Agilent Technologies E8663B User manual

User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
E8663B Analog Signal Generator
For the latest revision of this guide, go to http://www.agilent.com/find/e8663b and click Product Library.
Manufacturing Part Number: E8663- 90003
Printed in USA
March 2007
© Copyright 2006- 2007 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

ii
Notice
The material in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to change 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 to any of the Agilent products to which it
pertains, 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 of the Agilent products
to which it pertains. Should Agilent have a written contract with the User and should any of the
contract terms conflict with these terms, the contract terms shall control.

Contents
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide iii
1. Signal Generator Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
E8663B Signal Generator Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
The E8663B includes the following standard features: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Firmware Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
To Upgrade Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Continuous Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Swept Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Analog Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1. Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2. Softkeys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
3. Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4. Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5. Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
6. Save. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
7. Recall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
8. Trigger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
9. MENUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
10. Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
11. EXT 1 INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12. EXT 2 INPUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
13. LF OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
14. Mod On/Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
15. ALC INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
16. RF On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
17. Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
18. RF OUTPUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
19. SYNC OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
20. VIDEO OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
21. Incr Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
23. Arrow Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
24. Hold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
25. Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
26. Contrast Decrease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
27. Contrast Increase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Contents
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iv
28. Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
29. Preset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
30. Line Power LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
31. LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
32. Standby LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Front Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1. Active Entry Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2. Frequency Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3. Annunciators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4. Amplitude Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
5. Error Message Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
6. Text Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7. Softkey Label Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
1. Source Module Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
2. 1 GHz Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
3. AC Power Receptacle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4. GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
5. 10 MHz EFC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
6. 10 MHz IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
7. AUXILIARY INTERFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8. 10 MHz OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9. LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
10. SWEEP OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
11. Z-AXIS BLANK/MKRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
12. SWEEP OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
13. TRIGGER OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14. TRIGGER IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
15. SOURCE SETTLED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
16. RF OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
17. EXT 1 Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
18. EXT 2 Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
19. LF OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
20. PULSE SYNC OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
21. PULSE VIDEO OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
22. PULSE/TRIG GATE INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
23. ALC INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Contents
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide v
2. Basic Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Using Table Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Table Editor Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Modifying Table Items in the Data Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Configuring the RF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Configuring a Continuous Wave RF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Configuring a Swept RF Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Modulating a Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Turning On a Modulation Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Applying a Modulation Format to the RF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Using Data Storage Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Using the Memory Catalog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Using the Instrument State Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Using Security Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Understanding E8663B Memory Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Removing Sensitive Data from E8663B Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Using the Secure Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Enabling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Enabling a Software Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Using the Web Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Activating the Web Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
3. Optimizing Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Using the ALC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Selecting ALC Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
To Select an ALC Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Using External Leveling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
To Level with Detectors and Couplers/Splitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Creating and Applying User Flatness Correction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Creating a User Flatness Correction Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Adjusting Reference Oscillator Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
To Select the Reference Oscillator Bandwidth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
To Restore Factory Default Settings: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
4. Analog Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Analog Modulation Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Configuring AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Set the Carrier Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Contents
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To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Set the AM Depth and Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Turn on Amplitude Modulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Configuring FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Set the RF Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Set the FM Deviation and Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
To Activate FM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Configuring ΦM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
To Set the RF Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
To Set the FM Deviation and Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
To Activate FM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Configuring Pulse Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
To Set the RF Output Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
To Set the RF Output Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
To Set the Pulse Period, Width, and Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
To Activate Pulse Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Configuring the LF Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
To Configure the LF Output with an Internal Modulation Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
To Configure the LF Output with a Function Generator Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
RF Output Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
No RF Output Power when Playing a Waveform File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
RF Output Power too Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
The Power Supply has Shut Down. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Signal Loss While Working with a Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Signal Loss While Working with a Spectrum Analyzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
No Modulation at the RF Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Sweep Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Sweep Appears to be Stalled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Cannot Turn Off Sweep Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Incorrect List Sweep Dwell Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
List Sweep Information is Missing from a Recalled Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Data Storage Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Registers With Previously Stored Instrument States are Empty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Saved Instrument State, but Register is Empty or Contains Wrong State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Contents
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide vii
Cannot Turn Off Help Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Signal Generator Locks Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Fail-Safe Recovery Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Error Message File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Error Message Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Error Message Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Contents
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide
viii

