Agilent Technologies M9405A Manual

Agilent Technologies
M9405A
User’s and Service Guide

Agilent Technologies
M9405A
User’s and Service Guide
Manufacturing Part Number: M9499-90004
Printed in USA: February 2014
Supersede July 2013
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013, 2014

ii
Notices
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws.
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.
Statement of Compliance
This instrument has been designed and tested in accordance with CAN/CSA 22.2
No. 61010-1-04, UL Std No. 61010-1 (2nd Edition).
Declaration of Conformity
A copy of the declaration of conformity is available upon request, or a copy is available on the Agilent
Technologies web site at http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm

iii
Safety Notices
The following safety notes are used throughout this document. Familiarize yourself with each of these
notes and its meaning before performing any of the procedures in this document.
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 product. Do not proceed
beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
General Safety Information
Introduction
This product is intended for use by qualified personnel that are familiar with the safety precautions
required to avoid any possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance
information carefully before using this product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product
specifications
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.
Cleaning Precautions
To clean the connectors use alcohol in a well ventilated area. Allow all residual alcohol moisture to
evaporate, and fumes to dissipate prior to energizing the instrument.
WARNING To prevent electrical shock, remove the Agilent Technologies M9405A from the chassis before
cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do
not attempt to clean internally. To clean the connectors, use alcohol in a well-ventilated area.
Allow all residual alcohol moisture to evaporate, and the fumes to dissipate prior to energizing the
instrument.

iv
Instrument Markings
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).
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. (If accompanied by a year, it is
when the design was proven.)
This is a required mark signifying compliance with an EMC requirement. The C-Tick mark is a
registered trademark of the Australian Spectrum Management Agency.
Indicates the time period during 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.
This symbol indicates that PXI is a U.S. registered trademark of the PXI System Alliance.
Maximum RF Input power.

Contents
Contents-1
M9405A
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Technical Specification and Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Verifying the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Electrostatic Discharge Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
General Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Front Panel Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Access Ports 3.5 or 2.4 mm (female) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
PXI Latch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Install the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Power up the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Install the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Install the M9405A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
M9405A Operational Check Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Equipment Test Configuration Option I (Network Analyzer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Equipment Test Configuration Option II (Signal Source & Power Meter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Equipment Test Configuration Option III (Signal Source & Spectrum Analyzer). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
If a Problem is Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Module Core Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Ordering a Core Replacement Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Replacing the Defective Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Agilent Support, Services, and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Service and Support Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Contacting Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Return for Service or Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Contents-2
Contents

User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004 1
M9405A

2User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004
M9405A Introduction
Introduction
The scope of this User’s and Service Guide is to detail the processes of receiving and installing the M9405A
module, installing the required software, and verifying basic module operations. If you have any inquiries
after reviewing this information, contact your local Agilent Technologies Inc. representative or refer to
“Contacting Agilent” on page 17.
Description
Congratulations on your purchase from Agilent Technologies, Inc.
The M9405A is a 1-slot, 1U PXIe Amplifier. The M9405A operates over a frequency range of 300 kHz to
26.5 or 50 GHz.
To get the most out of your purchase, it is recommended that this User’s and Service Guide be read
carefully and completely.
Table 1 Model and Options
Module Option Description
M9405A H01
F26
F50
Standard PXIe Amplifier
Frequency 300 kHz to 26.5 GHz
Frequency 300 kHz to 50 GHz

User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004 3
M9405A Technical Specification and Characteristics
Technical Specification and Characteristics
Definitions
Specifications describe the warranted performance of calibrated instruments. Data represented in this
document are specifications unless otherwise noted under the following conditions.
• Full temperature range = Individual module temperature of ≤75 °C as reported by the module, and
environment temperature of 0 to 55 °C.
• Controlled temperature range = Individual module temperature of ≤55 °C as reported by the module,
and environment temperature of 20 to 30 °C.
Temperatures referred to in this document are defined as follows:
• Calibrated instruments have been stored for a minimum of 2 hours within the full temperature range
• 45 minute warm-up time
• Calibration cycle maintained
• When used with Agilent M9300A frequency reference and Agilent interconnect cables
Characteristics describe product performance that is useful in the application of the product, but that is
not covered by the product warranty. Characteristics are often referred to as Typical or Nominal values and
are italicized.
•Typi c al describes characteristic performance, which 80% of instruments will meet when operated
within the controlled temperature range.
•Nominal describes representative performance that is useful in the application of the product when
operated within the controlled temperature range.

