Agilent Technologies 53150A User manual

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Agilent 53150A/151A/152A
Microwave Frequency Counter
Assembly Level Service
Guide
This guide describes how to service the Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and
53152A Microwave Frequency Counters. The information in this guide
applies to instruments having the number prefix below, unless
accompanied by a “Manual Updating Changes” package indicating otherwise.
SERIAL PREFIX NUMBER: 3735A, US3925, and US4050 (53150A)
3736A, US3926, and US4051 (53151A)
3737A, US3927, and US4052 (53152A)

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 7.C.NL.06.15.01.R1.M.CW6FC
5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95052-8059
 Copyright Agilent
Technologies, Inc. 1999, 2002
All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or
translations without prior
written permission is
prohibited, except as allowed
under the copyright laws.
Printed: August 2002
Printed in U.S.A.
Manual part number
53150-90015
Certification and Warranty
Certification
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
certifies that this product met
its published specification at the
time of shipment from the
factory. Agilent further certifies
that its calibration
measurements are traceable to
the United States National
Institute of Standards and
Technology (formerly National
Bureau of Standards), to the
extent allowed by the Institute’s
calibration facility, and to the
calibration facilities of other
International Standards
Organization members.
Warranty
Agilent warrants
Agilent hardware, accessories
and supplies against defects in
materials and workmanship for
a period of one year from date of
shipment. If Agilent receives
notice of such defects during the
warranty period, Agilent will, at
its option, either repair or
replace products which prove to
be defective. Replacement
products may be either new or
like-new.
Agilent warrants that
Agilent software will not fail to
execute its programming
instructions, for the period
specified above, due to defects in
material and workmanship
when properly installed and
used. If Agilent receives notice
of such defects during the
warranty period, Agilent will
replace software media which
does not execute its
programming instructions due
to such defects.
For detailed warranty
information, see back matter.
Safety Considerations
General
This product and related
documentation must be
reviewed for familiarization
with this safety markings and
instructions before operation.
Before Cleaning
Disconnect the product from
operating power before
cleaning.
Warning Symbols That May
Be Used In This Book
Instruction manual symbol; the
product will be marked with
this symbol when it is necessary
for the user to refer to the
instruction manual.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground)
terminal.
or
Indicates terminal is connected
to chassis when such connection
is not apparent.
Indicates Alternating current.
Indicates Direct current.
Safety Considerations
(cont’d)
WARNING
BODILY INJURY OR DEATH
MAY RESULT FROM
FAILURE TO HEED A
WARNING. DO NOT
PROCEED BEYOND A
WARNING UNTIL THE
INDICATED CONDITIONS
ARE FULLY UNDERSTOOD
AND MET.
CAUTION
Damage to equipment, or
incorrect measurement data,
may result from failure to
heed a caution. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION
until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
Safety Earth Ground
An uninterruptible safety earth
ground must be maintained
from the mains power source to
the product’s ground circuitry.
WARNING
WHEN MEASURING POWER
LINE SIGNALS, BE
EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND
ALWAYS USE A
STEP-DOWN ISOLATION
TRANSFORMER WHICH
OUTPUT IS COMPATIBLE
WITH THE INPUT
MEASUREMENT
CAPABILITIES OF THIS
PRODUCT. THIS PRODUCT’S
FRONT AND REAR PANELS
ARE TYPCIALLY AT EARTH
GROUND. THUS, NEVER TRY
TO MEASURE AC POWER
LINE SIGNALS WITHOUT AN
ISOLATION TRANSFORMER.
For additional safety and
acoustic noise information, see
back matter.

Contents
Assembly Level Service Guide iii
How to Use This Guide vii
Repair Strategy vii
Instrument Identification viii
Instruments Covered by this Guide viii
Assembly-Level Service Guide Organization viii
How to Order Guides ix
Description of the Microwave Frequency Counter x
Options xi
Hardware xi
Support xi
Accessories Supplied and Available xii
Accessories Supplied xii
Accessories Available xii
Manuals Supplied xii
1 Performance Tests
Introduction 1-2
Operational Verification 1-2
Complete Performance Tests 1-3
Recommended Calibration Cycle 1-3
Test Record 1-3
Equipment Required 1-4
Operational Verification 1-5
Power-On Self Tests 1-5
10 MHz Test 1-6
Run Self Test 1-7
External Timebase Test 1-8
10 MHz External Timebase Input Test 1-8
Complete Performance Tests 1-11
Test 1: External Timebase Input Test 1-12
1 MHz External Timebase Input Test 1-12
2 MHz External Timebase Input Test 1-14
5 MHz External Timebase Input Test 1-14
10 MHz External Timebase Input Test 1-15

