Agilent Technologies N1911A User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent
N1911A/1912A
P-Series Power
Meters
User’s Guide

ii N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2006–2013
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N1912-90002
Edition
Eleventh Edition, December 10, 2013
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
3501 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95052 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum 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 par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connec-
tion with the furnishing, use, or per-
formance of this document or of 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 sep-
arate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accor-
dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Soft-
ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user cus-
tomers. Agilent provides this customary
commercial license in Software and techni-
cal 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 Com-
puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide iii
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment. Agilent further certifies that its
calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Institute of Standard and Technology (formerly National Bureau of
Standards), to the extent allowed by that organization’s calibration facility,
and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards
Organization members.
General Warranty
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 shall control. Duration and conditions of warranty for
this product may be superseded when the product is integrated into
(becomes a part of) other Agilent products. During the warranty period,
Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to
be defective. The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the
date of installation if installed by Agilent.
Warranty Service
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service
facility designated by Agilent. For products returned to Agilent for
warranty service, the Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent and
Agilent shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer.
However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for
products returned to Agilent from another country.

iv N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper
or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied products or
interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the
environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation
or maintenance.
The design and implementation of any circuit on this product is the sole
responsibility of the Buyer. Agilent does not warrant the Buyer’s circuitry
or malfunctions of Agilent products that result from the Buyer’s circuitry.
In addition, Agilent does not warrant any damage that occurs as a result of
the Buyer’s circuit or any defects that result from Buyer-supplied products.
To the extent allowed by local law, Agilent makes no other warranty,
expressed or implied, whether written or oral with respect to this product
and specifically disclaims any implied warranty or condition of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or satisfactory quality.
Exclusive Remedies
To the extent allowed by local law, the remedies provided herein are the
Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Agilent shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including
lost profit or data), whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other
legal theory.

N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide v
Restricted Rights Legend
The Software and Documentation have been developed entirely at private
expense. They are delivered and licensed as “commercial computer
software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS
252.211-7015 (May 1991), or DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun 1995), as a
“commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a), or as “restricted computer
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (Jun 1987) (or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is applicable. You have
only those rights provided for such Software and Documentation by the
applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the Agilent standard software
agreement for the product involved.
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.

vi N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Safety Summary
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Agilent Technologies, Inc. assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Safety Notices
Recommended Calibration Interval
Agilent Technologies recommends a two- years calibration cycle for the
N1911A and N1912A P-Series power meter.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in personal injury or loss of life. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered
to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide vii
Safety Symbols
The following symbol on the instrument and in the documentation
indicates precautions that must be taken to maintain safe operation of the
instrument.
Caution, risk of danger.
The Instruction Documentation Symbol. The product is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instructions in the supplied docu-
mentation.
Alternating current (AC).
This symbol indicates the operating switch for ‘Stand-by’ mode. Note, the instru-
ment is NOT isolated from the mains when the switch is pressed.
To isolate the instrument, the mains coupler (mains input cord) should be
removed from the power supply.
Direct current (DC).
Both direct and alternating current.
Three-phase alternating current.
Earth (ground) TERMINAL.

viii N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
PROTECTIVE CONDUCTOR TERMINAL.
Frame or chasis TERMINAL.
Equipotentiality.
On (Supply).
Off (Supply).
Equipment protected throughout by DOUBLE INSULATION or
REINFORCED INSULATION.
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Caution, hot surface.
In position of bi-stable push control.

N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide ix
Out position of bi-stable push control.

x N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
General Safety Information
This is a Safety Class I instrument (provided with a protective earthing
ground, incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be
inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any
interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside of the instrument
is likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is
prohibited.
WARNING
• DO NOT operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the
presence of flammable gasses or fumes.
• DO NOT use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders: For
continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with
fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type.
• DO NOT perform procedures involving cover or shield removal
unless you are qualified to do so: Operating personnel must not
remove equipment covers or shields. Procedures involving the
removal of covers and shields are for use by service-trained
personnel only.
• DO NOT service or adjust alone: Under certain conditions, dangerous
voltages may exist even with the equipment switched off. To avoid
dangerous electrical shock, service personnel must not attempt
internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
• DO NOT operate damaged equipment: Whenever it is possible that
the safety protection features built into this product have been
impaired, either through physical damage, excessive moisture, or
any other reason, REMOVE POWER and do not use the product until
safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If
necessary, return the product to a Agilent Technologies Sales and
Service Office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are
maintained.
• DO NOT substitute parts or modify equipment: Because of the danger
of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute parts or
perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the
product to a Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office for
service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.