4User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004
M9405A Verifying the Shipment
Verifying the Shipment
To verify the content shipped with your module, refer to the “Box Content List” included with the shipment.
Inspect the shipping container for damage. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately, such
damage is not covered by the warranty (warranty information can be found at the beginning of this
manual). Keep the damaged shipping materials (if any) for inspection by the carrier and an
Agilent Technologies representative. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 17.
Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container and verify that your order is complete. Confirm
that the options you ordered are included with the shipment. Refer to the serial number label on the side
panel and the packing literature included with the shipment.
Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. The module is shipped in
materials which prevent damage from static, and should only be removed from the packaging in an
anti-static area ensuring that the correct anti-static precautions are taken.
Two types of ESD protection are listed below. Purchase acceptable ESD accessories from your local
supplier.
• Conductive table-mat and wrist-strap combination
• Conductive floor-mat and heal-strap combination
Both types, when used together, provide a significant level of ESD protection. To ensure user safety,
static-safe accessories must provide at least 1 MΩof isolation from ground.
WARNING These techniques for a static-safe work station should not be used when working on
circuitry with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts.

User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004 5
M9405A General Characteristics
General Characteristics
Figure 1 Nominal Performance
Table 2 Nominal Performance
Frequency Range 300 kHz to 50 GHz
Input Power at Compression (dBm)
(0.1 dB and 1 dB compression)
1 GHz
10 GHz
26.5 GHz
50 GHz
0.1 dB
−22
−22
−22
−20
1 dB
−18
−13
−14
−13
Maximum Input Power M9405A −10 dBm
Impedance 50 Ohms
Option F26 Option F50
Return Loss (dB)
RF Input (S11)
RF Output (S22)
≤−10 ≤−5
Gain (dB) (S21) ≥27 ≥ 24
NF (dB)
(The conversion loss of the link is the primary
contributor to the NF results. Amplification is
recommended to reduce NF).
7 9
RF Connectors 3.5 mm 2.4 mm

6User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004
M9405A General Characteristics
Front Panel Features
Figure 2 M9405A Front Panel
Status LED
• Green, the status LED indicates the chassis is powered on and communicating with the module when
the soft front panel is opened (SFP).
Access Ports 3.5 or 2.4 mm (female)
• RF Input/Output 300 kHz to 26.5 or 50 GHz.
PXI Latch
• Secures the modules to the mainframe.
Status LED
Latch
Access Ports

User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004 7
M9405A Install the Software
Install the Software
Table 3 System and Hardware Requirements
Top ic Requirements
System Requirements
Operating System Window XP,
Service Pack 3
Windows Vista®, SP1 and SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit),
Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit)
Processor speed 600 MHz or higher required
800 MHz recommended 1 GHz 32-bit (x86), 1 GHz 64-bit (x64), no support for Itanium64
Available memory 256 MB minimum
(1 GB or greater recommended) 1 GB minimum
Available disk
space1
1. This is the required disk space for installation. Typically, less disk space is required for operation than is required for
installation.
1.5 GB available hard disk space, includes:
l 1 GB available for Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 SP12
l 100 MB for Agilent IO Libraries Suite
2. NET Framework Runtime Components are installed by default with Windows Vista. Therefore, you may not need this
amount of disk space.
Video Super VGA (800x600)
25 colors or more
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB graphics memory
recommended (Super VGA graphics is supported)
Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or
greater Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or greater
Hardware Requirements
Chassis PXIe system/ host controller A PXI or PXI Express embedded controller or remote controller
(external PC connected to the chassis via a PCI-to-PXI interface) is required.
PXIe System/ host
Controller
A PXI or PXI Express embedded controller or remote controller (external PC connected to the chassis
via a PCI-to-PXI interface) is required.
Embedded Controller Agilent M9036A or an embedded controller that meets the following requirements:
- PXIe system controller (PXI-1 embedded controllers are not compatible)
- Utilize a 2x8, 4x4, or 1x4 PXIe system slot link configuration. - Run one of the operating systems
listed in System Requirements (above).
Remote Controller (for Agilent M9018A chassis use only) Agilent M9021A Cable Interface x8 with one of the following
PC interface options:
- Agilent M9045B PCIe ExpressCard Adaptor x1, with cable (for a laptop PC)
- Agilent M9048A PCIe Desktop Adaptor x8, with cable (for desktop PCs) Or an equivalent remote
controller using a PC running one of the operating systems listed in System Requirements (above).

8User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004
M9405A Install the Software
Power up the Controller
CAUTION If you are using a remote controller and you have installed the interface cable, you must
power up the chassis before you power up the PC. As well, you must power down the PC
before you power down the chassis.
If you are using an embedded controller, complete the following steps:
1. Install the embedded controller module into the compatible chassis. The Agilent M9036A PXIe
Embedded Controller and Agilent M9018A PXIe Chassis are recommended. Please refer to the
embedded controller and chassis documentation for further details.
2. Connect peripherals (mouse, keyboard and monitor).
3. Turn On the chassis.
Install the Software
NOTE Administrator privileges will be needed for software and hardware installation. This
includes first-time installation of a module in a different chassis slot.
The software installation includes the following:
NOTE Version 16.2 (or newer) of the Agilent IO Libraries Suite is required.
• The Agilent IO Libraries Suite CD (E2094-60003), includes the Agilent Connection Expert.
It is also available on the internet at: http://www.agilent.com/find/iosuite
• Instrument software, which includes the soft front panel (SFP), device driver (IVI-COM) and
documentation for the M9405A. This software CD is included with your shipment (M9499-10002).
Use the following procedure to install the software:
1. From the Agilent IO Libraries Suite CD (E2094-60003) browser, launch the installer.
2. Follow the installer prompts to install the IO Libraries Suite.
3. From the Product Software and Information CD (M9499-10002) browser, launch the installer.
4. Follow the installer prompts to install all software and documentation for the module.
5. After installation has completed, power down the host PC.

