Agilent Technologies E3238S Operating and maintenance instructions

E3238S
Installation and
Configuration Reference
Part Number: E3238-90037
Software Version: E3.4
Printed in U.S.A.
Print Date: September 2011
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1995-2011. All rights reserved.
1615 75th Street SW Everett, Washington 98203-6261 U.S.A

2
NOTICE
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH
REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, 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 direct,
indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of the material.
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Windows®,Windows®2000, Windows XP, and Windows 7®, are U.S. registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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Software and technical data rights granted to the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user customers. Agilent provides this customary
commercial license in Software and technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical Data)
and 12.212 (Computer Software) and, for the Department of Defense, DFARS 252.227-7015
(Technical Data - Commercial Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial
Computer Software or Computer Software Documentation).
© Copyright 2001-2011 Agilent Technologies.
Made in USA
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright.
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced,
or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Agilent Technologies,
Inc.
Use of this manual and compact disk(s) or tape cartridge(s) supplied for this pack is restricted
to this product only. Additional copies of the programs can be made for security and back-up
purposes only. Resale of the software in its present form or with alterations is expressly
prohibited.

3
Table of Contents
Hardware Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Supported Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Hardware Installation Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
About Tuners and ADCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Typical System Configurations (cabling) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
HF Search and Collection (N6830) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dual Channel HF Search and Collection (N6830) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
HF Search and Collection (E1437). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
VHF/UHF Search and Collection (N6830) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Dual Channel VHF/UHF Search and Collection (N6830) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Simultaneous HF/VHF/UHF Search and Collection (N6830) . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
VHF/UHF Search and Collection (E1439D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
128 Channel VHF/UHF Search and Collection (E1439D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
VXI Tuner Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
PSA Tuner Cabling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
PSA Tuner Interface Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SI-9250 Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SI-9136B Cabling Dual search receiver configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SI-9136B Cabling Dual Band configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
N6830 HF or VHF/UHF Single Channel Configuration, One DSP. . . . . . . . 29
N6830 HF or VHF/UHF Dual Channel Configuration, One DSP per Channel30
E1439D VHF/UHF Configuration, One DSP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
VHF/UHF Configuration, Multiple DSPs with no Delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
VHF/UHF Configuration, Multiple DSPs with Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
E1437A HF Configuration, Multiple DSPs with Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
DSP Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Installing the System Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Configuring VXI Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
E1437A, E1438A/B/D, E1439A/B/D, N6830 VXI ADC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
E9821A VXI Signal Processing Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
E1472A VXI RF Multiplexer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
E1368/69A VXI Microwave Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
bc350/357VXI-C Time and Frequency Processor (IRIG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Tuner Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
89431A Tuner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Watkins-Johnson WJ9119-1 VXI HF Tuners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
E2730B/E2731B VHF/UHF Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
SI-9250 Block Downconverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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Table of Contents
SI-9136B VHF/UHF Digital VME Tuner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Communication Solutions CS-5040 Microwave Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Wideband Recording and Playback Sub-System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Configuration File Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
LAN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Serial FPDP Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
LAN Configuration -- Recorder/Agilent E9821 DSP Devices Only . . . . . . .54
LAN Configuration -- Recorder/Agilent E9821 DSP, Other Device (for example,
PSA Spectrum Analyzer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Configuring the EX2500A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Discovering the EX2500A module’s IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Hardware Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Testing VXI Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Laptop/Firewire System Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Software Installation and Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Updating System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Configuration File Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Resource File Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Updating Custom Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
For System Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Controller Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Setting the Compiler Environment Variables for option ASD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Installing and Configuring the E3238S Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Configure the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Setup the Filesystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Install the E3238S Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Configuring the VXI interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Restoring the Legacy IEEE Software Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
To configure your IEEE 1394 VXI interface: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
To configure your Gigabit LAN VXI interface: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Installing Software Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Software Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
License Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Dealing with License Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
The Software License File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
In Case of Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Licensing Validation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Licensing Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Modifying the Hardware Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Configuring X Window Application Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Miscellaneous E3238S Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

