Agilent Technologies N9310A-001 User manual

Keysight N9310A
Signal Geneator
Notice: This document contains references to
Agilent. Please note that Agilent’s Test and
Measurement business has become Keysight
Technologies. For more information, go to
www.keysight.com.
User’s Guide

Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc.
2006-2014
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
Keysight Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Manual Part Number
N9310-90001
Edition
Edition 3, June 2014
Printed in China
Published by:
Keysight Technologies
No 116 Tianfu 4th street
Chiengdu, 610041 China
Warranty
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO
THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED
BY APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WITH
REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND
ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
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FOR ERRORS OR FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE
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PERFORMANCE OF THIS
DOCUMENT OR ANY INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD
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WITH WARRANTY TERMS
COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS
DOCUMENT THAT CONFLICT WITH
THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY
TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT WILL 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.
U.S. Government Rights
The Software is “commercial
computer software,” as defined
by Federal Acquisition Regulation
(“FAR”) 2.101. Pursuant to FAR
12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR
Supplement (“DFARS”) 227.7202,
the U.S. government acquires
commercial computer software
under the same terms by which
the software is customarily
provided to the public.
Accordingly, Keysight provides
the Software to U.S. government
customers under its standard
commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of
which can be found at
http://www.keysight.com/find/sweula
The license set forth in the EULA
represents the exclusive authority
by which the U.S. government
may use, modify, distribute, or
disclose the Software. The EULA
and the license set forth therein,
does not require or permit,
among other things, that
Keysight: (1) Furnish technical
information related to
commercial computer software
or commercial computer
software documentation that is
not customarily provided to the
public; or (2) Relinquish to, or
otherwise provide, the
government rights in excess of
these rights customarily provided
to the public to use, modify,
reproduce, release, perform,
display, or disclose commercial
computer software or
commercial computer software
documentation. No additional
government requirements
beyond those set forth in the
EULA shall apply, except to the
extent that those terms, rights, or
licenses are explicitly required
from all providers of commercial
computer software pursuant to
the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing
elsewhere in the EULA. Keysight
shall be under no obligation to
update, revise or otherwise
modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant
to FAR 12.211 and 27.404.2 and
DFARS 227.7102, the U.S.
government acquires no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in
FAR 27.401 or DFAR 227.7103-5
(c), 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.

Contents
3
1 Overview 1
Keysight N9310A At a Glance 2
Front Panel Overview 4
Front Panel Display 7
Rear Panel Overview 9
Front and rear panel symbols 11
2 Getting Started 13
Check the Shipment and Order List 14
Safety Notice 17
Environmental Requirements 18
Electrical Requirements 19
Power on and Check 22
Turn On the Signal Generator 23
Check for Error Messages 24
Some Tips 25
Enable an option 25
Remote Control 26
Firmware Update 27
South Korea Class A EMC declaration 28
3 Using Functions 29
Commonly used Front-panel Elements 30
Generating a CW Signal 31
Generating a Step Swept Signal 32
Generating an RF Sweep 35

Contents
4
Generating an Amplitude Sweep 37
Generating an LF Sweep 38
Generating a List Swept Signal 39
Generating a Modulated Signal 41
Preparing the Modulation Format 41
Generating an AM signal 43
Generating an FM Signal 44
Generating a Phase Modulated Signal 45
Generating a Pulse Modulated Signal 46
Generating an I/Q Modulated Signal (Option 001 Only) 47
Generating an LF Output 49
Save, Recall and Delete an Instrument State 50
4 Key Reference 53
AM 54
Amplitude 57
Arrow Keys 58
Enter 58
File 59
FM 61
Frequency 64
I/Q (Option 001 only) 64
LF Out 65
Mod On/Off 66
RF On/Off 66
Numeric Keypad 66

Contents
5
Phase Modulation 67
Switch 69
Preset 70
Pulse 71
Sweep 73
Trigger 83
Utility 84
5 Programming Fundamentals 89
Remotely Operating Your N9310A 90
System Requirements for Remote Operation 90
Connecting the N9310A to a PC through the USB Port 91
About USB Interface 94
Getting Started with SCPI 95
An Introduction to the SCPI Language 95
Common Terms used in this Book 96
Command Categories 97
Command Syntax 97
Program and Response Messages 101
Subsystem Command Trees 102
IEEE 488.2 common command 103
6 Subsystem Command Reference 105
Preparing for Use 106
Frequency Subsystem 109
Continuous Wave (CW) Output Frequency 109

