Keysight Technologies M937A Series User manual

Demo Guide
Keysight
M937xA PXIe Vector
Network Analyzers

Table of Contents
Preparation for Demo........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Equipment requirements................................................................................................................................................... 3
Items included in the demo kit.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Setup 2-port configuration using single module................................................................................................................ 5
Verify and install the software .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Install the module.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Measuring 2-port device with soft front panel ................................................................................................................... 7
Using the Soft Front Panel to make a measurement....................................................................................................... 7
Launch Soft Front Panel ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Setup measurement parameters.................................................................................................................................... 8
Perform calibration ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Demonstrating multiport configuration............................................................................................................................. 10
Install modules................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Using Soft Front Panel to demonstrate multiport configuration................................................................................... 13
Launch software............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Setup measurement parameters.................................................................................................................................. 13
Perform calibration ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Demonstrating multi-site configuration............................................................................................................................ 16
Install Modules................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Using Soft Front Panel to demonstrate multi-site configuration .................................................................................. 17
Launch software............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Demonstrating program based PXIe VNA ......................................................................................................................... 19
IVI Driver Programing Examples ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Demonstrating Create Measurement VB Example......................................................................................................... 19
Launch Soft Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Open example file ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Run the program in simulation mode .......................................................................................................................... 21
Modify the code ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Run the program ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
Troubleshoot ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Appendix ............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Front Panel Features ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Hints and Tips for using non-Keysight chassis and controllers .................................................................................... 25
Instrument drivers......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Device manager ............................................................................................................................................................ 25
Keysight Connection Expert (KCE) ............................................................................................................................... 26
Reference documents...................................................................................................................................................... 28
2

Preparation for Demo
Equipment requirements
•M937X Demo kit
•PXIe Chassis (PXIe or PXI-H slot)
Recommended Practices for Temperature Control
oThe use of a Keysight chassis (e.g. M9018A) is recommended for optimum temperature control.
oUse slot blockers and EMC filler panels in empty module slots to assure proper operating temperatures.
oAt ambient temperatures above 45° C (113° F), set the chassis fan to High.
•PXI Express embedded controller or remote controller
oSystem requirements
Operating system
Windows 7 (32 & 64 bit)
Windows Vista, SP 1 & 2 (32 & 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 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
For a list of computers compatible with Keysight Technologies PXIe M9018A chassis, refer to Tested
Computer Technical Note (literature no. 5990-7632EN).
.NET framework runtime components are installed by default with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Therefore, you may not need this amount of available disk space.
oHardware requirements
Embedded controller
Keysight M903xA or an equivalent embedded controller that meets the
following requirements:
•PXIe system controller (PXI-1 embedded controllers are not
compatible)
•Utilize a 2x8, 4x4, or 1x8 PXIe system slot link configuration.
•Run 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 (see appendix) and an 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)
•Computer display to remote desktop OR external display with DVI interface & cable (for VGA interface use VGA to
DVI adapter).
•8 in-lb (0.91 N.m) torque driver
3

Items included in the demo kit
Below is list of items included in the demo kit.
Part Number
Qty
Description
M9375A-CFG001
1
M9375A-CFG002 PXI VNA 26.5 GHz Software option fully loaded
M9370-90006
1
M9375A Demo Guide (This document)
M9370-90001
1
M9375A Installation Guide
Y1241A 1 Cable kit for multiport configuration. Includes:
M9370-20006 Cable Assy – RF, LO Jumper
M9370-20018 Cable Assy – SMB Trigger Jumper
M9370-20019 Cable Assy – SMB Reference Jumper
Y1281A
1
Accessory and tool kit. Includes:
5002-3361 Cable Removal Tool, SMB/MMCX
5023-1450 Custom long deep socket for 3.5/SMA connector nuts
5062-6691 2 Cable Assy 20 in SMA(m), SMA(m)
1250-1666 1 Adapter-Coaxial straight SMA(f), SMA(f)
NA 1 USB memory
NA
1
Mini-circuit VBZF-2000+ 2GHz BPF
4

