Agilent Technologies N8480 Series Service manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent N8480
Series Power Sensors
Operating and Service
Guide

ii N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2008–2013
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N8481-90000
Edition
Ninth Edition, March 5, 2013
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum 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 par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connec-
tion with the furnishing, use, or per-
formance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should
Agilent and the user have a separate
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terms, the warranty terms in the sep-
arate agreement shall control.
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The hardware and/or software described in
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puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide iii
Safety Symbols
The following symbol on the instrument and in the documentation
indicates precautions that must be taken to maintain safe operation of the
instrument.
Direct current (DC) Off (supply)
Alternating current (AC) On (supply)
Both direct and alternating current Caution, risk of eletric shock
Three-phase alternating current Caution, risk of danger (refer to this
manual for specific Warning or Caution
information)
Earth (ground) terminal Caution, hot surface
Protective conductor terminal Out position of a bi-stable push control
Frame or chassis terminal In position of a bi-stable push control
Equipotentiality Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation
This symbol indicates that a device, or part of a device, may be susceptible to electrostatic discharges
(ESD) which can result in damage to the product.
Observe ESD precautions given on the product, or its user documentation, when handling equipment
bearing this mark.

iv N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark shows that the product
complies with all the relevant Euro-
pean legal Directives (if accompanied
by a year, it signifies when the design
was proven).
The C-tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Spectrum
management Agency of Australia.
This signifies compliance with the
Australian EMC Framework
regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communications Act of 1992.
This ISM device complies with the
Canadian ICES-001,
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This product complies with the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
equipment. The affixed product label
indicates that you must not discard
this electrical/electronic product in
domestic household waste.

N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide v
General Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended
use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
WARNING
Before connecting the power sensor to other instruments ensure that all
instruments are connected to the protective (earth) ground. Any
interruption of the protective earth grounding will cause a potential
shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
CAUTION
• Use the instrument with the cables provided.
• Repair or service that is not covered in this manual should only be
performed by qualified personnels.

vi N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC
This instruction complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard
this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category:
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is shown as below:
Do not dispose in domestic household waste
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Agilent office, or
visit
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.

N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide vii
Environmental Conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use only. The table below shows
the general environmental requirements for the product.
Operating Environment
Storage Conditions
Environmental Conditions Requirements
Temperature 0 °C to 55 °C (Operating)
Humidity Maximum: 95% at 40 °C
Minimum: 15% at 40 °C
Altitude Operating up to 4,600 metres (15,000 feet)
Environmental Conditions Requirements
Temperature –40 °C to 70 °C (Non-operating)
Humidity Non-operating up to 90% at 65 °C
(Non-condensing)
Altitude Non-operating up to 7,620 metres (25,000 feet)
CAUTION
The N8480 Series power sensors complies with the following EMC
requirements:
•IEC 61326-1:2005/EN 61326-1:2006
•Canada: ICES/NMB-001:2004
•Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

viii N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or description.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
NOTE
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Agilent representative.

N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide ix
In This Guide ...
1 Introduction Chapter 1 introduces the overview and operation of
the N8480 Series power sensors.
2 Specifications and Characteristics Chapter 2 describes the
specifications and characteristics of the N8480 Series power
sensors.
3ServiceChapter 3 elaborates on the information about principle of
operations, troubleshooting, and repair of the N8480 Series power
sensors.

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N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide xi
Contents
Notices ii
Safety Symbols iii
Safety Symbols iii
Regulatory Markings iv
General Safety Information v
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC vi
Environmental Conditions vii
In This Guide ... ix
1 Introduction
General Information 2
Initial Inspections 3
Accessories Shipped with the Instrument 3
Original Packaging 3
Power Meter and Sensor Cable Requirements 4
Interconnection and Calibration 5
Recommended Calibration Interval 6
Temperature Sensitivity 6
Operating Instructions 7
Modulation Effect 8
To r q u e 8
Overview of the N8480 Series Power Sensors 9
N8485A Power Sensor 12
N8487A Power Sensor 12
N8488A Power Sensor 13
B-models and H-models Information 13
Waveguide-models Information 14
Options 15
Power Meter Firmware Compatibility 16
Power Meter Configuration Changes 17
Measurement Accuracy and Speed 18
Measurement Considerations 18

