Agilent Technologies 85309B LO User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 
85309B
LO/IF 
Distribution Unit
User’s and Service Guide
Use this manual with the Agilent Antenna Selection
Guide, part number 5968-6759E.

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or transla-
tion into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from Agi-
lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
85309-90082
Edition
June 7, 2013
Supersedes: none
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 connection
with the furnishing, use, or perfor-
mance of this document or of 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 sep-
arate agreement shall control.
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.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or sub-
contract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer soft-
ware” 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. Gov-
ernment will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Govern-
ment 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.
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.

Service Guide 85309-90082 iii
Printing Copies of Documentation from the
Web
To print copies of documentation from the Web, download the PDF file
from the Agilent web site:
•Gotohttp://www.agilent.com.
• Enter the product model number (Ex: 85309B) in the Search function.
•ClickSearch.
•ClicktheManuals hyperlink.
• Click the hyperlink title for the document you want to print - this
downloads the PDF
• Print the document after the PDF has fully downloaded.
Definitions
•Specifications describe the performance of parameters covered by the
product warranty (temperature –0 to 50 ×C, unless otherwise noted.)
•Ty p i c a l describes additional product performance information that is
not covered by the product warranty. It is performance beyond
specification that 80% of the units exhibit with a 95% confidence level
over the temperature range 20 to 30 ×C. Typical performance does not
include measurement uncertainty.
•Nominal values indicate expected performance or describe product
performance that is useful in the application of the product, but is not
covered by the product warranty.
•Characteristic Performance describes performance parameter that the
product is expected to meet before it leaves the factory, but is not
verified in the field and is not covered by the product warranty. A
characteristic includes the same guard bands as a specification.
85309B Overview
The 85309B LO/IF Distribution Unit is a broadband, distributed frequency
converter that utilizes fundamental mixing to provide the performance for
antenna test systems. The 85309B, together with mixers in the antenna
test configuration (not supplied), down convert a microwave signal to an IF
signal. This IF signal is input directly to the PNA digitizer (via either front
panel jumpers or a rear panel connector), bypassing the PNA’s RF
conversion stage, for increased measurement sensitivity.
The 85309B LO/IF Distribution Unit contains LO signal amplifiers, which

iv Service Guide 85309-90082
amplify LO drive power through RF cables to the mixers in the antenna test
configuration. The high output power allows the mixers to be located more
than seven meters from the 85309B. There are also IF amplifiers located in
the 85309B, which serve as a preamplifier for the receiver, reducing the
overall system noise figure significantly.
The 85309B LO/IF Distribution Unit can be installed in a variety of
configurations for antenna testing. To learn about the various system
configurations, refer to the “Configuration Examples” section in Chapter 1
of this document, and the online document Agilent Antenna Test Selection
Guide, part number 5968-6759E. See “Printing Copies of Documentation
from the Web” on the previous page.
85309B Options
85309B Standard
Provides one test channel and one reference channel.
85309B Option 001 - One Additional Test Channel
Adds one additional test channel. Provides a total of two test channels and
one reference channel.
85309B Option 002 - Two Additional Test Channels
Adds two additional test channels. Provides a total of three test channels
and one reference channel.
85309B Option 400 - Low and High Frequency Bands, One Test Channel
0.1 – 1 GHz low frequency band; 0.3 – 18 GHz high frequency band.
Provides a total of one test channel and one reference channel.
85309B Option 401 - Low and High Frequency Bands, Two Test Channels
0.1 – 1 GHz low frequency band; 0.3 – 18 GHz high frequency band. Adds
one additional test channel. Provides a total of two test channels and one
reference channel.
85309B Option 402 - Low and High Frequency Bands, Three Test
Channels
0.1 – 1 GHz low frequency band; 0.3 – 18 GHz high frequency band. Adds
two additional test channels. Provides a total of three test channels and
one reference channel.
Option 1CM - Rack Mount Kit Without Handles
Rack mount kit without handles. To obtain this item after receiving the
85309B, order part number 5063-9214.

