Keysight Technologies M937 A Series User guide

Startup Guide
Keysight M937xA PXIe
Vector Network Analyzer 
Modules
M9370A, 300 kHz to 4 GHz
M9371A, 300 kHz to 6.5 GHz
M9372A, 300 kHz to 9 GHz
M9373A, 300 kHz to 14 GHz
M9374A, 300 kHz to 20 GHz 
M9375A, 300 kHz to 26.5 GHz

Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 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
M9370-90001
Print Date
September 5, 2014
Published in USA
Keysight Technologies Inc.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
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 WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
KEYSIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ERRORS OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE
FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT AND THE
USER HAVE A SEPARATE WRITTEN
AGREEMENT 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 hard ware 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.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the
performance of a U.S. Government
prime contract or subcontract,
Software is delivered and licensed as
“Commercial computer software” as
defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June
1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as
“Restricted computer software” as
defined in FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987)
or any equivalent agency regulation or
contract clause. Use, duplication or
disclosure of Software is subject to
Keysight Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and
non-DOD Departments and Agencies
of the U.S. Government will receive no
greater than Restricted Rights as
defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2)
(June 1987). U.S. Government 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
CAUTION
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.
WARNING
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Getting Started
Introduction 5
Related Documentation 5
STEP 1. Unpack and Inspect the Network Analyzer Modules 6
Inspect for Damage 7
How to Return an Instrument for Service 7
STEP 2. Check the Shipment 8
STEP 3. Install the Software 9
System Requirements 9
Hardware Requirements 9
Power Up the Controller 10
Software Installation Overview 10
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules 12
Recommended Best Practices to Ensure Proper and Safe Module Operating
Conditions 12
Tools Required for the Installation Procedure 13
Installation Procedure 13
Front Panel Features 20
STEP 5. Verify Operation of the Network Analyzer Modules 21
The Operator’s Check 21
If the Operator’s Check Fails 22
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Getting Help with Your Network Analyzer Module
Help System 23
N937xA on the Internet 24
Contacting Keysight 25
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety and Regulatory Information
Maintenance 27
Shipment for Service 28
Safety Symbols 29
General Safety Considerations 30

4
Contents
Before Applying Power 30
Servicing 30
Operating Conditions 30
Regulatory Information 31
Instructions for Use 31
EMC 31
Safety 31
Instrument Markings 32
Declaration of Conformity 33
Warranty 34

5
Getting Started
Introduction
M937xA PXIe Startup Guide
1 Getting Started
Introduction
The scope of this Startup Guide is to detail the processes of receiving and
installing the network analyzer module and cables that compose the Keysight
M937xA PXIe Vector Network Analyzer module. Additionally, installing the
required software and verifying network analyzer module operation is
documented. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please
contact your local Keysight Technologies Inc. representative or contact us
through our support Website at http://na.support.keysight.com/pxi.
Related Documentation
You can find all M937xA PXI network analyzer module documentation and
other resources at: http://na.support.keysight.com/pxi/help 
or at the respective product pages on www.keysight.com (go to Document
Library > Manuals).

6
Getting Started
STEP 1. Unpack and Inspect the Network Analyzer Modules
STEP 1. Unpack and Inspect the Network Analyzer Modules
CAUTION The network analyzer modules are shipped in materials which prevent damage
from static. The modules should only be removed from the packaging in an
anti-static area ensuring that correct anti-static precautions are taken. Store
all modules in anti-static envelopes when not in use.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components.
Use a static-safe work station to perform all work on electronic assemblies.
Figure 1-1 shows a static-safe work station using two types of ESD protection:
conductive table-mat and wrist-strap combination, and conductive floor-mat
and heel-strap combination. Both types, when used together, provide a
significant level of ESD protection. Of the two, only the table-mat and
wrist-strap combination provides adequate ESD protection when used alone.
To ensure user safety, the static-safe accessories must provide at least 1
meg-ohm of isolation from ground.
WARNING Do NOT use these techniques for a static-safe work station when working on
circuitry with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts.
Figure 1-1 ESD protection setup

