Agilent Technologies 53147A User manual

Agilent 53147A/148A/149A
Microwave Frequency Counter/
Power Meter/DVM
Assembly Level Service
Guide
This guide describes how to service the Agilent 53147A, 53148A, and
53149A. The information in this guide applies to instruments having the
number prefix listed below, unless accompanied by a “Manual Updating
Changes” package indicating otherwise.
SERIAL PREFIX NUMBER: US4047 (53147A)
US4048 (53148A)
US4049 (53149A)

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 7.C.NL.03.22.01.R1.M.CW6FC
5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95052-8059
Copyright Agilent
Technologies, Inc. 2001, 2002
All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or
translations without prior
written permission is
prohibited, except as allowed
under the copyright laws.
Printed: May 2002
Printed in U.S.A.
Manual part number
53147-90010
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 TYPICALLY 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
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 1-6
Power-On Self Tests 1-6
10 MHz Test 1-8
Run Self Test 1-9
External Timebase Test 1-10
Power Meter Test 1-13
DVM Test 1-15
Complete Performance Tests 1-17
Test 1: Channel 1 Frequency Sensitivity 1-18
Test 1a: 10 Hz to 20 MHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-18
Test 1b: 50 MHz to 125 MHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-20
Test 2: Channel 2 Frequency Sensitivity 1-23
Test 2a: 50 MHz to 20 GHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-23
Test 2b: 22 GHz to 26.5 GHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-25
Test 2c: 30 GHz to 46 GHz Frequency Sensitivity 1-26
Test 3: Power Measurement 1-27
Power Measurement Accuracy Test 1-27
Test 4: Power Reference Oscillator Frequency 1-30
Power Reference Oscillator Frequency Test 1-30
Test 5: Power Meter Reference Level 1-32
Power Meter Reference Level: Method 1 1-32
Power Meter Reference Level: Method 2 1-34
Performance Test Record (Page 1 of 3) 1-39
Performance Test Record (Page 2 of 3) 1-40
Performance Test Record (Page 3 of 3) 1-41

Contents
iv Assembly Level Service Guide
2 Service
Introduction 2-2
Returning the Instrument to
Agilent Technologies for Service 2-3
Providing Repair Information 2-3
Packing the Instrument in the Original
Packaging Materials 2-4
Packing the Instrument in Commercially Available
Packaging Materials 2-4
Calibration Procedures 2-6
Equipment Required 2-6
10 MHz Timebase Calibration 2-7
Power Reference Oscillator Frequency Calibration 2-9
Power Reference Oscillator Level Adjustment 2-13
DVM Calibration 2-20
Pre-Troubleshooting Information 2-23
Safety Considerations 2-23
Recommended Test Equipment 2-24
Repair Considerations 2-24
Electrostatic Discharge 2-24
Surface Mount Repair 2-25
Disassembly and Reassembly Specifics 2-25
After Service Considerations 2-25
Product Safety Checks 2-25
Product Performance Checks 2-26
Assembly Identification and Location 2-26
Troubleshooting the Instrument 2-28
Power Supply Check 2-28
Adjusting the +5 VDC Output 2-29
Self-Test 2-30
Running the Self Test 2-30
Self Test Error Messages 2-31

Contents
Assembly Level Service Guide v
3 Replacing Assemblies
Introduction 3-2
Tools Required 3-3
Do This First 3-3
Removing the Bumpers 3-4
Removing the Handle 3-5
Removing the Bumper Retainers 3-6
Removing the Shroud 3-7
Removing the Front Panel Assembly 3-9
Removing the Rear Panel Assembly 3-11
Removing the Cooling Fan 3-14
Removing the Power Supply 3-15
4 Replaceable Parts
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
A Rack Mounting the Instrument A-2
Index

Contents
vi Assembly Level Service Guide

Assembly Level Service Guide vii
In This Guide
This guide provides assembly-level service information for the
Agilent 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A.
How to Use This Guide
Repair Strategy
This service guide is designed to isolate failures to the assembly-level only.
The Agilent 53147A/148A/149A instruments 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 instrument via
overnight shipment. Call 800-403-0801, and ask for Emergency Response
or Express Calibration Service. When your instrument is repaired, it is
returned via overnight shipment at no extra charge.
If you decide to service the instrument 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 instrument for peak-
performance operation, and finally, perform all of the performance tests in
Chapter 1 to verify that the instrument is operating to the specifications.

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 suffix identify the country in which the instrument was
manufactured.
Instruments Covered by this Guide
This guide applies directly to Agilent 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A
instruments that have the same serial number prefix(es) shown on the
title page. If the serial number prefix of your instrument 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
instrument operates properly and meets the Agilent 53147A/148A/149A
specifications given in Chapter 6, “Specifications,” in this guide.
Chapter 2 Service is divided into seven main sections that provide
instructions for returning the instrument to Agilent for service,
calibrating the instrument, and troubleshooting the assemblies in
the instrument.
Chapter 3 Replacing Assemblies provides procedures for replacing
defective assemblies and/or modules in the instrument.

In This Guide
Assembly Level Service Guide ix
Chapter 4 Replaceable Parts lists the replaceable parts contained in
the instrument, and explains how to order replacement parts for your
instrument.
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 53147A/148A/149A.
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/Power Meter/DVM
The Agilent 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A are capable of measuring
frequencies from 10 Hz to 125 MHz on Channel 1 and from 50 MHz to
20 GHz (53147A), 26.5 GHz (53148A), and 46 GHz (53149A) on Channel 2.
These instruments are also capable of measuring power (the power and
frequency ranges for power measurement are dependent on the power-
sensor model used) and DC voltages up to ±50 VDC. All three instruments
have a maximum frequency resolution of 1 Hz.
The Agilent 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A provide GPIB and RS-232 serial
interfaces and are suitable for field, bench-top, and ATE operation.
The basic measurement functions of the Agilent 53147A/148A/149A
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 53147A/148A/149A 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 a GPIB or an RS-232 serial
interface. The GPIB and RS-232C ports are standard for the Agilent
53147A, 53148A, and 53149A.