Contents
iv Assembly Level Service Guide
Test 2: Channel 1 Frequency Sensitivity 1-16
Test 2a: 10 Hz to 20 MHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-16
Test 2b: 50 MHz to 125 MHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-18
Test 3: Channel 2 Frequency Sensitivity 1-21
Test 3a: 50 MHz to 20 GHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-21
Test 3b: 22 GHz to 26.5 GHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-23
Test 3c: 30 GHz to 46 GHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-24
Test 4: Channel 2 Power Measurement 1-25
Test 4a: 50 MHz to 20 GHz Power Measurement
(–20 dBm) 1-25
Test 4b: Channel 2 22 GHz to 26.5 GHz Power Measurement
(–20 dBm) 1-27
Test 4c: Channel 2 26.5 GHz to 46 GHz Power Measurement
(–20 dBm) 1-28
Test 4d: Channel 2 50 MHz to 20 GHz Power Measurement
(0 dBm) 1-28
Test 4e: Channel 2 22 GHz to 26.5 GHz Power Measurement
(0 dBm) 1-29
Test 4f: Channel 2 30 GHz to 46 GHz Power Measurement
(0 dBm) 1-29
Performance Test Record (Page 1 of 4) 1-30
Performance Test Record (Page 2 of 4) 1-31
Performance Test Record (Page 3 of 4) 1-32
Performance Test Record (Page 4 of 4) 1-33
2Service
Introduction 2-2
Returning the Counter to
Agilent Technologies for Service 2-3
Providing Repair Information 2-3
Packing Counter in Original Packaging Materials 2-4
Packing Counter in Other Packaging Materials 2-4
Calibration Procedure 2-6
Equipment Required 2-6

Contents
Assembly Level Service Guide v
Pre-Troubleshooting Information 2-8
Safety Considerations 2-8
Recommended Test Equipment 2-9
Repair Considerations 2-9
Electrostatic Discharge 2-9
Surface Mount Repair 2-10
Disassembly and Reassembly Specifics 2-10
After Service Considerations 2-10
Product Safety Checks 2-10
Product Performance Checks 2-11
Assembly Identification and Location 2-11
Troubleshooting the Counter 2-13
Power Supply Check 2-13
Adjusting the +5 VDC Output 2-14
Self-Test 2-15
Running the Self Test 2-15
Self Test Error Messages 2-16
3 Replacing Assemblies
Introduction 3-2
Tools Required 3-3
Do This First 3-3
Removing the Bumpers 3-4
Removing the Handle and Handle Mounts 3-5
Removing the Rear Bezel 3-6
Removing the Shroud 3-8
Removing the Front Bezel 3-11
Removing the Rear Panel Assembly 3-12
Removing the Cooling Fan 3-15
Replacing the Power Supply 3-16

Contents
vi Assembly Level Service Guide
4ReplaceableParts
Introduction 4-2
Replaceable Parts 4-2
How To Order A Part 4-3
Contacting Agilent Technologies 4-4
Parts Identification 4-5
Reference Designations 4-5
Cabinet Parts and Hardware 4-5
Accessories and Miscellaneous Items 4-5
5 Backdating
Introduction 5-2
6 Specifications
Introduction 6-2
Measurement Specifications and Characteristics 6-3
Typical power measurement uncertainty
at 25°C for various input levels 6-5
Typical power measurement uncertainty
at −25 dBm input level 6-6

