Agilent Technologies N9342C User manual

!"
Agilent
N9342C/43C/44C
Handheld
Spectrum Analyzer
User’s Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010-2012
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including electronic
storage and retrieval or translation into a
foreign language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Agilent Technologies,
Inc. as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Part Number
N9342-90002
Edition
Third edition, March 2012
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
No. 116 Tian Fu 4th Street
Hi-Tech Industrial Zone (South)
Chengdu 610041, China
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 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 separate 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 accordance
with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
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.
Software Revision
This guide is valid for A.03.25 revisions of the
N9342C/43C/44C firmware or later.
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 impor-
tant data. Do not proceed beyond a CAU-
TION notice until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING notice until
the indicated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
CAUTION
WARNING
Battery Marking
Agilent Technologies, through Rechargeable
Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), offers free
and convenient battery recycling options in the
U.S. and Canada. Contact RBRC at
877-2-RECYCLE (877.273.2925) or online at:
http://www.call2recycle.org/ for the nearest
recycling location.

1Overview
Introduction 2
Functionality and Feature 2
Optimized Usability 3
Front Panel Overview 4
Display Annotations 5
Top Panel Overview 7
Instrument Markings 8
2 Getting Started
Checking Shipment and Order List 10
Power Requirements 11
AC Power Cords 12
Safety Considerations 13
Electrical Requirements 15
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions 15
Working with Batteries 16
Installing a Battery 16
Viewing the Battery Status 16
Charging a Battery 17
Powering the Analyzer on for the First Time 18
Preparation for Use 19
Power On and Preset Settings 19
Factory Default Settings 20
Visual and Audio Adjustment 21
General System Settings 21
Timed Power On/Off 22
IP configuration 22
Ext Input 22
Show System 23
Adding an Option 24
Show Error 24
Perform Calibration 24
Data Securities 26
Upgrading Firmware 26
Contents

Probe Power Output 27
HSA PC software 28
Making Basic Measurements 29
3 Functions and Measurements
Measuring Multiple Signals 32
Comparing Signals on the Same Screen 32
Measuring a Low-Level Signal 37
Improving Frequency Resolution and Accuracy 42
Making Distortion Measurements 43
Identifying Analyzer Generated Distortion 43
Making a Stimulus Response Transmission Measurement 49
Measuring Stop Band Attenuation of a Low-pass Filter 51
Making a Reflection Calibration 53
Measuring Return Loss Using the Reflection Calibration Routine 55
Making an Average Power Measurement 56
Spectrum Monitor 61
Demodulating an FM Signal 63
Modulation Analysis 65
AM/FM Modulation Analysis 65
ASK/FSK Modulation Analysis 68
Channel Scanner 71
Top/Bottom N Channel Scanner 71
List N Channel Scanner 73
Channel Scanner Setup 75
Cable & Antenna Test 76
Preparation 76
Measuring Cable Reflection 77
Measuring Distance to Fault 77
File Operation 79
Viewing a file list 79
Saving a file 81
Deleting a file 82
Loading a file 82

4 Key Reference
Amptd 86
Display 91
BW 92
RBW 92
VBW 92
VBW/RBW 93
Avg Type 93
Sweep 95
Sweep Time 95
Sweep Type 96
Single Sweep 96
Trigger 97
Gated Sweep 97
Sweep Setup 99
Enter 100
ESC/Bksp 100
Frequency 101
Auto Tune 101
Center Frequency 101
Start Frequency 102
Stop Frequency 102
CF Step 102
Channel Std. 103
Freq Offset 103
Marker 104
Marker 104
Marker Trace 104
Mode 105
Marker To 107
Function 107
Marker Table 108
Read Out 108
Zoom In/Out 109
Delta Ref 110
All Off 110

Logging Start/Stop 110
Peak 111
MEAS 113
OBW 113
ACPR 114
Channel Power 115
Spectrum Monitor 116
Spectrum Emission Mask (SEM) 118
MODE 125
Spectrum Analyzer 125
Tracking Generator 125
Power Meter 128
SPAN 136
Span 136
Full 136
Zero 136
Last Span 136
Tra ce 137
Tra ce 137
Clear Write 137
Max Hold 137
Minimum Hold 138
View 138
Blank 138
Detector 138
Average 140
Average Dura. 140
Limit 141
Limit Type 141
Limit Line 141
Limits 141
Limits Edit 141
Margin 142
Save Limits 142
Recall Limits 142

