Agilent Technologies N5532A Manual

N5532A Sensor Module
User’s and Service Guide
for the Agilent N5531S and N5530S Measuring Receiver Systems
Manufacturing Part Number: N5532-90006
Supersedes Part Number N5532-90006, June 2008
Printed in USA
February 2009
© Copyright 2004-2009Agilent Technologies

2
Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material,
including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual. Familiarize
yourself with the symbols and their meaning before operating this equipment.
WARNING 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.
CAUTION 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
instrument. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
NOTE Note calls out special information for the user’s attention. It provides operational
information or additional instructions of which the user should be aware.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. During
the warranty period, Agilent Technologies will, at its option, either repair or
replace products that prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility
designated by Agilent Technologies. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to
Agilent Technologies and Agilent Technologies shall pay shipping charges to
return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties,
and taxes for products returned to Agilent Technologies from another country.

Contents
3
Table of Contents
1. General Information
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
N5532A Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Instruments Covered by Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. Installation
Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operating Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing the Calibration Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5530S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5531S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Assembly Replacement Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Cal Factor Data File Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Contacting Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4
Contents
Table of Contents

5
General Information
1General Information
This user guide contains information about installation, operation, product
specifications, calibration data, maintenance and repair, and storage conditions of
the N5532A Sensor Module.

6Chapter1
General Information
Description
General Information
Description
The N5532A is intended to be used with the N5531S or the early N5530S
Measuring Receiver System. It is essentially a power sensor with a power splitter
at the input. See Figure 1-1 on page 7. In use, the sensor module's two output
cables are connected to a power meter (E4418/19, E4416/17, or N1911/12 Series)
and the Performance Spectrum Analyzer (PSA) RF Input. When using an N1911
or N1912 Series power meter, it is necessary to use an adapter (N5532A Option
019) to connect the output cable of the sensor module to the power meter. The
sensor module is calibrated such that the power meter indicates the power supplied
by the source under test.
The N5532A Sensor Module is offered in four frequency configurations:
• Option 504 covers 100 kHz to 4.2 GHz
• Option 518 covers 10 MHz to 18 GHz
• Option 526 covers 30 MHz to 26.5 GHz
• Option 550 covers 30 MHz to 50 GHz
(with adaptor 11903D 2.4mm (f) to Type N (m))
The sensor module accurately measures power levels from -20 dBm to +30 dBm
(10 μW to 1 W). Calibration Factor (Cal Factor) information is unique to each
sensor module and is supplied on a floppy disc included with each N5532A. Please
refer to “Installing the Calibration Factors” on page 2-12 for more information on
using the Cal Factor Data.

Chapter 1 7
General Information
Description
General Information
NOTE The N5532A Sensor Module is compatible ONLY with the newer E4418/19,
E4416/17, or N1911/12 Series power meters. They are NOT compatible with the
earlier 430 Series or 70100 power meters. If used with an N1911/12 Series power
meter, an adapter (N5532A Option 019) is required to connect the dc cable to the
power meter.
N5532A Block Diagram
Figure 1-1 N5532A Sensor Module

8Chapter1
General Information
Instruments Covered by Manual
General Information
Instruments Covered by Manual
These instruments have a two-part serial number: the prefix (two letters and the
first four numbers), and the suffix (the last four numbers). The two letters identify
the country in which the unit was manufactured. The four numbers of the prefix
are a code identifying the date of the last major design change incorporated in your
Agilent Technologies product. The four-digit suffix is a sequential number and
coupled with the prefix, provides a unique identification for each unit produced.
The contents of this manual apply directly to all serial numbers unless otherwise
indicated.

9
Installation
2Installation

10 Chapter2
Installation
Initial Inspection
Installation
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container or packaging
material is damaged, it should be kept until the contents of the shipment have been
checked mechanically and electrically. If there is mechanical damage notify the
nearest Agilent Technologies office as shown in Table 4-3 on page 48. Keep the
damaged shipping materials (if any) for inspection by the carrier and an Agilent
Technologies representative.
Operating Precautions
NOTE For optimal results, the sensor module must be placed on a supportive surface with
the serial number label facing up. This orientation provides repeatable
measurements by eliminating strain on the input connector.
The input connector should be torqued to 12 in-lb (135 Ncm) for the type-N
connector, 8 in-lb (90 Ncm) for the APC 3.5 mm connector, or 8 in-lb (90 Ncm)
for the 2.4 mm connector to ensure a repeatable connection in order to meet the
published specifications. Exceeding these torque settings may damage the
connector.
Connect the sensor module by turning only the hex nut portion of the connector.
Damage can occur if torque is applied to the sensor module body.
The connector plastic insulator bead deteriorates when contacted by acetone,
trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, etc.
WARNING BEFORE CONNECTING THE SENSOR MODULE 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 and cause
damage to the sensor module.