xii N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
2 Specifications and Characteristics
Specification Definitions 20
Warranted Specifications 20
Characteristic Specifications 20
Conditions 21
Specifications 22
Frequency and Dynamic Power Range 22
Damage Level 23
Maximum SWR 24
Power Linearity 31
Switching Point 35
Zero Set, Zero Drift and Measurement Noise 36
Settling Time 37
Calibration Factor and Reflection Coefficient 38
Calibration Factor Uncertainty 39
Supplemental Characteristics 43
Physical Characteristics 44
3 Service
Cleaning 46
Connector Care 46
Principle of Operations 47
Performance Test 48
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) and Reflection Coefficient (Rho) Performance Test 48
Replaceable Parts 51
Troubleshooting 57
Repair 57
Diassembly/Reassembly Procedures 58
Diassembly Procedure 58
Reassembly Procedure 58

N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide xiii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 N8480 Series power sensors 2
Figure 1-2 Connecting a sensor cable to power meter 5
Figure 1-3 Connecting waveguide flange to the N8486AQ power sensor 7
Figure 1-4 N8480 Series power sensor simplified block diagram 11
Figure 1-5 N8485A power sensor with adapter 12
Figure 1-6 N8487A power sensor with adapter 12
Figure 1-7 N8488A power sensor with adapter 13
Figure 1-8 Auto-averaging settings 17
Figure 2-1 Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8481A power sensor 25
Figure 2-2 Typical SWR, 100 kHz to 6 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8482A power sensor 26
Figure 2-3 Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8485A power sensor 26
Figure 2-4 Typical SWR, 50 MHz to 50 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8487A power sensor 27
Figure 2-5 Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 70 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8488A power sensor 27
Figure 2-6 Typical SWR, 33 MHz to 50 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8486AQ power sensor 28
Figure 2-7 Typical SWR, 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8486AR power sensor 28
Figure 2-8 Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8481B power sensor 29
Figure 2-9 Typical SWR, 100 kHz to 6 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8482B power sensor 29
Figure 2-10 Typical SWR, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8481H power sensor 30
Figure 2-11 Typical SWR, 100 kHz to 6 GHz (25 °C ±10 °C) for N8482H power sensor 30
Figure 2-12 Typical N8481/2/5/7/8A and N8486AR/AQ power linearity at 25 °C, after
zero and calibration with associated measurement uncertainty 32
Figure 2-13 Typical N8481/2B power linearity at 25 °C, after zero and calibration with
associated measurement uncertainty 33
Figure 2-14 Typical N8481/2H power linearity at 25 °C, after zero and calibration with
associated measurement uncertainty 34
Figure 2-15 Autofilter, default resolution, 10 dB decreasing power step (not across the
switching point) 37
Figure 2-16 Typical cal factor and SWR vs. frequency 43
Figure 3-1 Illustrated Parts Breakdown 52
Figure 3-2 Removing power sensor shell 58

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N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide xv
List of Tables
Table 1 - 1 Power sensor cable options 4
Table 1 - 2 RF connector type, wrench size, and torque values 8
Table 1 - 3 Power range in range setting 10
Table 1 - 4 Power meter firmware 16
Table 2 - 1 Frequency and dynamic power range 22
Table 2 - 2 Damage level at average and peak power 23
Table 2 - 3 Maximum SWR 24
Table 2 - 4 Power linearity 31
Table 2 - 5 Switching point hysteresis 35
Table 2 - 6 Zero set, zero drift and measurement noise 36
Table 2 - 7 Settling time in normal and x2 mode 37
Table 2 - 8 Calibration factor uncertainty at 25 ºC ± 3 ºC 39
Table 2 - 9 Calibration factor uncertainty at 25 ºC ± 10 ºC 40
Table 2 - 1 0 Calibration factor uncertainty at 0 ºC to 55 ºC 42
Table 2 - 1 1 Physical dimensions 44
Table 3 - 1 Reflection coefficient for N8480 Series power sensors (25 ºC ± 10 ºC) 49
Table 3 - 2 Replaceable parts list for standard N8480 Series power sensors 53
Table 3 - 3 Replaceable parts list for N8480 Series power sensors with Option CFT 55
Table 3 - 4 Replacement part list for adapters used on N8480 Series power sensors 56