7
Getting Started
STEP 1. Unpack and Inspect the Network Analyzer Modules
Unpack the network analyzer modules from the shipping containers. Keep the
black and red plastic port protectors and the shipping containers for possible
reuse.
Inspect for Damage
After unpacking a network analyzer module, inspect it for any shipping
damage. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately, as such
damage is not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION To avoid damage when handling the network analyzer modules, do not touch
exposed connector pins.
How to Return an Instrument for Service
Should it become necessary to return a network analyzer module for repair or
service, follow the steps below:
1. Review the warranty information shipped with your product.
2. Contact Keysight to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) and
return address. For assistance finding Keysight contact information, go to
www.keysight.com/find/assist (worldwide contact information for repair
and service).
3. Write the following information on a tag and attach it to the network
analyzer module:
• Name and address of owner. A P.O. box is not acceptable as a return
address.
• Network analyzer module serial numbers. The serial number label is
located on the side panel of the module. The serial number can also be
read from the Soft Front Panel (SFP) interface, after the hardware is
installed.
• Description of the service required or the failure.
4. On the shipping label, write ATTENTION REPAIR DEPARTMENT and the
RMA number.
5. Ship the analyzer module using the original packaging materials. Shipping
the analyzer module in anything other than the original packaging may
result in non-warranted damage.
NOTE In your correspondence, refer to the network analyzer module by serial number
and by model number.

8
Getting Started
STEP 2. Check the Shipment
STEP 2. Check the Shipment
Use the Contents List in the shipping container to verify the completeness of
your shipment. If not complete, refer to “Contacting Keysight” on page 25.

9
Getting Started
STEP 3. Install the Software
STEP 3. Install the Software
System Requirements
Hardware Requirements
Topic Windows 7 and Vista Requirements
Operating system Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit)
Windows Vista, SP 1 and SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Processor speed 1.5 GHz dual core (x86 or x64) minimum
(2.4 GHz recommended)
Available memory 1 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Available disk space 1.5 GB available hard disk space
Topic Requirements
Chassis PXIe or PXI-H chassis slot
Controllers PXI or PXI Express embedded controller or remote controller
(external PC connected to the chassis by a PCI-to-PXI
interface) is required.
Embedded controller Keysight M903xA or an equivalent embedded controller that
meets the following requirements:
•A PXIe system controller (PXI-1 embedded controllers
are not compatible).
• Utilizes a 2x8, 4x4, or 1x8 PXIe system slot link
configuration.
•Runs one of the operating systems listed in System
Requirements (above).
Remote controller (For Keysight M9018A chassis use only) A PC running one of
the operating systems listed in System Requirements
and a Keysight M9021A Cable Interface x8 with one of the
following PC interface options:
•Keysight M9045B PCIe ExpressCard Adaptor x1, with
cable (for a laptop PC)
•Keysight M9048B PCIe Desktop Adaptor x8, with cable
(for a desktop PC)

10
Getting Started
STEP 3. Install the Software
Power Up the Controller
If you are using a remote controller, complete the following steps:
1. Install the cable interface between the remote controller and the chassis. If
you are using an Keysight M9021A cable interface, refer to the Keysight
M9021A documentation for further details.
2. Power up the chassis.
3. Power up the PC.
CAUTION If you are using a remote controller and you have installed the interface cable, you must
power up the chassis BEFORE you power up the PC.
When you power down your system, shut down the PC BEFORE you power down the
chassis.
If you are using an embedded controller, complete the following steps:
1. Install the embedded controller module into a compatible chassis. The
Keysight M9018A PXIe chassis is recommended. Refer to the Keysight
M9018A documentation for further details.
2. Connect peripherals (mouse, keyboard, monitor).
3. Power up the chassis.
Software Installation Overview
The software installation includes the following items:
• Keysight IO Libraries Suite (IOLS), which includes the Keysight Connection
Expert. This software is included with your shipment (CD part number
E2094-60003), and the latest version is available at
www.keysight.com/find/iosuite. This software must be installed first.
NOTE Version 16.3.17914.4 (or newer) of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite is required.
• Network analyzer module software, which includes the soft front panel
(SFP) software, device drivers (IVI-C and IVI-COM, and LabVIEW G), and
documentation for the M937xA PXIe Vector Network Analyzer modules.
This software is included with your shipment (CD part number
M9370-90003) and is also available at
http://na.support.keysight.com/pxi/firmware.