Assembly Level Service Guide vii
In This Guide
This guide provides assembly-level service information for the
Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A Counters.
How to Use This Guide
Repair Strategy
This service guide is designed to isolate failures to the assembly level only.
The Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Counter can be returned to Agilent for all
service work, including troubleshooting, and verifying specifications.
Contact your nearest Agilent Sales and Service Office for more details.
NOTE ISD (Instrument Service Division) Emergency Response or Express
Calibration Service is available for Agilent customers in the USA.
If downtime is critical, you can receive your repaired Counter via
overnight shipment. Call 1-800-403-0801, and ask for Emergency
Response or Express Calibration Service. When your Counter is repaired,
it is returned via overnight shipment at no extra charge.
If you decide to service the Counter yourself, use the troubleshooting
procedures in Chapter 2 (Service) and the disassembly and reassembly
procedures in Chapter 3 (Replacing Assemblies). Then, use the calibration
instructions in Chapter 2 to calibrate the Counter for peak-performance
operation, and finally, perform all of the performance tests in Chapter 1 to
verify that the Counter is operating to the specifications.
NOTE If the motherboard, the sampler, or the front-panel assembly are
defective, the instrument must be returned to an Agilent Service Center
for repair and recalibration.

In This Guide
viii Assembly Level Service Guide
Instrument Identification
The instrument is identified by the serial number on the rear panel.
Agilent uses a two-part serial number with the first part (prefix)
identifying a series of instruments and the second part (suffix) identifying
a particular instrument within a series. Agilent-assigned alpha characters
before the prefix identify the country in which the instrument was
manufactured.
Instruments Covered by this Guide
This guide applies directly to Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A
Counters that have the same serial number prefix(es) shown on the title
page. If the serial number prefix of your Counter differs from that listed
on the title page of this guide, there may be differences between this guide
and your instrument.
Instruments having a higher serial prefix are covered (when required) by
one or more manual-change sheets included with this guide. If a required
change sheet is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office listed at
the back of this guide.
Assembly-Level Service Guide Organization
This Assembly-Level Service Guide consists of a table of contents, a
preface, six chapters, and an index. The page headers identify the
chapters and sections of this manual. The chapter contents are
summarized as follows:
Chapter 1 Performance Tests provides procedures that verify the
Counter operates properly and meets the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A
specifications given in Chapter 6, “Specifications,” in this guide.
Chapter 2 Service is divided into seven main sections that provide
instructions for returning the Counter to Agilent for service, calibrating
the Counter, and troubleshooting the assemblies in the Counter.
Chapter 3 Replacing Assemblies provides procedures for replacing
defective assemblies and/or modules in the Counter.

In This Guide
Assembly Level Service Guide ix
Chapter 4 Replaceable Parts lists the replaceable parts contained in
the Counter, and explains how to order replacement parts for your Counter.
Chapter 5 Backdating contains information required to adapt this
manual for older instruments (to be provided when required).
Chapter 6 Specifications lists all the specifications and operating
characteristics for the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Counter.
How to Order Guides
The part number for this guide is listed on the Certification and Warranty
page (on the back of the title page) and on the back cover of this guide.

In This Guide
x Assembly Level Service Guide
Description of the Microwave Frequency
Counter
The Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A Microwave Frequency Counters
are capable of measuring frequencies from 10 Hz to 125 MHz on Channel 1
and from 50 MHz to 20 GHz (53150A), 26.5 GHz (53151A), and 46 GHz
(53152A) on Channel 2. These frequency counters are also capable of
measuring power on Channel 2 (in the same frequency ranges). All three
Counters have a maximum frequency resolution of 1 Hz.
The Agilent 53150A/151A/152A provides GPIB and RS-232 serial
interfaces and are suitable for bench-top and ATE operation.
The basic measurement functions of the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A
include Frequency, Relative Frequency, Frequency Offset, and Power
(including Power Offset and Relative Power). All of these features are
accessible from the front panel and over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces.
The Agilent 53150A/151A/152A includes the following additional
measurement functions and features that are designed specifically for
manufacturing and service applications:
•1, 2, 5, and 10 MHz external reference capability
•Optional high-stability oven oscillator for high-accuracy needs and
lengthened calibration cycles
•Frequency and power offset capabilities for relative measurements
•SCPI programming capability
•Battery and dc input option for operation in locations where AC
power is unavailable
•Optional soft carrying case for safe transportation and mobile use
Programmable control is performed via an GPIB or an RS-232 serial
interface. The GPIB and RS-232C ports are standard for the Agilent
53150A, 53151A, and 53152A.