5
Table of Contents
Secure Display Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Access Control Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Printer Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
File System Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Network Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
User Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Creating a Development Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Hardware Configuration Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Application Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Multi-Channel Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
HF Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
2-channel N6830A HF Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
2-channel N6830A HF Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
4-channel N6830A HF Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
4-channel N6830A HF Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
3-channel E1437A HF Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
3-channel E1437A HF Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
General Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
ADC Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
DSP Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
DSP Hardware Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
VHF/UHF Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
2-channel N6830A V/UHF Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
2-channel N6830A V/UHF Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
4-channel N6830A V/UHF Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
2-channel N6830A V/UHF Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
3-channel E1439D V/UHF Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
3-channel E1439D V/UHF Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
General Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Tuner Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
ADC Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
DSP Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
DSP Hardware Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Conditions, Certification, and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Conditions Required to Meet Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Calibration Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
E3238S Hardware Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Tuner Sweep Control (Locked Tuner mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Specifications for N6830 100 kHz to 32 MHz VXI System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

6
Table of Contents
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226
Inputs and Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
Software Features and Benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
Specifications for 2.7 GHz VXI System and 6 GHz VXI System. . . . . . . . . . . .228
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Inputs and Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Shielding Effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Software Features and Benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Specifications for 26 GHz PSA Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
Inputs and Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Software Features and Benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
Safety Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
Safety Symbols and Instrument Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
Appendix A: d.E3238s Listing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Appendix B: d.e3238s.cfg Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253

7
Hardware Installation
Hardware Installation
This chapter describes the installation and configuration of measurement hardware for the
E3238S Signals Development System.
This chapter contains the following topics:
Supported Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Hardware Installation Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Typical System Configurations (cabling) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Installing the System Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Configuring VXI Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Tuner Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Hardware Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

8
Hardware Installation
Supported Components
The system may contain the following supported components:
• VXI Mainframe with option 918 (backplane shield kit)
• LTPC2 laptop controller
• E8491B VXI firewire interface
• E1437A1, E1438A/B/D, E1439A/B/D, or N6830 VXI ADC
• E9821A Signal Processor
• E1472A VXI RF Multiplexer
• E1368/69A VXI Microwave Switch
• E9830A Snapshot and Delay Memory2
• bc350/357VXI-C Time and Frequency Processor (IRIG)
• 89431A Tuner (2 - 2650 MHz)3
• WJ 9119-1 VXI Tuner (0.5 - 32 MHz, 8 MHz IF BW) used with the E1437 ADC
• E2730/31A/B VXI Tuner (20 MHz - 2.7/6.0 GHz) used with the N6830 and E1439 ADC
• CS-5040 VXI Tuner (0.5 - 20/40/60 GHz)
• DRS SI-9250-2 VME Downconverter (20 MHz - 18 GHz)
• DRS SI-9136B UHF/VHF Digital VME Tuner
• E444xA PSA-Series Spectrum Analyzer (must support option H70 or HY7)
• N6841A RF Sensor
• Conduant LTX2 (E3238S-050) 5.12 TB 1U Disk Array
• Conduant LTX2-35 (E3238S-051) 16.0 TB 2U Disk Array
• EX2500A GigABit LAN I/O Module
Notes Most of the E3238S systems are integrated at the factory by Agilent Technologies. This note
describes the recommended system configurations.
For N6841A RF Sensor hardware and software installation, refer to the documentation that
came with the N6841A RF Sensor..
EMC filler panels must be installed in all empty VXI chassis slots. This is necessary for
adequate airflow and provides shielding required to meet EMC regulatory requirements. Part
number: E8400-60202.
To setup, the only installation steps you should have to perform are to connect the
cables. See Typical System Configurations (cabling) on page 13 and Fiber Optic Cabling of
the DSP Module on page 28.
1
The E1437A is obsolete. Information provided in this manual is for the continued use of pre-
viously-purchased units.
2The E9830A is obsolete. Information provided in this manual is for the continued use of
previously-purchased units.
3The 89431A is obsolete. Information provided in this manual is for the continued use of pre-
viously-purchased units.

9
Hardware Installation
Safety Notices
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.
For Safety and Regulatory information, please refer to the General Specifications on page
237 and Safety Summary on page 238 of this manual.