N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide xi
Environmental Conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use. The table below shows the
general environmental requirements for this instrument.
Regulatory Information
The N1911/1912A P-Series power meters comply with the following
safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) compliances:
Safety compliance
• IEC 61010-1:2010/EN 61010-1:2010 (3rd Edition)
• Canada: CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-12
• USA: ANSI/UL 61010-1 (3rd Edition)
EMC compliance
• IEC 61326-1:2005/EN 61326-1:2006
• CISPR11:2003/EN 55011:2007, Group 1 Class A
• Canada: ICES/NMB-001:Issue 4, June 2006
• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004
Environmental condition Requirement
Temperature
Operating condition
•0 °C to 55 °C
Storage condition
•–40 °C to 70 °C
Humidity
Operating condition
•Up to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing)
Storage condition
•Up to 90% RH at 65 °C (non-condensing)
Altitude Up to 3000 m
Pollution degree 2

xii N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark
of the European Community. This CE
mark shows that the product complies
with all the relevant European Legal
Directives.
The C-tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Spectrum
Management Agency of Australia. This
signifies compliance with
the Australia EMC Framework
regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communication Act of 1992.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the Canadian
ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This instrument complies with the
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label
indicates that you must not discard
this electrical or electronic product in
domestic household waste.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
This symbol indicates the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of the product.

N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide xiii
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Agilent Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or
description at the Web address below.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
NOTE
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Agilent representative.

xiv N1911/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
In This Guide ...
1Introduction Chapter 1 introduces you to the front panel display and
instrument Web browser of the P-Series power meter.
2General Power Meter Functions Chapter 2 describes the general
operation of the P-Series power meter.
3Using P-Series Power Sensor Chapter 3 describes how to use your
P-Series power sensor with your P-Series power meter.
4Using E9320 E-Series Power Sensors Chapter 4 describes how to use
your E9320 E-Series power sensor with your P-Series power meter.
5Using E9300 E-Series Power Sensors Chapter 5 describes how to use
your E9300 E-Series power sensor with your P-Series power meter.
6Using E4410 E-Series Power Sensors Chapter 6 describes how to use
your E4410 E-Series power sensor with your P-Series power meter.
7Using 8480 Series Power Sensors Chapter 7 describes how to use
your 8480 Series power sensor with your P-Series power meter.
8Using N8480 Series Power Sensors Chapter 8 describes how to use
your N8480 Series power sensorwith your P-Series power meter.
9Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) Chapter
9 describes the CCDF feature of the P-Series power meter.
10 Maintenance Chapter 10 describes the built in tests, error messages and
general maintenance.
11 Specifications and Characteristics Chapter 11 describes the
specifications and characteristics of your P-Series power meter.

N19121A/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide xv
Contents
Notices ii
Certification iii
General Warranty iii
Warranty Service iii
Limitation of Warranty iv
Exclusive Remedies iv
Restricted Rights Legend v
Technology Licenses v
Safety Summary vi
Safety Notices vi
Recommended Calibration Interval vi
Safety Symbols vii
General Safety Information x
Environmental Conditions xi
Regulatory Information xi
Regulatory Markings xii
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) xiii
In This Guide ... xiv
1 Introduction
LXI Class-C Compliant Power Meter 2
Rack Mounting 2
Power Meter and Sensor Capability 3
Conventions Used in this Guide 4
Front Panel Keys and Connections 5
The Display Layout 10
Window Symbols and Pop-ups 18
Using the Instrument Web Browser 22
2 General Power Meter Functions
Setting the Units of Measurement 30
Setting the Measurement Frequency 32
Setting the Resolution 33

xvi N19121A/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Making Relative Measurements 34
Setting the Pulse Reference Levels 36
Setting Offsets 39
Setting Measurement Averaging 49
Step Detection 51
Setting the Video Averaging 52
Setting the Video Bandwidth 54
Setting Measurement Channel Gates 57
Setting up the Channel Trace 62
Setting the Trigger 66
Setting External Trigger for Normal and Average Power Measurement 72
Setting Measurement Limits 86
Setting the Measurement Display 90
Scaling the Analog Display 97
Recorder Output 99
Saving and Recalling Power Meter States 104
Zeroing and Calibrating the P-Series Sensor 107
Presetting the Power Meter 111
3 Using P-Series Power Sensor
Introduction 116
Configuring a Power Measurement 117
Setting the Trace Display 118
4 Using E9320 E-Series Power Sensors
Introduction 132
Power Meter Configuration 134
Configuring a Peak Power Measurement 135
Measurement Accuracy 136
Setting the Trace Display 138
5 Using E9300 E-Series Power Sensors
Introduction 152
Power Meter Configuration 153
Measurement Accuracy 155