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide ix
Documentation Overview
Installation Guide •Safety Information
•Getting Started
•Operation Verification
•Regulatory Information
User’s Guide •Signal Generator Overview
•Basic Operation
•Optimizing Performance
•Analog Modulation
•Troubleshooting
Programming Guide •Getting Started with Remote Operation
•Using IO Interfaces
•Programming Examples
•Programming the Status Register System
•Creating and Downloading Waveform Files
•Creating and Downloading User- Data Files
SCPI Reference •Using this Guide
•System Commands
•Basic Function Commands
•Analog Commands
•SCPI Command Compatibility
Service Guide •Troubleshooting
•Replaceable Parts
•Assembly Replacement
•Post- Repair Procedures
•Safety and Regulatory
Key Reference •Key function description

xAgilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide 1
1Signal Generator Overview
In the following sections, this chapter describes the models, options, and features available for
Agilent E8663B signal generator. The modes of operation, front panel user interface, as well as front
and rear panel connectors are also described.
•“E8663B Signal Generator Features” on page 1
•“Options” on page 3
•“Firmware Upgrades” on page 3
•“Modes of Operation” on page 4
•“Front Panel” on page 5
•“Front Panel Display” on page 11
•“Rear Panel” on page 15
NOTE For more information about the signal generator, such as data sheets, configuration guides,
application notes, frequently asked questions, technical support, software and more, visit the
Agilent web page at http://www.agilent.com/find/e8663b.
E8663B Signal Generator Features
The E8663B includes the following standard features:
• ultra low phase noise
• step attenuator
•pulsemodulation
• internal pulse generator
• external modulation inputs
• selectable pulse modes: internal square, internal free- run, internal triggered, internal doublet,
internal gated, and external pulse; internal triggered, internal doublet, and internal gated
require an external trigger source
• adjustable pulse rate, pulse period, pulse delay, and pulse width (150 ns minimum)
• selectable external pulse triggering: positive or negative

2Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide
Signal Generator Overview
E8663B Signal Generator Features
• AM, FM, phase modulation, and LF output
• open- loop or closed- loop AM
• dc- synthesized FM to 10 MHz rates; maximum deviation depends on the carrier frequency
• external modulation inputs for AM, FM, and ΦM
• simultaneous modulation configurations (except: FM with ΦM or Linear AM with
Exponential AM)
• dual function generators that include the following:
— 50- ohm low- frequency output, 0 to 3 Vp, available through the LF output
— selectable waveforms: sine, dual- sine, swept- sine, triangle, positive ramp, negative ramp,
square, uniform noise, Gaussian noise, and dc
— adjustable frequency modulation rates
— selectable triggering in list and step sweep modes: free run (auto), trigger key (single), bus
(remote), and external
• CW output from 100 kHz to the highest operating frequency, depending on the option
• frequency resolution to 0.001 Hz
• list and step sweep of frequency and amplitude, with multiple trigger sources
• user flatness correction
• external diode detector leveling
• automatic leveling control (ALC) on and off modes; power calibration in ALC- off mode is
available, even without power search
• 10 MHz reference oscillator with external output
• RS- 232, GPIB, and 10Base- T LAN I/O interfaces
• Type- N female RF output connector
The E8663B also offers the following optional features:
Option 503—frequency range from 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz
Option 509—frequency range from 100 kHz to 9.0 GHz
Option UNW—narrow pulse modulation
• in addition to the standard pulse modulation features, generate narrow pulses (20 ns
minimum) across the operational frequency band of the signal generator
Option 1EM—moves all front panel connectors to the rear panel
Option 1EZ—extended support life