5ErrorMessages
Overview 144
Error Message List 145
6 Troubleshooting
Check the basics 150
Warranty and Service Options 151
Contact Agilent Technologies 152
7 Menu Map
Display 155
Sweep 156
FREQ 157
Limit 157
Marker 158
Peak 159
File/Mode - Task Planner 160
Mode - Tracking Generator 161
Mode - Modulation Analysis (AM/FM) 162
Mode - Modulation Analysis (ASK/FSK) 163
Mode - Cable & Antenna Test 164
Mode - Power Meter 165
Meas (1) 166
Meas (2) 167
Span 167
System 168
Tra ce 169

1
Agilent N9342C/43C/44C
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer
!"
1
Overview
The Agilent N934XC is a series of handheld
spectrum analyzer with a frequency range from
100 kHz to 20.0 GHz.
N9342C: 100 kHz - 7 GHz
N9343C: 1 MHz - 13.6 GHz
N9344C: 1 MHz - 20 GHz
It provides good usability and exceptional
performance for installation and maintenance,
spectrum monitoring, and on- site repair tasks. It
provides several measurement modes for different
applications. Each mode offers a set of automatic
measurements that pre- configure the analyzer
settings for ease of use.
For the latest product information, please refer to
the link below:
N9342C: http://www.agilent.com/find/n9342c
N9343C: http://www.agilent.com/find/n9343c
N9344C: http://www.agilent.com/find/n9344c

1Overview
2 N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide
Introduction
The analyzer provides ultimate measurement
flexibility in a package that is ruggedized for field
environments and convenient for mobile
applications.
Functionality and Feature
The analyzer provides you with a comprehensive
functionality set and measurement convenience,
including:
• Power Measurement
provides power measurement functionality on
OBW (Occupied Bandwidth), channel power, and
ACPR (Adjacent Channel Power Ratio).
• Tracking Generator (Option TG7)
Provides an RF source for scalar network
analysis (exclusive for N9342C).
• Spectrum Monitor (Option SIM)
Provides the capability to analyze the stability of
a signal over the time. The analyzer can be used
to monitor the signal capturing performance or
intermittent events over extended periods of
time.
• High-sensitivity Measurement (Option PA7, P13, P20)
Includes a pre- amplifier, enabling highly
sensitivity measurements, this can be used to
measure the low- level signals.
•High Accuracy Power Measurement (Option PWM)
Supports Agilent U2000 series power sensors for
high accuracy power measurement as a power
meter.
• Cable & Antenna Test (Option CA7; Requires option TG7)
Provides VSWR, return loss, cable loss and
distance- to- fault measurement function.

Overview 1
N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide 3
• Modulation Analysis
Provides AM/FM (option AMA) and ASK/FSK
(Option DMA) modulation analysis function.
• Task Planner (Option TPN)
Provides task planner function to integrate
different measurements for test automation.
• Time-gated Spectrum Analysis (Option TMG)
Measures any one of several signals separated in
time and xxclude interfering signals.
• Channel Scanner (Option SCN)
provide the channel scan funtion in spectrum
monitoring, coverage test, and band clearance.
Optimized Usability
The analyzer provides the enhanced usability:
•The 6.5-inch TFT colorful LCD screen ( pixels)
enables you to read the scans easily and clearly
both indoors and outdoors.
•The arc-shaped handle and rugged rubber casing
ensure a comfortable and firm hold.
•SCPI remote control via USB, and LAN port.
•The PC Software on help kit CD provides further
editing and data analysis functions.
•The 3-hour-time battery provides continuous work
time during field testing.
•The light sensor adjusts the display brightness
according to the environment to save power.
•Keys are back-lit provides easy access in
low- light conditions.
•Built-in GPS, with built- in GPS antenna (Option
GPS) offers the GPS location for the field testing.
•User Data Sanitation (Option SEC) allows user to
erase all customized files and data in analyzer
for security.
640 480×

