Agilent Technologies N4972A User manual

Agilent N4972A
Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz
Getting Started Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any
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language) without prior agreement and written
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
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copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N4972-91011
Edition
First edition, August 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
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errors or for incidental or consequential
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Software is delivered and licensed as
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“commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or
as “Restricted computer software” as defined in
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greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
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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.
CE Marking to state compliance within the
European Community: This product is in
conformity with the relevant European Directives:
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and Low Voltage
Directive 2006/95/EC.
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.
The Korean Certification (KC) mark is required for
products that are subject to legally compulsory
certification.
The KC mark includes the marking’s identifier
code that has up to 26 digits and follows this
format: KCC-VWX-YYY-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
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
Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz 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 ....................................................................................................... 12
1.6 Important Notes............................................................................................. 13
1.7 Installation...................................................................................................... 13
1.8 Connector Care .............................................................................................. 14
1.9 Returning the N4972A to Agilent Technologies ...................................... 15

Contents
8 Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide

Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide 9
1Getting Started
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to the Agilent Technologies N4972A clock synthesizer 16 GHz
getting started guide. This 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 N4972A.
The N4972A is shipped in a protective box with all the accessories required
for operation. The shipping box contains:
•N4972A-CJ0 or N4972A-CJ1 (SCS16000 or SCS16000J) clock
synthesizer 16 GHz
Figure 1. N4972A-CJ0 or N4972A-CJ1 (SCS16000 or SCS16000J) clock synthesizer 16 GHz

Getting Started
10 Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide
•AC power cord
•SMA male to SMA male cable (2)
o
Connect one cable from the Jitter output of the N4972A to the
pattern generator clock input (or Ref CLK input of N4965A-
CTR
(PCB12500))
o
Connect the other cable from the N4972A Delay output to the
error detector clock input (or the Aux Clock input of the
N4965A-CTR (PCB12500))
•CD-ROM, which includes:
oN4972A data sheet
oN4972A getting started guide
o
N4972A user guide
1.2 Support
For more information on the operation and features of the N4972A please
refer to the N4972A user guide on the CD or the product webpage
http://www.agilent.com/find/N4972A.
Technical Support information: http://www.agilent.com/find/assist.
1.3 General Specifications
Before installing the N4972A, review the specifications in Table 1.
Table 1. Specification considerations before installation
Parameter Specification
Connector type
All signals except 10
MHz Ref In/Out –
10 MHz Ref In/Out –
SMA
BNC
Remote control
interface
USB2.0 and IEEE-488 (GPIB)

Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide 11
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 145 Watts MAX
Current 1.8A RMS MAX
Fuse 250 V 2A 5x20 mm (p/n 12260-002)
Always replace instrument fuse with one of the same type and rating.
EMC Complies with European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
IEC/EN 61326-1
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 3.9 in
Width 16.7 in
Depth 16.7 in

Getting Started
12 Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz 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.
Before switching on this instrument, make sure the supply voltage is in the
specified range.
1.5 Unpacking
Carefully remove the instrument from the case in an ESD-safe environment.

Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide 13
1.6 Important Notes
•Use ESD protection at all times when using the instrument
•Use the 2.92 mm adapters on 2.92 mm 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 the N4972A-CJ0 or N4972A-CJ1 rear
panel power socket.
2. Plug the other end of the AC power cord into a suitable wall socket.
(100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz).
3. If the N4972A is being used as a clock source for a N4965A-CTR
(PCB12500) multi-channel BERT or N4971A (PPG12500) pattern
generator, use the included SMA cable to connect the jitter clock
output on the N4972A to the Clock In on the N4965A-CTR or N4971A.
4. If the N4972A is being used as a clock source for the N4962A (TG1B1-
A) s
erial BERT, two clock connectors are needed. Connect the N4972A
Jitter Clock output on the N4962A (TG1B1-
A) TX CKI on the rear panel.
Connect the N4972A Delayed Clock output to the N4962A RX CKI on
the rear panel.
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 protections are intact) only.
This instrument has autoranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply voltage
is within the specified range.
5. Turn the power switch to ON. After several seconds the instrument
will complete its power on sequence and be ready to operate.
6. From the power on state, perform the following steps:
a. Press the soft key representing the down arrow ▼to
position the cursor on the Jit Clk Out Menu.
b. Press Sel (bottom soft key).
c. Press the up arrow ▲soft key to select OutEnable.

Getting Started
14 Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide
d.
Press Edit (bottom soft key) to enable changing the
argument.
e. Toggle the argument OFF to ON by either slightly turning
the knob or pressing either decrement ◄or increment ►
hard keys on the numeric pad.
f. Enter the argument by pressing Exit (bottom soft key). This
enables the main (jittered) clock output at the nominal
default power on settings.
7. If the N4972A is being used to clock a N4962A, then the second
output must also be enabled to clock the error detector:
a. Return to the main menu by pressing Back (top soft key).
b. Press the down arrow ▼soft key as needed to position the
cursor on the Dly Clk Out Menu.
c. Select the menu by pressing Sel (bottom soft key).
d. Press the up arrow ▲soft key to select OutEnable.
e. Press Edit (bottom soft key) to enable changing the
argument.
f. Toggle the argument OFF to ON by either slightly turning
the knob or pressing either decrement ◄or increment ►
hard keys on the numeric pad.
g. Enter the argument by pressing Exit (bottom soft key). This
enables the delayed clock output at the nominal default
power on settings.
The N4965A-CTR or N4971A should now be clocked at the power one
default settings of the N4972A.
1.8 Connector Care
The N4972A clock synthesizer 16 GHz 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.

Getting Started
Clock Synthesizer 16 GHz Getting Started Guide 15
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.
1.9 Returning the N4972A to Agilent Technologies
If the N4972A fails system verification and you cannot correct the problem,
return N4972A 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 comparable packing material to
ship the instrument to Agilent Technologies.

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 2012
First edition, August 2012
Printed in Germany