Contents
6
RF Start 110
RF Stop 110
LF Start 111
LF Stop 111
Step Scale 112
Amplitude Subsystem 113
Trigger Subsystem 115
Sweep Subsystem 116
RF Sweep State 116
LF Sweep State 117
Amplitude Sweep State 118
RF Start 119
RF Stop 119
LF Start 120
LF Stop 120
Amplitude Start 121
Amplitude Stop 121
Step Points 122
Step Dwell 122
Sweep Type 123
List Power State 123
List Dwell 124
List RF 124
List Amplitude 125
List Dwell Points 125
List RF Points 125

Contents
7
List Amplitude Points 126
List Row Goto 126
List Row Insert 126
List Row Delete 127
List Rows 127
List Preset 127
List Dwell Type 128
Sweep Repeat 128
Sweep Trigger 129
External Sweep Trigger Slope 129
Point Trigger 130
External Point Trigger Slope 131
Sweep Direction 131
AM Subsystem 132
AM State 132
AM Depth 133
AM Rate 133
AM Source 134
AM External Coupling 134
FM Subsystem 135
FM State 135
FM Deviation 136
FM Rate 136
FM Source 137
FM External Coupling 137
Phase Modulation Subsystem 138

Contents
8
Pulse Modulation Subsystem 140
I/Q Modulation Subsystem 142
Utility Subsystem 143
Display Style 143
Error Messages 143
Screen Saver 144
System Date 144
System Time 145
Reference Oscillator Sources 145
Phase Noise Mode 146
Modulation State Subsystem 147
RF Output State Subsystem 148
LF Output Subsystem 149
Subsystem Command Trees 151
Symbols used in Command Trees 151
Frequency Subsystem 152
Amplitude Subsystem 153
Trigger Subsystem 153
LF Output Subsystem 153
Sweep Subsystem 154
AM Subsystem 156
FM Subsystem 157
Phase Modulation Subsystem 158
Pulse Modulation Subsystem 158
I/Q Modulation Subsystem 159
Modulation State Subsystem 159

Contents
9
RF Output State Subsystem 159
Utility Subsystem 160
Programming Examples 161
Programming in C using the VTL 162
Example 1 - Checking USB Connection 164
Example 2 - Generating a CW signal 166
Example 3 - Generating an AM Signal 168
Example 4 - Generating an continuous RF Sweep 170
7 Instrument Messages 173
Overview 174
Command Errors 175
Execution Conflict 178
System Errors 179
Hardware Errors 180
8 Supplementary Information 181
Check the Basics 182
Read the warranty 183
Contact Keysight Technologies 184
List of Commands 185
Index 189

Contents
10

Overview
1
1 Overview
This chapter describes the general features and functions of the
Keysight N9310A RF Signal Generator and provides an introduction to
the front and rear panel.

Overview
Keysight N9310A At a Glance
2
Keysight N9310A At a Glance
The Keysight N9310A is a general purpose RF signal
generator with applications in manufacturing, service,
research, development and education.
The signal generator has an optional broadband I/Q
modulator, able to generate digital signals in conjunction
with an external I/Q source.
General Features and Functions
The Keysight N9310A RF Signal Generator provides:
• 9 kHz to 3 GHz frequency range
• –127 to +13 dBm level range (settable to +20 dBm)
•BuiltinAM,FM,FM, and pulse modulation
• RF sweep, LF sweep and amplitude sweep
• LF output: 20 Hz to 80 kHz, 0-3 Vp (into 50 W)
• I/Q modulator (optional)
•6.5-inchTFTLCD
• Universal USB interface
• 1- year calibration cycle

3
Overview
Keysight N9310A At a Glance
Options
This section provides an overview of available options. For
details, please refer to http://www.keysight.com/find/n9310a.
•Option 001: I/Q modulator
(part number: N9310A - 001)
This option provides an additional internal I/Q
modulator. Using this option in the signal generator
generates digital signals. Option 001 also requires an
external I/Q baseband signal input.
•Option 1CM: Rackmount flange kit
(part number: N9310A - 1CM)
Use the rack mount kit to facilitate installation in a
standard rack system.
•Option 1TC: Hard transit case
(part number: N9310A - 1TC)
A hard transit case protects the signal generator during
transportation and storage.