Chapter 2 11
Installation
Initial Inspection
Installation
CAUTION To prevent physical damage to the sensor module or device-under-test (DUT), pay
careful attention to the mechanical setup. The mechanical design of the sensor
module minimizes SWR. However, the weight and length of the module,
combined with the stiffness of the interconnect cables, enables the exertion of
considerable leverage at the module’s input connector. To prevent physical damage
to the sensor module, the DUT, and the mating connectors, and to assure best
electrical performance, observe the following precautions:
1. Do not permit the interconnect cables of the sensor module to extend out where
anyone passing by could accidentally push and exert leverage on the cables.
This consideration is especially important when the DUT is a light-weight
instrument that sits freely on a table.
2. When possible, lay the sensor module on a supportive surface with the serial
number label facing up. This consideration is especially important when rigid
RF adapters are used to directly interconnect the sensor module to the DUT. RF
adapters lengthen the leverage arm of the sensor module and are often fragile.
When level-accuracy requirements permit, use flexible cables to interconnect
the sensor module to the DUT.
3. Do not bend or coil the interconnect cables (more than necessary) to a diameter
circumscribing less than 150 mm (6 in.). This precaution often applies when
the instruments are rack-mounted and interconnected to rear-panel connectors.
Repeated flexing of coiled, interconnect cables can degrade SWR and increase
RFI of the RF output cable.
4. Do not attempt to tighten the sensor module input connector by twisting the
body of the sensor module.

12 Chapter2
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Cal factors can be entered and stored in an internal table (Automatic Cal Factors)
in the PSA’s non-volatile memory. The table is automatically accessed during RF
power measurements (after the measuring receiver has tuned to the frequency) to
correct for the non-linear response of the power sensor. If no entry in the table
directly corresponds to the frequency being measured, the measuring receiver
derives a cal factor through linear interpolation using the nearest calibration points
in the table.
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5530S
There are two methods of installing the sensor module calibration factors (cal
factors) in the N5530S Measuring Receiver System.
The first method loads and saves the cal factors using the PC. The second method
uses the PSA to load the data.
Figure 2-1 Utilities Menu
Both methods are accessed through the Utilities drop-down menu (See Figure 2-1,
“Utilities Menu.”.)
Using the PC to Load and Save the Cal Factors
1. Insert the N5532A Sensor Module Data Disk in the PC A:\ drive.
NOTE If your PC does not have a floppy disc drive, use the PSA to save your cal data to
your PC. Then use this procedure to load the sensor cal factors into the system.
2. Select Calibration Factors to bring up the Calibration View Edit dialog box.
3. Press Load Cal File in the Calibration View Edit dialog box. The Open
Calibration File dialog box appears.
4. Navigate to the PC A:\ drive if necessary and select the CFData.XML file.
NOTE If you obtained the cal data from the PSA, go to the directory you specified in Step
2of the next section to load the data.

Chapter 2 13
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Installation
5. Press Open.
6. Press OK to apply the Cal Factors to the system.
Using the PSA to Save the Cal Factors to the PC
1. Insert the N5532A Sensor Module Data Disk into the PSA A:\ drive.
2. Select Copy Files from SA under the Utilities menu option of the N5531S or
N5530S User Interface. Browse to the location you wish to place the SA floppy
disc files.
3. Click OK to copy the calibration factor files to the specified location. Three
files appear: CALTABLE.XSL (enables viewing with web browser),
CFDATA.XML (actual Cal Factor Data), and CFCERT.DOC (Cal Factor
Certification)1.
4. To load this data into the system, follow steps 2 through 6 in the section
entitled, “Using the PC to Load and Save the Cal Factors” on page 2-12.
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5531S
1. Insert the floppy disk in to PSA floppy disk drive. Make sure the disk is for the
sensor module you are using.
2. Press MODE, Measuring Receiver, File, Load, Type, and select Calibration
Factor as the file type. Press Dir Up, Up Arrow, Dir Select to ensure the “A”
drive is selected. Then press Load Now to load the cal factor file
(CFDATA.XML) to the PSA spectrum analyzer.
1. . Provides traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology or NIST

14 Chapter2
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Installation

15
Specifications
3Specifications
The specifications listed in Table 3-1, “Specifications,” are the performance
standards or limits against which the sensor module may be tested. These
specifications are valid ONLY after proper calibration of the power meter.

