HP 83487A User manual

User’s Guide
HP 83487A Optical/Electrical
Plug-In Module

ii
© Copyright Hewlett-Packard
Company 1999
All Rights Reserved. Repro-
duction, adaptation, or trans-
lation without prior written
permission is prohibited,
except as allowed under copy-
right laws.
HP Part No. 83487-90018
Printed in USA
June 1999
Hewlett-Packard Company
Lightwave Operations
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1799,
USA
[phone]
Notice.
The information contained in
this document is subject to
change without notice. Com-
panies, names, and data used
in examples herein are ficti-
tious unless otherwise noted.
Hewlett-Packard makes no
warranty of any kind with
regard to this material, includ-
ing but not limited to, the
implied warranties of mer-
chantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. Hewlett-
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Data and Computer Software
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for DOD agencies, and sub-
paragraphs (c) (1) and (c) (2)
of the Commercial Computer
Software Restricted Rights
clause at FAR 52.227-19 for
other agencies.
Warranty.
This Hewlett-Packard instru-
ment product is warranted
against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of
one year from date of ship-
ment. During the warranty
period, Hewlett-Packard Com-
pany will, at its option, either
repair or replace products
which prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair,
this product must be returned
to a service facility desig-
nated by Hewlett-Packard.
Buyer shall prepay shipping
charges to Hewlett-Packard
and Hewlett-Packard shall pay
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product to Buyer. However,
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charges, duties, and taxes for
products returned to Hewlett-
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try.
Hewlett-Packard warrants
that its software and firmware
designated by Hewlett-Pack-
ard for use with an instrument
will execute its programming
instructions when properly
installed on that instrument.
Hewlett-Packard does not
warrant that the operation of
the instrument, or software,
or firmware will be uninter-
rupted or error-free.
Limitation of Warranty.
The foregoing warranty shall
not apply to defects resulting
from improper or inadequate
maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-
supplied software or interfac-
ing, unauthorized modifica-
tion or misuse, operation
outside of the environmental
specifications for the product,
or improper site preparation
or maintenance.
No other warranty is
expressed or implied.
Hewlett-Packard specifically
disclaims the implied warran-
ties of merchantability and fit-
ness for a particular purpose.
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The remedies provided herein
are buyer's sole and exclusive
remedies. Hewlett-Packard
shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, special, inci-
dental, or consequential dam-
ages, whether based on
contract, tort, or any other
legal theory.
Safety Symbols.
CAUTION
The caution sign denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure which, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered
to, could result in damage to
or destruction of the product.
Do not proceed beyond a cau-
tion sign until the indicated
conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
WARNING
The warning sign denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure which, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered
to, could result in injury or
loss of life. Do not proceed
beyond a warning sign until
the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
The instruction man-
ual symbol. The prod-
uct is marked with this
warning symbol when
it is necessary for the
user to refer to the
instructions in the
manual.
The laser radiation
symbol. This warning
symbol is marked on
products which have a
laser output.
The AC symbol is used
to indicate the
required nature of the
line module input
power.
|The ON symbols are
used to mark the posi-
tions of the instrument
power line switch.
❍The OFF symbols
are used to mark the
positions of the instru-
ment power line
switch.
The CE mark is a reg-
istered trademark of
the European Commu-
nity.
The CSA mark is a reg-
istered trademark of
the Canadian Stan-
dards Association.
The C-Tick mark is a
registered trademark
of the Australian Spec-
trum Management
Agency.
This text denotes the
instrument is an
Industrial Scientific
and Medical Group 1
Class A product.
ISM1-A

