Agilent Technologies FieldFox N9912A User manual

Agilent
FieldFox
RF Analyzer
N9912A
User’s Guide
Manufacturing Part Number: N9912–90001
Print Date: April 30, 2012
Supersedes: December 1, 2011
©Agilent Technologies, Inc.

2 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
Warranty Statement
The material contained in this document is provided "as is," and is subject to being changed, without
notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent
disclaims all warranties, either express or implied with regard to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or any information contained
herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering
the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate
agreement will control.
DFARS/Restricted Rights Notice
If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software
is delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227–7014 (June
1995), or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer software” as
defined in FAR 52.227–19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies‟ standard commercial license
terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227–19(c)(1–2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive
no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227–14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227–7015 (b) (2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
Contacting Agilent
Assistance with test and measurements needs and information on finding a local Agilent office are
available on the Web at: http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact your Agilent field engineer.
In any correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the Agilent product by its model number
and full serial number. With this information, the Agilent representative can determine whether your
product is still within its warranty period.
Safety and Regulatory Information
The safety and regulatory information pertaining to this product is located on page 154.
Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information, please visit:
http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox
Software Updates
Is your product software up-to-date? Periodically, Agilent releases software updates to fix known
defects and incorporate product enhancements. To search for software updates for your product, go to
the Agilent Technical Support website at: http://www.agilent.com/find/TechSupport or
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/.

FieldFox User’s Guide 3
What’s New in A.05.50 Release .................................................... 6
Overview......................................................................................................7
Options and Features....................................................................... 7
Accessories ....................................................................................... 8
About the FieldFox Manuals........................................................... 9
Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox ...................................10
Check the Shipment....................................................................... 10
Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter ........... 10
Install the Lithium-Ion Battery ..................................................... 11
FieldFox ON/OFF Settings ............................................................ 12
FieldFox High-Temperature Protection ....................................... 12
Avoid Overpowering the FieldFox ................................................ 13
Take the FieldFox Tour .................................................................. 14
Front Panel....................................................................................... 15
Top Panel ......................................................................................... 16
Side Panel........................................................................................ 16
Screen Tour ..................................................................................... 17
How to Enter Numeric Values...................................................... 18
CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode ....................................................19
CAT Mode Settings ........................................................................ 20
Return Loss Measurements ......................................................... 25
1-Port Cable Loss Measurements ............................................... 26
2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements ......................................... 27
DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements ................................................28
DTF Measurement Settings.......................................................... 29
NA (Network Analyzer) Mode................................................................37
NA Mode Settings.......................................................................... 37
Calibration for CAT, NA, and VVM Modes ............................................50
Verifying Calibration and Jumper Cable Integrity ..................... 55
Calibration Method Summary....................................................... 57

4 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
SA (Spectrum Analyzer) Mode...............................................................58
SA Mode Settings .......................................................................... 59
Channel Measurements ................................................................ 85
Interference Analyzer (SA Mode) Option 236 ......................................94
Spectrogram and Waterfall Displays........................................... 94
Record Playback ............................................................................. 98
Power Meter Mode ................................................................................107
Power Meter Settings.................................................................. 108
VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode .............................................................113
Overview ........................................................................................ 114
VVM Mode Settings..................................................................... 115
1-Port Cable Trimming Measurements..................................... 118
2-Port Transmission Measurements......................................... 119
Data Analysis Features..........................................................................121
All about Markers......................................................................... 121
All about Limit Lines .................................................................... 130
All about Trace Math................................................................... 132
File Management....................................................................................134
Saving and Recalling Files .......................................................... 134
Printing........................................................................................... 141
System Settings......................................................................................142
Run/Hold ....................................................................................... 142
Preset ............................................................................................. 143
Volume Control ............................................................................. 143
Display Settings............................................................................ 144
Preferences.................................................................................... 146
System Configuration .................................................................. 147
Service Diagnostics...................................................................... 152
Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery ................................................154
Viewing Battery Charge Status.................................................. 154

FieldFox User’s Guide 5
Charging the Battery.................................................................... 156
Reconditioning the Battery......................................................... 157
Battery Care................................................................................... 158
Maximizing Battery Life............................................................... 159
Lithium Ion Battery Disposal...................................................... 159
Hardkey/Softkey Menus .......................................................................160
Safety Considerations ............................................................................170
Certification and Compliance Statements................................ 183
Appendix A: Connector Care Review...................................................185
Appendix B : Specifications/Data Sheet ............................................186
Index.........................................................................................................187

6 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
What’s New in A.05.50 Release (Sept. 2011)
For customers upgrading FieldFox firmware, the following is a list of new
features:
NA mode
Unwrapped Phase format ....................................40
10,001 pts from front panel .................................44
Complex Impedance Marker Format................125
Marker Track, Target, and BW Search .............125
SA mode
Custom Radio Standards......................................61
Display Line............................................................81
Audio Beep with Markers.....................................84
GPS saved with Record/Playback session.......148
System
Volume Control ....................................................143
GPS - decimal degrees format............................148
Rev. November 10, 2011
This manual was updated with the following changes:
New units ship with MicroSD card slot. ............16
SA Mode low frequency amplitude accuracy....59
Updated battery reconditioning procedure. ...157

