Agilent Technologies E8663B User manual

Installation 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- 90002
Printed in USA
February 2008
© Copyright 2006- 2008 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
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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 Installaiton Guide iii
1. Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Instrument Markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Checking the Shipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Line Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Connecting the AC Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Configuring the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Contrast and Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Inverse Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Screen Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Updating the Display During Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Configuring for Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
GPIB Interface Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
LAN Interface Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
RS-232 Interface Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Ordering Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Front Handles and Rack Mount Flanges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Proper Usage and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Cleaning Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3. Operation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Performing a Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Self-Test Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Checking the Maximum Leveled Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Maximum Leveled Power Check Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Checking the Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Problems with Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4. Regulatory Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Contents
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installaiton Guideiv
Statement of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Compliance with German Noise Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Compliance with Canadian EMC Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide v
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

vi Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 1
1Safety Information
Instrument Markings
The following markings are used on the signal generator. Familiarize yourself with each marking and
its meaning before operating the signal generator.
The instruction manual symbol. The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the
user to refer to the instructions in the manual.
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. If this symbol is accompanied by a
year, it is the year when the design was proven.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association.
The C- Tick Mark is a trademark registered to the Australian Spectrum Management Agency. This
indicates compliance with all Australian EMC regulatory information.
This symbol is used to mark the on position of the power line switch.
This symbol is used to mark the standby position of the power line switch.
This symbol indicates that the input power required is ac.
This is a symbol of an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class A product. (CISPER 11, Clause 4)

2 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Safety Information
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The following safety notations are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each
notation and its meaning before operating the signal generator.
WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a condition or situation that could
result in personal injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning until the
indicated conditions or situations are fully understood.
CAUTION Caution calls attention to a possible condition or situation that could result in the loss
of a user’s work, damage, or destruction of the signal generator. Do not proceed beyond
a caution until the indicated conditions are fully understood.
NOTE Note calls the user’s attention to an important point, or special information, within the text.
It provides operational information or additional instructions of which the user should be
aware.
General Safety Considerations
WARNING Personal injury may result if the signal generator covers are removed. There are no
operator serviceable parts inside. To avoid electrical shock, refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirements. The affixed label
indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE Directive Annex 1, this product
is classed as a “Monitoring and Control instrumentation” product.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or see
http://www.agilent.com/environment/product/ for more information.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 3
2Getting Started
Checking the Shipment
1. Inspect the shipping container for damage.
Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that
shows signs of unusual stress or compacting.
2. Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container and verify that your order is complete.
The following items are shipped standard with each signal generator:
• installation guide
• documentation CD- ROM
CD- ROM contents are also available in hard copy format. Refer to
“Documentation” on page 9 for more information.
• three- prong ac power cord specific to geographic location
3. Verify that any options ordered are included with the shipment by checking the packing literature
included with the shipment.
NOTE The serial number label on the signal generator only lists the hardware/firmware options.
The packing literature verifies all items shipped.
Front handles and rack mounting hardware are also available for your signal generator. Refer to
“Front Handles and Rack Mount Flanges” on page 8 for more information.
4. The following adapters are shipped with the E8663B.
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements
Environment
The signal generator is designed for use in the following environmental conditions:
•indooruse
• <15,000 feet (4,572 meters) altitude
Table 2-1 Adapters Shipped with E8663B
Description Quantity Part Number
Connector Assembly 3.5mm F- F 1 5065–5311
Adapter 3.5mm Type N (male 1 1250–1744

4 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Getting Started
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements
•0to55°C temperature, unless otherwise specified
• 80% relative humidity (maximum) for temperatures up to 31° C, decreasing linearly to 50% relative
humidity
at 40°C
CAUTION This product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and POLLUTION
DEGREE 2, per IEC 61010 and 664, respectively.
Ventilation
Ventilation holes are located on the left side of the signal generator cover and the rear of the signal
generator chassis. Do not allow these holes to be obstructed, as they allow air flow through the signal
generator.
When installing the signal generator in a cabinet, the convection into and out of the signal generator
must not be restricted. The ambient temperature outside the cabinet must be less than the maximum
operating temperature of the signal generator by 4° C for every 100 watts dissipated within the
cabinet.
CAUTION Damage to the signal generator may result when the total power dissipated in the
cabinet is greater than 800 watts. When this condition exists, forced convection must be
applied.
Line Settings
The signal generator has an autoranging line voltage input. The available ac power source must meet
the following conditions:
Volt age: 100/115 volts nominal (90- 132 volts)
230/240 volts nominal (198- 254 volts)
Frequency: for 100/115 volts: 50/60/400 Hz nominal
for 230/240 volts: 50/60 Hz nominal
Power: 300 watts maximum
CAUTION Damage to the signal generator may result if the supply voltage is not within the
specified range.
Connecting the AC Power Cord
This is a Safety Class 1 Product provided with a protective earth ground incorporated into the power
cord. The front panel switch is only a standby switch; it is not a line switch. The AC power cord is
the disconnecting device that disconnects the signal generator mains circuits from the mains supply.
Alternatively, an external switch or circuit breaker, readily identifiable and easily reached by the
operator, may also be used as a disconnecting device.
Disconnecting power to an instrument with a high stability timebase may require a longer warm- up
period before it meets specifications. Perform the following steps when connecting the ac power cord:

