Agilent Technologies Keysight N9310A User manual


Agilent N9310A
RF Signal Generator
User’s Guide
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2006
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or transla-
tion into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from Agi-
lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Edition
First Edition, June 2006
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (West
District)
Chengdu 611731, P.R.C
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum 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 par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or perfor-
mance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should
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written agreement with warranty
terms covering the material in this
document that conflict with these
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arate agreement shall control.
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puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing 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 indi-
cated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.
Software Revision
This guide is valid for V1.0 revisions of the
Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator soft-
ware.

Content
1Overview 1
Agilent 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 16
Environmental Requirements 17
Electrical Requirements 18
Power on and Check 21
Some Tips 24
Enable an option 24
Remote Control 25
Firmware Update 26
Connectors Maintenance 27
3UsingFunctions 29
Commonly used Front-panel Elements 30
Generating a CW Signal 32
Generating a Step Swept Signal 33

Content
Generating an RF Sweep 36
Generating an Amplitude Sweep 38
Generating an LF Sweep 39
Generating a Modulated Signal 40
Preparing the Modulation Format 40
Generating an AM signal 42
Generating an FM Signal 43
Generating a Phase Modulated Signal 44
Generating a Pulse Modulated Signal 45
Generating an I/Q Modulated Signal (Option 001 Only) 46
Generating an LF Output 48
Save, Recall and Delete an Instrument State 49
Saving an Instrument State 49
Recalling an Instrument State 51
Delete an Instrument State 51
4KeyReference 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
Phase Modulation 67
Switch 69

Content
Preset 70
Pulse 71
Sweep 73
Trigger 80
Utility 81
5 Programming Fundamentals 85
Remotely Operating Your N9310A 86
Getting Started with SCPI 92
An Introduction to the SCPI Language 92
Common Terms used in this Book 93
Command Categories 94
Command Syntax 94
Program and Response Messages 98
Subsystem Command Trees 99
IEEE 488.2 common command 100
6 Subsystem Command Reference 101
Preparing for Use 102
Frequency Subsystem 105
Amplitude Subsystem 109
Trigger Subsystem 111
Sweep Subsystem 112
AM Subsystem 122
FM Subsystem 125
Phase Modulation Subsystem 128
Pulse Modulation Subsystem 130
I/Q Modulation Subsystem 132

Content
Utility Subsystem 133
Modulation State Subsystem 137
RF Output State Subsystem 138
LF Output Subsystem 139
Subsystem Command Trees 141
Programming Examples 151
Programming in C using the VTL 152
Example 1 - Checking USB Connection 154
Example 2 - Generating a CW signal 156
Example 3 - Generating an AM Signal 158
Example 4 - Generating an continuous RF Sweep 160
7 Instrument Messages 163
Overview 164
Command Errors 165
Execution Conflict 168
System Errors 169
Hardware Errors 170
8 Supplementary Information 171
Check the Basics 172
Read the warranty 173
Contact Agilent Technologies 174
List of Commands 175
Index 179

s
Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator
User’s Guide
1
1
Overview
Agilent N9310A At a Glance 2
Front Panel Overview 4
Front Panel Display 7
Rear Panel Overview 9
Front and rear panel symbols 11
This chapter describes the general features and functions of
the Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator and provides an
introduction to the front and rear panel.

2N9310A User’s Guide
1Overview
Agilent N9310A At a Glance
An Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator finds general
purpose applications in manufacturing, service, development
and education.
The signal generator comprises an optional broadband I/Q
modulator, which is able to generate digital signals in
conjunction with an external I/Q source.
General Features and Functions
The Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator provides:
• 9 kHz to 3 GHz frequency range
• –127 to +13 dBm (+20 dBm settable) level range
• Built in AM, FM, FM, and pulse modulation
• RF sweep, LF sweep and amplitude sweep
•0-3 Vp LF output (into 50 W)
• 6.5- inch TFT LCD
• Universal USB interface
• 1- year calibration cycle

Overview 1
N9310A User’s Guide 3
Options
✔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 a rackmount kit to facilitate installation in a
standard rack.
✔Option 1TC: Hard transit case
(part number: N9310A - 1TC)
A hard transit case protects the signal generator during
transportation and storage.

