Agilent Technologies E8663B User manual

Service 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.
Part Number: E8663-90009
Printed in USA
June 2008
© Copyright 2006-2008 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

ii
Notice
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 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
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Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
1. Troubleshooting
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 1
Handling of Electronic Components and ESD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 1
Getting Started with Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 2
Running Self–Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 2
A18 CPU Turn–On Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 3
Failure Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 3
A2 Display Not Functioning or A2 Display Not Functioning After Turn–on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 3
A18 CPU Fails to Complete the Turn–On Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 3
Checking the A18 CPU Voltages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 4
Verifying the A18 CPU Turn–On Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 4
No Instrument Control From the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 4
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 4
Self–Test Failures and Related Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 5
Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 7
Front- Panel Display Assembly Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 7
Power Supply Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 11
Self–Tests 2xx: A5 Sampler Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 18
Self–Tests 6xx: A9 YIG Driver Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 20
Self–Tests 7xx: A6 Frac–N Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 22
Self–Tests 9xx: A10 ALC Self–Test Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 25
Self–Tests 10xx: A7 Reference Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 27
Self–Tests 11xx: A18 CPU Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 28
Self–Tests 12xx: A26 MID Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 29
Self–Tests 13xx: A11 Analog/Pulse Modulation Generator Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 32
Self–Tests 22xx: A8 Output Self–Test Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 34
Troubleshooting Unlocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 35
508 A6 Frac–N Loop Unlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 35
512 A7 Reference Unlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 35
513 1 GHz Out of Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 35
514 Reference Oven Cold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 35
515 10 MHz Signal Bad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 36
520 Sampler Unlocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 36
521 YO Loop Unlocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 36
625 Internal Pulse Generator Unlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 36
626 Internal Mod Source Unlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 36
Troubleshooting Unlevels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 37
Troubleshoot and correct any unlock problems before troubleshooting unleveled problems. . . . 1- 37
Troubleshooting Adjustment Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 40
Troubleshooting ADC Adjustment Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 41
Troubleshooting Performance Test Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 42
Troubleshooting the RF Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 43
Troubleshooting RF Power Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 43
ALC and RF problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 43
Troubleshooting Pulse Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 44
Troubleshooting AT1 Attenuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 45

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Troubleshooting Harmonic Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 46
Option 509 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 46
Troubleshooting Non–Harmonic Spurious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 47
Troubleshooting Phase Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 48
Overall Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-48
A18 CPU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 48
A19 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 48
Input/Output Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 49
Frequency Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 50
Overall Analog Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 53
Reference/Synthesis Loop Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 55
A5 Sampler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 55
A6 Frac–N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 56
A7 Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 56
A9 YIG Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 56
A28 YIG Oscillator (YO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 56
A29 20 GHz Doubler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 57
Reference/Synthesis Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 59
RF Path Description (Frequency Generation, Level Control, and Modulation). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 61
A6 Frac–N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 61
A8 Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 61
A12 <3.2 GHz Fast Pulse Modulator (Option UNW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 61
A23 Lowband Coupler/Detector, A24 Highband Coupler, and A25 High Band Detector. . . . . . .1- 62
A29 20 GHz Doubler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 62
A30 Modulation Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 62
ALC Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 62
Modulation (AM, FM, ΦM, Standard Pulse, Option UNW–Fast Pulse) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 63
Approximate Device Gains and Losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 64
Analog RF Path Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 65
Self- Test Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 67
How self- test works: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 67
Independent failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 67
Contacting Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 68
Agilent Sales and Service Offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 70
Packaging a Signal Generator for Return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 70
2. Replaceable Parts
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 1
Order Parts Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 1
Save Money with Rebuilt- Exchange Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 1
Shipping a Defective Assembly Back to Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 2
Frequency, Hardware, and Personality Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 3
Assemblies and Hardware Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 4
Assemblies from the Inside Front Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 5
Assemblies from a Top View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 6
Assemblies from the Inside Rear Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 7