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 5
Getting Started
Configuring the Display
WARNING Personal injury may occur if there is any interruption of the protective conductor
inside or outside of the signal generator. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
CAUTION Damage to the signal generator may result without adequate earth grounding. Always
use the three- prong AC power cord supplied with the signal generator.
1. Ensure that the power cord is not damaged.
2. Install the signal generator so that one of the following items is readily identifiable and easily
reached by the operator: AC power cord, alternative switch, or circuit breaker.
3. Insert the mains plug into a socket outlet provided with a protective earth grounding.
Configuring the Display
You can adjust the LCD display using features such as contrast, brightness, screen saver mode, and
the screen saver delay. You can also toggle features such as inverse video, display updating in remote
mode, and the screen saver on or off.
Contrast and Brightness
Press to decrease the display contrast.
Pressing the decrease contrast hardkey and holding it down causes the display background to
gradually darken in comparison to the text on the display. The minimum contrast setting is not a
completely black display. Some contrast between the background and the text will still be visible.
Press to increase the display contrast.
Pressing the increase contrast hardkey and holding it down causes the display background to
gradually brighten in comparison to the text on the display. If the background does not appear to
change, it is probably set to the maximum contrast.
Press Utility > Display > Brightness.
This allows you to change the display’s brightness.
Brightness can be adjusted using the arrow keys, numeric keypad, or front panel knob. The brightness
value is set to 50 (maximum brightness) at the factory. The minimum brightness value is 1.
Inverse Video
Press Utility > Display > Inverse Video Off On.
This toggles between inverse video mode and normal display mode.
The normal display mode for the signal generator is dark text on a light background. Inverse video
mode is light text on a dark background. Inverse video is a persistent state; it is not affected by a
signal generator preset or power cycle.