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1
N8480 Series Power Sensors
Operating and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
General Information 2
Initial Inspections 3
Accessories Shipped with the Instrument 3
Original Packaging 3
Power Meter and Sensor Cable Requirements 4
Interconnection and Calibration 5
Recommended Calibration Interval 6
Temperature Sensitivity 6
Operating Instructions 7
Modulation Effect 8
Torqu e 8
Overview of the N8480 Series Power Sensors 9
N8485A Power Sensor 12
N8487A Power Sensor 12
N8488A Power Sensor 13
B-models and H-models Information 13
Waveguide-models Information 14
Options 15
Power Meter Firmware Compatibility 16
Power Meter Configuration Changes 17
Measurement Accuracy and Speed 18
This chapter contains information about initial inspection and overview of the Agilent
N8480 Series power sensors.

1 Introduction
2 N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
General Information
This guide contains information about the initial inspection, connections,
specifications, operation, and performance tests of the N8480 Series power
sensors. You can also find a copy of this guide on the EPM and EPM- P
Series Power Meter Documentation CD supplied with the power meter.
Figure 1-1 N8480 Series power sensors

Introduction 1
N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide 3
Initial Inspections
1Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of damage may include
a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that shows
signs of unusual stress or compacting.
2Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container and verify
that your order is complete.
Accessories Shipped with the Instrument
The following items are shipped with every purchase of N8480 Series
power sensor:
•Certificate of Calibration
•Product Reference CD
Verify that any options ordered are included with the shipment by
checking the packing list included with the shipment.
Original Packaging
Containers and materials identical to those used in the factory packaging
are available through Agilent Technologies office. If the instrument is
being returned to Agilent Technologies for servicing, attach a tag
indicating the type of service required, return address, model number, and
serial number. Also mark the container FRAGILE to assure careful
handling. In any correspondence, refer to the instrument by model number
and serial number.
NOTE
•If the shipping container or packaging material is damaged, it should be kept until the
contents have been checked mechanically and electrically. If there is mechanical
damage, notify the nearest Agilent Technologies office. Keep the damaged shipping
materials (if any) for inspection by the carrier and Agilent representative. If required, you
can find a list of Agilent Sales and Service Offices on the last page of this guide.
•Ensure you have read and understand the preceding safety information before proceed.

1 Introduction
4 N8480 Series Power Sensors Operating and Service Guide
Power Meter and Sensor Cable Requirements
Table 1- 1 lists the length of cable option for the N8480 Series power
sensors.
1Only applicable for E4418B and E4419B power meters.
Table 1 -1 Power sensor cable options
Power Sensor Cable Option Description Supported Power Meter
11730 Family Sensor Cables (Grey)
EPM Series power meters
11730A 1.5 m (5-ft) cable length
11730B 3 m (10-ft) cable length
11730C 6.1 m (20-ft) cable length
11730D 15.2 m (50-ft) cable length
11730E 30.5 m (100-ft) cable
length
11730F161 m (200-ft) cable length
(operate up to 45 °C)
E9288 Family Sensor Cables (Blue) EPM Series power meters1
EPM-P Series power
meters
E9288A 1.5 m (5-ft) cable length
E9288B 3 m (10-ft) cable length
E9288C 10 m (31-ft) cable length
N1917 Family Sensor Cable Adapter
P-Series power meters
N1917A 1.5 m (5-ft) cable length
N1917B 3 m (10-ft) cable length
N1917C 10 m (31-ft) cable length