Overview 7
Overview
Options and Features
The FieldFox may be ordered to include the following options and features:
Options and Features
Learn more
Cable and Antenna Test (CAT) Mode
▪ 2 MHz to 4 GHz (Option 104)
▪ 2 MHz to 6 GHz (Option 106)
Measurements:
▪ Distance-to-fault (DTF)
▪ DTF & Return Loss
▪ Return Loss (dB)
▪ VSWR
▪ DTF (VSWR)
▪ Cable Loss (1-Port)
▪ Insertion loss (2-Port) (Option 110)
CAT Mode on page 19
Transmission Measurement (Option 110)
CAT Mode on page 19
NA Mode on page 37
QuickCal (Option 111)
Built-in cal kit. Industry first!
Cal on page 51
Spectrum Analyzer (SA) Mode
General purpose measurements for basic monitoring and
troubleshooting.
▪ 100 kHz to 4 GHz (Option 230)
▪ 100 kHz to 6 GHz (Option 231)
SA Mode on page 58
▪ Preamplifier for Spectrum Analyzer (Option 235)
On page 64
▪ Interference Measurements (Option 236)
On page 94
Power Meter Mode (Option 302)
Use with Agilent External USB Power Sensors
Power Meter Mode on
page 107
Network Analyzer (NA) Mode (Option 303)
▪ 2 MHz to 4 GHz (Option 104)
▪ 2 MHz to 6 GHz (Option 106)
▪ Vector 1-port (Standard)
▪ Scalar 2-port (Option 110)
Measurements:
▪ S11 Reflection (several formats)
▪ S21 Transmission (several formats) (Option 110)
▪ A receiver
▪ R receiver
NA Mode on page 37
Vector Voltmeter (VVM) Mode (Option 308)
Measure electrical length
Measurements:
▪ 1-Port Cable Trimming (Mag and Phase)
VVM Mode on page 113

8 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
▪ 2-Port Transmission (Magnitude only)
Designed for Field Environment
▪ Lightweight 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) including battery
▪ Rugged, weather resistant shell with no fan/vents
▪ Daylight viewable 6.5” (16.5 cm) color LCD
▪ Backlit keys for night use
▪ Integrated kickstand
▪ Configurable hand and shoulder straps
▪ Softcase for carrying all gear
▪ Quick Reference Guide with laminated pages
Slots for removable USB Flash Drive and microSD Card
▪ Expands internal storage
▪ Useful for file transfer
▪ Flash Drive and miniSD Card not included
▪ FieldFox release 4.0 supports microSDHC (high-capacity) Card
Save / Recall on page 136
Battery or AC Power
▪ Rechargeable Li-Ion battery with ~4 hr life
▪ Easily removable battery
▪ AC/DC adapter
▪ External battery charger (N9910X–872)
On page 154.
FieldFox Data Link Software
▪ Easily manage files and compile reports
▪ Reads data from the FieldFox and plots traces
▪ Help file included with the software installation
▪ Download the latest version of the software at
http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox
Additional Features
▪ Menus localized to 7 languages
Languages on page 146
Accessories
The following accessories are included with every FieldFox. Spare accessories
can be ordered at any time.
Accessory Part
Number
Description
N9910X–873
AC/DC Adapter
N9910X–870
Lithium-Ion Battery
N9910X–880
Softcase w/ Backpack & Shoulder Strap
N9910X–890
User’s Guide (printed copy)
N9910X–891
Quick Reference Guide (printed copy)
To see a complete list of accessories that are available for the FieldFox, please
visit: http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox.

Overview 9
About the FieldFox Manuals
Documentation Map
The following manuals and software are available for the FieldFox. For the very
latest version, please visit our website at: http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox.
Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual.
User’s Guide –This manual, included with shipment.
Quick Reference Guide –Printed copy with laminated pages for outdoor use
included with shipment.
Supplemental Online Help - Concepts and Reference information
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/
FieldFox Data Link Software and Help –Free download at:
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/datalink_info.html
Service Guide –Free download at: http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox.
Firmware Updates –Check to see if you have the latest firmware at:
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/
Conventions that are used in the Manual
Hardkey indicates a front panel button. The functionality of these buttons
does not change.
The six Softkey menus change dynamically and follow these color conventions:
Softkey Blue indicates an available setting.
Softkey Green indicates a change in menu level when selected.
Softkey Black indicates the default or selected setting.
Softkey Yellow indicates an active entry in process.
Softkey Grey indicates a key that is NOT available.
Safety Notes
The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself
with each of the notes and its meaning before operating this instrument. More
pertinent safety notes for using this product are located in “Safety
Considerations” on page 170.
CAUTION
Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction
of the product. Do not proceed beyond a caution notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.
WARNING
Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do
not proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

10 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox
Check the Shipment
When you receive your FieldFox, check the shipment according to the following
procedure:
1. Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of damage may include a
dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs
of unusual stress or compacting. If not damaged, save the packaging
material in case the FieldFox needs to be returned.
2. Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container, and verify that
the standard accessories and your ordered options are included in the
shipment according to the Box Contents List.
3. For any question or problems, refer to Contacting Agilent on page 2.
Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter
Voltage: 100 VAC to 250 VAC
Frequency: 50 Hz to 60 Hz
Current: 1.25 –0.56 A
The AC/DC adapter supplied with the analyzer is equipped with a three-wire
power cord, in accordance with international safety standards. The power cable
appropriate to the original product shipping location is included with the
FieldFox.
Various AC power cables are available from Agilent that are unique to specific
geographic areas. You can order additional AC power cables that are correct for
use in different areas. For the power cord part number information please visit:
http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox