Agilent Technologies 11898A User manual
Agilent11898A
Module Extender
User’s Guide
ii
© Copyright
Agilent Technologies 2000
All Rights Reserved. Repro-
duction, adaptation, or trans-
lation without prior written
permission is prohibited,
except as allowed under copy-
right laws.
Agilent Part No. 11898-90002
Printed in USA
March 2000
Agilent Technologies
Lightwave Division
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1799,
USA
(707) 577-1400
Notice.
The information contained in
this document is subject to
change without notice. Com-
panies, names, and data used
in examples herein are ficti-
tious unless otherwise noted.
Agilent Technologies makes
no warranty of any kind with
regard to this material, includ-
ing but not limited to, the
implied warranties of mer-
chantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. Agilent
Technologies shall not be lia-
ble for errors contained herein
or for incidental or conse-
quential damages in connec-
tion with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this
material.
Restricted Rights Legend.
Use, duplication, or disclo-
sure by the U.S. Government
is subject to restrictions as set
forth in subparagraph (c) (1)
(ii) of the Rights in Technical
Data and Computer Software
clause at DFARS 252.227-7013
for DOD agencies, and sub-
paragraphs (c) (1) and (c) (2)
of the Commercial Computer
Software Restricted Rights
clause at FAR 52.227-19 for
other agencies.
Warranty.
This Agilent Technologies
instrument product is war-
ranted against defects in
material and workmanship for
a period of one year from date
of shipment. During the war-
ranty period, Agilent Technol-
ogies will, at its option, either
repair or replace products
which prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair,
this product must be returned
to a service facility desig-
nated by Agilent Technolo-
gies. Buyer shall prepay
shipping charges to Agilent
Technologies and Agilent
Technologies shall pay ship-
ping 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.
Agilent Technologies war-
rants that its software and
firmware designated by Agi-
lent Technologies for use with
an instrument will execute its
programming instructions
when properly installed on
that instrument. Agilent Tech-
nologies does not warrant that
the operation of the instru-
ment, or software, or firmware
will be uninterrupted or error-
free.
Limitation of Warranty.
The foregoing warranty shall
not apply to defects resulting
from improper or inadequate
maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-
supplied software or interfac-
ing, unauthorized modifica-
tion or misuse, operation
outside of the environmental
specifications for the product,
or improper site preparation
or maintenance.
No other warranty is
expressed or implied. Agilent
Technologies specifically dis-
claims the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose.
Exclusive Remedies.
The remedies provided herein
are buyer's sole and exclusive
remedies. Agilent Technolo-
gies shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, special, inci-
dental, or consequential dam-
ages, whether based on
contract, tort, or any other
legal theory.
Safety Symbols.
CAUTION
The caution sign denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure which, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered
to, could result in damage to
or destruction of the product.
Do not proceed beyond a cau-
tion sign until the indicated
conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
WARNING
The warning sign denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure which, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered
to, could result in injury or
loss of life. Do not proceed
beyond a warning sign until
the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
The instruction man-
ual symbol. The prod-
uct is marked with this
warning symbol when
it is necessary for the
user to refer to the
instructions in the
manual.
The laser radiation
symbol. This warning
symbol is marked on
products which have a
laser output.
The AC symbol is used
to indicate the
required nature of the
line module input
power.
|The ON symbols are
used to mark the posi-
tions of the instrument
power line switch.
❍The OFF symbols
are used to mark the
positions of the instru-
ment power line
switch.
The CE mark is a reg-
istered trademark of
the European Commu-
nity.
The CSA mark is a reg-
istered trademark of
the Canadian Stan-
dards Association.
The C-Tick mark is a
registered trademark
of the Australian Spec-
trum Management
Agency.
This text denotes the
instrument is an
Industrial Scientific
and Medical Group 1
Class A product.
Typographical Conven-
tions.
The following conventions are
used in this book:
Key type for keys or text
located on the keyboard or
instrument.
Softkey type for key names that
are displayed on the instru-
ment’s screen.
Display type for words or
characters displayed on the
computer’s screen or instru-
ment’s display.
User type for words or charac-
ters that you type or enter.
Emphasis type for words or
characters that emphasize
some point or that are used as
place holders for text that you
type.
ISM1-A
iii
The Agilent 11898A—At a Glance
The Agilent 11898A—At a Glance
The Agilent 11898A module extender is an accessory for the Agilent 83480A
Digital Communications Analyzer and the Agilent 54750A Digital Oscilloscope
mainframes. The module extender makes it possible for plug-in modules to be
operated remotely from the mainframe.