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Assemblies from a Microcircuit Deck View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 8
Assemblies from a Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 9
A18BT1 Lithium Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 10
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Front Panel View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 15
Disassembled Front Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 16
Disassembled Rear Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 18
Disassembled A32 10 MHz Crystal Oscillator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 20
Disassembled AT1 115dB Attenuator View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 21
Disassembled A24 20GHz Highband Coupler and A25B Highband Detector Bias Board . . . . . . 3- 22
Microcircuit Interface Deck Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 23
Main Chassis and MID Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 24
Type- N RF Output Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 26
Main Chassis with Inside Cover and Right- Side Support Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 27
Outer and Inner Instrument Covers and Associated Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 28
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 29
Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 29
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protective Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 30
Abbreviations Used in Part Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 30
3. Assembly Replacement
Before You Replace an Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 1
After Replacing or Repairing an Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 1
Assemblies That You Can Replace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 1
Outer Instrument Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 3
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 3
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 3
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 3
Inner Instrument Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 5
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 5
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 5
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 5
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 6
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 6
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 7
A1 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 8
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 8
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 8
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 8
A2 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 10
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 10
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 10
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 10

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A2DS1 Display Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 12
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 12
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 12
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 12
A3 Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 14
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 14
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 14
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 14
A4 Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 16
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 16
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 16
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 16
A5 Sampler, A6 Frac- N, A7 Reference, and A8 Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 17
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 17
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 17
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 17
A9 YIG Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 18
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 18
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 18
A10 ALC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 19
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 19
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 19
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 19
A11 Pulse/Analog Modulation Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 20
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 20
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 20
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 20
A12 Pulse Modulator Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 22
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 22
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 22
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 22
A18 CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 24
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 24
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 24
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 24
A18BT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 26
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 26
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 26
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 26
A19 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 28
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 28
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 28
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 28
A21 Rear- Panel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 30
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 30
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 30
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 30

Contents
vii
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
A22 Line Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 32
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 32
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 32
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 32
A23 Lowband Coupler/Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 34
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 34
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 34
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 34
A24 20 GHz Highband Coupler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 36
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 36
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 36
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 36
A25 20 GHz Highband Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 38
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 38
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 38
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 38
A25B Highband Detector Bias Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 40
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 40
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 40
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 40
A26 MID (Microcircuit Interface Deck) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 42
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 42
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 42
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 42
A28 YIG Oscillator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 44
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 44
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 44
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 44
A29 20 GHz Doubler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 46
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 46
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 46
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 46
A30 Modulation Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 48
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 48
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 48
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 48
A31 Motherboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 50
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 50
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 50
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 50
A32 10 MHz Crystal Oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 52
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 52
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 52
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 52
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 54
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 54
Removal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 54

viii
Contents
Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 54
AT1 115 dB Attenuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 56
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 56
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 56
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 56
B1 Fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 58
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 58
Removal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 58
Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2- 58
4. Post-Repair Procedures
Post- Repair Procedures Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 1
5. Safety and Regulatory
General Safety Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 1
Lithium Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 2
Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 2
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 2

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service 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
•UsingIOInterfaces
• Programming Examples
• Programming the Status Register System
• Creating and Downloading Waveform Files
• Creating and Downloading User- Data Files
SCPI Reference • Using this Guide
•SystemCommands
• Basic Function Commands
•AnalogCommands
• SCPI Command Compatibility
Service Guide • Troubleshooting
•ReplaceableParts
• Assembly Replacement
• Post- Repair Procedures
• Safety and Regulatory Information
Key Help • Key function description