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide 3
Signal Generator Overview
Options
Options
E8663B signal generators have hardware, firmware, software, and documentation options. The Data
Sheet shipped with your signal generator provides an overview of available options. For more
information, visit the Agilent E8663B web page at http://www.agilent.com/find/e8663b and click the
Options tab.
Firmware Upgrades
You can upgrade the firmware in your signal generator whenever new firmware is released. New
firmware releases, which can be downloaded from the Agilent website, may contain signal generator
features and functionality not available in previous firmware releases.
To determine about the availability of new signal generator firmware, visit the Signal Generator
Firmware Upgrade Center web page at http://www.agilent.com/find/upgradeassistant, or call the
number listed at http://www.agilent.com/find/assist.
To Upgrade Firmware
The following procedure shows you how to download new firmware to your signal generator using a
LAN connection and a PC. For information on equipment requirements and alternate methods of
downloading firmware, such as GPIB, refer to the Firmware Upgrade Guide, which can be accessed
at http://www.agilent.com/find/upgradeassistant.
1. Note the IP address of your signal generator. To view the IP address on the signal generator,
press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > LAN Setup.
2. Use an internet browser to visit http://www.agilent.com/find/upgradeassistant.
3. Scroll down to the “Documents and Downloads” table and click the link in the “Latest Firmware
Revision” column for the E8663B.
4. In the File Download window, select Run.
5. In the Welcome window, click Next and follow the on- screen instructions. The firmware files
download to the PC.
6. In the “Documents and Downloads” table, click the link in the “Upgrade Assistant Software”
column for the E8663B to download the PSG/ESG Upgrade Assistant.
7. In the File Download window, select Run.
8. In the Welcome window, click OK and follow the on- screen instructions.
9. At the desktop shortcut prompt, click Yes.
10. Once the utility downloads, close the browser and double- click the PSG/ESG Upgrade Assistant icon on
the desktop.

4Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide
Signal Generator Overview
Modes of Operation
11. In the Upgrade Assistant, set the connection type you wish to use to download the firmware, and
the parameters for the type of connection selected. For LAN, enter the instrument’s IP address,
which you recorded in step 1.
NOTE If the signal generator’s dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) is enabled, the network
assigns the instrument an IP address at power on. Because of this, when DHCP is enabled
the IP address may be different each time you turn on the instrument. DHCP does not affect
the hostname.
12. Click Browse, and double- click the firmware revision to upgrade your signal generator.
13. In the Upgrade Assistant, click Next.
14. Once connection to the instrument is verified, click Next and follow the on- screen prompts.
NOTE Once the download starts, it cannot be aborted.
NOTE When the User Attention message appears, you must first cycle the instrument’s power, then
click OK.
When the upgrade completes, the Upgrade Assistant displays a summary.
15. Click OK and close the Upgrade Assistant.
Modes of Operation
Depending on the model and installed options, the signal generator provides several modes of
operation: continuous wave (CW), swept signal, and analog modulation.
Continuous Wave
In this mode, the signal generator produces a continuous wave signal. The signal generator is set to
a single frequency and power level.
Swept Signal
In this mode, the signal generator sweeps over a range of frequencies and/or power levels.
Analog Modulation
In this mode, the signal generator modulates a CW signal with an analog signal. The analog
modulation types available are standard pulse, AM, FM, and ΦM. Narrow pulse modulation capability
is available with Option UNW.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide 5
Signal Generator Overview
Front Panel
Front Panel
This section describes each item on the signal generator front panel. Figure 1- 1 shows an E8663B
front panel.
Figure 1-1 Front Panel Diagram
1. Display
The LCD screen provides information on the current function. Information can include status
indicators, frequency and amplitude settings, and error messages. Softkey labels are located on the
right- hand side of the display. For more detail on the front panel display, see “Front Panel Display”
on page 11.
1. Display 9. MENUS 17. Numeric Keypad 25. Return
2. Softkeys 10. Help 18. RF OUTPUT 26. Contrast Decrease
3. Knob 11. EXT 1 INPUT 19. SYNC OUT 27. Contrast Increase
4. Amplitude 12. EXT 2 INPUT 20. VIDEO OUT 28. Local
5. Frequency 13. LF OUTPUT 21. Incr Set 29. Preset
6. Save 14. Mod On/Off 22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT 30. Line Power LED
7. Recall 15. ALC INPUT 23. Arrow Keys 31. LINE
8. Trigger 16. RF On/Off 24. Hold 32. Standby LED

6Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide
Signal Generator Overview
Front Panel
2. Softkeys
Softkeys activate the displayed function to the left of each key.
3. Knob
Use the knob to increase or decrease a numeric value, change a highlighted digit or character, or step
through lists or select items in a row.
4. Amplitude
Pressing this hardkey makes amplitude the active function. You can change the output amplitude or
use the menus to configure amplitude attributes such as power search, user flatness, and leveling
mode.
5. Frequency
Pressing this hardkey makes frequency the active function. You can change the output frequency or
use the menus to configure frequency attributes such as frequency multiplier, offset, and reference.
6. Save
Pressing this hardkey accesses a menu of choices that enable you to save data in the instrument state
register. The instrument state register is a section of memory divided into 10 sequences (numbered 0
through 9), each containing 100 registers (numbered 00 through 99). It is used to store and recall
frequency, amplitude, and modulation settings.
The Save hardkey provides a quick alternative to reconfiguring the signal generator through the front
panel or SCPI commands when switching between different signal configurations. Once an instrument
state has been saved, all of the frequency, amplitude, and modulation settings can be recalled with
the Recall hardkey. For more information on saving and recalling instrument states, refer to “Using the
Instrument State Registers” on page 34.
7. Recall
Restores an instrument state saved in a memory register. To recall an instrument state, press Recall
and enter the desired sequence number and register number. To save a state, use the Save hardkey.
For more information on saving and recalling instrument states, refer to “Using the Instrument State
Registers” on page 34.
8. Trigger
Initiates an immediate trigger event for a function such as a list or step. Before this hardkey can be
used to initiate a trigger event, the trigger mode must be set to Trigger Key. For example: press the
Sweep/List hardkey, then one of the following sequences of softkeys:
•More (1 of 2) > Sweep Trigger > Trigger Key
•More (1 of 2) > Point Trigger > Trigger Key

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide 7
Signal Generator Overview
Front Panel
9. MENUS
These keys open softkey menus for configuring various functions. For descriptions, see the E8663B
Signal Generator Key Reference.
NOTE Some menus are optional. Refer to “Options” on page 3 for more information.
10. Help
Pressing this hardkey accesses a short description of any hardkey or softkey and, in most cases, a
listing of related remote- operation SCPI commands. There are two help modes available on the signal
generator: single and continuous. The single mode is the factory preset condition. Toggle between
single and continuous mode by pressing Utility > Instrument Info/Help Mode > Help Mode Single Cont.
• In single mode, help text is provided for the next key you press without activating the key’s
function. Any key pressed afterward exits the help mode and its function is activated.
• In continuous mode, help text is provided for each subsequent key press until you press the Help
hardkey again or change to single mode. In addition, each key is active, meaning that the key
function is executed (except for the Preset key).
11. EXT 1 INPUT
This female BNC input connector accepts a ±1V
psignal for AM, FM, and ΦM. For these modulations,
±1V
pproduces the indicated deviation or depth. When ac- coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or
ΦM and the peak input voltage differs from 1 Vpby more than 3 percent, the HI/LO display
annunciators light. The input impedance is selectable as either 50 or 600 ohms; the damage levels are
5V
rms and 10 Vp. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this connector is relocated to the rear
panel.
12. EXT 2 INPUT
This female BNC input connector accepts a ±1V
psignal for AM, FM, and ΦM. With AM, FM, or ΦM,
±1V
pproduces the indicated deviation or depth. When ac- coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or
ΦM and the peak input voltage differs from 1 Vpby more than 3 percent, the HI/LO annunciators
light on the display. The input impedance is selectable as either 50 or 600 ohms and damage levels
are 5 Vrms and 10 Vp. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to the rear
panel.
Table 1-1 Hardkeys in Front Panel MENUS Group
E8663B Signal
Generator
AM
Sweep/List
FM/ΦM
Utility
Pulse
LF Out

8Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide
Signal Generator Overview
Front Panel
13. LF OUTPUT
This female BNC output connector outputs modulation signals generated by the low frequency (LF)
source function generator. This output is capable of driving 3Vp(nominal) into a 50- ohm load. On
signal generators with Option 1EM, this output is relocated to the rear panel.
14. Mod On/Off
This hardkey enables or disables all active modulation formats (AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse, or I/Q) applied
to the output carrier signal available through the RF Output connector. This hardkey does not set up
or activate an AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse, or I/Q format; each modulation format must still be set up and
activated (for example, AM > AM On) or nothing is applied to the output carrier signal when the Mod
On/Off hardkey is enabled. The MOD ON/OFF annunciator indicates whether active modulation formats
have been enabled or disabled with the Mod On/Off hardkey.
15. ALC INPUT
This female BNC input connector is used for negative external detector leveling. This connector
accepts an input of −0.2 mV to −0.5 V. The nominal input impedance is 120 kohms and the damage
level is ±15 V. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to the rear panel.
16. RF On/Off
Pressing this hardkey toggles the operating state of the RF signal present at the RF OUTPUT
connector. Although you can set up and enable various frequency, power, and modulation states, the
RF and microwave output signal is not present at the RF OUTPUT until RF On/Off is set to On. The
RF On/Off annunciator is always visible in the display to indicate whether the RF is turned on or off.
17. Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad consists of the 0 through 9 hardkeys, a decimal point hardkey, and a backspace
hardkey ( ). The backspace hardkey enables you to backspace or alternate between a positive
and a negative value. When specifying a negative numeric value, the negative sign must be entered
prior to entering the numeric value.
18. RF OUTPUT
This connector outputs RF and microwave signals. The nominal output impedance is 50 ohms. The
reverse-power damage levels are 0 Vdc, 0.5 watts nominal. On signal generators with Option 1EM,
this output is relocated on the rear panel. The connector type varies according to frequency option.
19. SYNC OUT
This female BNC output connector outputs a synchronizing TTL- compatible pulse signal that is
nominally 50 ns wide during internal and triggered pulse modulation. The nominal source impedance
is 50 ohms. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this output is relocated to the rear panel.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide 9
Signal Generator Overview
Front Panel
20. VIDEO OUT
This female BNC output connector outputs a TTL- level compatible pulse signal that follows the
output envelope in all pulse modes. The nominal source impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators
with Option 1EM, this output is relocated to the rear panel.
21. Incr Set
This hardkey enables you to set the increment value of the current active function. The increment
value of the current active function appears in the active entry area of the display. Use the numeric
keypad, arrow hardkeys, or the knob to adjust the increment value.
22. GATE/ PULSE/ TRIGGER INPUT
This female BNC input connector accepts an externally supplied pulse signal for use as a pulse or
trigger input. With pulse modulation, +1 V is on and 0 V is off (trigger threshold of 0.5 V with a
hysteresis of 10 percent; so 0.6 V would be on and 0.4 V would be off). The damage levels are
±5V
rms and 10 Vp. The nominal input impedance is 50 ohms. On signal generators with Option 1EM,
this input is relocated to the rear panel.
23. Arrow Keys
These up and down arrow hardkeys are used to increase or decrease a numeric value, step through
displayed lists, or to select items in a row of a displayed list. Individual digits or characters may be
highlighted using the left and right arrow hardkeys. Once an individual digit or character is
highlighted, its value can be changed using the up and down arrow hardkeys.
24. Hold
Pressing this hardkey blanks the softkey label area and text areas on the display. Softkeys, arrow
hardkeys, the knob, the numeric keypad, and the Incr Set hardkey have no effect once this hardkey is
pressed.
25. Return
Pressing this hardkey returns you to the softkey menu you were at previously. It enables you to step
back through the menus until you reach the first menu you selected.
26. Contrast Decrease
Pressing this hardkey causes the display background to darken.
27. Contrast Increase
Pressing this hardkey causes the display background to lighten.
28. Local
Pressing this hardkey deactivates remote operation and returns the signal generator to front- panel
control.

10 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator User’s Guide
Signal Generator Overview
Front Panel
29. Preset
Pressing this hardkey sets the signal generator to a known state (factory or user- defined).
30. Line Power LED
This green LED indicates when the signal generator power switch is set to the on position.
31. LINE
In the on position, this switch activates full power to the signal generator; in standby, it deactivates
all signal generator functions. In standby, the signal generator remains connected to the line power
and power is supplied to some internal circuits.
32. Standby LED
This yellow LED indicates when the signal generator power switch is set to the standby condition.