Overview
Front Panel Overview
4
Front Panel Overview
1DisplayThe LCD screen shows information on the current
function. Information includes status indicators, frequency
and amplitude settings, and error messages. Function
specific menu labels for the softkeys are shown on the
right- hand side of the display. For further description of the
front panel display, refer to “Front Panel Display” on page 7.
2SoftkeysSoftkey menus are determined by the Function
chosen. The softkey menu selections are displayed to the left
of each key and activate features and functions associated
with the Function hardkeys. Refer to Chapter 4,“Key Reference,”
on page 53 for further information.
3EnterThe hardkey terminates data entry field or
parameter selection. Also functions as a single sweep trigger.
4 Amplitude Press the hardkey to edit the CW
(continuous wave) power levels.
5FrequencyPress the hardkey to edit the CW frequency
parameter.
6 Function keys These hardkey selections directly access the
following main instrument functions:
•Preset sets the signal generator to factory default settings.
FU N CTIO N S
LF OU T RF OUT 50
Rem ot e
Standby
On
N9310A RF Signal Generat or 9 kHz - 3.0 GHz
Frequency
Amplitude
Enter
7
4
1
8
9
56
23
0
MOD
On/Off
On/Off
RF
I/Q
FM
Preset
AM
FMPulse
Utility
Sweep
Trigger
LocalFile
LF Out
1
.
8
9
10
11
12
13
18
17
16
15
14
7
56 4
3
2
REVERSE PWR
4W MAX 30VD C
Enter
Amplitude
Frequency

5
Overview
Front Panel Overview
•AM configures the amplitude modulation function.
•FM configures a frequency modulation function.
•FMconfigures a phase modulation function.
•Pulse configures a pulse modulation function.
•I/Q activates the I/Q modulation function.
•Sweep configures RF/LF/Amplitude sweep function.
•Trigger triggers an armed sweep.
•Utility sets the system configurations
•Local returns the control from remote to local.
•File saves, recalls or deletes customized configuration
files.
•LF Out configures a low frequency signal.
7ModOn/OffPress the hardkey to toggle the modulator
state between On and Off. A MOD On/Off annunciator is
visible on the screen, indicating whether the modulator is
enabled or not.
A user must select the modulation type and select from the
menu softkeys to turn modulation on (for example, >
AM On), or no modulation will be applied to the output
carrier signal, even though the modulator is enabled (MOD
On).
8 Knob The front panel knob increases or decreases a value, a
numeric digit, or scrolls up and down to select an item in a
list.
9 Arrow keys The left and right arrow keys shift the selected
digit in the active entry area of the display; Once an
individual digit is selected, you can change its value by
rotating the knob.
10 RF On/Off The hardkey toggles the RF output state
between On and Off. A RF On/Off annunciator is always
visible on the display, indicating whether the RF output is
enabled or not.
Mod
On/Off
AM
RF
On/Off

Overview
Front Panel Overview
6
11 RF Out connector Female N- type connector provides the
Signal Generator RF output signal. The impedance is 50
ohm. The damage level is +36 dBm maximum.
12 LF Out connector BNC (F) connector outputs the low
frequency (LF) signal whenever you set the >LF OUT to
on. The LF output is capable of driving a 3Vpeak (nominal)
signal into a 50 ohm load.
13 Numeric Keypad 0 through 9 numeric keys, decimal point and
a backspace key. The backspace hardkey may be used to
input a negative value. When entering a negative value, enter
a negative sign prior to entering the numeric value.
14 Standby Switch switching to the On position activates all
functions of the signal generator. When pressing this key to
switch the signal generator Off, the signal generator
deactivate all the functions but still remains connected to
the line power, while the line power is supplied to some
internal circuits.
15 Switch On LED This green LED lights when the signal
generator is switched on using the front panel standby
switch.
16 Standby LED This orange LED lights when the line power is
switched on with the rear panel power switch.
17 Remote LED This LED lights when the signal generator is
remotely controlled by a PC by way of the USB host
interface located on the rear panel.
18 USB Type A (Host) Connector provides a port connection for
use by external USB devices, such as a USB memory stick.
LF Out