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
-x

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide 1-1
1Troubleshooting
•“Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Information” on page 1- 1
•“Getting Started with Troubleshooting” on page 1- 2
•“A18 CPU Turn–On Test” on page 1- 3
•“Self–Test Failures and Related Troubleshooting” on page 1- 5
•“Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems” on page 1- 7
•“Troubleshooting Unlocks” on page 1- 35
•“Troubleshooting Unlevels” on page 1- 37
•“Troubleshooting Adjustment Problems” on page 1- 40
•“Troubleshooting ADC Adjustment Failures” on page 1- 41
•“Troubleshooting Performance Test Problems” on page 1- 42
•“Troubleshooting the RF Path” on page 1- 43
•“Troubleshooting Harmonic Spurious” on page 1- 46
•“Troubleshooting Non–Harmonic Spurious” on page 47
•“Troubleshooting Phase Noise” on page 1- 48
•“Overall Description” on page 1- 48
•“Reference/Synthesis Loop Description” on page 1- 55
•“RF Path Description (Frequency Generation, Level Control, and Modulation)” on page 1- 61
•“Self- Test Overview” on page 1- 67
•“Contacting Agilent Technologies” on page 1- 68
WARNING Troubleshooting instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electrical shock, do not
perform any troubleshooting unless qualified.
The opening of covers or removal of parts is likely to expose dangerous voltages. Disconnect the
signal generator from all voltage sources before it is opened.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Information
WARNING The following techniques related to ESD and static–safe workstations should not be used when
working on circuitry with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts.
ESD can damage or destroy electronic components. All work on electronic assemblies should be performed at a
static–safe workstation using two types of static–safe workstation protection:
• conductive table–mat and wrist–strap combination
• conductive floor–mat and heel–strap combination
Both types, when used together, provide a significant level of ESD protection. Of the two, only the table–mat and
wrist–strap combination provides adequate ESD protection when used alone. To ensure user safety, the static–safe
accessories must provide at least 1 MΩof isolation from ground.
Handling of Electronic Components and ESD
CAUTION Many of the assemblies in this instrument are very susceptible to damage from ESD. Perform
troubleshooting procedures only at a static–safe workstation, and wear a grounding strap.
Always handle a printed circuit board assembly by its edges. This reduces the possibility of ESD damage
to components, and prevents contamination of exposed plating.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Getting Started with Troubleshooting
1-2
The possibility of unseen damage caused by ESD is present whenever components are transported, stored, or used.
The risk of ESD damage can be greatly reduced by close attention to how all components are handled.
• Perform work on all components at a static–safe workstation.
• Keep static–generating materials at least one meter away from all components.
• Store or transport components is static–shielding containers.
Getting Started with Troubleshooting
Referring to Table 1- 1:
• determine where to begin troubleshooting
• work on problems in the order they are presented in the table
• use the descriptions provided in this chapter that explain how the signal generator operates, and the function of
each assembly: the overall description (page 1- 48), the synthesis loop (page 1- 55), the RF path (page 1- 61), and
self–test (page 1- 67).
Running Self–Test
NOTE A bad assembly can cause other assemblies to fail self- test. The internal failure tree will identify the most
likely failed assembly and report it as the “most independent failure.” Troubleshoot and replace that assembly
before troubleshooting and replacing other assemblies.
When you replace an assembly a good assembly will pass self- test without any adjustments.
1. On the instrument front panel, press the Utility hardkey.
2. Select the following softkeys:
a. Instrument Info/Help Mode
b. Self Test
c. Run Complete Self Test
3. When the Self- Test finishes, one of the following messages displays:
• If the Self Test passed: “The current status of self test is: Success All self tests have passed.”
• If the Self- Test failed: “The current status of self test is: Failed.” The message also reports the most
independent failure.
Table 1-1
If able to run self- test... Go to this section...
Run Self- Test “Running Self–Test” on page 1- 2 and refer to
“Self–Test Failures and Related Troubleshooting” on page 1- 5.
If unable to run self- test, check... Go to this section...
Power supply failures
A18 CPU turn- on failures
Front panel display or keyboard operations
“Power Supply Troubleshooting” on page 1- 11
“A18 CPU Turn–On Test” on page 1- 3
“Front- Panel Display Assembly Troubleshooting” on page 1- 7
If other conditions occur... Go to this section...
Unlocked Conditions
Unleveled Conditions
Adjustment Problems
Performance Test Problems
“Troubleshooting Unlocks” on page 1- 35
“Troubleshooting Unlevels” on page 1- 37
“Troubleshooting Adjustment Problems” on page 1- 40
“Troubleshooting Performance Test Problems” on page 1- 42