In This Guide
Assembly Level Service Guide xi
Options
The options available for the Agilent 53147A/148A/149A are listed
following this paragraph. Specifications for the options are listed in
Chapter 6, “Specifications.” Options ordered with the instrument 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
•Soft Carrying Case, Option 007
Retrofit
Options 001 and 002 can be installed only by authorized Agilent
Technologies Repair Centers.
Instructions for installing the Rack Mount Kit are provided in
Appendix A.

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)
•Power sensor cable (Agilent P/N 11730A)
•DVM test leads (Agilent P/N 34132B)
Accessories Available
•Soft Carrying Case (Agilent P/N 53147-80016)
•Automotive Power Adapter (Agilent P/N 53150-60214)
•Battery (Agilent P/N 53150-80010)
•GPIB Cables (Agilent P/N 10833A/B/C/D)
•RS-232 Cable (Agilent P/N 53150-60215)
•Power Sensors (Agilent 8480 series)
Manuals Supplied
Agilent 53147A/148A/149A Operating and Programming Guide
(Agilent P/N 53147-90009)
Agilent 53147A/148A/149A Assembly-Level Service Guide
(Agilent P/N 53147-90010)

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 53147A, 53148A and 53149A. These procedures are based on the
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. 1-6
•Complete Performance Tests pg. 1-17
•Performance Test Record pg. 1-39
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 instrument requires periodic verification of operation. Depending on
the type of use, environmental conditions, aging, and measurement
accuracy required, the instrument should be checked using the operational
verification procedure at least once every year. A full Calibration and
Performance Test should be performed each time the instrument 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 in this chapter.
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
Digital Multimeter 6½ digit AC/DC Agilent 34401A 1 OV, P
DC Power Supply 25 VDC Agilent E3640A 1 OV
Frequency Counter 10 Hz to 125 MHz Agilent
53150A/51A/52A
1P,C,T
Power Meter Range 1 mW Agilent 432A 1 P, C, T
Power Meter 50 MHz to 50 GHz, +13 dBm to –50 dBm Agilent 437B 1 P, C, T
Power Meter 100 kHz to 110 GHz, –70 dBm to +44 dBm Agilent E4418B 1 P, C, T
Thermistor Mount SWR 1.05 at 50 MHz
Accuracy ±0.5% at 50 MHz
Agilent 478A-H75
or 478A-H76
1P,T
Power Sensor 10 MHz to 18 GHz, -30 dBm to +20 dBm Agilent 8481A 1 P, T
Power Sensor 50 MHz to 50 GHz, +13 dBm to –50 dBm Agilent 8487A 1 P, C, T
Power Sensor Cable 2.4 mm to 2.4 mm, 5 ft. Agilent 11730A 2†P, T
Power Sensor Cable Agilent 8120-1082 1 P, T
Range Calibrator 3, 10, 30, 100, and 300 µW
1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mW
Agilent 11683A 1 P
* Equivalent equipment can be substituted for all instruments and accessories.
** OV = Operational Verification P = Performance Tests C = Calibration T = Troubleshooting
† One supplied with Agilent 53147A/48A/49A

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Equipment Required
Assembly Level Service Guide 1-5
1
Table 1-1. Recommended Test Equipment and Accessories (continued)
Instrument Type Required Characteristics
Model
Recommended *
Quantity
Required Use **
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
2OV,P,
C, T
Adapters BNC (f) to Type N (m)
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 E9635A
Agilent 1250-2015
—
Agilent 11904A
Agilent 11904D
Agilent 11900A
Agilent 11900B
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
P, C , T
* Equivalent equipment can be substituted for all instruments and accessories.
** OV = Operational Verification P = Performance Tests C = Calibration T = Troubleshooting
† One supplied with Agilent 53147A/48A/49A

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Operational Verification
1-6 Assembly Level Service Guide
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 instrument, you should review
the Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” in the Agilent 53147A/148A/149A
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 53147A, 53148A, and 53149A.
1Inspect the instrument for damage.
2Make sure no cables are connected to the instrument’s inputs.
3Connect the power cord to the instrument and the power source.
NOTES • Since the instrument’s power supply automatically senses the line
voltage, there is no AC input-voltage setting.
•It is normal for the fan in the instrument to run when the instrument is
in Standby mode. Power is supplied to the timebase whenever the
power cord is connected to maintain long-term measurement reliability,
and the fan helps to maintain the timebase’s temperature stability.
4Press and release the Power button on the front panel.

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Operational Verification
Assembly Level Service Guide 1-7
1
5Verify 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 instrument 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.
6If an error message is displayed, refer to the troubleshooting section in
Chapter 2, “Service.”
7Mark Pass or Fail in the Performance Test Record on page 1-39, Test 1.
NOTE To ensure that the test results are valid, the instrument 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.

Chapter 1 Performance Tests
Operational Verification
1-8 Assembly Level Service Guide
1
10 MHz Test
1Connect a BNC-to-BNC cable from the Reference 10MHz connector on
the instrument’s rear panel to the CHANNEL 1 input connector on the
front panel.
2Press and release the Chan Select key.
3Verify that Ch 1 is displayed in the upper-left corner of the display.
4Verify that the display reads 10,000,000 Hz.
5Mark Pass or Fail in the Performance Test Record on page 1-39, Test 2.