Using the module extender can improve mea-
surement accuracy by enabling the module’s
connectors to be positioned near the device
under test. This reduces the need for long
cables, which are cumbersome and can intro-
duce losses. This is particularly true when mea-
suring extremely high-speed electrical signals. In
these cases, locating the signal input in close
proximity to the signal source increases accu-
racy and reduces the measurements artifacts
caused by cables. If it is impractical to relocate
the device under test to the front panel of the
mainframe, the module extender provides an
alternative method of minimizing cables.
The extender also makes it easy to test a device that must be isolated from
vibration on an optical bench.
Measurement
Accuracy
To ensure that you obtain the specified accuracy for the module you are using
with the extender, you must perform a plug-in module vertical calibration
after the module has been connected to the extender. The calibration must
also be performed when you move a module extender or plug-in module from
one slot to another, or from one mainframe to another. Refer to “Step 4. Per-
form Calibrations”on page 1-8 for information on performing a plug-in module
vertical calibration.
CAUTION The plug-in module input circuitry can be damaged when the total input power
levels exceed +10 dBm (10 mW) on the optical channel or ±2 V + peak ac
(+16 dBm) on the electrical channel. To prevent input damage, this specified
level must not be exceeded.
iv
General Safety Considerations
General Safety Considerations
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publica-
tion 61010-1, Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The
instruction 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.
WARNING If this instrument is not used as specified, the protection provided by
the equipment could be impaired. This instrument must be used in a
normal condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.
WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Agilent 11898A module
extender from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly
dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt
to clean internally.
WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 product (provided with a protective earthing
ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be
inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact.
Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside of the
product is likely to make the product dangerous. Intentional
interruption is prohibited.
WARNING No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers.
WARNING For continued protection against fire hazard, replace line fuse only
with same type and ratings, (type T 0.315A/250V for 100/120V
operation and 0.16A/250V for 220/240V operation). The use of other
fuses or materials is prohibited. Verify that the value of the line-
voltage fuse is correct.
•For 100/120V operation, use an IEC 127 5×20 mm, 0.315 A, 250 V, Agilent
part number 2110-0449.
•For 220/240V operation, use an IEC 127 5×20 mm, 0.16 A, 250 V, Agilent
Technologies part number 2110-0448.
v
General Safety Considerations
CAUTION Before switching on this instrument, make sure that the line voltage selector
switch is set to the line voltage of the power supply and the correct fuse is
installed. Assure the supply voltage is in the specified range.
CAUTION This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and Pollution
Degree 2 per IEC 1010 and 664 respectively.
CAUTION VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS: When installing the product in a cabinet, the
convection into and out of the product must not be restricted. The ambient
temperature (outside the cabinet) must be less than the maximum operating
temperature of the product by 4°C for every 100 watts dissipated in the
cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts,
then forced convection must be used.
CAUTION Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this instrument.
Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may cause
instrument damage.
CAUTION Do not connect ac power until you have verified the line voltage is correct.
Damage to the equipment could result.
CAUTION This instrument has autoranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply voltage
is within the specified range.
CAUTION Electrostatic discharge (ESD) on or near input connectors can damage circuits
inside the instrument. Repair of damage due to misuse is not covered under
warranty. Before connecting any cable to the electrical input, momentarily
short the center and outer conductors of the cable together. Personnel should
be properly grounded, and should touch the frame of the instrument before
touching any connector.
Contents
Contents-1
The Agilent 11898A—At a Glance iii
1 Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment 1-4
Step 2. Prepare the Module Extender 1-5
Step 3. Install the Module Extender 1-6
Step 4. Perform Calibrations 1-8
Returning the Instrument for Service 1-10
2 Specifications and Regulatory Information
Specifications 2-3
Declaration of Conformity 2-5
3 Reference
In Case of Difficulty 3-2
Electrostatic Discharge Information 3-5
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements 3-7
Agilent Technologies Service Offices 3-17
1-2
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Getting Started
Getting Started
This chapter shows how to install your Agilent 11898A module extender, and
gives information for returning the module for service. Refer to Chapter 2,
“Specifications and Regulatory Information”for information on operating con-
ditions, such as temperature.
Agilent 11898A bay section inserted in mainframe section.
1-3
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Getting Started
The Agilent 11898A module extender consists of two sections: the portion of
the extender which is inserted in the mainframe, and the bay section which is
the receptacle for the plug-in module. These sections are connected by a
cable. The front panel of the module is part of the mainframe section.
Throughout this document, “module extender”will be used to refer to the
Agilent 11898A module extender, while “plug-in”will be used only to refer to
modules used with the extender. The “mainframe section”of the extender is
the section of the extender that is installed in the mainframe, and the “bay
section”is the portion of the module extender where a plug-in is installed.
CAUTION This product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and
POLLUTION DEGREE 2, per IEC 1010 and 664 respectively.
