HP 8920A User manual

1
HP 8920A RF Communications Test Set
User’s Guide
Firmware Version A.15.00 and above
HP Part No. 08920-90219
Printed in U. S. A.
March 1998
Rev. B
DUPLETXRX PREV TESTS
CONFIHELPMSSG HOLD PRINT
SCREEN CONTROL
LOCAL
ADRS
RECAL
SAVE MEAS PRESE
INSTRUMENT STATE
DATA FUNCTIONS
INCR
REF INCR METER INCR AVG
LO HI
CURSOR CON-
PUSH TO
CANCE
SHIFT
k1
k1’
k2
k2’
k3
k3’
k4
ASSIG
k5
RELEA
USER DATA
789
456
123
0+_
ENTER
GHz
dB
MHz
%
kHz
s
Hz
ms
%
Ω
ppm
NO
ON/OFF
YES
MEMO
AUDIO IN LOHI
!MAX !MAX
AUDIOSQUELCVOL-
MIC/
MAX PO WER 200
!
ANT IN
DUPLEX OUTRF IN/OUT
!MAX POWER
POWE
OF O

2
Copyright © Hewlett-Packard Company 1995
Notice Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written
permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.
This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to the
Copyright License under the clause at DFARS 52.227-7013 (APR 1988).
Hewlett-Packard Company
Learning Products Department
24001 E. Mission
Liberty Lake, WA 99019-9599
U.S.A.

3
Manufacturer’s Declaration
This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German Sound
Emission Directive, from 18 January 1991.
This product has a sound pressure emission (at the operator position) < 70 dB(A).
•Sound Pressure Lp < 70 dB(A).
• At Operator Position.
• Normal Operation.
• According to ISO 7779:1988/EN 27779:1991 (Type Test).
Herstellerbescheinigung
Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der
Maschinenlärminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991.
• Schalldruckpegel Lp < 70 dB(A).
• Am Arbeitsplatz.
• Normaler Betrieb.
• Nach ISO 7779:1988/EN 27779:1991 (Typprüfung).

4
Safety
Considerations GENERAL
This product and related documentation must be reviewed for familiarization with
safety markings and instructions before operation.
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publication
1010, "Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus," and has been
supplied in a safe condition. This 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.
SAFETY EARTH GROUND
A uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided from the main power
source to the product input wiring terminals, power cord, or supplied power cord
set.
CHASSIS GROUND TERMINAL
To prevent a potential shock hazard, always connect the rear-panel chassis ground
terminal to earth ground when operating this instrument from a dc power source.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Indicates instrument damage can occur if indicated operating limits are exceeded.
Refer to the instructions in this guide.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground) terminal
WARNING
A WARNING note denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or
the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal
injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
CAUTION A CAUTION note denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operation procedure,
practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result
in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Do not proceed beyond
an CAUTION note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
!

5
Safety Considerations for this Instrument
WARNING This product is a Safety Class I instrument (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 product is
likely to make the product dangerous. Intentional interruption is
prohibited.
Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument
must be made inoperative and be secured against any unintended operation.
If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer (for voltage
reduction), make sure the common terminal is connected to the earth
terminal of the power source.
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.
No operator serviceable parts in this product. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers.
Servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid
electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do
so.
The opening of covers or removal of parts is likely to expose dangerous
voltages. Disconnect the product from all voltage sources while it is being
opened.
Adjustments described in the manual are performed with power supplied to
the instrument while protective covers are removed. Energy available at
many points may, if contacted, result in personal injury.
The power cord is connected to internal capacitors that my remain live for
5 seconds after disconnecting the plug from its power supply.
For Continued protection against fire hazard, replace the line fuse(s) only
with 250 V fuse(s) or the same current rating and type (for example, normal
blow or time delay). Do not use repaired fuses or short circuited
fuseholders.

6
WARNING: Always use the three-prong ac power cord supplied with this product. Failure to
ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may cause product damage.
This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and Pollution
Degree 2 per IEC 1010 and IEC 664 respectively. For indoor use only.
This product has autoranging line voltage input, be sure the supply voltage
is within the specified range.
To prevent electrical shock, disconnect instrument from mains (line) before
cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the
external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.
Ventilation Requirements: When installing the product in a cabinet, the
convection into and out of the product must not be restricted. The ambient
temperature (outside the cabinet) must be less than the maximum operating
temperature of the product by 4° C for every 100 watts dissipated in the
cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts,
then forced convection must be used.
Product Markings CE - the CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. A CE
mark accompanied by a year indicated the year the design was proven.
CSA - the CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Associ-
ation.