Service Guide 85309-90082 v
Option 1CP - Rack Mount Kit With Handles
Rack mount kit with handles. To obtain this item after receiving the
85309B, order part number 5063-9221.

vi Service Guide 85309-90082

Contents
Service Guide 85309-90082 Contents-1
1 Getting Started
STEP 1. Check the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
STEP 2. Meet Electrical and Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Step 3. Connect the 85309B with Other System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Compatible Network Analyzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Configuration Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Step 4. (Option 40x Only): Set the 85309B Band Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Step 5: Power On the 85309B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Step 6. Adjust the LO Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
STEP 7. (Optional) Run the 85309B Operator’s Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Getting Help with Your 85309B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Agilent Antenna Test Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Contacting Agilent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Shipping Your Instrument to Agilent for Service or Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2 Operating Information
Electrostatic Discharge Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
85309B Front Panel Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
DETECTOR VOLTAGE Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
LO POWER ADJUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
LO POWER OUT OF RANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
BAND SELECTION (Option 40x Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
85309B Rear Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Ref Mixer Connector Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Test Mixers Connector Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
LO Source Connector Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Receiver Connector Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Available Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
85309B Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Instrument Block Diagrams Sheet 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Instrument Block Diagrams Sheet 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Cable Length Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Performing the Operator’s Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
LO Power Output Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Reference IF and Test IF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
IF the Operator’s Check Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
3 General Information
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
85309B Characteristic Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Cleaning the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Connector Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Contents-2 Service Guide 85309-90082
Contents
Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Statement of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Instrument Markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
4Service
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Replaceable Parts Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Service Guide 85309-90082 1-1
1Getting Started

1-2 Service Guide 85309-90082
Getting Started LO/IF Distribution Unit
STEP 1. Check the Shipment 85309B
STEP 1. Check the Shipment
1. Unpack the contents of the shipping container. Keep the packaging material in case the analyzer needs
to be returned to the factory.
2. Carefully inspect the 85309B to make sure that it was not damaged during shipment. If damaged, refer to
“Contacting Agilent” on page 1-12.
3. Use the Contents List in the shipping container to verify the completeness of your shipment. If not
complete, refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 1-12.

Service Guide 85309-90082 1-3
LO/IF Distribution Unit Getting Started
85309B STEP 2. Meet Electrical and Environmental Requirements
STEP 2. Meet Electrical and Environmental Requirements
CAUTION This instrument has autoranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply voltage is within the
specified range.
1. Ensure the available AC power source meets the requirements found in “General Specifications” on
page 3-2.
2. Ensure the operating environment meets the requirements found in “General Specifications” on page
3-2.
3. Verify that the AC power cable is not damaged, and that the power-source outlet provides a protective
earth contact.
CAUTION Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this product. Failure to ensure
adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may cause personal injury or product
damage.
4. Plug the unit into an appropriate AC power source.

1-4 Service Guide 85309-90082
Getting Started LO/IF Distribution Unit
Step 3. Connect the 85309B with Other System Components 85309B
Step 3. Connect the 85309B with Other System Components
Your antenna test system configuration includes the 85309B and a PNA network analyzer. The need for
other components is determined by the type of measurements required.
To learn about the various system configurations, refer to the Agilent Antenna Test Selection Guide, part
number 5968-6759E. See “Printing Copies of Documentation from the Web” in the first section of this
manual.
CAUTION The 85309B should be turned off when connecting it with other system components.
Compatible Network Analyzers
The following network analyzers are compatible with the 85309B.
Family Receiver Firmware Required Options
PNA
E836xC All revisions H11
N522xA All revisions 020
PNA-X
N524xA All revisions 020
N5264A All revisions None

Service Guide 85309-90082 1-5
LO/IF Distribution Unit Getting Started
85309B Step 3. Connect the 85309B with Other System Components
Configuration Examples
Figure 1-1 Simplified Configuration Block Diagram

1-6 Service Guide 85309-90082
Getting Started LO/IF Distribution Unit
Step 3. Connect the 85309B with Other System Components 85309B
Figure 1-2 Typical Far-Field Configuration

Service Guide 85309-90082 1-7
LO/IF Distribution Unit Getting Started
85309B Step 3. Connect the 85309B with Other System Components
Figure 1-3 Typical PNA-X Compact Range Configuration

1-8 Service Guide 85309-90082
Getting Started LO/IF Distribution Unit
Step 4. (Option 40x Only): Set the 85309B Band Selection 85309B
Step 4. (Option 40x Only): Set the 85309B Band Selection
The Band Selection knob on the front panel of the 85309B Option 400/401/402 models allows the user to
switch between the low band, high band, and external selections. For more information, refer to “85309B
Front Panel Features” on page 2-3.