In This Guide
Assembly Level Service Guide xi
Options
The options available for the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A are listed
following this paragraph. Specifications for the options are listed in
Chapter 6, “Specifications.” Options ordered with the Counter are
installed at the factory and are ready for operation on delivery.
Hardware
• High Stability Oven Timebase, Option 001
• Battery/DC Power Input, Option 002
• Rack Mount Kit, Option 1CM (not installed)
• Soft Carrying Case, Option 007 (not installed)
NOTE Hardware options can be retrofitted at an Agilent Service Center.
However, the cost to retrofit options is considerably higher than the cost of
the same options when purchased with the instrument.
Support
• 3-year Return to Agilent for Repair, Option W30
• 3-year Return to Agilent for Calibration, Option W32
• 3-year Return to Agilent for Standards Compliant Calibration,
Option W34
• 5-year Return to Agilent for Repair, Option W50
• 5-year Return to Agilent for Calibration, Option W52
• 5-year Return to Agilent for Standards Compliant Calibration,
Option W54

In This Guide
xii Assembly Level Service Guide
Accessories Supplied and Available
Accessories Supplied
• Power cord, 2.3 meters (part number dependent upon destination country)
• Fuse (Agilent P/N 2110-0007)
Accessories Available
• Accessories for use with Option 002 (Battery/DC Power Input):
– Automotive Power Adapter (Agilent P/N 53150-60214)
– Battery (Agilent P/N 53150-80010)
– Battery Charger (Agilent P/N 53150-60217) 115V
(includes Automotive Power Adapter)
– Battery Charger (Agilent P/N 53150-60218) 230V
(includes Automotive Power Adapter)
– GPIB Cables (Agilent P/N 10833A/B/C/D)
• RS-232 Cable (Agilent P/N 53150-60215)
• Soft Carrying Case (Agilent P/N 53150-80016) — same as Option 007
• Rack Mount Kit (Agilent P/N 53150-67001) — same as Option 1CM
Manuals Supplied
Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Operating Guide
(Agilent P/N 53150-90013)
Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Programming Guide
(Agilent P/N 53150-90014)
Agilent 53150A/151A/152A Assembly-Level Service Guide
(Agilent P/N 53150-90015)

1
Performance Tests
Verifying Specifications

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Introduction
1-2 Assembly Level Service Guide
1
Introduction
This chapter provides procedures to test the electrical performance of the
Agilent 53150A/151A/152A. These procedures are based on the Counter
specifications in Chapter 6, “Specifications.”
Two types of testing are provided:
•Operational Verification
•Complete Performance Tests
This chapter is organized as follows:
•Introduction pg. 1-2
•Equipment Required pg. 1-4
•Operational Verification pg. 1-5
•Complete Performance Tests pg. 1-11
•Performance Test Record pg. 1-30
Operational Verification
Operational Verification is an abbreviated series of tests that you can
perform (instead of performing the Complete Performance Tests) to
provide a high degree of confidence that the instrument is operating
properly. Operational Verification is useful for incoming inspection,
routine maintenance, and after instrument repair.

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Introduction
Assembly Level Service Guide 1-3
1
Complete Performance Tests
The Complete Performance Tests verify the specifications listed in
Chapter 6, “Specifications.” All tests can be performed without opening
the instrument.
Recommended Calibration Cycle
The Counter requires periodic verification of operation. Depending on the
type of use, environmental conditions, aging, and measurement accuracy
required, the Counter should be checked using the operational verification
procedure at least once every year after the unit is first placed in
operation. A full Calibration and Performance Test should be performed
each time the Counter changes environment or if an assembly or module
has been replaced.
Test Record
The results of the Operational Verification and the Complete Performance
Tests should be recorded on a copy of the Performance Test Record, located
at the end of the Complete Performance Test section in this chapter.