CAUTION Input circuits can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Therefore,
avoid applying static discharges to the front-panel input connectors. Before
connecting any coaxial cable to the connectors, momentarily short the center
and outer conductors of the cable together. Avoid touching the front-panel
input connectors without first touching the frame of the instrument. Be sure
that the instrument is properly earth-grounded to prevent buildup of static
charge. Refer to “Electrostatic Discharge Information”on page 3-5.
1-4
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment
Verify that all system components ordered have arrived by comparing the
shipping forms to the original purchase order. Inspect all shipping containers.
If your shipment is damaged or incomplete, save the packing materials and
notify both the shipping carrier and the nearest Agilent Technologies service
office. Agilent Technologies will arrange for repair or replacement of damaged
or incomplete shipments without waiting for a settlement from the transporta-
tion company. Notify the Agilent Technologies customer engineer of any prob-
lems.
1-5
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 2. Prepare the Module Extender
Step 2. Prepare the Module Extender
•For shipping purposes, one end of the module extender is inserted into the oth-
er. Loosen the two knurled screws at the bottom of the front panel and separate
the two pieces using the handle provided on the front panel.
CAUTION When installing or removing the Agilent 11898A module extender, always use
the handle provided on the front panel. Do not pull on the flexible cable or the
semi-rigid RF cable on the front panel when handling the module. Pulling these
cables will damage the cables or their connectors.
CAUTION Do not use non-Agilent Technologies extender cables to operate the plug-in
module outside of the mainframe. The plug-in module can be damaged by
improper grounding when using extender cables.
1-6
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 3. Install the Module Extender
Step 3. Install the Module Extender
You do not need to turn off the mainframe to install or remove the module
extender, or to install or remove a plug-in from the module extender.
1Install the mainframe section of the module extender in an Agilent 83480A or
Agilent 54750A mainframe and tighten the knurled screws on the module
extender front panel.
The module extender can be installed in slots 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 on the
Agilent 83480A or Agilent 54750A mainframe. The plug-in module will not
function if the module extender is installed in slots 2 and 3.
2Install a plug-in module in the bay section of the module extender and tighten
the two knurled screws on the plug-in front panel.
1-7
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 3. Install the Module Extender
These steps may be done in either order: by installing the module extender in
the mainframe first, or by installing the plug-in in the bay of the module
extender first.
3Perform calibrations necessary to ensure performance of the plug-in.
WARNING Do not block the sides or bottom of the module extender during
operation. The Agilent 11898A uses convection cooling. Restricting
the airflow could damage the instrument.
CAUTION Use caution when installing and using the module extender to avoid damaging
the extender cable.
Selecting the trigger input location
The Agilent 11898A module extender offers two triggering options: triggering
at the mainframe, or triggering at the remote module.
•To input the trigger at the mainframe, disconnect both ends of the rigid RF
cable from the front panel of the module extender. Attach the trigger signal
to the Trigger Input connector on the front panel.
•To return to triggering at the remote module, reattach the rigid RF cable.
Note
To make sure the measurement system operates properly, there must be a good ground
connection from the module extender to the mainframe, and from the plug-in to the mod-
ule extender. The RF connectors on the rear of the modules are spring-loaded, so finger-
tighten the knurled screws on the front panels of the plug-in module and the module
extender to make sure all connectors are fully seated.
1-8
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 4. Perform Calibrations
Step 4. Perform Calibrations
To ensure you obtain the specified accuracy, you must perform a plug-in mod-
ule vertical calibration after connecting a plug-in module to the module
extender. The calibration must also be performed when you move a plug-in
module or the module extender from one slot to another, from one mainframe
to another, or when the temperature changes by ≥±5°C.
CAUTION The input circuits of the plug-in modules can be damaged by electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Therefore, avoid applying static discharges to the front-panel
input connectors. Before connecting any coaxial cable to the connectors,
momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the cable together. Avoid
touching the front-panel input connectors without first touching the frame of
the instrument. Be sure that the instrument is properly earth-grounded to
prevent buildup of static charge. For more information on ESD, refer to
“Electrostatic Discharge Information”on page 3-5.
Performing a plug-in module vertical calibration
1Press Utility, Calibrate, Calibrate plug-in.
2Select the plug-in module to be calibrated by pressing 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. (Select
the slots where the module extender is installed.)
3Start the calibration procedure by pressing Start cal.
4Follow the on-screen instructions.
Calibrating voltage probes
Because the mainframe’s CAL signal is a voltage source, you can let the instru-
ment compensate for the actual characteristics of your probe by letting the
instrument calibrate to the tip of the probe.