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
A18 CPU Turn–On Test
1-3
4. If the Self- Test failed, look up the reported most independent failure in the “Self–Test Failures and Related
Troubleshooting” section on page 1- 5.
5. Troubleshoot and repair the most independent failure.
6. After you replace the failed assembly, run the Self- Test again.
7. If another assembly is reported as the most independent failure, repeat steps 4 through 6 until the Self- Test
passes.
A18 CPU Turn–On Test
At turn–on, the A18 CPU is designed to complete a series of operational checks. If all power supply voltages are
present and the A18 CPU is working correctly, the operational checks are completed. Errors are reported if the
A18 CPU has problems identifying other assemblies or communicating with the backup memory located on the
A31 Motherboard.
Failure Symptoms
• display is not functioning
• CPU fails to complete the turn–on check and does not reach normal LCD operation
• display is not functioning after turn–on
• unable to control signal generator from front panel
• error message is displayed after turn–on
A2 Display Not Functioning or A2 Display Not Functioning After Turn–on
Refer to “Front- Panel Display Assembly Troubleshooting” on page 1- 7.
A18 CPU Fails to Complete the Turn–On Check
1. Turn power off and remove outer and inner covers.
2. Turn on power and verify A18 CPU LED DS9 (+3.4 Vdc) and DS10 (+5.2 Vdc) are on. If either of the LEDs are off,
check the voltages in Table 1- 2. Refer to the illustration in “Self–Tests 11xx: A18 CPU Self–Test Errors” on
page 1- 28 for LED locations.
3. If the voltages are present on connector P222, turn power off and remove the A18 CPU.
4. Inspect the pins on the A31 Motherboard connector. If the pins look good replace the A18 CPU.
5. If either of the voltages are missing, refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on page 1- 11.
6. If DS9 and DS10 are on, proceed to “Checking the A18 CPU Voltages” on page 1- 4.
Table 1-2
Connector P222
(A31 Motherboard)
Supply Voltage Acceptable Range
Pin 45- 48, 95- 98 +3.4 Vdc +3.4 ± 0.07 Vdc
Pin 49, 50, 99, 100 +5.2 Vdc +5.2 ± 0.1 Vdc

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
A18 CPU Turn–On Test
1-4
Checking the A18 CPU Voltages
1. With the external and internal covers removed and the signal generator on its side, turn power on and check to
see if all the power supply LEDs on the A31 Motherboard are on. If any of the power supply LEDs are not on,
refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on page 1- 11 to troubleshoot.
2. If all the power supply LEDs on the motherboard are on, check the A18 CPU and A31 Motherboard connector pins
for the voltages listed in the following table.
3. If any main power supply voltage problems are detected, refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on page 1- 11.
4. If all power supply voltages are good, replace A18 CPU.
Verifying the A18 CPU Turn–On Sequence
Verify the A18 CPU turn–on sequence by observing DS1 to DS8 sequence patterns (See the diagram on page 1- 28 for
LED locations). DS1 to DS8 should match the sequence shown in Table 1- 3. Before verifying the turn–on sequence,
make sure all switches in the upper left–hand corner of the A18 CPU are in the CLOSED (up) position. If the lights
fail to step through the sequence, replace A18 CPU.
No Instrument Control From the Front Panel
Refer to “Front- Panel Display Assembly Troubleshooting” on page 1- 7.
Error Messages
If error messages are reported after the turn–on check is completed, refer to the Error Messages list, located on the
E8663B Signal Generator Documentation Set CD (part number E8663- 90010) for details.
Connector Supply Voltage Acceptable Range
P223- 2, 22 +5 VA +5.2 ± 0.16 Vdc
P223- 3 −15 V_In −15 ± 0.45 Vdc
P223- 4 +32 V_In +32 ± 0.96 Vdc
P223- 21 +15 V_Standby +14.85 ± 0.6 Vdc
P223- 23 +15 V_In +15 ± 0.75 Vdc
P223- 37 −7 Vdc −7.0 ± 0.14 Vdc
P223- 39 +10 Vdc +10.2 ± 0.2 Vdc
P223- 40 +8 Vdc +7.95 ± 0.21 Vdc
Table 1-3 A18 CPU LED Sequence Table
Sequence DS1 DS2 DS3 DS4 DS5 DS6 DS7 DS8
1 XXXXXXXX
2 00X00000
3 XXX00000
4 0XXXXXXX
5 00000000
6 XXXXXXX0
X = LED is on; 0 = LED is off