6 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Getting Started
Configuring for Remote Control
Screen Saver
Press Utility > Display > Screen Saver Off On.
This toggles the operating mode of the screen saver.
You can increase the life expectancy of the signal generator’s display light by activating the screen
saver. Leaving the display lit for long periods of time or turning the display on and off frequently
decreases the life of the bulb. With the screen saver on, the display light is turned off after a defined
period of time with no input to the front panel. The display light turns on again when any front
panel key is pressed or when a remote command is sent. The screen saver is set to off at the factory.
Press Utility > Display > Screen Saver Mode.
This toggles the screen saver mode between light- only mode and light- and- text mode.
Adjust the screen saver mode to turn the light on, off, or to turn both the light and text on and off.
Setting the mode to light- only mode turns the display light off, leaving the text visible at a low
intensity. If the display remains unchanged for long periods of time, set the mode to light and text to
prevent the text from burning the display. This mode turns the display light and the text off.
Press Utility > Display > Screen Saver Delay.
This adjusts the amount of elapsed time before the screen saver is activated.
The screen saver delay is set to 1 hour at the factory. The current screen saver delay is displayed in
the softkey label and also in the active entry area. To change the delay, enter a new value using the
numeric keypad and then press Enter, or rotate the front panel knob. The acceptable range of delay
values is 1 through 12 hours in 1 hour increments.
The screen saver settings are persistent states; they are not affected by a signal generator preset or
power cycle.
Updating the Display During Remote Operation
Press Utility > Display > Update in Remote Off On.
This toggles the display-update-in-remote mode on or off.
When toggled on, commands executed via the remote control bus will update the signal generator
display accordingly. When toggled off, commands executed via the remote control bus will not update
the signal generator’s display. Update- in- remote mode is set to off at the factory.
Configuring for Remote Control
GPIB Interface Configuration
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > GPIB Address.
2. Use the numeric keypad to set the desired address and press Enter.
The arrow keys or the front panel knob can be used to set the desired address.
The signal generator’s GPIB address is set to 19 at the factory. The acceptable range of addresses is
0 through 30. The GPIB address is a persistent state; it is not affected by a signal generator preset
or by a power cycle.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 7
Getting Started
Configuring for Remote Control
LAN Interface Configuration
Use one of the following procedures to assign a hostname and IP address to the signal generator. The
hostname and IP address are persistent states; they are not affected by an instrument preset or a
power cycle.
NOTE Verify that the signal generator is connected to the LAN using a 10BASE- T LAN cable.
Manual Configuration
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > LAN Setup.
2. Press Hostname.
NOTE Hostname field will only be available when the DHCP is off (Manual mode).
3. Use the labeled text softkeys and/or numeric keypad to enter the desired hostname.
To erase the current hostname, press Editing Keys > Clear Text.
4. Press Enter.
5. Set LAN Config Manual DHCP to Manual.
6. Press IP Address and enter a desired address.
Use the left and right arrow keys to move the cursor. Use the up and down arrow keys, front
panel knob, or numeric keypad to enter an IP address. To erase the current IP address, press the
Clear Text softkey.
NOTE To remotely access the signal generator from a different LAN subnet, you must also enter the
subnet mask and default gateway. See your system administrator to obtain the appropriate
values.
7. Press the Proceed With Reconfiguration softkey and then the Confirm Change (Instrument will Reboot) softkey.
This action assigns a hostname and IP address (as well as a gateway and subnet mask, if these
have been configured) to the signal generator. The hostname, IP address, gateway and subnet
mask are not affected by an instrument preset or by a power cycle.
DHCP Configuration
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > LAN Setup.
NOTE If the DHCP server uses dynamic DNS to link the hostname with the assigned IP address,
the hostname may be used in place of the IP address. Otherwise, the hostname is not usable
and you may skip steps 2 through 4.
2. Press Hostname.
NOTE Hostname field will only be available when the DHCP is off (Manual mode).

8 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Getting Started
Ordering Accessories
3. Use the labeled text softkeys and/or numeric keypad to enter the desired hostname.
To erase the current hostname, press Editing Keys > Clear Text.
4. Press Enter.
5. Set LAN Config Manual DHCP to DHCP.
6. Press the Proceed With Reconfiguration softkey and then the Confirm Change (Instrument will Reboot) softkey.
This action configures the signal generator as a DHCP client. In DHCP mode, the signal generator
will request a new IP address from the DHCP server upon rebooting. You can return to the LAN
Setup menu after rebooting to determine the assigned IP address.
RS-232 Interface Configuration
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > RS-232 Setup.
2. Press RS-232 Baud Rate.
3. Press the desired baud rate softkey.
4. Press RS-232 Echo Off On.
This toggles the state of the SCPI echoing on the RS- 232 connection. Set as desired.
5. Press Reset RS-232.
This deletes the data from the RS- 232 buffer, discarding any unprocessed SCPI input received
over RS- 232.
These RS- 232 parameters are persistent states; these states are not affected by an instrument preset
or power cycle.
Ordering Accessories
The following accessories can be ordered when a signal generator is purchased, or at any time
afterward. To order accessories, refer to “Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices” on page 10.
Front Handles and Rack Mount Flanges
Handles can be purchased and attached to the front of the signal generator. These handles can also
be purchased with a rack mount kit to facilitate rack installation. Hardware can be ordered as a kit
to support either preference. Table 2- 2 lists the part numbers for these kits.
Table 2-2 Front Handle and Rack Mount Flange Kits
Description Part Number
Rack Mount Kit without Handles (Option 1CM) 5063- 9215
Front Handle Kit (Option 1CN) 5063- 9228
Rack Mount Kit with Handles (Option 1CP) 5063- 9222

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 9
Getting Started
Ordering Accessories
Documentation
Table 2- 3 lists the part numbers and descriptions for documentation available in hardcopy and
CD- ROM format.
Table 2-3 Available Documentation
Document Type Description Part Number
Documentation Set
(Option ABA) •set includes all items listed in this table, with the exception of the
Installation Guide, the Service Guide, and the documentation CD- ROM
E8663- 90001
Documentation CD- ROM
(Option CD1) •PDF files of the E8663B documentation set, including the Installation
Guide and the Service Guide
•programming examples
•error messages
E8663- 90010
Installation Guide •installation instructions and requirements
•operation verification procedure
•safety and regulatory information
E8663- 90002
Data Sheet •available options
•warranted specifications and typical performance
5989- 4866EN
User’s Guide •description of features and functions
•signal generator operation tutorials
•optimization procedures
•concept information
•basic troubleshooting
E8663- 90003
Key Reference •softkey and hardkey descriptions E8663- 90004
Programming Guide •remote operation procedures
•programming examples
•downloading and using files
E8663- 90005
SCPI Command Reference •SCPI command descriptions
•command compatibility tables
E8663- 90006
Service Guide
(Option OBW) •troubleshooting procedures
•assembly replacement procedures
•parts information
E8663- 90009