16 Chapter3
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications
Table 3-1 Specifications
Description Specification Comments
Frequency Range
Option 504
Option 518
Option 526
Option 550
100 kHz to 4.2 GHz
10MHzto18GHz
30MHzto26.5GHz
30MHzto50GHz
Power Range +30 dBm (1 watt) to
−20 dBm (10 μW)
Maximum Safe Power +30 dBm Average Total
Power
Sensor Module Linearity
Opt. 504
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm ±3%
negligible
Sensor Module Linearity
Opt. 518
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm ±3%
negligible
Sensor Module Linearity
Opt. 526
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm ±3%
negligible
Sensor Module Linearity
Opt. 550
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm ±3%
negligible
Input SWRa
Opt. 504
100 kHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 4.2 GHz < 1.10:1 < 1.28:1

Chapter 3 17
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications
Specifications
Input SWRa
Opt. 518
10 MHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 18 GHz < 1.10:1 < 1.28:1
Input SWRa
Opt. 526
30 MHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 18 GHz
18 GHz to 26.5 GHz
< 1.10:1
< 1.28:1
< 1.40:1
Input SWRa
Opt. 550
30 MHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 18 GHz
18 GHz to 26.5 GHz
26.5 GHz to 33 GHz
33 GHz to 40 GHz
40 GHz to 50 GHz
< 1.10:1
< 1.28:1
< 1.40:1
< 1.55:1
< 1.70:1
< 1.75:1
a. When connected to PSA with at least 30 dB attenuation
Table 3-1 Specifications
Description Specification Comments

18 Chapter3
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information
Table 3-2 Supplemental Information
Description Supplemental
Information Comments
Input Impedance 50 ohms
Input Connector
Option 504
Option 518
Option 526
Option 550
Type-N (male)
Type-N (male)
APC 3.5 mm (male)
2.4 mm (male)
Recommended Torque
12 in-lbs (135 Ncm)
12 in-lbs (135 Ncm)
8 in-lbs (90 Ncm)
8 in-lbs (90 Ncm)
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 504 7 dB @ 3 Hz to 8 dB @ 4.2 GHz Typical
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 518 7 dB @ 3 Hz to 11 dB @ 18 GHz Typical
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 526 7 dB @ 3 Hz to 13 dB @ 26.5 GHz Typical
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 550 7 dB @ 3 Hz to 16 dB @ 50 GHz Typical
Military Specification Type tested to an
equivalent of
MIL-PRF-28800F class
3 environmental
specifications
Altitude
Operating
Storage
< 4600 meters
(15,000 feet)
<7600 meters
(25,000 feet)
Temp. Range
Operating
Storage 0 to +55 °C − 40 to 70 °C
Calibration Cycle 1 year
Weight 0.72 kgm (1.5 lb)
Shipping Weight 1.28 kgm (2.8 lb)
Dimensions
Height 51.2 mm (2 in)

Chapter 3 19
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information
Specifications
Width 62.4 mm (2.5 in)
Lengtha210 mm (8.3 in)
Lengthb1905 mm (75 in)
a. From input connector to end of plastic casing.
b. From input connector to end of cable.
Table 3-2 Supplemental Information
Description Supplemental
Information Comments
Table 3-3 Typical Cal Factor Uncertainty
Frequency Range
Typical Cal Factor Uncertainty
Opt 504 Opt 518 Opt 526 Opt 550
100 kHz to ≤30 MHz ± 2.0%
30 MHz to ≤2 GHz ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.0%
2 GHz to ≤4.2 GHz ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.5%
2 GHz to ≤10 GHz ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.5%
10 GHz to ≤18 GHz ± 2.5% ± 2.3% ± 2.5%
18 GHz to ≤26.5 GHz ± 2.5% ± 2.8%
26.5 GHz to ≤50 GHz ± 4.5%

20 Chapter3
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information
Specifications