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Self–Test Failures and Related Troubleshooting
1-5
Self–Test Failures and Related Troubleshooting
NOTE Self–test results are valid only when all external cables and connectors are removed from the signal generator.
Table 1-4 Self-test Failures and Related Troubleshooting
If this self–test fails... Go to this troubleshooting section...
A5 Sampler “Self–Tests 2xx: A5 Sampler Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 18
200 Power Supply
201 Tuning + Bias Test
202 Coarse Loop Detector
203 YO Loop Detector
A9 YIG Driver “Self–Tests 6xx: A9 YIG Driver Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 20
600 Post Regulator
601 DACs
602 PLL Interface
603 FM Driver
604 Sweep DACs
605 Sweep Lock
A6 Frac–N “Self–Tests 7xx: A6 Frac–N Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 22
700 Ref Voltage
701 Loop Gain
702 Tuning Voltage
703 Output Voltage
704 Filter Test
705 F/2 Test
706 FM Path Test
707 Sweep Phase Detector Test
A10 ALC “Self–Tests 9xx: A10 ALC Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 25
900 Power Supply
901 Detector Test
902 Detector Level to ALC Ref
903 Level Test
904 Scalar Pulse Test
905 ALC Mod
A7 Reference “Self–Tests 10xx: A7 Reference Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 27
1000 Power Supply
1001 10 MHz Test
1002 1 GHz Test
A18 CPU “Self–Tests 11xx: A18 CPU Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 28
1100 Power Supply
A26 Micro Interface Deck “Self–Tests 12xx: A26 MID Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 29
1200 Power Supply
1201 Mod Filter
1202 20 GHz Doubler
1204 RF Path
1205 LB Pulse Mod

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Self–Test Failures and Related Troubleshooting
1-6
A11 Pulse/Analog Modulation Generator “Self–Tests 13xx: A11 Analog/Pulse Modulation Generator Self–Test Errors” on
page 1- 32
1300 Power Supply
1301 Internal Pulse Generator Clock
1302 Output
1303 Voltage Ref DAC
1304 20 GHz Pulse
1305 44 GHz Upconverter Pulse
1306 Standard 3 GHz Pulse
1307 High Performance 3 GHz Pulse
1308 Numeric Synthesizer
1309 Function Generator Channel 1
1310 Function Generator Channel 2
1311 Frequency Modulation
1312 Low Frequency Out
1313 Amplitude Modulation
1314 External 1
1315 External 2
1316 AM Path Loss
A8 Output “Self–Tests 22xx: A8 Output Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 34
2200 Ground and PTAT Test
2201 Prelevel Loop Test
2202 Switched Filters Test
2203 ALC Mod System Test
2204 Pulse Mod System Test
2205 RF Path Test
Table 1-4 Self-test Failures and Related Troubleshooting (Continued)
If this self–test fails... Go to this troubleshooting section...