10
Hardware Installation
Hardware Installation Process
Note Prior to System Installation, make sure you thoroughly read the safety notices found in the
Specifications section - Page 197.
Installing new modules, replacing modules, or reconfiguring the system requires two steps:
1. Install the module(s): set address switches and connect cables.
Switch settings:
•E2730B/E2731B VHF/UHF Tuner (page 48)
•SI-9250 Block Downconverter (page 49)
•SI-9136B VHF/UHF Digital VME Tuner (page 50)
•Communication Solutions CS-5040 Microwave Tuner (page 52)
•E1437A, E1438A/B/D, E1439A/B/D, N6830 VXI ADC (page 39)
•E9821A VXI Signal Processing Module (page 42)
•
Cabling information begins on page 13.
2. Edit the configuration file (e3238s.cfg) so that it correctly defines the hardware
installed.
All the commands that define hardware configuration are listed in the Hardware
Configuration Reference on page 95.
Note The E3238S passes IEC/EN 61326-1 when the front cover and ground wire are installed per the EMI and
Cable Protection Kit Installation Note that was included in your shipment. If you would like to
upgrade a 5-slot (MFRAME1) or 13-slot (E8403A or E8404A) VXI mainframe that was shipped
prior to April 1, 2009, contact Agilent Technologies. There is no upgrade for 6-slot VXI
mainframes shipped prior to May 1, 2009.

11
Hardware Installation
About Tuners and ADCs
ADC Only If the baseband frequency range of the ADC is sufficient, no tuner is required. Only the
N6830/HF ADC is recommended for use without a tuner.
WJ9119-1 A pair of VXI modules (LO and RF tuner) that covers 2 MHz to 32 MHz. It is designed to
work with the E1437A ADC.
E2730/31B A single-slot VHF/UHF VXI tuner designed to be used with the N6830 ADC and the
E1439D ADC.
E444xA PSA This is a spectrum signal analyzer with a tuner section that is used by the system.
SI-9250 This is a microwave block downconverter that can be added to a VHF/UHF configuration.
SI-9136B This is a Dual Channel VHF/UHF VME Tuner.
CS5040 This is a microwave VXI tuner.
89431A A non-VXI tuner controlled by RS-232 interface connected to the E9821A DSP.
N6841A A small RF signal monitoring device housed in a weatherproof enclosure.
Tuner-ADC
Combinations
Tuner driver
names
E1437A
F1- F2
(MHz)
IF BW
(MHz)
E1438
F1- F2
(MHz)
IF BW
(MHz)
E1439/70
F1- F2
(MHz)
IF BW
(MHz)
E1439/BB1
F1- F2
(MHz)
IF BW
(MHz)
N6830/HF
F1- F2
(MHz)
IF BW
(MHz)
N6830/70
F1- F2
(MHz)
IF BW
(MHz)
ADC Only 0 - 8
8
0 - 40
40
52 - 88
36
0 - 37.109375
37.109375
.1 - 32
32, 16, or 8
52 - 88
36
WJ9119-1 1 - 32
6.88
1 - 32
8
NS 1.0 - 32
8
NS NS
E2730B NS NS 20-2,700
36
NS NS 20-2,700
36
E2731B NS NS 20 - 6,000
36
NS NS 20 - 6,000
36
E444xA PSA
+ HY72
NS NS .1 - 26500
36
NS NS .1 - 26500
36
SI-92503NS NS 20 - 18000
36
NS NS 20 - 18000
36
SI-9136B NS NS 5 - 3000
30
NS NS 5 - 3000
30
CS5040 NS NS 500 - 20,0004
36
NS NS 500 - 20,0005
36
HP89431A 2 - 2,650
6.34
2 - 2,650
8.34375
NS 2 - 2,650
8.34375
NS NS
NS = the combination is not supported
Bold numbers indicate optimal combinations

12
Hardware Installation
1. In baseband mode the E1439 has no input attenuation and its fullscale input level is -21 dBm.
Since the output level for most of these tuners is -6 dBm, an external attenuator should be
used to avoid overloading the ADC input.
2. Option H70 is also supported but HY7 has better performance.
3. Requires either the E2730B or the E2731B tuner.
4. The range may be extended to >100 GHz by connecting the appropriate block down con-
verter to the CS5040 VXI module.
5. The range may be extended to >100 GHz by connecting the appropriate block down con-
verter to the CS5040 VXI module.