10 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Getting Started
Proper Usage and Cleaning
Proper Usage and Cleaning
The signal generator cover protects against physical contact with internal assemblies that contain
hazardous voltages, but does not protect against the entrance of water. To avoid damage and personal
injury, ensure that liquid substances are positioned away from your signal generator.
WARNING Personal injury may result if the signal generator is not used as specified.
Unspecified use impairs the protection provided by the equipment. The signal
generator must be used with all means for protection intact.
Cleaning Suggestions
To ensure good connections, the connectors on the front and rear panels of the signal generator need
to be cleaned regularly.
To prevent dust build- up that could potentially obstruct ventilation, clean the signal generator cover
periodically. Use a dry cloth, or one slightly dampened with water, to clean the external case parts.
WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator
from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to
clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.
Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices
Assistance with test and measurements needs and information on finding a local Agilent office are
available on the Internet at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
You can also purchase E8663B accessories or documentation items on the Internet at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/e8663b
If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact your field engineer.
NOTE In any correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the signal generator by its model
number and full serial number. With this information, the Agilent representative can
determine whether your unit is still within its warranty period.
Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies
To return your signal generator to Agilent Technologies for servicing, follow these steps:
1. Gather as much information as possible regarding the signal generator’s problem.
2. Call the phone number listed on the Internet (http://www.agilent.com/find/assist) that is specific
to your geographic location. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact your Agilent field
engineer.
After sharing information regarding the signal generator and its condition, you will receive
information regarding where to ship your signal generator for repair.
3. Ship the signal generator in the original factory packaging materials, if available, or use similar
packaging to properly protect the signal generator.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 11
3Operation Verification
Operation verification is a series of tests that, when completed, will either ensure that the signal
generator is operating correctly, or will assist in pointing to the problem area. Operation verification
does not ensure performance to specifications, but should provide a level of confidence that the
signal generator is operating correctly within a minimum amount of time.
Operation verification is appropriate for incoming inspection after repair (when a full calibrated
performance is not required), or whenever the integrity of the signal generator is in question.
Individual tests may be performed in any order, however, the order of the list below is recommended.
Perform the following tests for operation verification:
1. “Performing a Self- Test” on page 11
2. “Checking the Maximum Leveled Power” on page 12
3. “Checking the Output Power” on page 13
NOTE Throughout this section, all references to pressing the Preset hardkey assume that the preset
state is set to normal (factory- defined preset state).
To ensure that the preset state is set to normal, press Utility > Power On/Preset > Preset Normal User
until Normal is highlighted.
Performing a Self-Test
The self- test is a series of internal tests that checks different signal generator functions. If this test
fails, refer to “Self- Test Failure” on page 12 for further instructions.
Perform the following procedure to run a self- test:
1. Disconnect all external cables, including GPIB, LAN, and RS- 232 cables.
2. Press Preset > Utility > Instrument Info/Help Mode > Self Test.
The following message should appear:
•The current status of the self-test is: Incomplete. Not all tests have been run.
3. Press Run Complete Self Test.
While the self- test is running, an activity bar is displayed on the screen indicating the test
progress.
If Abort is pressed while the self- test are running, the following message will be displayed:
•The current status of the self-test is: Incomplete. Not all tests have been run.
When the self- test is complete, one of the following messages will be displayed:
•The current status of the self-test is: Passed

