Agilent Technologies FieldFox N9912A User manual

Agilent
FieldFox
RF Analyzer
N9912A
User’s Guide
Manufacturing Part Number: N9912–90001
Print Date: October 01, 2012
Supersedes: September 04, 2012
©Agilent Technologies, Inc.

2 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
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Contacting Agilent
Assistance with test and measurements needs and information on finding a local Agilent office are
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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
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Safety and Regulatory Information
The safety and regulatory information pertaining to this product is located on page 172.
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
www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport

FieldFox User’s Guide 3
Elements of this product's Software use SharpZipLib as an "as provided" stand alone capability.
Copyright 2004 John Reilly
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____________________________________________________________________________
Elements of this product's software use ANTLR.
Copyright (c) 2005-2008 Terence Parr
All rights reserved.
Conversion to C#: Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Sam Harwell, Pixel Mine, Inc.
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DAMAGE.

4 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
What’s New in A.6.00 Release ...................................................... 7
Overview......................................................................................................8
Options and Features....................................................................... 8
Accessories ....................................................................................... 9
FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help ............. 10
Preparing for Initial Use of Your New FieldFox ...................................11
Check the Shipment....................................................................... 11
Meeting Power Requirements for the AC/DC Adapter ........... 11
Install the Lithium-Ion Battery ..................................................... 12
FieldFox ON/OFF Settings ............................................................ 13
FieldFox High-Temperature Protection ....................................... 13
Avoid Overpowering the FieldFox ................................................ 14
Take the FieldFox Tour .................................................................. 15
Front Panel....................................................................................... 16
Top Panel ......................................................................................... 17
Side Panel........................................................................................ 17
Screen Tour ..................................................................................... 18
How to Enter Numeric Values...................................................... 19
CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode ....................................................20
CAT Mode Settings ........................................................................ 21
Return Loss Measurements ......................................................... 28
1-Port Cable Loss Measurements ............................................... 28
2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements ......................................... 30
DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements ................................................31
DTF Measurement Settings.......................................................... 32
NA (Network Analyzer) Mode................................................................40
NA Mode Settings.......................................................................... 40
Time Domain - Option 010.......................................................................53
Time Domain (Transform) Settings ............................................. 54
Trace Settings ................................................................................. 58
Gating ............................................................................................... 59

FieldFox User’s Guide 5
Calibration for CAT, NA, and VVM Modes ............................................61
Verifying Calibration and Jumper Cable Integrity ..................... 66
Calibration Method Summary....................................................... 68
SA (Spectrum Analyzer) Mode...............................................................69
SA Mode Settings .......................................................................... 70
Channel Measurements ................................................................ 96
Interference Analyzer (SA Mode) - Option 236..................................105
Spectrogram and Waterfall Displays......................................... 105
Record Playback ........................................................................... 109
CPM (Channel Power Meter) Mode - Option 311..............................118
Power Meter Settings.................................................................. 118
Power Meter Mode –Option 302 .........................................................121
Power Meter Settings.................................................................. 122
VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode –Option 308 ......................................127
Overview ........................................................................................ 128
VVM Mode Settings..................................................................... 129
1-Port Cable Trimming Measurements..................................... 132
2-Port Transmission Measurements......................................... 133
Data Analysis Features..........................................................................135
All about Markers......................................................................... 135
All about Limit Lines .................................................................... 145
All about Trace Math................................................................... 148
File Management....................................................................................151
Saving and Recalling Files .......................................................... 151
Printing........................................................................................... 158
System Settings......................................................................................159
Run/Hold ....................................................................................... 159
Preset ............................................................................................. 160
Volume Control ............................................................................. 160
Display Settings............................................................................ 161

6 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
Preferences.................................................................................... 163
System Configuration .................................................................. 164
Service Diagnostics...................................................................... 170
Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery ................................................172
Viewing Battery Charge Status.................................................. 172
Charging the Battery.................................................................... 174
Reconditioning the Battery......................................................... 175
Battery Care................................................................................... 176
Maximizing Battery Life............................................................... 177
Lithium Ion Battery Disposal...................................................... 177
Hardkey/Softkey Menus .......................................................................178
Safety Considerations ............................................................................188
Certification and Compliance Statements................................ 202
Appendix A: Connector Care Review...................................................203
Appendix B : Specifications/Data Sheet ............................................204
Appendix C : Instrument Calibration....................................................205
Index.........................................................................................................206

Overview 7
What’s New in A.6.00 Release
For customers upgrading FieldFox firmware, the following is a list of new
features:
CAT mode
Dual-Trace configuration .....................................22
Increased Resolution.............................................26
NA mode
Point Averaging......................................................46
Increased Resolution.............................................48
Manual Output Power Setting .............................49
Time Domain - Opt 010 .........................................53
CPM (Channel Power Meter) mode
New Mode (Opt 311)............................................118
Power Meter mode
Step Detection ......................................................126
VVM mode
Frequency setting to 1 Hz resolution ...............129
System
Relative Limit Lines ............................................146
Build Limits from Trace .....................................147
Security Level.......................................................168
Instrument Calibration .......................................205

8 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
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 20
Transmission Measurement (Option 110)
CAT Mode on page 20
NA Mode on page 40
QuickCal (Option 111)
Built-in cal kit. Industry first!
Cal on page 62
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 69
▪ Preamplifier for Spectrum Analyzer (Option 235)
On page 76
▪ Interference Measurements (Option 236)
On page 105
Channel Power Meter Mode (Option 311)
No Power Meter required
On page 118
Power Meter Mode (Option 302)
Use with Agilent External USB Power Sensors
Power Meter Mode on
page 118
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 40
Vector Voltmeter (VVM) Mode (Option 308)
Measure electrical length
VVM Mode on page 127

Overview 9
Measurements:
▪ 1-Port Cable Trimming (Mag and Phase)
▪ 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 microSD Card not included
▪ FieldFox release 4.0 supports microSDHC (high-capacity) Card
Save / Recall on page 153
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 172.
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 163
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.

10 N9912A FieldFox User’s Guide
FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help
The following manuals and software are available for the FieldFox. For the very
latest versions, please visit the FieldFox support website at:
www.agilent.com/find/fieldfoxsupport.
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.htm
FieldFox Data Link Software and Help –Free download.
Service Guide –Free download.
Firmware Updates –Check to see if you have the latest FieldFox firmware.
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 188.
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.