iii
The HP 83487A—At a Glance
The HP 83487A—At a Glance
The HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module is one of several plug-in mod-
ules available for the HP 83480A, 54750A mainframes. The main features of
the HP 83487A are:
• Integrated, calibrated optical channel.
• 2.85 GHz optical channel bandwidth and user selectable 12.4 or 20 GHz
electrical channel bandwidth.
• 750 nm to 860 nm wavelength range.
• Optical channel has 1063/1250 Mb/s datacom filters.
• 62.5/125 µm (maximum) multimode, user selectable optical input connector
option.
• Electrical measurement channel.
• Trigger channel input to the mainframe.
• 3.5 mm (m) connectors on the electrical measurement channel and trigger
channel.
• One probe power connector.
• One auxiliary power connector.
The purpose of the plug-in module is to provide measurement channels,
including sampling, for the mainframe. The plug-in module scales the input
signal, sets the bandwidth of the system, and allows the offset to be adjusted
so the signal can be viewed. The output of the plug-in module is an analog sig-
nal that is applied to the ADCs on the acquisition boards inside the mainframe.
The plug-in module also provides a trigger signal input to the time base/trigger
board inside the mainframe.
For HP-IB programming information, refer to the HP 83480A, 54750A Pro-
grammer’s Guide supplied with the mainframe.
NOTE
If you wish to use the HP 83487A optical plug-in module in an HP 54750A digitizing
oscilloscope, a firmware upgrade must first be installed. Order the HP 83480K communi-
cations firmware kit and follow the installation instructions.

iv
Measurement Accuracy
Measurement Accuracy
To ensure that you obtain the specified accuracy, you must perform a plug-in
module vertical calibration. The calibration must also be performed when you
move a plug-in module from one slot to another, or from one mainframe to
another. Refer to Chapter 3, “Calibration Overview”for information on per-
forming a plug-in module vertical calibration.
CAUTION The HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module input circuitry can be
damaged when the total input power levels exceed +10 dBm (10 mW) on the
optical channel or ±2 V + peak ac (+16 dBm) on the electrical channel. To
prevent input damage, this specified level must not be exceeded.
Measurement accuracy—it’s up to you!
Fiber-optic connectors are easily damaged when connected to dirty or damaged cables
and accessories. The HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module’s front-panel INPUT
connector is no exception. When you use improper cleaning and handling techniques,
you risk expensive instrument repairs, damaged cables, and compromised measure-
ments.
Before you connect any fiber-optic cable to the HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in
module, refer to “Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements” on page 5-14.

v
General Safety Considerations
General Safety Considerations
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publica-
tion 1010, Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, and has
been supplied in a safe condition. The instruction documentation contains
information and warnings which must be followed by the user to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.
WARNING There are many points in the instrument which can, if contacted, cause
personal injury. Be extremely careful. Any adjustments or service
procedures that require operation of the instrument with protective
covers removed should be performed only by trained service
personnel.
WARNING If this instrument is not used as specified, the protection provided by
the equipment could be impaired. This instrument must be used in a
normal condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.
WARNING There are many points in the system which can, if contacted, cause
personal injury. Be extremely careful. Any adjustments or service
procedures that require operation of the system with protective
covers removed should be performed only by Hewlett-Packard
personnel.
WARNING NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Refer servicing to
qualified Hewlett-Packard personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do
not remove covers.
CAUTION Before this instrument is switched on, make sure its primary power circuitry
has been adapted to the voltage of the ac power source. Failure to set the ac
power input to the correct voltage could cause damage to the instrument when
the ac power cable is plugged in.
CAUTION Electrostatic discharge (ESD) on or near input connectors can damage circuits
inside the instrument. Repair of damage due to misuse is not covered under
warranty. Before connecting any cable to the electrical input, momentarily
short the center and outer conductors of the cable together. Personnel should
be properly grounded, and should touch the frame of the instrument before
touching any connector.

vi
General Safety Considerations

Contents
Contents-1
The HP 83487A—At a Glance iii
1Getting Started
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In Module 1-3
Options and Accessories 1-7
Menu and Key Conventions 1-9
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment 1-10
Step 2. Install the Plug-in Module 1-11
Returning the Instrument for Service 1-12
2Channel Setup Menu
Channel Setup Menu 2-2
Displaying the Channel Setup Menus 2-5
3Calibration Overview
Factory Calibrations 3-4
User Calibrations—Optical and Electrical 3-7
Complete Calibration Summary 3-19
4Specifications and Regulatory Information
Specifications 4-3
Characteristics 4-8
Declaration of Conformity 4-9
5Reference
In Case of Difficulty 5-2
Measuring High Power Waveforms 5-6
Error Messages 5-10
Electrostatic Discharge Information 5-12
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements 5-14
Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Offices 5-25