7
Overview
Front Panel Display
Front Panel Display
1 Frequency Area displays the current CW (continuous wave)
frequency.
2 Amplitude Area displays the current output power level.
3 Annunciators display the status of most of the signal
generator functions, as well as indicating errors generated.
An annunciator position may be used by more than one
function.
•FMbecomes active when FMis enabled.
•ΑMbecomes active when an AM is enabled.
•ARMED becomes active when a sweep mode is selected
and the signal generator is waiting for a trigger to initiate
sweeping.
•ERR becomes active when an error is generated. This
annunciator will not turn off until you have viewed all the
error messages and cleared the error queue. You can
access error messages by pressing > Error Info.
13
24
5
7
6
Utility

Overview
Front Panel Display
8
•EXT REF becomes active when an external frequency
reference is applied.
•FM becomes active when an FM is enabled.
•I/Q becomes active when an I/Q modulation is enabled.
•MOD ON/OFF indicates when the RF carrier is modulated
( indicates the modulator is enabled, while
indicates disabled). Either state is always visible on the
screen.
•PULSE becomes active when a pulse modulation is
enabled.
•RF ON/OFF indicates whether the RF output is enabled
or disabled. RF status is always visible in the display.
•SWEEP becomes active when the signal generator is
sweeping.
•UNCAL becomes active when the signal generator is
unable to maintain the correct level.
•UNLOCK becomes active when any of the phase locked
loops are unable to maintain phase lock. To view further
descriptions, please refer to Chapter 7,“Instrument Messages,”
on page 173.
4SoftkeyLabeldisplays submenus of each function. The
content of softkey labels change according to the function
selected. Refer to Chapter 4,“Key Reference,” on page 53 for
further information.
5 Message Area displays abbreviated system messages. When
multiple system messages occur, only the most recent
message is displayed. Press > Error Info to view all
reported system messages along with details.
6 Status Area displays state information about the signal
generator, such as the modulation status, sweep status, and
file catalogs and storages.
7ActiveFunctionAreadisplays the current active function. For
example, if you press hardkey, the frequency is active
and the current frequency setting is displayed.
Utility
Frequency

9
Overview
Rear Panel Overview
Rear Panel Overview
1PowerswitchThe power switch isolates the signal generator
from the AC line power. After pressing this switch to the On
position, the signal generator enters standby mode and the
standby LED (orange) on the front panel indicates that line
power is on.
2 AC power receptacle The power receptacle accepts a standard
three- conductor plug.
3 USB Type B (Device) connector Used for connecting with a
controller, such as a PC.
4 TRIG IN connector BNC (F) connector, accepts a TTL signal
for triggering a sweep. Triggering occurs on either the
positive or negative edge. The frequency of the external
trigger source may be no greater than 100 Hz. The damage
level is +10 V or –4 V.
5 REF OUT connector BNC (F) connector for output of the
internal reference frequency, which has a nominal output
level greater than 0.35Vrms, and an output impedance of 50
ohm.
VGA OUTPUT
DEV
TRIG IN
HOST
MOD IN
PU LSE M OD IN
REF IN
REF O U T
I IN 1V RMS
MAX
Q IN
LIN E:
100-240V
50-60Hz
100W MAX
MadeinChina
HIPO T PASS
N9310A N9310A-CFG002
SER:CN*********
1
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11 12
2
5
≥≤

Overview
Rear Panel Overview
10
6REFINconnectorBNC (F) connector, accepts a –3.5 to +20
dBm signal from an external reference oscillator that is
within ppm. The nominal input impedance is 50 ohm.
The instrument will accept a 2MHz, 5MHz, or 10 MHz
reference oscillator signal.
7 PULSE MOD IN connector BNC (F) input connector accepts a
TTL signal for pulse modulation. The damage level is 5 Vrms.
8 MOD IN connector BNC (F) input connector accepts a
1.0 + 2% V (peak) signal for AM, FM, and phase modulation.
For all modulation types, a +1.0 Vpeak produces the
indicated deviation or depth. The damage level is 5 Vrms.
9 Q IN connector BNC (F) input connector accepts an external
quadrature- phase component of an I/Q baseband signal. The
signal level is = 0.5 Vrms for calibrated output level.
The input impedance is 50 Ohm. The damage level is 1 Vrms.
10 I IN connector BNC (F) input connector accepts an externally
in-phase component of an I/Q modulation signal. It has the
same characteristics as the Q baseband signal.
11 VGA connector outputs to an external monitor or projector.
12 USB Type A (Host) connector connect with external USB
devices, such as a USB memory stick.
1±
I2Q2 +
NOTE The I/Q IN connectors are only available for external I/Q signal input
with Option 001.