12 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Operation Verification
Checking the Maximum Leveled Power
•The current status of the self-test is: Failure. One or more tests have failed.
System diagnostics indicate this test as the root failure: xxx
The number of tests that passed and failed are displayed in the lower left- hand corner of the display.
If the signal generator fails only one test, the display shows the title of the failed test. If the signal
generator fails more than one test, the test number of the most significant failure is shown.
Self-Test Failure
If a self- test failure occurs, perform the following procedure:
1. Make sure all external cables, including GPIB, LAN, and RS- 232 cables, are disconnected from the
signal generator and perform the self- test again.
2. If the self- test continues to fail, send the signal generator to an Agilent service center for repair,
with a detailed description of the failed test(s) and any other error messages that appeared on
the display.
See “Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies” on page 10 for return instructions.
Checking the Maximum Leveled Power
Perform the following procedure to check the maximum leveled power.
1. Press Preset.
2. Attach a 50Ωload to the RF OUTPUT. A power sensor, attenuator, or 50Ωtermination is an
example of a 50Ωload.
3. Press RF On/Off. The RF On annunciator is now displayed.
4. Press Mod On/Off. The Mod Off annunciator is now displayed.
5. Press Amplitude and enter a value from Table 3- 1 that is applicable to your instrument model and
option configuration.
NOTE Some typical option configurations and their maximum output power limits are shown in
Table 3- 1. For the complete matrix of options or for the latest changes to specifications,
refer to the E8663B data sheet either on the web at http:\\www.agilent.com\find\e8663b or
on the documentation CD that was shipped with your instrument.
6. Press Sweep /List > Configure Step Sweep.
7. Press Freq Start and enter the start frequency value listed in Table 3- 1 that corresponds to the
amplitude value entered in step 5.
8. Press Freq Stop and enter the corresponding stop frequency listed in Table 3- 1.
9. Press # Points and enter the number of corresponding points listed in Table 3- 1.
10. Press Return > Sweep > Freq. The SWEEP annunciator is now on and a continuous sweep will begin.
During the sweep, the progress bar becomes active on the display, indicating the status of the
current sweep.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide 13
Operation Verification
Checking the Output Power
11. Watch the display and ensure that the Unlevel annunciator does not appear at any time during
a full sweep.
The Unlevel annunciator may turn on and off, or remain on; both conditions indicate a failure.
If this occurs, refer to “Maximum Leveled Power Check Failure” on page 13 for further
instructions.
12. Press Sweep > Off.
13. Repeat steps 5 through 12 for each frequency range specific to your instrument model number
and options.
Maximum Leveled Power Check Failure
If a maximum leveled power check fails, perform the following procedure:
1. Verify the limits for that particular option using the data sheet.
2. If the Unlocked annunciator is displayed, refer to the Troubleshooting chapter of the E8663B
Analog Signal Generator Service Guide.
3. Ensure that the RF OUTPUT connector is connected to a 50Ωload.
4. Ensure that the power level entered corresponds to the value listed in Table 3- 1.
5. Refer to Table 3- 2 for the recommended equipment and measure the output power.
If the measured power level is more than the power level listed in Table 3- 1, turn the front panel
knob counterclockwise until the measured power level equals the power level in Table 3- 1.
6. Note the signal generator front- panel amplitude value and use it to repeat the maximum leveled
power check.
If you have followed the above steps and the check continues to fail, contact the nearest Agilent
Technologies call center for assistance. Refer to “Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices” on
page 10 for contact information.
Checking the Output Power
This test verifies the CW output power from the signal generator. If this test fails, refer to “Problems
with Output Power” on page 16 for further instructions.
Table 3- 2 shows the recommended equipment for use with the E8663B analog signal generator when
performing this test.
Table 3-1 Frequency and Power Level Limits
Amplitude Frequency # Points
E8663B Start Stop
Option 503 15 dBm 250 kHz 3.2 GHz 50
Option 509 18 dBm 3.21 GHz 9 GHz 100

14 Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Installation Guide
Operation Verification
Checking the Output Power
Perform the following procedure to check the signal generator output power:
1. Zero and calibrate the power sensor to the power meter as shown:
Table 3-2 Recommended Equipment for the E8663B
Test Equipment Recommended Agilent
Test Equipment
Power Meter Agilent E4418B E- Series power meter
or Agilent E4419A/B E- Series power meter
Power Sensor,
Input: Type- N
(m)
Agilent E9304A E- Series power sensor
or Agilent 8482A power sensor
Power Sensor,
Input: APC 3.5
(m)
Agilent E4413A E- Series power sensor
Power Sensor,
Input: 2.4 mm
(m)
Agilent 8487A Option H84 power sensor (Option H84 adds a
Standards Lab Calibration)
Adapter,
3.5 (f) to (f)
Agilent 1250- 1749 APC 3.5 (f) to (f) adapter
Adapter,
3.5 (f) to
Type- N (m)
Agilent 1250- 1744 APC 3.5 (f) to Type- N (m) adapter