7
Hewett-Packard Warranty Statement for Commercial Products
HP 8920A RF
Communications
Test Set
Duration of
Warranty: 1 year 1. HP warrants HP hardware, accessories and supplies against defects in materials and
workmanship for the period specified above. If HP receives notice of such defects
during the warranty period, HP will, at its option, either repair or replace products
which prove to be defective. Replacement products may be either new or like-new.
2HP warrants that HP software will not fail to execute its programming instructions, for
the period specified above, due to defects in material and workmanship when properly
installed and used.If HP receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, HP
will replace software media which does not execute its programming instructions due
to such defects.
3. HP does not warrant that the operation of HP products will be uninterrupted or error
free. If HP is unable, within a reasonable time, to repair or replace any product to a
condition as warranted, customer will be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon
prompt return of the product.
4HP products may contain remanufactured parts equivalent to new in performance or
may have been subject to incidental use.
5. The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the date of installation if
installed by HP. If customer schedules or delays HP installation more than 30 days after
delivery, warranty begins on the 31st day from delivery.
6Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from (a) improper or inadequate mainte-
nance or calibration, (b) software, interfacing, parts or supplies not supplied by HP, (c)
unauthorized modification or misuse, (d) operation outside of the published environ-
mental specifications for the product, or (e) improper site preparation or maintenance.
7TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE ABOVE WARRANTIES
ARE EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHER WARRANTYOR CONDITION, WHETHER
WRITTEN OR ORAL IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AND HP SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OR MERCHANT-
ABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
8HP will be liable for damage to tangible property per incident up to the greater of
$300,000 or the actual amount paid for the product that is the subject of the claim, and
for damages for bodily injury or death, to the extent that all such damages are deter-
mined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been directly caused by a defective
HP product.

8
9. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE REMEDIES IN THIS
WARRANTY STATEMENT ARE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS INDICATED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL HP OR ITS
SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF DATA OR FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFIT OR DATA), OR
OTHER DAMAGE, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR
OTHERWISE.
FOR CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND:
THE WARRANTY TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO
THE EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE RESTRICT OR
MODIFY AND ARE IN ADDITION TO THE MANDATORY STATUTORY
RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF THIS PRODUCT TO YOU.

9
European Contact: Your local Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office or Hewlett-Packard GmbH
Department ZQ/Standards Europe, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 B
ö blinger, Germany (FAX[phone])
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name:
Manufacturer’s Address:
Product Name:
Model Number:
Product Options:
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Spokane Division
24001 E. Mission Avenue
Liberty Lake, Washington 99019-9599
USA
RF Communications Test Set / Cell Site Test Set
HP 8920A, HP 8920B, and HP 8921A
This declaration covers all options of the above
product.
conforms to the following Product specifications:
Safety: IEC 348:1978 / HD 401S1:19811)
EMC: CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 Group 1, Class A
EN 50082-1 : 1992
IEC 801-2:1991 - 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD
IEC 801-3:1984 - 3V/m
IEC 801-4:1988 - 0.5 kV Sig. Lines, 1 kV Power Lines
Supplementary Information:
This product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carries the CD-marking accordingly.
1) The product was introduced prior to 12/1993
Spokane, Washington USA Date October 17, 1996 Vince Roland/Quality Manager
declares that the product

10
Table 1 Regional Sales and Service Offices
United States of America
U.S. Instrument Support Center
For Test & Measurement Equipment
Repair & Calibration.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Englewood, Colorado 80112
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
United States of America
Customer Information Center
For Assistance On All HP Prod-
ucts.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Tel: [phone]
6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Parts Direct: 1-800-227-8164
United Kingdom
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
Cain Road
Amen Corner
Bracknell, Berkshire
RG12 1HN
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
South Eastern Europe
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ges. m.b.h.
Liebigasse 1
P.O. Box 72
A-1222 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: [phone]
Telex: 13 4425
European Multicountry Region
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard S.A.
P.O. Box 95
150, Route dv Nant_dl_AVRIL
CH-1217 Meyrin 2
Geneva, Switzerland
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Northern Europe
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Nederland B.V.
Startbaan 16
1187 XR
Amstelveen, The Netherlands
P.O. Box 667
Telephone: [phone] X 6631
Fax: [phone]NL
Asia
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Asia Ltd.
22-30/F Peregrine Tower
Lippo Center
89 Queensway, Central
Hong Kong
G.P.O. Box 863 Hong Kong
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Japan
Sales and Service
Yokogawa-Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
3-29-21, Takaido-Higashi
Suginami-Ku, Tokyo 168
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
International Sales Branch Head-
quarters
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard S.A.
39 Rue Veyrot
P.O. Box 365
1217 Meyrin 1
Geneva, Switzerland
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Australia, New Zealand
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
P.O. Box 221
31-41 Joseph Street
Blackburn, Victoria 3130
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Canada
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd.
5150 Spectrum Way
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5G1
Canada
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Canada
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Company
17500 Transcanada Highway
S. Serv Road
Kirkland, Quebec H9J 2X8
Canada
Telephone: [phone]

