recommended for the equipment at the specified current and voltage
ratings. Refer to Chapter 2, Installation and the 3900 Platform Specifications for information on
fuse requirements and specifications.
Internal Battery
This unit contains a Lithium Ion Battery, serviceable only by a qualified technician.
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference
Signal Generators can be a source of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) to communication
receivers. Some transmitted signals can cause disruption and interference to communication
service out to a distance of several miles. User of this equipment should scrutinize any operation
that results in radiation of a signal (directly or indirectly) and should take necessary precautions to
avoid potential communication interference problems.
Electrical Hazards (AC supply voltage)
This equipment is provided with a protective grounding lead that conforms with IEC Safety Class I.
To maintain this protection the supply lead must always be connected to the source of supply via a
socket with a grounded contact.
Be aware that the supply filter contains capacitors that may remain charged after the equipment is
disconnected from the supply. Although the stored energy is within the approved safety
requirements, a slight shock may be felt if the plug pins are touched immediately after removal.
Do not remove instrument covers as this may result in personal injury. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. See the list of Aeroflex offices on the back of the
manual.
Fuses
Note that the internal supply fuse is in series with the live conductor of the supply lead. If
connection is made to a 2-pin unpolarized supply socket, it is possible for the fuse to become
transposed to the neutral conductor, in which case, parts of the equipment could remain at supply
potential even after the fuse has ruptured.

Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
vii
Definition of Installation Categories (ref IEC 664-1):
Fire Hazard
Make sure that only fuses of the correct rating and type are used for replacement. If an integrally
fused plug is used on the supply lead, ensure that the fuse rating is commensurate with the current
requirements of this equipment.
Refer to Appendix B, 3900 Platform Specifications for power requirements.
Toxic Hazards
Some of the components used in this equipment may include resins and other materials which give
off toxic fumes if incinerated. Take appropriate precautions, therefore, in the disposal of these
items.
Beryllia
Beryllia (beryllium oxide) is used in the construction of some of the components in this equipment.
This material, when in the form of fine dust or vapor and inhaled into the lungs, can cause a
respiratory disease. In its solid form, as used here, it can be handled safely, however, avoid
handling conditions which promote dust formation by surface abrasion.
Use care when removing and disposing of these components. Do not put them in the general
industrial or domestic waste or dispatch them by post. They should be separately and securely
packed and clearly identified to show the nature of the hazard and then disposed of in a safe
manner by an authorized toxic waste contractor.
Beryllium Copper
Some mechanical components within this instrument are manufactured from beryllium copper. This
is an alloy with a beryllium content of approximately 5%. It represents no risk in normal use.
The material should not be machined, welded or subjected to any process where heat is involved.
It must be disposed of as “special waste.”
It must NOT be disposed of by incineration.
CAT I Circuits that are protected by devices limiting transient overvoltages to a low
level, e.g., electronic circuits protected by filters.
CAT II Circuits that are supply circuits for domestic or digital devices that may include
transient overvoltages with an average value, e.g., power supply for household
appliances and portable tools.
CAT III Circuits that are supply circuits for power equipment that may include large
transient overvoltages, e.g., power supply for industrial machines or equipment.
CAT IV Circuits that may include very high transient overvoltages, e.g., supply
distribution from power lines.

Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
viii
Lithium
A Lithium battery is used in this equipment.
Lithium is a toxic substance so the battery should in no circumstances be crushed, incinerated or
disposed of in normal waste.
Do not attempt to recharge this type of battery. Do not short circuit or force discharge since this
might cause the battery to vent, overheat or explode.
Tilt Feature
Do not stack other instruments on top of unit when instrument is in the tilt position.
Input Overload
On the RF N-type connector, the input power should not exceed 125 W (+51 dBm).
On the RF TNC connector, the input power should not exceed 10 mW (+10 dBm).
Static Sensitive Components
This equipment contains components sensitive to damage by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). All
personnel performing maintenance or calibration procedures should have knowledge of accepted
ESD practices and/or be ESD certified.
To comply with EMC requirements, double shielded cables should be used for making connections
to all input and output connectors.
CAUTION
THIS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS PARTS
SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE
BY ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)

Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
ix
Suitability for Use
This equipment has been designed and manufactured by Aeroflex to generate, receive and analyze
RF/audio signals.
If the equipment is not used in a manner specified by Aeroflex, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
Aeroflex has no control over the use of this equipment and cannot be held responsible for events
arising from its use other than for its intended purpose.