Service Guide 85309-90082 1-9
LO/IF Distribution Unit Getting Started
85309B Step 5: Power On the 85309B
Step 5: Power On the 85309B
Power on the 85309B by pressing the front panel On/Off switch.
If the 85309B will not power on, make sure the instrument is plugged into an operating AC power outlet, and
check the fuse.

1-10 Service Guide 85309-90082
Getting Started LO/IF Distribution Unit
Step 6. Adjust the LO Power 85309B
Step 6. Adjust the LO Power
The procedure below is applicable to all 85309B models, and assumes the user has basic knowledge on the
antenna test system. To learn about the various antenna test systems, refer to the Agilent Antenna Test
Selection Guide, part number 5968-6759E. See “Printing Copies of Documentation from the Web” in the first
section of this manual.
The front panel of the 85309B has a DETECTOR VOLTAGE window, an LO POWER ADJUST mechanism, and
an LO POWER OUT OF RANGE LED. Refer to “85309B Front Panel Features” on page 2-3. The value shown in
the DETECTOR VOLTAGE window is the voltage coming from a power detector in the reference mixer. The
voltage is directly proportional to the amount of LO power arriving at the mixer. A label on the reference
mixer shows the precise voltage which corresponds to the power at the mixer's LO input. In the procedure
below, you adjust the LO POWER ADJUST so the DETECTOR VOLTAGE display matches the voltage on the
mixer label.
Once set, the ALC loop will maintain the desired LO power level regardless of LO frequency. Repeat the
procedure below only if you change one of the mixer modules or the LO source.
Find the detector voltage value written on the reference mixer. Record the value in Ta bl e 1 -1 below.
Procedure
1. Set the LO source power to 6 dBm.
2. Observe the voltage displayed in the 85309B’s front panel DETECTOR VOLTAGE window.
3. Adjust the 85309B’s LO POWER ADJUST mechanism until the voltage displayed in the window is equal
to the voltage written in Table 1- 1 (also shown on the reference mixer label). If the LO POWER OUT OF
RANGE LED is lit, there is an unleveled ALC state. To fix the problem, refer to “LO POWER OUT OF
RANGE” on page 2-4. Note that due to the long LO cable length (the RF cable between the LO source and
the 85309B) you must compensate for cable loss by increasing the LO source power.
NOTE The voltage displayed in the DETECTOR VOLTAGE window varies with frequency. This is
normal. The LO POWER OUT OF RANGE LED is lit only if the system's automatic leveling
loop cannot level the voltage sufficiently. This can happen if the LO source is disconnected,
or if more power is needed than the 85309B unit can supply for a given frequency range.
Table 1-1 Value Indicated on the Reference Mixer
Parameter Value
mV (typically –40 to –80):

Service Guide 85309-90082 1-11
LO/IF Distribution Unit Getting Started
85309B STEP 7. (Optional) Run the 85309B Operator’s Check
STEP 7. (Optional) Run the 85309B Operator’s Check
The operator’s check should be performed when you first receive your 85309B, and any time you wish to
have confidence that it is working properly. The operator’s check does not verify performance to
specifications, but should give you a high degree of confidence that the 85309B is performing properly.
For instructions, refer to “Performing the Operator’s Check” on page 2-14.

1-12 Service Guide 85309-90082
Getting Started LO/IF Distribution Unit
Getting Help with Your 85309B 85309B
Getting Help with Your 85309B
Agilent Antenna Test Selection Guide
Use the Agilent Antenna Test Selection Guide (part number 5968-6759E) to:
• Learn about interface requirements between system components.
• Understand issues related to selecting the equipment required to make antenna measurements.
For information on how to view and print this document online, see “Printing Copies of Documentation from
the Web” in the first section of this manual.
Contacting Agilent
Assistance with test and measurements needs and information or finding a local Agilent office are available
on the Web at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact your Agilent field engineer.
NOTE In any correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the Agilent product by its model
number and full serial number. With this information, the Agilent representative can
determine whether your product is still within its warranty period.
Shipping Your Instrument to Agilent for Service or Repair
If you wish to send your instrument to Agilent Technologies for service or repair:
• Include a complete description of the service requested or of the failure and a description of any failed
test and any error message.
• Ship the instrument using the original or comparable antistatic packaging materials.
• Contact Agilent for instructions on where to ship your instrument.