User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004 9
M9405A Install the Software
Install the M9405A
NOTE The M9405A can be used in a chassis with a PXIe or PXI-H chassis peripheral slot.
The M9405A can also be installed in any hybrid PXI slot marked with a peripheral slot
compatibility image (the letter "H" and a solid circle containing the slot number).
CAUTION PXI hardware does not support “hot-swap” capabilities (changing modules while power is
applied to the chassis).
Before installing a module into the chassis, the chassis must be powered off to prevent
damage to the module.
1. Ensure that the PXI chassis power switch is in the off (Standby) position.
2. If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure that the fans are set to automatic. Do not set the
fan speed to low or turn it off.
3. Position the chassis so that there is ample space between the chassis fan intake and exhaust vents.
Blockage by walls or obstructions affects the air flow needed for cooling. (Refer to the chassis
documentation for more information about cooling).
4. Holding the module by the injector/ejector handle, slide it into the card edges on the guide slot (top and
bottom) as shown in Figure 3.
a. Slide the module to the rear of the chassis and ensure that the injector/ejector handle is pushed
down in the unlatched (downward) position.
b. Slide the module completely into the chassis. When you begin to feel resistance, push up on the
injector/ejector handle to fully insert the module into the chassis.
Figure 3 Installing the Module

10 User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004
M9405A Install the Software
5. Secure the front panel to the chassis using the front panel mounting screws. Performance may suffer if
the screws are not tightened properly.
6. Verify that the PXI chassis fans are operable and free of dust and other contaminants that may restrict
air flow.
7. Install all chassis covers and filler panels. Missing filler panels may disrupt necessary air circulation in
the chassis.
8. Power up the PXI chassis.

User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004 11
M9405A M9405A Operational Check Procedure
M9405A Operational Check Procedure
The operational check measures the signal paths from the RF Input of the M9405A module. The following
procedure verifies that the connectors and circuitry are operating correctly.
CAUTION Do not exceed the maximum input power level of +20 dBm.
Equipment Required
To demonstrate that the module works properly requires external equipment with operating frequency
range of 10 MHz to 26.5 or 50 GHz. This includes a network analyzer, or optionally, a signal source and
power meter or spectrum analyzer.
Equipment Test Configuration Option I (Network Analyzer)
1. Adjust the Network Analyzer Stimulus Power for the M9405A to −30 dBm.
2. Set the Frequency Sweep from 10 MHz to 26.5 or 50 GHz depending on Options F26 or F50.
3. Perform a 2-Port Network Analyzer calibration (normalization response is adequate).
4. Connect the Stimulus Source (Network Analyzer Port 1) to the M9405A RF Input Port.
5. Connect Port 2 of the Network Analyzer to the M9405A RF Output Port.
NOTE Depending on your instrument’s power handling capability it may be necessary to use a
20 dB attenuator to protect the instrument.
6. Measure the Return Loss (S11 & S22) and Gain (S21). Compare it to the typical performance in Tab l e 2
on page 5.
Table 4 Hardware Test Configuration
Hardware Description
Option I Network Analyzer
Option II Signal Source and Power Meter
Option III Signal Source and Spectrum Analyzer

12 User’s and Service Guide M9499-90004
M9405A M9405A Operational Check Procedure
Equipment Test Configuration Option II (Signal Source & Power Meter)
1. Adjust the Signal Source Stimulus Power for the M9405A to −30 dBm.
2. Set the Signal Source to a CW Frequency of 50 MHz.
3. Perform a Power Meter calibration.
4. Connect the Stimulus Source to M9405A RF Input Port.
5. Connect the Power Meter Sensor to M9405A RF Output Port.
NOTE Depending on your instrument’s power handling capability it may be necessary to use a
20 dB attenuator to protect the instrument.
6. Measure the Power and compare the Gain (Pmeasured - Pstimulus).
7. Set the Signal Source to a CW Frequency of 10 GHz.
8. Repeat step 5 thru step 6.
9. Set the Signal Source to a CW Frequency of 26.5 GHz.
10. Repeat step 5 thru step 6.
11. Set the Signal Source to a CW Frequency of 50 GHz.
12.Compare the Gain to Table 1 on page 2.