Agilent Technologies N4971A User manual

Agilent N4971A
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s
Getting Started Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any
form or by any means (including electronic
storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and written
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international
copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N4971-91011
Edition
Second edition, December 2012
Agilent Technologies, Deutschland GmbH
Herrenberger Str. 130
71034 Böblingen, Germany
For Assistance and Support
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects
resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or
interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse,
operation outside of the environmental
specifications for the product, or improper site
preparation or maintenance. No other warranty is
expressed or implied. Agilent Technologies
specifically disclaims the implied warranties of
Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular
Purpose.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by
applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard to this
manual and any information contained herein,
including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for
errors or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, use,
or performance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should Agilent and
the user have a separate written agreement with
warranty terms covering the material in this
document that conflict with these terms, the
warranty terms in the separate agreement shall
control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this
document are furnished under a license and may
be used or copied only in accordance with the
terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of a U.S.
Government prime contract or subcontract,
Software is delivered and licensed as
“Commercial computer software” as defined in
DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a
“commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or
as “Restricted computer software” as defined in
FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to
Agilent Technologies’ standard commercial
license terms, and non-DOD Departments and
Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no
greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government
users will receive no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR
252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical data.
Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood
and met.
A NOTE provides important or special
information.
CAUTION
WARNING
NOTE

Safety Summary
General Safety Precautions
The following general safety precautions
must be observed during all phases of
operation of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with
specific warnings elsewhere in this manual
violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument.
Agilent Technologies Inc. assumes no
liability for the customer's failure to comply
with these requirements.
Before operation, review the instrument and
manual for safety markings and instructions.
You must follow these to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the instrument in
safe condition.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If
there is damage to the container or
cushioning, keep them until you have
checked the contents of the shipment for
completeness and verified the instrument
both mechanically and electrically. The
Performance Tests give procedures for
checking the operation of the instrument. If
the contents are incomplete, mechanical
damage or defect is apparent, or if an
instrument does not pass the operator’s
checks, notify the nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales/Service Office.
WARNING To avoid hazardous electrical
shock, do not perform electrical tests when
there are signs of shipping damage to any
portion of the outer enclosure (covers,
panels, etc.).
General
This product is a Safety Class 1 product
(provided with a protective earthing ground
incorporated in the power cord). The mains
plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet
provided with a protective earth contact.
Any interruption of the protective conductor,
inside or outside of the instrument, will
make the instrument dangerous. Intentional
interruption is prohibited.
Environment Conditions
This instrument is intended for indoor use in
an installation category II, pollution degree 2
environment per IEC 61010 Second Edition
and 664 respectively. It is designed to
operate within a temperature range of 10 to
40 °C at a maximum relative humidity of 80%
for temperatures up to 31 °C, decreasing
linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40 °C at
an altitude of 2000 meters.
This module can be stored or shipped at
temperatures between -40°C and +70°C.
Protect the module from temperature
extremes that may cause condensation
within it.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
The power cable inlet of the instrument
serves as a device to disconnect from the
mains in case of hazard. The instrument
must be positioned so that the operator can
easily access the power cable inlet. When
the instrument is rack mounted the rack
must be provided with an easily accessible
mains switch.
Ground the Instrument
Install the instrument so that the ON / OFF
switch is readily identifiable and is easily
reached by the operator. The ON / OFF
switch is the instrument disconnecting
device. It disconnects the mains circuits
from the mains supply before other parts of
the instrument. Or the detachable power
cord can be removed from the electrical
supply. Alternately, an externally installed
switch or circuit breaker which is readily
identifiable and is easily reached by the
operator may be used as a disconnecting
device.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover
Operating personnel must not remove
instrument covers. Component replacement
and internal adjustments must be made only
by qualified personnel.
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation until
they can be repaired by qualified service
personnel.