Contents-2
Contents

1
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In Module 1-3
Options and Accessories 1-7
Menu and Key Conventions 1-9
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment 1-10
Step 2. Install the Plug-in Module 1-11
Returning the Instrument for Service 1-12
Getting Started

1-2
Getting Started
Getting Started
Getting Started
This chapter gives a description of the plug-in module, lists options and acces-
sories, explains menu and key conventions used, shows how to install your
HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module, and gives information for return-
ing the plug-in module for service.
Refer to Chapter 2, “Channel Setup Menu”for information on operating the
plug-in module.
Refer to Chapter 3, “Calibration Overview”for calibration information.
Refer to Chapter 4, “Specifications and Regulatory Information”for informa-
tion on operating conditions, such as temperature.
CAUTION This product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and
POLLUTION DEGREE 2, per IEC 1010 and 664 respectively.
CAUTION The input circuits can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Therefore, avoid applying static discharges to the front-panel input connectors.
Before connecting any coaxial cable to the connectors, momentarily short the
center and outer conductors of the cable together. Avoid touching the front-
panel input connectors without first touching the frame of the instrument. Be
sure that the instrument is properly earth-grounded to prevent buildup of
static charge. Refer to “Electrostatic Discharge Information”on page 5-12.

1-3
Getting Started
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In Module
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In
Module
The HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module incorporates two measure-
ment channels, one optical and one electrical. The electrical channel has two
selectable bandwidth settings. In the lower bandwidth mode of 12.4 GHz,
oscilloscope noise performance is excellent, while the 20 GHz mode allows
greater fidelity for high speed signals. The calibrated, integrated optical chan-
nel has over 2.85 GHz bandwidth and allows easy, precise measurements of
single-mode or multimode optical signals.
The integrated optical channel reduces electrical mismatch loss variation by
eliminating signal distorting cables and connectors associated with the use of
external receivers in order to accurately characterize optical waveforms. The
optical channel is calibrated to provide both accurate display of the received
optical waveform in optical power units and measurement of the signal’s aver-
age power. In addition, the User Cal feature provides for consistent accuracy
at any wavelength between 750 nm and 860 nm using a source and power
meter.
The HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module also is a calibrated reference
receiver that is measured to conform to specifications for Fibre Channel (FC)
1063 and Gigabit Ethernet for transmitter compliance testing. By pressing a
front-panel key or issuing an HP-IB command, a filter is inserted or removed
from the measurement channel by a very repeatable HP microwave switch.
The switch removes the potential variability and the time wasted by manually
inserting and removing the filter, and maximizes measurement repeatability.
The electrical measurement channel may be used to perform measurements
on tributary electrical signals, to evaluate receiver performance in transceiver
testing, for measurements with HP’s wide range of external optical receivers,
or for general purpose measurements.

1-4
Getting Started
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In Module
The HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module provides:
•2.85 GHz, integrated, calibrated optical channel with sensitivity to below
–17 dBm
•12.4 GHz and 20 GHz electrical channel
•Trigger channel input to the mainframe
•Switchable reference filters for transceiver compliance testing
•Compliance testing at Fibre Channel 1063 and Gigabit Ethernet 1250 rates
•Measurement capability for single-mode or multimode optical signals

1-5
Getting Started
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In Module
Front panel of the plug-in module
The plug-in module takes up two of the four mainframe slots. The optical
channel provides calibrated measurement of optical waveforms in power
units. The electrical channel provides calibrated measurement of electrical
signals in volts. Bandwidths are selectable on both channels to optimize sensi-
tivity and bandwidth.
The front panel of the plug-in module has two channel inputs and an external
trigger input. The front panel also has a Probe Power connector for HP 54700-
series probes, an Aux Power connector for general purpose use, and a key for
each channel that displays the softkey menu. The softkey menu allows you to
access the channel setup features of the plug-in module.
The front-power Probe Power connector allows automatic channel scaling and
probe calibration with HP 54700 series probes. The front-panel Aux Power con-
nector provides only power to HP 54700 series probes for use as a trigger
input. Probe calibration and scaling are not required for a trigger input.
Front panel of the plug-in module.