Precautions
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
x
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xi
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Test Set Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Optional Test Systems and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Remote and Automatic Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Chapter 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Initial Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Accessory Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Routine Safety Testing and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Chapter 3
Test Set Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Turning Test Set On / Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Test Set Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Front Panel Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Rear Panel Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Display Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Display Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Test Configurations and Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35

Table of Contents
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xii
Chapter 4
Test Set Utility Tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Accessing Utility Tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
User Calibration Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Error List Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Store/Recall Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
File Management Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Time & Date Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Keyboard & Mouse Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Remote Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
Printer Configuration Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Network Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Frequency Reference Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
Operational Status Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
Database Status Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Software Upgrade Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
License Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Display Hold Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Help System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39

Table of Contents
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xiii
Chapter 5
AutoTest II System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
AutoTest II Command Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Selecting AutoTest II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Exiting AutoTest II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
AutoTest II File Name Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
AutoTest II Tile Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
AutoTest II Configuration Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
AutoTest II Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Editor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Running an AutoTest II Script . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Managing Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
AutoTest II Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
AutoTest to Tcl Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Test Functions and Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
AutoTest II Command Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Chapter 6
Radio Test Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Channel Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Oscilloscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Chapter 7
Analog Duplex System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Accessing Analog Duplex System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Analog Duplex Tile Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Configuration Tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Test Tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

Table of Contents
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xiv
Chapter 8
Analog Duplex Test Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Site Monitoring Application Test Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
IQ Gen Modulation Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
DMM (Digital Multimeter) Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Harmonics and Spurious Measurements Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Audio Analyzer Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Tracking Generator Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20
Appendix A
Shipping Test Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Repacking for Shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Tagging Test Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Shipping Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Freight Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Repacking Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Table of Contents
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xv
Appendix B
3900 Platform Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
RF Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
RF Receive Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Audio Function Generator(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Audio & Modulation Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Channel Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16
RF Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Tracking Generator (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
Oscilloscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
Frequency Standard I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
Audio Spectrum Analyzer (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
Digital Multimeter (3920 Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
Input/Output Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-28
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-29
Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-29
Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-29
General Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-30
Appendix C
Fuse Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Appendix D
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I-1
Appendix E
Common Features Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Appendix F
Optional Test Systems and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1

Table of Contents
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
xvi
Appendix G
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1
Command Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1
Execution Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3
Device Specific Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-4
Query Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-6

Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
1-1
Chapter 1
General Information
Introduction
The 3900 Digital Radio Test Set is a portable test solution for advanced professional analog and
digital radio communications.
The Test Set is designed to support field upgrades to install optional systems and features, allowing
the user to expand the measurement and signaling capabilities of the unit to accomodate industry
changes and advancements.
Standard instruments include a Spectrum Analyzer, Channel Analyer and Oscilloscope.
Fig. 1-1 3920 Digital Radio Test Set
Test Set Features
The 3900 contains the following features:
•Frequency Reference input or output connection allows Test Set to use an external frequency
standard or to serve as a frequency standard for other test equipment.
•Parallel measuring methods contribute to fast operation.
•Audible and visual warning system with automatic disconnection provides protection against
RF input overload and RF Generator excessive reverse power.
•Full color display with a maximize - minimize tile display for customized screen
configurations.
•Tone Signaling Test function to evaluate tone-activated pagers and control systems.
•Memory function to store instrument settings, test results and other data.
•USB version 1.1 memory stick/jump drive connector for transferring data to and from the Test
Set’s internal memory.
•Printer ports to enable screen captures and AutoTest results to be printed.
•Output from the signal analyzer at 10.7 MHz from the IF output BNC connection.
•9 pin VGA video output connector which allows use of an external monitor.
•Bail Arm handle for multi-position bench support.

General Information
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
1-2
Optional Test Systems and Functions
The 3900 Series provides various optional test systems and functions that allow users to configure
the Test Set to meet a variety of testing requirements.
Refer to Appendix F, Optional Test Systems and Functions for detailed description of options
currently available for the 3900.
Remote and Automatic Control
IEEE Std 488
The 3900 may be operated remotely via an interface conforming to IEEE Std 488.1-1987. This
standard defines the electrical, mechanical and low-level protocol characteristics of the bus
structure, the GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus).
Several SCPI features have been implemented in the 3900 to facilitate system integration. These
features include the extended status reporting structure, the error numbering scheme, the
command mnemonic derivation rules (long and short form) and many of the frequently used
commands. Many of the SCPI features included in the 3900 are not defined by the SCPI standard,
therefore, the 3900 is not fully compliant with SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments) requirements. Refer to SCPI 1997 for details.
Refer to section titled Remote Tile in Chapter 4 for information on configuring the Test Set for
Remote Operation.
Refer to the 3900 Series Remote Programming Manual for list of valid remote commands.