Symbols on Instruments
Indicates warning or caution. If you see this
symbol on a product, you must refer to the
manuals for specific Warning or Caution
information to avoid personal injury or damage to
the product.
C-Tick Conformity Mark of the Australian ACA for
EMC compliance.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the
CSA International. This instrument complies with
Canada: CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1 -04.
Indicates that protective earthing ground is
incorporated in the power cord.
This symbol indicates that internal circuits can be
damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD),
therefore, avoid applying static discharges to the
panel input connectors.
This mark indicates compliance with the Canadian
EMC regulations.
ISM 1-A
This text denotes the instrument is an Industrial
Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class A product.
China RoHS regulations include requirements
related to packaging, and require compliance to
China standard GB18455-2001. This symbol
indicates compliance with the China RoHS
regulations for paper/fiberboard packaging.
Indicates the time period during which no
hazardous or toxic substance elements are
expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Twenty five years is the expected useful life of the
product.
This symbol indicates that the instrument requires
alternating current (AC) input.
This symbol indicates that the power line switch
is in the ON position.
O
This symbol indicates that the power line switch
is in the OFF position.

Environmental Information
This product complies with the WEEE Directive
(2002/96/EC) marketing 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 Annexure I, 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
www.agilent.com/environment/product/ for more
information.

Contents
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide 7
Contents
1Getting Started ......................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Support............................................................................................................ 10
1.3 General Specifications.................................................................................. 10
1.4 Safety and Regulatory................................................................................... 12
1.5 Unpacking ....................................................................................................... 13
1.6 Important Notes............................................................................................. 13
1.7 Installation...................................................................................................... 13
1.8 Connector Care .............................................................................................. 16
1.9 Returning the N4971A to Agilent Technologies ...................................... 17

Contents
8 Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide

Getting Started
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide 9
1Getting Started
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to the Agilent N4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s. This getting
start guide will help you identify the contents of the shipping package,
perform a quick functional check of the product, and guide you on where to
find more information and support for the N4971A.
The N4971A is shipped in a protective box with all the accessories required
for operation. The shipping box contains:
•N4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s
Figure 1. N4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s
•
Accessory kit, which includes:
o(Qty 4) 2.92 mm female to female adaptors
o(Qty 2) 50 Ω18 GHz 1 W SMA male terminations
o(Qty 2) 5x20 mm ceramic 250 V 2 A fuses
o(Qty 2) SMA male to male phase stable 36” cables
•AC power cord

Getting Started
10 Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide
•
CD-ROM, which includes:
oN4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s data sheet
oN4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s getting started guide
oN4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s user guide
oN4971A pattern utility software
oUSB drivers
oLab view driver
1.2 Support
For more information on the operation and features of the N4971A please
refer to the N4971A user guide on the CD or the product webpage
http://www.agilent.com/find/N4971A.
Technical Support information:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist.
1.3 General Specifications
Before installing the N4971A, review the specifications in Table 1.
Table 1. Specification considerations before installation
Parameter Specification
Operating temperature +10°C to +40°C
Storage temperature -40°C to +70°C
Voltage 100 to 240 VAC ±10% autoranging
Frequency 50/ 60 Hz
Power 170 Watts MAX
Current 1.8A RMS MAX
Fuse 250 V 2 A 5x20 mm (p/n 12260-002)
Always replace instrument fuse with one of the same type and rating.

Getting Started
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide 11
Parameter
Specification
EMC CISPR Pub 11 Group 1, class A
AS/NZS CISPR 11
ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
Safety Complies with European Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
IEC/EN 61010-1, 2nd Edition
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1
USA: UL std no. 61010-1, 2nd Edition
Acoustic noise emission/Geraeuschemission
LpA <70 dB LpA <70 dB
Operator position Am Arbeitsplatz
Normal position Normaler Betrieb
Per ISO 7779 Nach DIN 45635 t.19
Weight
7.0 lb
Height
2.1 in
Width 16.7 in
Depth 16.7 in

Getting Started
12 Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide
1.4 Safety and Regulatory
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with accepted
industry standards, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The
documentation contains information and warnings that must be followed by
the user to ensure safe operation and to maintain the product in a safe
condition.
Do not remove instrument covers. There are no user serviceable parts
within. Operation of the instrument in a manner not specified by Agilent
Technologies may result in personal injury or loss of life.
For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuses, and or circuit
breakers only with same type and ratings. The use of other fuses, circuit
breakers or materials is prohibited.
To prevent electrical shock, disconnect instrument 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.
The Mains wiring and connectors shall be compatible with the connector
used in the premise electrical system. Failure, to ensure adequate earth
grounding by not using the correct components may cause product
damage, and serious injury.