4N9310A User’s Guide
1Overview
Front Panel Overview
1DisplayThe LCD screen shows information on the current
function. Information includes status indicators, frequency
and amplitude settings, and error messages. Labels for
softkeys are located on the right- hand side of the display.
For further description of the front panel display, refer to
“Front Panel Display” on page 7
2SoftkeysSoftkeys vary in function. They activate functions
displayed to the left of each key. Refer to Chapter 4, “Key
Reference,” starting on page 53 for further information.
3EnterThe hardkey terminates data entry field or
parameter selection. It also triggers a single sweep.
4AmplitudePressing hardkey allows you to edit the CW
(continuous wave) amplitude.
5FrequencyPressing hardkey allows you to edit the CW
Frequency.
6 Function keys These hardkeys connect directly to the
following main functions:
•Preset sets the signal generator to factory default settings.
•AM configures an amplitude modulation.
FUNCTIONS
LF OU T RF OUT 50
Rem o t e
Standby
On
N93 10A RF Signal Gen erat 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
Local
File
LF Out
1
.
8
9
10
11
12
13
18
17
16
15
14
7
56 4
3
2
REV ERSE PWR
4W MA X 30VD C
Enter
Amplitude
Frequency

Overview 1
N9310A User’s Guide 5
•FM configures a frequency modulation.
•FMconfigures a phase modulation.
•Pulse configures a pulse modulation.
•I/Q actives an I/Q modulation.
•Sweep configures RF/LF/Amplitude sweep.
•Trigger triggers an armed sweep.
•Utility sets the system configurations
•Local returns the signal generator from remote to local.
•File saves, recalls or deletes customized configuration files.
•LF Out configures a low frequency signal.
7ModOn/OffPressing hardkey toggles 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.
You also have to activate each individual modulation (for
example, >AM On), otherwise no modulation is applied
to the output carrier signal, even though the modulator is
enabled (MOD On).
8KnobThe knob increases or decreases a value or a numeric
digit, or moves to select an item up and down 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.
11 RF Out connector This female N- type connector provides the
output for RF signals. The impedance is 50 ohm. The damage
level is +36 dBm maximum.
Mod
On/Off
AM
RF
On/Off

6N9310A User’s Guide
1Overview
12 LF Out connector This BNC connector outputs the low
frequency (LF) signal whenever you set the >LF OUT to
on. The LF output is capable of driving 3 Vpeak (nominal)
into a 50 ohm load.
13 Numeric Keypad includes 0 through 9, a decimal point and a
backspace key. The backspace hardkey also enables you to
specify a negative value. When specifying a negative numeric
value, enter a negative sign prior to entering the numeric
value.
14 Standby Switch switches on 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.
16 Standby LED This orange LED lights when the signal
generator is connected to the line power.
17 Remote LED This LED lights when the signal generator is
remotely controlled by a PC via the USB host interface on
the rear panel.
18 USB Device Connector provides a connection between external
USB devices and the signal generator, such as a USB
memory stick.
LF Out

Overview 1
N9310A User’s Guide 7
Front Panel Display
1 Frequency Area displays the current CW (continuous wave)
frequency.
2AmplitudeAreadisplays 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.
•AM becomes 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

8N9310A User’s Guide
1Overview
•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 if the RF carrier is modulated or
not ( 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. Either state 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 “Instrument Messages” on
page 163.
4SoftkeyLabeldisplays submenus of each function. The
content of softkey labels change according to the function
selected. Refer to Chapter 4, “Key Reference,” starting 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.
6StatusAreadisplays state information about the signal
generator, such as the modulation status, sweep status, and
file catalogs and storages.
7 Active Function Area displays the current active function. For
example, if you press hardkey, the frequency is active
and the current frequency setting is displayed.
Utility
Frequency