11
Getting Started
STEP 3. Install the Software
Software Installation Procedure
1. Install the Keysight IO Libraries Suite, using either the Keysight IO Libraries
Suite CD included with your shipment (CD part number E2094-60003), or
the downloadable file at www.keysight.com/find/iosuite. Follow the
installer prompts to install the IO libraries.
2. Install the network analyzer module software:
a. Using either the CD included with your shipment (CD part number
M9370-90003) or the downloadable file at
http://na.support.keysight.com/pxi/firmware, launch the installer.
b. Follow the installer prompts.
3. Complete the installation:
If Using an Embedded Controller:
a. After the InstallShield Wizard has completed, click Finish.
b. Restart the embedded controller PC, using Start > Restart, and wait for
the system to restart.
If Using a Remote Controller:
a. After the InstallShield Wizard has completed, click Finish.
b. Shut down the remote controller PC, using Start > Shut down.
c. Power down the chassis.
d. Power up the chassis.
e. Power up the remote controller PC.
NOTE Check for software updates at: http://na.support.keysight.com/pxi/firmware.

12
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
IMPORTANT Please review all safety information located in Chapter 3 before proceeding with
installing and using the network analyzer module.
NOTE These modules can be used in a chassis with a PXIe, or PXI-H chassis slots.
Recommended Best Practices to Ensure Proper and Safe Module Operating
Conditions
• Ensure proper chassis air flow is maintained.
• The use of a Keysight M9018A chassis is recommended for optimum
temperature control. If a different chassis is used, make sure it provides
thermal protection if fans become inoperable or forced air cooling is
obstructed.
— If using the Keysight M9018A PCIe Cable Interface, download the
Keysight Multiple PXIe and AXIe Chassis System Configuration Tool.
Save the file to your local hard drive; do not try to open the file from the
Internet location.
• Use slot blockers and EMC filler panels in empty module slots to ensure
proper operating temperatures. Keysight chassis and slot blockers optimize
module temperature performance and reliability of test.
• Set chassis fans to high or auto. Do not disable fans.
• Position chassis to allow plenty of space around chassis air intake and fan
exhaust.
• At ambient temperatures above 45° C (113° F) set the chassis fan to high.
Figure 1-2 M937xA chassis air flow

13
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
Tools Required for the Installation Procedure
• Phillips #1 torque driver, set to 4 in-lbs (0.45 N.m) - not supplied.
• Socket adapter (part number 5023-1450) - supplied.
• Torque driver (for use with socket adapter), set to 8 in-lb (0.91 N.m) - not
supplied.
• Cable removal tool (part number 5002-3361) - supplied.
Installation Procedure
CAUTION PXI hardware does not support “hot-swap” (changing network analyzer modules while
power is applied to the chassis) capabilities. Before installing or removing a module
to/from the chassis, power-off the chassis to prevent damage to the module.
1. Make sure that the line cord is plugged in to establish earth ground and that
the chassis power switch is Off (see callouts 1 and 3 in Figure 1-3 on
page 14).
2. Wear a grounded wrist strap for this procedure (see callout 2 in Figure 1-3
on page 14).
3. If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure that the fan switch is
set to AUTO.
4. Position the chassis to provide ample space between the chassis fan intake
and exhaust vents. Blockage by walls or obstructions affects the air flow
needed for cooling. (Refer to the chassis documentation for more
information about cooling.)
5. Before inserting the network analyzer module into the chassis, back-out the
top mounting screw (see callout 7 in Figure 1-3 on page 14) on the module
to ensure that there is no interference between the screws and the
mounting rails.
6. Holding the module by the injector/ejector handle, slide it into a slot, as
shown in callouts 4 – 6 in Figure 1-3 on page 14.
a. Install the module into the slot of the chassis by placing the module card
edges into the front module guides (top and bottom).
The network analyzer module can be installed in any PXIe or hybrid PXI
slot marked with a peripheral slot compatibility image (solid black
circle fro PXIe, or solid black circle with the letter “H” for hybrid.

14
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
b. Hold down the silver locking tab while pushing down the injector/ejector
handle to the unlatched (downward) position, and slide the module to
the rear of the chassis.
c. Slide the module completely into the chassis. When you begin to feel
resistance, pull up on the injector/ejector handle to fully inject the
module into the chassis. The injector/ejector handle should lock into
place. (To remove the module from the chassis, you must first press the
injector/ejector handle to unlock it.)
Figure 1-3 Installing the Network Analyzer Module
7. Repeat for other modules, if present.
8. Tighten the top mounting screw (see callout 7 in Figure 1-3) and the
bottom mounting screw (located below the injector/ejector handle) on the
module(s) using a Phillips #1 torque drive set to 4 in-lbs (0.45 N.m).
9. Install EMC filler panels and slot blockers into empty module slots to assure
proper air circulation and operating temperatures.
10.If using only one M937xA module in the chassis, leave the 50 ohm loads
attached as shown in Figure 1-4 on page 15.