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems
1-7
Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems
This section provides the following:
•“Front- Panel Display Assembly Troubleshooting” on page 1- 7
•“Power Supply Troubleshooting” on page 1- 11
•“Self–Tests 2xx: A5 Sampler Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 18
•“Self–Tests 6xx: A9 YIG Driver Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 20
•“Self–Tests 7xx: A6 Frac–N Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 22
•“Self–Tests 9xx: A10 ALC Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 25
•“Self–Tests 10xx: A7 Reference Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 27
•“Self–Tests 11xx: A18 CPU Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 28
•“Self–Tests 12xx: A26 MID Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 29
•“Self–Tests 13xx: A11 Analog/Pulse Modulation Generator Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 32
•“Self–Tests 22xx: A8 Output Self–Test Errors” on page 1- 34
Front-Panel Display Assembly Troubleshooting
Overview
The Front- Panel Display Assembly comprises the following:
• a 640 x 320 pixels liquid crystal display (LCD)
• a power switch/flat panel interface board, which contains the power on/off switch, standby LED, and power–on
LED
This board contains the circuitry to disable the power supply. The ON_OFF control line is pulled to a TTL low to
disable the power supply.
Another function of the power switch/flat panel interface board is to route the 8 data bits from the A18 CPU to
the A2 Display.
• a front panel board that contains the front- panel hardkeys, softkeys, and RPG
• a dc to ac inverter, which turns the LCD on and off via control lines received from the CPU
The inverter also converts the 5.2 Vdc to approximately a 160 Vrms, 40 kHz signal to drive the LCD.
Display Controls
Contrast
There are two contrast hardkeys below the A2 Display. The left up arrow key increases the contrast while the right
down arrow key decreases the contrast.
Brightness
The A2 Display brightness can be adjusted from 50 (high brightness) to 1 (low brightness) using the RPG, arrow keys,
or the numeric keypad.
Other display features located under the Utility > Display softkey, include a screen saver and inverse video.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems
1-8
Display Tests
The following two screen tests are available for the LCD:
• the Black Pixel Screen Test turns the display dark
• the White Pixel Screen Test turns the display bright
Softkey Location: Utility > Display > More (1 of 2)
To exit the test, press any front panel key.
Symptom: Dark display
1. Ensure that the front panel green power on LED is on. If not, refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on
page 1- 11.
2. Press any front panel key to disable the screen saver.
3. If the display is still bad, check P12 on the A31 Motherboard for the following signals:
• If the 5.2 Vdc line is bad, refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on page 1- 11.
• If either the LIGHT_EN or VDISP are bad, check them at P221−16 and P221−55 respectively on the
A31 Motherboard. If either signal is bad at P221, replace the A18 CPU.
• If all the above signals are good, check the output of the dc to ac inverter as follows:
a. Remove the front panel from the frame, and lay the front panel face down.
b. With CN2−1 open, there is typically a 160 Vrms 40 kHz signal. If not, replace the dc to ac inverter.
If the signal is there, replace the LCD.
Symptom: Bright display without characters
1. Ensure that the front- panel green power on LED is on. If not, refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on
page 1- 11.
2. Try adjusting the contrast controls.
3. Check the connection of the ribbon cable at J9 of the power switch/flat panel interface board.
4. If the display is still too bright, use an oscilloscope to check P11 of the A31 Motherboard for the following signals:
The pulse state signals are control lines, clock, and data for the LCD.
Signal State
P12−15.2Vdc
P12−3 LIGHT_EN >3 Vdc
P12−4 VDISP Brightness = 50, VDSP < 50 mV
Brightness = 1, VDSP = 3 Vdc
Signal State
P11−4 VLCD approximately 19.5 to 21 Vdca
aIf >21V check the powersupplies. If the power supplies are good,replace the motherboard.
P11−6 LCD_ENABLE_H >3 Vdc
P11−9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33,
34, 36, 37, 39, 40
Refer to Figure 1- 1.