13
Hardware Installation
Typical System Configurations (cabling)
The following figures show examples of module and cable placement for various
configurations. Individual module configurations are described in detail starting on page 38.
HF Search and Collection (N6830)
Figure 1 shows an N6830 HF receiver configuration in a 5-slot chassis (MFRAME1) that
provides HF search and collection in a small package.
Figure 1.
HF
search and collection
Data is passed to the E9821 DSP via the fiber-optic FPDP (front-panel data port) interface.
See Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module on page 28 for more information.
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821 DSP board, this system can perform
search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization for collection. At least one 32-
channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200) is required for narrowband channelization.
See DSP Configuration on page 36. Additional E9821 DSP boards can be added to the
system to provide additional narrowband channels.
Note The typical E9821 DSP configuration for most signal types is one dual G4 processor (option
101) for each 32 channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200). With this configuration,
each additional E9821 DSP module adds 64 digital downconverters for narrowband
channelization.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• N6830 address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821 are on page 42.
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.

14
Hardware Installation
Dual Channel HF Search and Collection (N6830)
Figure 2 shows a configuration that provides two independent N6830 HF search and
collection systems in a 5-slot chassis (MFRAME1).
Figure 2.
HF
search and collection
Note The two HF search and collection systems are totally independent of each other. In this
configuration, two instances of the E3238S application run in the same computer, so only one
software license is required.
Data is passed to the E9821 DSP via the fiber-optic FPDP (front-panel data port) interface.
See Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module on page 28 for more information.
Note The external reference input is used by both channels. When using the external reference
input, both e3238s.cfg files must have the same setting for the searchRx1.adcClock
parameter (External). The E3238S application that is started last will always override the
searchRx1.adcClock parameter setting of the E3238S application started first.
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821 DSP boards, both instances of the
E3238S can perform search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization for
collection. At least one 32-channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200) is required for
narrowband channelization. See DSP Configuration on page 36. Additional E9821 DSP
boards can be added to the system to provide additional narrowband channels.
Note The typical E9821 DSP configuration for most signal types is one dual G4 processor (option
101) for each 32 channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200). With this configuration,
each additional E9821 DSP module adds 64 digital downconverters for narrowband
channelization.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• N6830 address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821 are on page 42.

15
Hardware Installation
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.

16
Hardware Installation
HF Search and Collection (E1437)
Figure 3 shows an E1437 ADC configuration that provides HF search and collection in a 5
slot VXI mainframe (MFRAME1).
Figure 3.
HF
search and collection
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821A board, this system can perform
search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization for collection. One 32-channel
DDC (option 200) is required for narrowband channelization. See DSP Configuration on
page 36. E9821 DSP modules with option 200 can be added to 6 slot or 13 slot systems for
additional narrowband channels.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• ADC address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821 are on page 42.
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.

17
Hardware Installation
VHF/UHF Search and Collection (N6830)
Figure 4 shows a configuration in a 5-slot chassis (MFRAME1) that provides V/UHF search
and collection in a small package.
Figure 4.
VHF/UHF
search and collection
Data is passed to the E9821 DSP via the fiber-optic FPDP (front-panel data port) interface.
See Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module on page 28 for more information.
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821 board, this system can perform
search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization. At least one 32-channel DDC
(option 200) is required for channelization. See DSP Configuration on page 36. An additional
E9821 DSP board with three 32 channel DDCs can be added to the 5 slot system to provide
128 narrowband channels in a 5 slot mainframe. Additional narrowband channels can be
added by using a 6 slot or 13 slot mainframe and adding more E9821 DSP modules.
Note The typical E9821 DSP configuration for most signal types is one dual G4 processor (option
101) for each 32 channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200). With this configuration,
each additional E9821 DSP adds 64 digital downconverters for narrowband channelization.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• E2730/E2731 (VHF/UHF) tuner configuration information is on page 48.
• N6830 address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821A are on page 42.
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.