1Overview
4 N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide
Front Panel Overview
N9342CN
Handh eld Spectrum An alyzer
100kH z - 6.0GHz
Preset
Syst e m File Lim it Disp
1ABC 2DEF 3GHI
4JKL 5MNO 6PQR
7STU 8VWX 9YZ_
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
Mode Meas Trace Amptd
User
Span
Save
Freq
0
ENTER
Sweep
BW SHIFT
Pea k
Marker Esc/ Bksp
14
1235
6
7
8
9
10
11
1213
4
Caption Function
1 Power Switch Toggles the analyzer between on and off
2 Function keys Includes functional hardkeys for measurements.
3 Preset Returns the analyzer to a known state and turns
on/off the power save feature (press for 1 sec.)
4SHIFT Switches alternate upper function of the function
keys and Peak/Marker hardkey.
5 Enter Confirms a parameter selection or configuration
6 Peak/Marker Activates the peak search or marker function
7 ESC/Bksp Exits and closes the dialog box or clears the letter
input as a back space key.
8 Alphanumeric
keys
includes a positive/negative, a decimal point and
ten alphanumeric keys
9 Arrow keys Increases or decreases a parameter step by step
10 Knob Selects the mode or edits a numerical parameter
11 Softkeys Indicates current menu functions on the screen
12 Speaker Actives in demodulation mode
13 Light Sensor Adjusts the screen and hardkey back-light
according to the environmental light.
14 Screen Displays spectrum traces and status information

Overview 1
N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide 5
Display Annotations
1
2
3
4
8
910 11 12 13
16
15
19 18
5
20 17
14
6PA
7
Description Associated Function Key
1 Time and date [System] > {Time/Date}
2 Reference level [Amptd]
3 Amplitude scale [Amptd] > [Scale/Div]
4 Average [Trace] > {More} > {Average}
5 Trace and detector [Trace] > {More} > {Detector}
6 Preamplifier and
sweep and trigger mode
[Amptd] > {Preamp} and
[Sweep] > {Trigger}
7 Sweep status and trig-
ger type
[Sweep] > {Sweep Setup} and
[System] > {Port setting} > {Ext Input}
8 Center frequency or
start frequency
[Freq]
9 Resolution Bandwidth [BW] > {RBW}
10 Display status line Displays status and messages.

1Overview
6 N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide
11 Video bandwidth and
frequency offset
[BW] > {VBW} or [Freq] > {Freq Off-
set}
12 Frequency span or
stop frequency
[Span] or [Freq] > {Stop Freq}
13 Sweep time [Sweep] > {Sweep Time}
14 Status annunciator Power and USB stick status
15 Softkey menu See key label description in the Key
Reference for more information.
16 Softkey menu title Refers to the current activated
function
17 Remote annunciator
and shift annunciator
Indicates the remote mode and shift
key mode
18 Marker information [Marker]
19 GPS information [System] > {More} > {GPS}
20 Attenuation [Amplitude] > {Attenuation}

Overview 1
N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide 7
Top Panel Overview
Ext Po w er
Charging PC
Ext Tr ig/
RF Out 50
Antenna
GPS
Probe
Pow er Ext Ref
12-16VDC
55W M AX
RF Input 50
50 VDC M AX
30 dBm (1W) M AX 50V DCM AX
REV
PWR
30dBm (1W ) MAX
LAN
12
10
3457
8
12
6
9
11
Items Function
1ExternalDCpower
connector
Provides input for the DC power source via an
AC-DC adapter, or Automotive type DC adapter.
2 LED indicator (Charging) Lights (On) when the battery is charging
3 LED indicator Lights (On) when external DC power is con-
nected.
4 USB interface (Device) Connects to a PC
5 USB interface (Host) Connects to a USB memory stick or disk
6 Headphone Connects to a headphone
7 LAN Interface Connects to a PC for SCPI remote control
8 RF OUT Connector The output for the built-in tracking generator.
Enabled with Option TG7.
9 Probe power connnector Provides power for high- impedance AC probes
or other accessories (+15 V, –12 V, 150 mA maxi-
mum).
10 EXT TRIG IN/REF IN
(BNC, Female)
Connects to an external TTL signal or a 10 MHz
reference signal. The TTL signal is used to
trigger the analyzer’s internal sweep
11 GPS antenna connector Connects an GPS Antenna (option GPA) for GPS
application.
12 RF IN Connector (50 Ω) Accepts an external singal input.