N19121A/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide xvii
Measuring Spread Spectrum and Multitone Signals 157
Measuring TDMA Signals 160
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Measurements 162
Measurement Accuracy and Speed 163
6 Using E4410 E-Series Power Sensors
Introduction 168
Power Meter Configuration 169
Measurement Accuracy 171
7 Using 8480 Series Power Sensors
Introduction 174
Power Meter Configuration 175
Measurement Accuracy 179
Frequency Specific Calibration Factors 180
Sensor Calibration Tables 184
8 Using N8480 Series Power Sensors
Introduction 196
Power Meter Configuration Changes 198
Default Channel Setup 199
N8480 Series Sensors Connection Requirements 200
N8480 Series Power Sensors (excluding Option CFT) 201
N8480 Series Power Sensors with Option CFT 203
9 Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF)
Introduction 218
Setting the CCDF Table 219
Setting the CCDF Trace 222
10 Maintenance
Self Test 228
Error Messages 232
Operator Maintenance 243

xviii N19121A/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Contacting Agilent Technologies 245
Erasing Memory Data 248
Returning Your Power Meter for Service 249
Agilent Sales and Service Offices 251
11 Specifications and Characteristics
Introduction 254
Power Meter Specifications 256
Measurement Characteristics 259
Rear Panel Inputs and Output Connections 262
1 mW Power Reference 263
Environmental Conditions 264
Physical Characteristics 265
Regulatory Information 266
System Specifications and Characteristics 267

N19121A/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide xix
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Dual numeric display 10
Figure 1-2 Single numeric and analog display 12
Figure 1-3 Full screen numeric display 13
Figure 1-4 Trace display in both windows 14
Figure 1-5 Trace display in single enlarged window in markers mode 15
Figure 1-6 Trace display in single enlarged window in trigger delay mode 16
Figure 1-7 Trace display in single enlarged window in trace control mode 17
Figure 1-8 Opening the instrument Web interface. 22
Figure 1-9 N1912A P-Series power meter Web browser (Welcome Page) 23
Figure 1-10 Status message before Toggle ID is selected. 24
Figure 1-11 Status message when Toggle ID is selected. 24
Figure 1-12 Example of Lan Status message. 25
Figure 1-13 Viewing LAN configuration settings from the Web interface. 26
Figure 1-14 Password security dialog box. 27
Figure 1-15 Changing the instrument LAN interface configuration 28
Figure 2-16 Frequency pop-up 32
Figure 2-17 Typical relative measurement display 34
Figure 2-18 Numeric display 35
Figure 2-19 Measurement configuration screen 36
Figure 2-20 Pulse duration measurement between two reference levels 37
Figure 2-21 Trace Ref Lvl 1 pop-up 37
Figure 2-22 Trace Ref Lvl 2 pop-up 38
Figure 2-23 Pulse Duration Ref Lvl pop-up 38
Figure 2-24 Simplified measurement path 39
Figure 2-25 Typical channel offset display 40
Figure 2-26 Channel offset indicator 41
Figure 2-27 Typical display offset display 42
Figure 2-28 Frequency dependent offset tables display 44
Figure 2-29 Frequency dependent offset indicator 45
Figure 2-30 “Edit Offset” display with data added 46
Figure 2-31 Edit table title pop-up 47
Figure 2-32 Typical averaged readings 49
Figure 2-33 Meas Avg Count pop-up 50

xx N19121A/1912A P-Series Power Meters User’s Guide
Figure 2-34 Video Avg Count pop-up 53
Figure 2-35 Bandwidth filter shapes 55
Figure 2-36 Video bandwidth pop-up 56
Figure 2-37 Example of measurement gates 57
Figure 2-38 Gate Setup screen 58
Figure 2-39 Time Gating Start pop-up 59
Figure 2-40 Time Gating Length pop-up 59
Figure 2-41 Auto Gate Settings display 60
Figure 2-42 Marker 1 Ref Percentage pop-up 60
Figure 2-43 Marker 2 Ref Percentage pop-up 61
Figure 2-44 The placement of gates (markers) in Auto Gating mode 61
Figure 2-45 Trace setup display 62
Figure 2-46 Trace Start Time pop-up 63
Figure 2-47 X Scale/Division pop-up 63
Figure 2-48 Trace Units pop-up 64
Figure 2-49 Y scale maximum value pop-up 64
Figure 2-50 Y Scale/Division pop-up 65
Figure 2-51 Trigger menu - free run mode 66
Figure 2-52 Trigger Setting Menu 1 of 2 67
Figure 2-53 Trigger Level pop-up 68
Figure 2-54 Trigger Delay pop-up 69
Figure 2-55 Trigger setting menu 2 of 2 69
Figure 2-56 Trigger Holdoff pop-up 70
Figure 2-57 Trigger Hysteresis pop-up 71
Figure 2-58 TRIG IN and TRIG OUT connection diagram between power meter and
power source. 74
Figure 2-59 Channel Setup display 74
Figure 2-60 Sensor Mode pop-up. 75
Figure 2-61 Trigger setting menu 1 of 2 76
Figure 2-62 Trigger setting menu 2 of 2 76
Figure 2-63 Limits checking applications 86
Figure 2-64 Limits checking results 86
Figure 2-65 Minimum limit pop-up 88
Figure 2-66 Limit failures 89
Figure 2-67 Sixteen measurements per channel 90