1-6
Getting Started
The HP 83487A Optical/Electrical Plug-In Module
Trigger
The external trigger level range for this plug-in module is ±1 V. The trigger
source selection depends on the plug-in module location. For example, if the
plug-in module is installed in slots 1 and 2, then the trigger source is listed as
trigger 2. If it is installed in slots 3 and 4, then the trigger source is listed as
trigger 4.
CAUTION The maximum safe input voltage is ±2 V + peak ac (+16 dBm).
CAUTION The input circuits can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Therefore, avoid applying static discharges to the front-panel input connectors.
Before connecting any coaxial cable to the connectors, momentarily short the
center and outer conductors of the cable together. Avoid touching the front-
panel input connectors without first touching the frame of the instrument. Be
sure that the instrument is properly earth-grounded to prevent buildup of
static charge. Refer to “Electrostatic Discharge Information”on page 5-12.

1-7
Getting Started
Options and Accessories
Options and Accessories
Options Option 0B1 Additional set of user documentation
Option 0B0 Deletes the user documentation
Option UK6 Measured performance data
Option 001 Latest version of operating firmware for the HP 83480A
Option 002 Latest version of operating firmware for the HP 54750A
Option 011 Diamond HMS-10/HP connector interface
Option 012 FC/PC connector adapter
Option 013 DIN connector adapter
Option 014 ST connector adapter
Option 015 Biconic connector adapter
Option 017 SC connector adapter
Option 041 1063 and 1250 Mb/s switchable internal filters
Optional
accessories
HP 10086A ECL terminator
HP 11982A high-speed lightwave receiver
HP 54006A 6 GHz divider probe
HP 54008A 22 ns delay line
HP 54118A 500 MHz to 18 GHz trigger
HP 83430A lightwave digital source
HP 83440B/C/D high-speed lightwave receiver
HP 83446A/B lightwave clock and data receiver
HP 83447A lightwave trigger receiver
83487-60006 FC/PC 5 dB (mm) 850 nm attenuator and patchcord
83487-60007 ST 5 dB (mm) 850 nm attenuator and patchcord
83487-60008 SC 5 dB (mm) 850 nm attenuator and patchcord
Connection
devices
SMA (f-f) adapter, HP part number 1250-1158
APC 3.5 (f-f) adapter, HP part number 1250-1749
HP 81000FI FC/PC/SPC/APC connector interface
HP 81000KI SC connector interface

1-8
Getting Started
Options and Accessories
HP 81000SI DIN 47256/4108.6 connector interface
HP 81000VI ST connector interface
HP 81000WI Biconic

1-9
Getting Started
Menu and Key Conventions
Menu and Key Conventions
The keys labeled Trigger, Disk, and Run are all examples of front-panel keys.
Some front-panel keys bring up menus on the right side of the display screen.
These menus are called softkey menus.
Softkey menus contain functions not available directly by pressing the front-
panel keys. To activate a function on the softkey menu, press the unlabeled
key immediately next to the annotation on the screen. The unlabeled keys
next to the annotations on the display are called softkeys.
Additional functions are listed in blue type above and below some of the front-
panel keys. These functions are called shifted functions. To activate a shifted
function, press the blue front-panel Shift key and the front-panel key next to
the desired function.
Throughout this manual front-panel keys are indicated as, for example, Time-
base. Softkeys are indicated as, for example, Mask Align. The softkeys displayed
depend on the front-panel key pressed and which menu is selected. Shifted
functions are indicated by the front-panel Shift key followed by, for example,
the Local function (above the Stop/Single front-panel key) and will be shown as
Shift, Local.
A softkey with On and Off in its label can be used to turn the softkey’s function
on or off. To turn the function on, press the softkey so that On is highlighted.
To turn the function off, press the softkey so that Off is highlighted. An On or
Off softkey function will be indicated throughout this manual as, for example,
Test On.
A softkey such as Sweep Triggered Freerun offers you a choice of functions. In this
case, you could choose Triggered by pressing the softkey until Triggered is high-
lighted, or choose Freerun by pressing the softkey until Freerun is highlighted. A
choices softkey will be indicated throughout this manual as, for example,
Sweep Triggered Freerun Triggered.
When some softkeys, such as Calibrate probe, are pressed the first time, a mea-
surement will be made and the result will be provided. Some softkeys, such as
Offset, require the entry of a numeric value. To enter or change the value, use
the general purpose knob located below the front-panel Measure section.