Getting Started
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide 13
1.5 Unpacking
Carefully remove the N4971A from the case in an ESD-safe environment.
1.6 Important Notes
•
Use ESD protection at all times when using the instrument
•Use the 2.92 mm adapters on 2.92 mm clock and data ports
•Install the instrument on a flat surface away from heat sources
•Do not block the fans, or the exhaust vents on the rear and side
panels (3” min. clearance).
•Use a 8 lbf-in (90 N-cm) torque wrench when attaching connectors
1.7 Installation
1.
Plug the AC power cord into a suitable wall socket. (100-240 V AC,
50/60 Hz).
2. Plug the other end of the AC power cord into the N4971A, rear
panel power socket.
3. Connect the N4971A to a clock source and high speed sampling
scope as shown in Figure 2.

Getting Started
14 Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide
Figure 2. Installation setup
WARNING
If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal
condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.
Before switching
on this instrument, make sure the supply voltage is in the
specified range.
This instrument has autoranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply voltag
e
is within the specified range
.
4.
Set up the clock source as follows: Frequency 10 GHz, Output Level
0 dBm
5. Set up the high speed sampling scope as follows: (Note: Agilent
86100C Infiniium DCA used in this example, other high speed scope
setup option names may differ).
Eye/Mask mode
Trigger Level 0 V
Timbase Scale 50 ps/div
Channel 3 Setup Attenuation 10 dB
Scale 316 mV/div

Getting Started
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide 15
Offset -600 mV
Channel 4 Setup Attenuation 10 dB
Scale 316 mV/div
Offset +600 mV
6. Press the Output On/Off button on the N4971A front panel to turn
on the data and clock outputs.
7. Verify that the waveform is similar to the one shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Installation setup waveform

Getting Started
16 Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide
1.8 Connector Care
The N4971A pattern generator 13 Gb/s features high-quality SMA and
2.92 mm connectors for the front and rear panel input and output
connections. Connector damage will degrade signal fidelity.
Use 2.92 mm adapters on 2.92 mm clock and data ports and high quality
SMA-connectors on the SMA ports. Always leave dust jackets on unused
ports.
Excessive mating of low quality SMA components to 2.92 mm female
receptacles may degrade the 2.92 mm female receptacle.
Inspect the connectors for the following:
•Worn or damaged threads
•Scratches to mating surface
•Burrs and loose metal particles
•Ensure that female contacts are straight and aligned
Clean the connectors as described in the following procedure. Cleaning
connectors with alcohol shall only be done with the instruments power
cord removed, and in a well-ventilated area. Allow all residual alcohol
moisture to evaporate, and the fumes to dissipate prior to energizing the
instrument.
1. Remove any loose particles using a low-pressure air source.
2. Moisten a lint-free swab with isopropyl alcohol. Do not saturate the
swab.
3. Minimize the wicking of the alcohol into the connector structure.
4. Clean the mating plane surfaces and threads.
5. Allow alcohol to evaporate, and then use a low-pressure air source
to blow surfaces clean.
6. Make sure no particles or residue remains.
7. Inspect connector for damage.

Getting Started
Pattern Generator 13 Gb/s Getting Started Guide 17
1.9 Returning the N4971A to Agilent Technologies
If the N4971A fails system verification and you cannot correct the problem,
return the N4971A to Agilent Technologies for repair following the steps
shown below.
1. Record all symptoms.
2. Contact Agilent Technologies using the "Request an RMA" form at
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist.
3. Use the original packing material or similar packing material to ship
the instrument to Agilent Technologies.

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 2012
Second edition, December 2012
Printed in Germany