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Equipment Required
1-4 Assembly Level Service Guide
1
Equipment Required
Table 1-1 lists the test equipment and accessories needed to perform the tests.
Table 1-1. Recommended Test Equipment and Accessories
Instrument Type Required Characteristics
Model
Recommended *
Quantity
Required Use **
Synthesized Signal Generator 10 Hz to 20 MHz
+7 dBm to –40 dBm
Agilent 3325A/B 2 OV, P, T
Microwave Synthesized
Signal Generator
10 MHz to 50 GHz
Accuracy >1 x 10-10
+7 dBm to –50 dBm
Agilent 83650B 1 P, T
Microwave Amplifier 45 MHz to 50 GHz Agilent 83051A 1 P, T
Power Meter 50 MHz to 50 GHz
+13 dBm to –50 dBm
Agilent 437B 1 P, T
Power Sensor 50 MHz to 50 GHz
+13 dBm to –50 dBm
Agilent 8487A/D 1 P, T
Power Sensor Cable 2.4 mm to 2.4 mm, 5 ft. Agilent 11730A 1 P, T
50 ΩFeedthrough Terminator 50 Ω (m to f) BNC Agilent 10100C 1 OV, P, T
20 dB Attenuator DC to 50 GHz
2.4 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (f)
Agilent 8490D
(Opt. 020)
1P,T
Power Splitter DC to 50 GHz
2.4 mm (f3x)
Agilent 11667C/D 1 P, T
Cables BNC (m) to BNC (m)
2.4 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (m)
Agilent 10503 series
—
2
2
OV, P, C, T
Adapters BNC (m) to SMA (f)
3.5 mm (f) to 2.92 mm (m)
2.92 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (m)
2.92 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (f)
2.4 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (m)
2.4 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (f)
Agilent 1250-2015
—
Agilent 11904A
Agilent 11904D
Agilent 11900A
Agilent 11900B
1
1
1
1
1
P, T
* Equivalent equipment can be substituted for all instruments and accessories.
** OV = Operational Verification P = Performance Tests C = Calibration T = Troubleshooting

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Operational Verification
Assembly Level Service Guide 1-5
1
Operational Verification
Operational Verification is an abbreviated series of tests that you can
perform (instead of performing the Complete Performance Tests) to
provide a high degree of confidence that the instrument is operating
properly. Operational Verification is useful for incoming inspection,
routine maintenance, and after instrument repair.
If you are not familiar with operating the Counter, you should review
Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” in the Agilent 53150A/151A/152A
Operating Guide. However, the procedures in this chapter are written so
that little experience is necessary. These procedures should be followed in
the order in which they appear.
Power-On Self Tests
NOTE This test is appropriate for the Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A
Counters.
1Inspect the Counter for damage.
2Make sure no cables are connected to the Counter’s inputs.
3Connect the power cord to the Counter and the power source.
NOTE Since the Counter’s power supply automatically senses the line voltage,
there is no AC input-voltage setting.
4Turn on the Main ~ Power switch on the Counter’s rear panel.
NOTE It is normal for the fan in the Counter to run when the Counter is in
Standby mode. Power is supplied to the timebase whenever the
Main ~ Power switch is on to maintain long-term measurement reliability,
and the fan helps to maintain the timebase’s temperature stability.
5Press and release the Power button on the front panel.

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Operational Verification
1-6 Assembly Level Service Guide
1
6Verify that the front-panel display shows the following:
•All segments of the front-panel display are temporarily activated.
•TESTING is displayed.
•SELF TEST OK is displayed.
•The model number of the Counter is displayed (a four-digit hex number
is also displayed).
•GPIB ADDR nn (nn = a two digit number from 0 to 30) is displayed.
•CH2 NO SIGNAL is displayed.
7If an error message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in
Chapter 2, “Service.”
8Mark Pass or Fail in the Performance Test Record on page 1-30, Test 1.
NOTE To ensure that the test results are valid, the Counter and the test
equipment should be powered on for at least 30 minutes prior to beginning
the tests. This allows the internal temperatures of the equipment and the
timebase to stabilize.
10 MHz Test
1Connect a BNC-to-BNC cable from the Reference 10MHz connector on the
Counter’s rear panel to the CHANNEL 1 input connector on the front panel.
2Press and release the Chan Select key (CH1 is displayed).
3Verify that the display reads 10,000,000 Hz.
4Mark Pass or Fail in the Performance Test Record on page 1-30, Test 2.

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Operational Verification
Assembly Level Service Guide 1-7
1
Run Self Test
NOTE This test is appropriate for the Agilent 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A
Counters.
1Disconnect all signal cables from the input and Reference 10MHz
connectors.
2Press and release the Shift key, and then press and release the Menu
(Reset/Local) key.
3Press the up- and/or down-arrow key(s) as many times as necessary until
DO SELF TEST is displayed.
4Press and release the Enter key.
5If no errors are detected, SELF TEST OK is briefly displayed when the self
test is completed. If any error messages are displayed, refer to the
troubleshooting section in Chapter 2, “Service.”
6Mark Pass or Fail in the Performance Test Record on page 1-30, Test 3.