1-10
Getting Started
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment
Step 1. Inspect the Shipment
1Verify that all system components ordered have arrived by comparing the
shipping forms to the original purchase order. Inspect all shipping containers.
The shipment includes:
•HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module with the ordered options and
adapters.
•5 dB optical attenuator and patch cord, 1 each
•APC 3.5 (f-f) adapter, HP part number 5061-5311, 2 each
•SMA 50Ωtermination, HP part number 1810-0118, 2 each
If your shipment is damaged or incomplete, save the packing materials and
notify both the shipping carrier and the nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales and
Service office. HP will arrange for repair or replacement of damaged or incom-
plete shipments without waiting for a settlement from the transportation com-
pany. Notify the HP customer engineer of any problems.
2Make sure that the serial number and options listed on the instrument’s rear-
panel label match the serial number and options listed on the shipping
document.

1-11
Getting Started
Step 2. Install the Plug-in Module
Step 2. Install the Plug-in Module
You do not need to turn off the mainframe to install or remove the plug-in
modules.
The plug-in module can be installed in slots 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 on the
HP 83480A or HP 54750A mainframe. The plug-in module will not function if
it is installed in slots 2 and 3.
To make sure the analyzer meets all of the published specifications, there
must be a good ground connection from the plug-in module to the mainframe.
The RF connectors on the rear of the plug-in module are spring-loaded, so fin-
ger-tighten the knurled screw on the front panel of the plug-in module to
make sure the plug-in is securely seated in the mainframe.
CAUTION Do not use non-HP extender cables to operate the plug-in module outside of
the mainframe. The plug-in module can be damaged by improper grounding
when using extender cables.
Note
If you wish to use the HP 83487A optical/electrical plug-in module in an HP 54750A dig-
itizing oscilloscope, a firmware upgrade must first be installed. Order the HP 83480K
communications firmware kit and follow the installation instructions.
Note
Use of the HP 83487A requires that firmware revision A.06.0 or later be installed in the
HP 83480A or HP 54750A mainframe.

1-12
Getting Started
Returning the Instrument for Service
Returning the Instrument for Service
The instructions in this section show you how to properly return the instru-
ment for repair or calibration. Always call the HP Instrument Support Center
first to initiate service before returning your instrument to a service office.
This ensures that the repair (or calibration) can be properly tracked and that
your instrument will be returned to you as quickly as possible. Call this num-
ber regardless of where you are located. Refer to “Hewlett-Packard Sales and
Service Offices”on page 5-25 for a list of service offices.
HP Instrument Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [phone]
If the instrument is still under warranty or is covered by an HP maintenance
contract, it will be repaired under the terms of the warranty or contract (the
warranty is at the front of this manual). If the instrument is no longer under
warranty or is not covered by an HP maintenance plan, Hewlett-Packard will
notify you of the cost of the repair after examining the unit.
When an instrument is returned to a Hewlett-Packard service office for servic-
ing, it must be adequately packaged and have a complete description of the
failure symptoms attached. When describing the failure, please be as specific
as possible about the nature of the problem. Include copies of additional fail-
ure information (such as the instrument failure settings, data related to instru-
ment failure, and error messages) along with the original cal data disks and
the instrument being returned.