Agilent Technologies FieldFox N9923A User manual

Agilent
FieldFox
RF Vector Network
Analyzer
N9923A
User’s Guide
Manufacturing Part Number: N9923–90001
Print Date: February 22, 2011
Supersedes: November 1, 2010
©Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2011

2 N9923A 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 105.
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 www.agilent.com/find/TechSupport or
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/.

FieldFox User’s Guide 3
What’s New in A.05.33 Release .................................................... 6
Overview......................................................................................................7
Options and Features....................................................................... 7
Accessories ....................................................................................... 8
FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help ............... 8
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
NA (Network Analyzer) Mode................................................................19
CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode - Option 305..............................33
CAT Mode Settings ........................................................................ 34
Return Loss Measurements ......................................................... 39
1-Port Cable Loss Measurements ............................................... 40
2-Port Insertion Loss Measurements ......................................... 41
DTF (Distance to Fault) Measurements ................................................42
DTF Measurement Settings.......................................................... 43
Calibration for NA, CAT, and VVM Modes ............................................51
Verifying Calibration and Jumper Cable Integrity ..................... 60
Calibration Method Summary....................................................... 61

4 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide
Power Meter Mode ..................................................................................62
Power Meter Settings.................................................................... 63
VVM (Vector Voltmeter) Mode ...............................................................68
Overview .......................................................................................... 69
VVM Mode Settings....................................................................... 70
1-Port Cable Trimming Measurements....................................... 73
2-Port Transmission Measurements........................................... 74
Data Analysis Features............................................................................76
All about Markers........................................................................... 76
All about Limit Lines ...................................................................... 82
All about Trace Math..................................................................... 84
File Management......................................................................................86
Saving and Recalling Files ............................................................ 86
Printing............................................................................................. 92
System Settings........................................................................................93
Run/Hold ......................................................................................... 93
Preset ............................................................................................... 94
Display Settings.............................................................................. 94
Preferences...................................................................................... 96
System Configuration .................................................................... 98
Service Diagnostics...................................................................... 103
Working with the Lithium-Ion Battery ................................................105
Viewing Battery Charge Status.................................................. 105
Charging the Battery.................................................................... 106
Reconditioning the Battery......................................................... 108
Battery Care................................................................................... 109
Maximizing Battery Life............................................................... 109
Lithium Ion Battery Disposal...................................................... 110

FieldFox User’s Guide 5
Hardkey/Softkey Menus .......................................................................111
Safety Considerations ............................................................................118
Certification and Compliance Statements................................ 131
Appendix A: Connector Care Review...................................................133
Appendix B : Specifications/Data Sheet ............................................134
Index.........................................................................................................135

6 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide
What’s New in A.05.33 Release
For customers upgrading FieldFox firmware, the following is a list of new
features:
All Modes
GPS...........................................................................98
Russian and Turkish language support .............96
What’s New in A.05.30 Release
NA Mode
Electrical Delay ......................................................25
Phase Offset ............................................................26
Smoothing ...............................................................27
Port Extensions......................................................30
Velocity Factor .......................................................31
Marker -> Delay......................................................82
CAT Mode
DTF Cable Editor ...................................................45
VVM Mode
Display Resolution.................................................71
IF Bandwidth..........................................................71
All Modes
Trace Width ............................................................95
Time Zone Setting ................................................101

Overview 7
Overview
Options and Features
The FieldFox may be ordered to include the following options and features:
Options and Features
Learn
more
RF Vector NA Mode
▪ 2 MHz to 4 GHz (Option 104)
▪ 2 MHz to 6 GHz (Option 106)
▪ Forward Measurements S11, S21
▪ Full 2-port S-parameters (Option 122) Adds S22, S12 and Full
2-port Calibration.
NA Mode
on page
19
Cal on
page 51.
Cable and Antenna Test (CAT) Mode (Option 305)
▪ 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)
CAT Mode
on page
31
QuickCal (Option 112)
Built-in cal kit. Industry first!
Cal on
page 53
Power Meter Mode (Option 302)
Use with Agilent External USB Power Sensors
Power
Meter
Mode on
page 62
Vector Voltmeter (VVM) Mode (Option 308)
Measure electrical length
Measurements:
▪ 1-Port Cable Trimming (Mag and Phase)
▪ 2-Port Transmission (Mag and Phase)
VVM
Mode on
page 68
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

8 N9923A FieldFox User’s Guide
Slots for removable USB Flash Drive and micro SD Card
▪ Expands internal storage
▪ Useful for file transfer
▪ Flash Drive and micro SD Card not included
▪ FieldFox release 4.0 supports micro SDHC (high-capacity) Card
Save /
Recall on
page 88
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
105.
FieldFox Data Link Software
▪Basic capability to print measurement traces on a PC.
▪ Capability to create/modify cal kit and cable definition files.
▪ Help file included with the software installation
▪ Download the latest version of the software at
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/datalink_info.html
Additional Features
▪ Menus localized to 7 languages
Languages
on page
96
Accessories
The following accessories are included with every N9923A FieldFox. Spare
accessories can be ordered at any time.
Accessory Part
Number
Description
8121-1351
Cable-Assembly Patch-5E RJ-45 Male/RJ-45 Male 7 FT-LG
N9910X–873
AC/DC Adapter
N9910X–870
Lithium-Ion Battery
N9910X–880
Softcase w/ Backpack & Shoulder Strap
N9910X–884
Instrument 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.
FieldFox Manuals, Software, and Supplemental Help
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.

Overview 9
Firmware Updates –Check to see if you have the latest firmware at:
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/
FieldFox Data Link Software - Free download at
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/datalink_info.html
Service Guide –Free download available at
http://www.agilent.com/find/fieldfox.
Supplemental Online User’s Guide - Concepts and Reference information
http://na.tm.agilent.com/fieldfox/help/
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 105.
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 N9923A 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