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems
1-9
Figure 1-1Pulsing Activity
5. If all the signals measured in Step 4 are good, go to Step 6.
If any of the signals measured in Step 4 are bad, check the following signals at P221 of the motherboard:
If any of these signals are bad, change the CPU board.
6. If all the signals measured in Step 4 are good, check the following signals at J9 of the power switch. To access J9
the front panel must be removed from the chassis frame and laid face down.
If these signals are good, replace the LCD.
If these signals are not good, replace the power switch/flat panel interface board.
Signal State
P221−14 VLCD approximately 21 Vdc
P221−53 LCD_ENABLE_H >3 Vdc
P221- 1 to 13, 15, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49 to
52
Refer to Figure 1- 1 on page 1- 9.
Signal State
J9−7 VLCD approximately 21 Vdc
J9−4 LCD_ENABLE_H >3 Vdc
J9−55.2Vdc
J9−1, 2, 3, 8 to 15 Refer Figure 1- 1 on page 1- 9.
500 ns

Agilent E8663B Analog Signal Generator Service Guide
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Assembly–Level Problems
1-10
Symptom: Hardkeys or softkeys do not work
The A1 Keyboard contains the hardkeys and softkeys switches. The keys are arranged in a matrix (shown below) with
the control lines KEYCOLx and KEYROWx on the x and y axis. When you press a hardkey or softkey, one cell of the
matrix is activated; the normally TTL low KEYROWx of the active cell pulses high, and the normally TTL high
KEYCOLx of the active cell pulses low.
1. Ensure that the front panel green power on LED is on. If it is not on, refer to “Power Supply Troubleshooting” on
page 1- 11.
2. To ensure the signal generator is not being controlled remotely, press the Local hardkey.
3. Use an oscilloscope to monitor the KEYCOLx and KEYROWx pins of the key that is not working at P13 on the
motherboard. Use the following table to identify the appropriate pin number:
4. If either signal is incorrect, use the following table and check the signal at P221, as it leaves the CPU board. If the
signal is bad at P221, replace the A18 CPU.
5. If both signals are correct, press the faulty hardkey or softkey while monitoring the KEYCOL or KEYROW on the
oscilloscope. The KEYCOL line should pulse low; the KEYROW line should pulse high.
If either line does not function properly, replace the front panel board.
KEYCOL0 KEYCOL1 KEYCOL2 KEYCOL3 KEYCOL4 KEYCOL5 KEYCOL6 KEYCOL7
KEYROW0 softkey 3 N/A Cont Up N/A LF Out N/A I/Q Pulse
KEYROW1 softkey 2 Incr/Set Cont Down Ampl Ampl Menu Mode Setup Aux Fctn FM/ϕΜ
KEYROW2 softkey 1 Up N/A Freq Sweep List Mode Mux AM
KEYROW3 softkey 4 N/A N/A Right Arro
w
Help Save Recall Trigger
KEYROW4 softkey 6 N/A Local Hold Mod On/Off 4 5 6
KEYROW5 softkey 5 N/A Return Down Arro
w
N/A 7 8 9
KEYROW6 N/A N/A N/A Left Arrow RF On/Off 0 . +/-
KEYROW7 softkey 7 N/A Preset N/A N/A 1 2 3
KEYCOL pins should be a TTL high KEYROW pins should be a TTL low
KEYCOL0 P13–1 KEYROW0 P13–17
KEYCOL1 P13–3 KEYROW1 P13–19
KEYCOL2 P13–5 KEYROW2 P13–21
KEYCOL3 P13–7 KEYROW3 P13–23
KEYCOL4 P13–9 KEYROW4 P13–25
KEYCOL5 P13–11 KEYROW5 P13–26
KEYCOL6 P13–13 KEYROW6 P13–24
KEYCOL7 P13–15 KEYROW7 P13–22
KEYCOL pins should be a TTL high KEYROW pins should be a TTL low
KEYCOL0 P221–18 KEYROW0 P221–62
KEYCOL1 P221–19 KEYROW1 P221–23
KEYCOL2 P221–52 KEYROW2 P221–63
KEYCOL3 P221–20 KEYROW3 P221–24
KEYCOL4 P221–60 KEYROW4 P221–25
KEYCOL5 P221–21 KEYROW5 P221–65
KEYCOL6 P221–61 KEYROW6 P221–26
KEYCOL7 P221–22 KEYROW7 P221–27