Overview 1
N9310A User’s Guide 9
Rear Panel Overview
1PowerswitchThe power switch isolates the signal generator
from the AC line power. After switching on this switch, the
signal generator enters into standby and the orange standby
LED on the front panel is turned on.
2 AC power receptacle The power receptacle accepts a three- pin
plug.
3 USB Host connector Used for connecting with a controller,
such as a PC.
4 TRIG IN connector Female BNC connector, accepts a TTL
signal for triggering an sweep. Triggering occurs on either
the positive or negative edge. The frequency of the external
trigger source is no greater than 100 Hz. The damage level is
+10 V or –4 V.
5 REF OUT connector Female BNC connector is for a 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
PULSE M OD I N
REF IN
REF OUT
I IN 1V RMS
MAX
Q IN
LIN E:
100-240V
50-60Hz
100W M AX
Made in China
HIPOT PAS S
N931 0A N 93 10A- CFG002
SER:CN****** ***
1
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11 12
2
5
≥≤

10 N9310A User’s Guide
1Overview
6 REF IN connector Female BNC 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 connector accepts 2MHz, 5MHz, 10 MHz signal according
to your selection.
7 PULSE MOD IN connector This BNC input connector accepts a
TTL signal for pulse modulation. The damage level is 5 Vrms.
8 MOD IN connector This BNC input connector accepts a
1.0 + 2% V (peak) signal for AM, FM, and phase modulation.
For all these modulations, +1.0 Vpeak produces the indicated
deviation or depth. The damage level is 5 Vrms.
9 Q IN connector This female BNC 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 This female BNC input connector accepts an
externally in-phase component of an I/Q modulation signal.
It has the same characters with the Q baseband signal.
11 VGA connector connects to an external monitor or projector.
12 USB device connectors connect with external USB devices,
such as a USB memory stick.
1
±
I2Q2 +
NOTE The I/Q IN connector is just available for external I/Q signal input
with the Option 001.

Overview 1
N9310A User’s Guide 11
Front and rear panel symbols
The CE mark: a registered trademark of the European Community.
The CSA mark: a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association International.
The C-Tick Mark: a trademark registered to the Australian
Communication Media Authority. It indicates compliance with all
Australian EMC regulatory information.
marks the “on” position of the power line switch.
marks the “standby” position of the power line switch.
indicates that the instrument requires AC power input.
shows that this is an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class
A product. (CISPR 11, Clause 4)
The instruction manual symbol: indicates that the user must refer to spe-
cific instructions in the manual.
ISM1-A
N10149
CUS
The signal generator has the following symbols. Before operation,
familiarize yourself with each marking and its meaning.
ICES/NMB-001
The ISM device complies with Canadian Interference- Causing
Equipment Standard- 001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB- 001 du Canada.

12 N9310A User’s Guide
1Overview
This product complies with the WEEE Directive(2002/96/EC)
marking requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must not
discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household
waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the
WEEE Directive Annex 1, this product is classed as a Monitoring
and Control instrumentation product.

s
Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator
User’s Guide
13
2
Getting Started
Check the Shipment and Order List 14
Safety Notice 16
Environmental Requirements 17
Electrical Requirements 18
Power on and Check 21
Some Tips 24
Connectors Maintenance 27
This chapter gives you the information you will need, in
most cases, to configure connections to your instruments
and interfaces and start using the signal generator properly.

14 N9310A User’s Guide
2 Getting Started
Check the Shipment and Order List
As you receive the shipment, please refer to the following
procedures, check the shipment and your order list . If your
doubted about the shipment, please contact Agilent
Technologies Customer Contact Center for consultation and
service.
✔Inspect the shipping container for damage.
Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping
container or cushioning material that indicates signs of
unusual stress or compacting.
✔Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container
and verify that your order is complete. Each shipment
includes the following items as standard:
✔If you ordered any of the following options, verify if they
are in the shipment by checking the product label on the
rear panel and the package checking list.
Item Quantity Part Number
N9310A signal generator 1 N9310A
USB cable 1 8121-1482
Three-pin power cord 1 Specific to region
Quick Start Guide 1 N9310-90003
User’s Guide 1 N9310-90001
Help kit CD-ROM 1 N9310-84500
Calibration certificate 1 N/A
Option Name Part number
001 I/Q modulator N9310A-001
1CM Rackmount flange kit N9310A-1CM
1TC Hard transit case N9310A-1TC