11
Canada
Service Center
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
11120 178 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1P2
Canada
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Latin America
Hewlett-Packard Company
LAHQ Mexico City
Col. Lomas de Virreyes
11000 Mexico D.F.
Mexico
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
United Kingdom
Sales and Service
Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
Cain Road
Amen Corner
Bracknell, Berkshire
RG12 1HN
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Table 1 Regional Sales and Service Offices (Continued)

12
In this Book The HP 8920A is referred to in this document as "Test Set."
Chapter 1, Get Started
This chapter describes the basic operation of the Test Set. It also provides a quick
check that verifies that the Test Set is operating properly.
Chapter 2, Configuring Your Test Set
This chapter describes various instrument configuration settings that affect the general
operation of the instrument.
Chapter 3, Operating Overview
This chapter contains detailed operating instructions and examples for using several
instrument features.
Chapters 4 through 23, Screen and Field Descriptions
These chapters contains reference information for each screen and its fields. Many of
the descriptions contain signal flow diagrams that relate the screen’s fields to the func-
tions they perform. The screens are arranged in alphabetical order by title at the top of
the screen; Signaling Encoder and Signaling Decoder are alphabetized by the names
Encoder and Decoder.
Chapter 24, Connector, Key, and Knob Descriptions
This chapter describes the purpose and use of each connector and control.
Chapter 25, Modifications, Accessories, Manuals, Support
This chapter describes retrofit kits, accessories, manuals, and customer support avail-
able for your Test Set.
Error Messages
This section discusses error and operating messages.

Contents
13
1 Get Started
Before Connecting a Radio 40
Accessing the Test Set’s Screens 41
Changing A Field’s Setting 43
How do I Verify that the Test Set is Operating Properly? 46
Instrument Functional Diagram 47

Contents
14
2 Configuring Your Test Set
General Operating Information 50

Contents
15
3 Operating Overview
Interaction Between Screens 54
Displaying Measurements 57
Entering and Changing Numbers 63
Printing A Screen 66
Using Measurement Limit Indicators 67
Averaging Measurements 69
Setting A Measurement Reference 70
Using Memory Cards 71
Saving and Recalling Instrument Setups 76
Using USER Keys 80
Setting an RF Generator/Analyzer Offset 84
Using Remote Control 85

Contents
16
4 Adjacent Channel Power Screen
How the Test Set Measures Adjacent Channel Power (ACP) 90
Field Descriptions 91

Contents
17
5 AF Analyzer Screen
Block Diagram 100

Contents
18
6 Call Processing Subsystem
Description of the Call Processing Subsystem 114
Using the Call Processing Subsystem 118
The CALL CONTROL Screen 122
Using the CALL CONTROL Screen to Test Call Processing
Functions 140
Using the CALL CONTROL Screen to test AMPS
Authentication 151
AUTHENTICATION Screen 162
CALL DATA Screen 165
CALL DATA Screen Message Field Descriptions 170
Using the CALL DATA Screen 186
CALL BIT Screen 194
CALL BIT Screen Message Field Descriptions 201
Using the CALL BIT Screen 239
ANALOG MEAS Screen 244
Using the ANALOG MEAS Screen 247
CALL CONFIGURE Screen 250

Contents
19
7 Configure Screen
Field Descriptions 254

Contents
20
8 Signaling Decoder Screen
Field Descriptions for Decoder Modes 270
AMPS-TACS, NAMPS-NTACS Decoder 271
Using the AMPS/TACS, NAMPS/NTACS Decoder 276
Continuous Digital Controlled Squelch System Decoder 280
Using the CDCSS Decoder 284
Digital Paging Decoder 285
Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Decoder 289
Using the DTMF Decoder 294
EDACS Decoder 295
Using the EDACS Decoder 298
Function Generator Decoder 301
Using the Function Generator Decoder 304
LTR Decoder 305
Using the LTR Decoder 309
MPT 1327 Decoder 311
NMT Decoder 316
Using the NMT Decoder/Encoder 321
Creating NMT Tests 326
Tone Sequence Decoder 335