18
Hardware Installation
Dual Channel VHF/UHF Search and Collection (N6830)
Figure 5 shows a configuration in a 6-slot VXI mainframe that provides two independent
VHF/UHF search and collection systems in a small package.
Figure 5.
VHF/UHF
search and collection
Note The two VHF/UHF search and collection systems are totally independent of each other. In
this configuration, two instances of the E3238S application run in the same computer, so only
one software license is required.
Data is passed to the E9821 DSP via the fiber-optic FPDP (front-panel data port) interface.
See Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module on page 28 for more information.
Note The external reference input is used by both channels. When using the external reference
input, both e3238s.cfg files must have the same setting for the searchRx1.adcClock
parameter (External). The E3238S application that is started last will always override the
searchRx1.adcClock parameter setting of the E3238S application started first.
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821 DSP boards, both instances of the
E3238S can perform search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization for
collection. At least one 32-channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200) is required for
narrowband channelization. See DSP Configuration on page 36. Additional E9821 DSP
boards can be added to 13 slot systems to provide additional narrowband channels.
Note The typical E9821 DSP configuration for most signal types is one dual G4 processor (option
101) for each 32 channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200). With this configuration,
each additional E9821 DSP adds 64 digital downconverters for narrowband channelization.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• E2730/E2731 (VHF/UHF) tuner configuration information is on page 48.
• N6830 address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821A are on page 42.
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.

19
Hardware Installation
Simultaneous HF/VHF/UHF Search and Collection (N6830)
Figure 6 shows a configuration that provides an HF search and collection system and a
VHF/UHF search and collection system in a 5 slot mainframe (MFRAME1).
Figure 6.
HF/VHF/UHF
search and collection
Data is passed to the E9821A DSP via the fiber-optic FPDP (front-panel data port) interface.
See Fiber Optic Cabling of the DSP Module on page 28 for more information.
Note The external reference input is used by both channels. When using the external reference
input, both e3238s.cfg files must have the same setting for the searchRx1.adcClock
parameter (External). The E3238S application that is started last will always override the
searchRx1.adcClock parameter setting of the E3238S application started first.
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821A board, this system can perform
search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization for HF and 32 channels of
narrowband channelization for V/UHF. At least one 32-channel DDC (option 200) is
required in each E9821for channelization. See DSP Configuration on page 36. Additional
E9821 DSP boards can be added to 6 or 13 slot VXI mainframes to provide additional
narrowband channels.
Note The HF search and collection system and the V/UHF search and collection system are totally
independent of each other. In this configuration, two instances of the E3238S application run
in the same computer, so only one software license is required.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• E2730/E2731 (VHF/UHF) tuner configuration information is on page 48.
• N6830 address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821A are on page 42.
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.

20
Hardware Installation
VHF/UHF Search and Collection (E1439D)
Figure 7 shows a configuration in a 5-slot chassis (MFRAME1) that provides V/UHF search
and collection in a small package.
Figure 7.
VHF/UHF
search and collection
When the ADC is an E1439B/D the data is passed to the E9821A via the fiber-optic FPDP
(front-panel data port) interface instead of the backplane local bus. See Fiber Optic Cabling
of the DSP Module on page 28 for more information.
Depending on the PMC modules installed on the E9821A board, this system can perform
search and provide 32 channels of narrowband channelization. At least one 32-channel DDC
(option 200) is required for narrowband channelization. See DSP Configuration on page 36.
An additional E9821 DSP board can be added to provide a maximum of 128 narrowband
channels in a 5 slot mainframe. Additional E9821 DSP boards can be added to 6 or 13 slot
VXI mainframes to provide additional narrowband channels.
Note The typical E9821 DSP configuration for most signal types is one dual G4 processor (option
101) for each 32 channel digital downconverter (DDC, option 200). With this configuration,
each additional E9821 DSP adds 64 digital downconverters for narrowband channelization.
The block diagram for this configuration appears in figure 22 on page 35.
Installation of the controller and firewire interface is discussed on page 37.
Setting address switches:
• E2730/E2731 (VHF/UHF) tuner configuration information is on page 48.
• ADC address settings appear on page 39.
• Switch settings for the E9821A are on page 42.
Note Because of the heat generated by the DSPs, the FAN SPEED switch on the back of the 5-slot
and the E1421B 6-slot mainframes should always be set to HIGH.