1-9
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Step 4. Perform Calibrations
1To calibrate a voltage probe to the probe tip, connect the probe to the CAL
signal, then set the instrument as follows:
Electrical Channel
Electrical Scale...., Atten units, ratio
Units,Volt, Done, ENTER
Calibrate...., Calibrate Probe
The instrument automatically calibrates to the tip of the probe, sets the probe
attenuation and compensates for any probe offset.
Active probes For active probes that the instrument can identify through the probe power
connector, like the Agilent 54701A, the instrument automatically adjusts the
vertical scale factors for that channel, even if a probe calibration is not per-
formed.
Passive probes For passive probes or nonidentified probes, the instrument adjusts the vertical
scale factors only if a probe calibration is performed.
Calibrating other devices
Because the mainframe’s CAL signal is a voltage source, it cannot be used to
calibrate to the probe tip when the units are set to Ampere, Watt, or Unknown.
Instead, set the external gain and external offset to compensate for the actual
characteristics of the probe or device. If you do not know the actual character-
istics, you can refer to the typical specifications that came with the probe or
device.
1To compensate for the actual characteristics of the probe or device, set the
instrument as follows:
Electrical Channel
Electrical Scale...., Atten units,ratio
Attenuation,1:1
Units,Ampere (Watt or unknown)
Ext gain(actual gain characteristics of the probe or device)
Ext offset(offset introduced by the probe or device)
1-10
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Returning the Instrument for Service
Returning the Instrument for Service
The instructions in this section show you how to properly return the instru-
ment for repair or calibration. Always call the Agilent Technologies Instrument
Support Center first to initiate service before returning your instrument to a
service office. This ensures that the repair (or calibration) can be properly
tracked and that your instrument will be returned to you as quickly as possi-
ble. Call this number regardless of where you are located. Refer to “Agilent
Technologies Service Offices”on page 3-17 for a list of service offices.
Agilent Technologies Instrument Support Center . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 403-0801
If the instrument is still under warranty or is covered by an Agilent Technolo-
gies maintenance contract, it will be repaired under the terms of the warranty
or contract (the warranty is at the front of this manual). If the instrument is
no longer under warranty or is not covered by an Agilent Technologies mainte-
nance plan, Agilent Technologies will notify you of the cost of the repair after
examining the unit.
When an instrument is returned to a Agilent Technologies service office for
servicing, it must be adequately packaged and have a complete description of
the failure symptoms attached. When describing the failure, please be as spe-
cific as possible about the nature of the problem. Include copies of additional
failure information (such as the instrument failure settings, data related to
instrument failure, and error messages) along with the instrument being
returned.
Preparing the instrument for shipping
1Write a complete description of the failure and attach it to the instrument.
Include any specific performance details related to the problem. The following
1-11
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Returning the Instrument for Service
information should be returned with the instrument.
•Type of service required.
•Date instrument was returned for repair.
•Description of the problem:
•Whether problem is constant or intermittent.
•Whether instrument is temperature-sensitive.
•Whether instrument is vibration-sensitive.
•Instrument settings required to reproduce the problem.
•Performance data.
•Company name and return address.
•Name and phone number of technical contact person.
•Model number of returned instrument.
•Full serial number of returned instrument.
•List of any accessories returned with instrument.
2Cover all front or rear-panel connectors that were originally covered when you
first received the instrument.
CAUTION Cover electrical connectors to protect sensitive components from electrostatic
damage. Cover optical connectors to protect them from damage due to physical
contact or dust.
CAUTION Instrument damage can result from using packaging materials other than the
original materials. Never use styrene pellets as packaging material. They do not
adequately cushion the instrument or prevent it from shifting in the carton.
They may also cause instrument damage by generating static electricity.
3Pack the instrument in the original shipping containers. Original materials are
available through any Agilent Technologies office. Or, use the following
guidelines:
•Wrap the instrument in antistatic plastic to reduce the possibility of damage
caused by electrostatic discharge.
•For instruments weighing less than 54 kg (120 lb), use a double-walled, cor-
rugated cardboard carton of 159 kg (350 lb) test strength.
•The carton must be large enough to allow approximately 7 cm (3 inches) on
all sides of the instrument for packing material, and strong enough to accom-
modate the weight of the instrument.
•Surround the equipment with approximately 7 cm (3 inches) of packing ma-
terial, to protect the instrument and prevent it from moving in the carton. If
packing foam is not available, the best alternative is S.D-240 Air Cap™from
1-12
Using the Agilent 11898A Module Extender
Returning the Instrument for Service
Sealed Air Corporation (Commerce, California 90001). Air Cap looks like a
plastic sheet filled with air bubbles. Use the pink (antistatic) Air Cap™to
reduce static electricity. Wrapping the instrument several times in this ma-
terial will protect the instrument and prevent it from moving in the carton.
4Seal the carton with strong nylon adhesive tape.
5Mark the carton “FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE”.
6Retain copies of all shipping papers.
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