1Overview
8 N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide
Instrument Markings
The CE mark indicates that the product
complies with all relevant European
Legal Directives.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark
of the Canadian Standards Association.
The C-Tick mark is a registered trademark
of the Australian Spectrum Management
Agency.
The ISM1- A symbol is indication of an
Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1
Class A product (CISPR 11, Clause 4)
The ISM device complies with Canadian
Interference- Causing Equipment Stan-
dard- 001.
Indicates that the user must refer to
specific instructions in User’s Guide.
This symbol indicates a position of the
instrument power switch.
Indicates that this product complies with
the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirements. Do not dispose in domestic
household waste. To return unwanted
products, contact your local Agilent
office, or refer to
http://www.agilent.com/environment/product/
N10149
ISM1-A
ICES/NMB-001

9
A g i l e n t N 9 3 4 2 C / 4 3 C / 4 4 C
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer
!"
2
Getting Started
Information on checking the analyzer
when received, preparation for use,
basic instrument use, familiarity with
controls, defining preset conditions,
updating firmware, and contacting
Agilent Technologies.
9

2 Getting Started
10 N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide
Checking Shipment and Order List
Check the shipment and order list when you
receive the shipment.
•Inspect the shipping container for damages.
Signs of damage may include a dented or torn
shipping container or cushioning material that
might indicate signs of unusual stress or com-
pacting.
•Carefully remove the contents from the shipping
container, and verify if the standard accessories
and your ordered options are included in the
shipment.
•For any questions, contact the Agilent
Technologies Customer Contact Center (CCC).
See “Contact Agilent Technologies" on page 152.
For the latest service information please refer to:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist

Getting Started 2
N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide 11
Power Requirements
The AC power supplied must meet the following
requirements:
The AC/DC power supply charger adapter supplied
with the analyzer is equipped with a three- wire
power cord, in accordance with international safety
standards. This power cord grounds the analyzer
cabinet when it is connected to an appropriate
power line outlet. The power cord appropriate to
the original shipping location is included with the
analyzer.
Various AC power cables are available from Agilent
that are unique to specific geographic areas. You
can order additional AC power cords that are
appropriate for use in different areas. The AC
Power Cord table provides a lists of the available
AC power cords, the plug configurations, and
identifies the geographic area in which each cable
is typically used.
The detachable power cord is the product
disconnecting device. It disconnects the main AC
circuits from the DC supply. The front- panel
switch is only a standby switch and does not
disconnect the instrument from the AC LINE
power.
Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC
Frequency: 50/60 Hz
Power: Maximum 80 W

Plug Type Cable Part
Number
Plug a
Description
For use in
Country & Region
250V 10A
8121-1703 BS 1363/A Option 900
United Kingdom, Hong
Kong, Singapore, Malaysia
8120-0696 AS 3112:2000 Option 901
Australia, New Zealand
8120-1692 IEC 83 C4 Option 902
Continental Europe, Korea,
Indonesia, Italy, Russia
125V 10A
8120-1521 CNS 10917-2
/NEMA 5-15P
Option 903
Unite States, Canada,
Tai w an , Mex ic o
8120-2296 SEV 1011 Option 906
Switzerland
230V 15A
8120-4600 SABS 164-1 Option 917
South Africa, India
8120-4754 JIS C8303 Option 918
Japan
250V 16A
8120-5181 SI 32 Option 919
Israel
8120-8377 GB 1002 Option 922
China
2 Getting Started
12 N9342C/43C/44C User’s Guide
AC Power Cords
250V 10A
250V 10A
125V 15A
250V 16A
250V 10A
a. Plug description describes the plug only. The part number is for the complete cable assembly.