15
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
Figure 1-4 Single M937xA Network Analyzer Module Configuration
NOTE In the following instructions, eight network analyzer modules are configured. Use these
instructions as a general guide if installing a different number of modules.
11.As seen in Figure 1-5 on page 16, each module is shipped with two 50 ohm
loads attached to each module. To enable connections between module
pairs, some of these loads must be removed. To remove the loads, use the
socket adapter, seen in Figure 1-6 on page 16, attached to the 8 in-lb (0.91
N.m) torque driver.
a. On the module in slot 1, remove the 50 ohm load from the LO Out port.
Leave the load installed on the LO In port.
b. On the module in slot 8, remove the 50 ohm load from the LO In port.
Leave the load installed on the LO Out port.
c. On each of the remaining modules, remove both 50 ohm loads.
d. Save the 50 ohm loads that were just removed for possible reuse in
another module configuration.

16
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
Figure 1-5 50 Ohm Loads Installed on the Network Analyzer Modules
Figure 1-6 Socket Adapter for 50 Ohm Loads (part number 5023-1450)

17
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
12.Install a semi-rigid cable (M9370-20018), seen in Figure 1-7, between the
Trig Out port and the Trig In port on each of the module pairs (1 & 2, 2 & 3,
3 & 4, 4 & 5, 5 & 6, 6 & 7, and 7 & 8).
Figure 1-7 Installing Semi-Rigid Cable M9370-20018
NOTE Use the supplied cable removal tool (5002-3361) to remove the M9370-20018 cables if
necessary. See Figure 1-8 on page 18.

18
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
Figure 1-8 Cable Removal Tool (part number 5002-3361)
13.Install a semi-rigid cable (M9370-20006), seen in Figure 1-9, between the
LO Out port and the LO In port on each of the module pairs (1 & 2, 2 & 3, 3
& 4, 4 & 5, 5 & 6, 6 & 7, and 7 & 8), hand tightening the connectors.
Figure 1-9 Installing Semi-Rigid Cable M9370-20006
14.Tighten the semi-rigid cable using the socket adapter, seen in Figure 1-6
on page 16, attached to an 8 in-lb (0.91 N.m) torque driver.

19
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
15.Install a semi-rigid cable (M9370-20019), seen in Figure 1-10, between the
Ref Out port and the Ref In port on each of the module pairs (1 & 2, 2 & 3, 3
& 4, 4 & 5, 5 & 6, 6 & 7, and 7 & 8).
Figure 1-10 Installing Semi-Rigid Cable M9370-20019
NOTE Use the supplied cable removal tool (5002-3361) to remove the M9370-20019 cables if
necessary. See Figure 1-8 on page 18.
You have now completed the hard ware installation procedure.

20
Getting Started
STEP 4. Install the Network Analyzer Modules
Front Panel Features
Front Panel Photo Feature Description
Status LED OFF: Power supply off. Safe to remove the network analyzer module from
the chassis.
AMBER: Power supply on, but no firmware is in control.
GREEN: Firmware is in control; instrument is probably idle.
FLASHING GREEN: A sweep or measurement has been triggered.
RED: Last sweep had an error.
Port 1 APC 3.5 mm female connector. Sources stimulus signals for the DUT and
receives response signals from the DUT. Frequency range is determined
by the network analyzer module model.
Port 2
LO In SMA female connector. If the network analyzer module is not configured
with another module, the connector is terminated with a 50 ohm load. If
the module is configured with a module in an adjacent slot, the connector
receives the LO signal from the configured module.
LO Out SMA female connector. If the network analyzer module is not configured
with another module, the connector is terminated with a 50 ohm load. If
the analyzer module is configured with a module in an adjacent slot, the
connector provides the LO signal to the configured module.
Ref In SMB female connector. A 10 MHz external reference signal supplied to
this port can be used as the instrument frequency reference instead of the
internal frequency reference. To activate this feature on the soft front
panel, select Utility > System > Configure > External Reference.
Ref Out SMB female connector. Outputs a 10 MHz frequency reference signal for
use by other test equipment.
Trig In SMB female connector. Inputs a signal to trigger the network analyzer
module.
Trig Out SMB female connector. Outputs a signal either before or after a
measurement.
Trig Ready SMB female connector. Outputs a “READY’ signal to other devices.