Setup 2-port configuration using single module
In this section, the procedure to setup a 2-port configuration is shown. If you are using a non-Keysight chassis and
controller, the basic procedure of the setup will be the same as the steps below.
For tips and hints of setting up the M937X in non-Keysight chassis or controller, refer to appendix.
Verify and install the software
If you know that your system has the latest software installed, skip this step and install the hardware.
1. Power up the controller.
If you’re 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.
2. Use windows key to show control panel, and select “Uninstall a program” to show list of programs installed in
the system.
1. Check the revision of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite (IOLS). It should be revision 16.3.17914.4 or
newer.
2. Check the revision of the M937X. It should be higher revision than the firmware on the web.
www.keysight.com/find/pxivna
3. Install software if the system does not have the latest software.
1. Install the Keysight IO Libraries Suite. Using either the USB or the downloadable file at
www.keysight.com/find/iosuite. Follow the installer prompts to install the IO libraries. This
software must be installed at first.
2. Install the network analyzer software. Using either the USB memory or the downloadable file at
www.keysight.com/find/pxivna, launch the installer. Follow the installer prompts to install soft front
panel, device drivers (IVI-C, IVI-COM, and LabVIEW G) and documents.
When you install the product software, the IVI driver files are installed in the standard IVI Foundation
directories (for example, C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\IVI\Drivers\). Example programs are
provided to demonstrate most driver functionality. The reference material for the driver functions (a
Microsoft HTML Help .chm file) is installed. In addition, you can directly access the .chm file
(AgM9391.chm) from this Start menu location: Start > All Programs > Agilent IVI Drivers > AgNA >
AgNA Documentation.
5

Install the module
Please review all safety information located in Chapter 3, “Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental
Information,” of startup guide (M9370-90001) before proceeding with installing and using the analyzer.
1. Power down the controller
PXI hardware does not support “hot-swap” (changing 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
2. Insert M937X modules in a chassis with a PXIe, or PXI-H chassis slots
The network analyzer module can be installed in any PXIe or hybrid PXI slot marked with a peripheral
slot compatibility image (solid black circle for PXIe, or solid black circle with the letter “H” for hybrid).
3. Leave the 50 ohm loads attached as shown in below figure.
6

Measuring 2-port device with soft front panel
In this demo, we use soft front panel to measure 2-port device. The soft front panel can be launched by VNA launcher.
Using the Soft Front Panel to make a measurement
Keysight soft front panels provide easy to use instrument communications. The graphical user interface guides developers
through module setup using a similar look and feel as the popular PNA. Users can quickly configure the instrument
parameters and perform calibrations.
Launch Soft Front Panel
Click the
Network Analyzer
SFP
shortcut
Select M937XA module to run
Click Run
When more than one module is installed in the chassis, you can choose to configure the modules as a
Multiport VNA or as Multi-site VNAs. See following section for more details on multiport or multi-site VNA
configuration.
7

Setup measurement parameters
On the menu bar of M937X SPF,
Select Utility > Quick start…
Select S-Parameters
Setup measurement parameters as
shows in left for the demo DUT.
8

Perform calibration
Click [Cal] key on the right panel
Click [Cal Wizard…] key on the menu
under “Start Cal”.
Follow instruction to perform cal.
ECal modules are controlled and powered through a USB connection. When you connect the module, the
type of module, frequency range, and connector type are automatically recognized. For PXI modules, connect
the ECal module to a USB port on the remote or embedded controller.
9

Demonstrating multiport configuration
The Keysight PXI VNA is an ideal solution for multiport measurements. The PXI VNA has a two-port (2- reference receivers
and 2- test receivers) architecture in a one-slot module. It can be easily configured as a true multiport VNA by using
additional modules installed in the same chassis. The true multiport VNA has no degradation in performance (i.e. dynamic
range, trace noise, directivity,) due to external switches. The PXI VNA supports full n-port correction capability when
configured as a multiport VNA.
The mainframe should have the latest version of the software for this demonstration. Refer to verify and install
the software section for more detail.
In the following instructions, eight modules are configured. Use these instructions as a general guide if
installing a different number of modules.
The selected modules in a Multiport VNA MUST be sequential. For example, to configure a 6-port VNA using
the above installed modules, you could choose Slots 5, 6, 7
Install modules
1. As seen in below figure, 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.
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.

2. Install a semi-rigid cable (M9370-20018), seen in below figure 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.) Press firmly to ensure a proper
connection.
3. Install a semi-rigid cable (M9370-20006), seen in below figure, 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.
4. Tighten the semi-rigid cable, using the socket adaptor attached to the 8 in-lb (0.91 N.m) torque driver.

5. Install a semi-rigid cable (M9370-20019), seen in below figure, 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.) Press firmly to ensure a proper
connection.
6. You have now completed the hardware installation procedure

Using Soft Front Panel to demonstrate multiport configuration
Launch software
Click the Network Analyzer SFP
shortcut
Select M937XA modules to configure
multiport VNA. In this example, 8
modules in the chassis in slots 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9 are selected.
Click Run
Setup measurement parameters
In this step, we setup the VNA to measure reflection of the all port.
On the M937X SPF…
•Set start frequency to 100 MHz
•Set stop frequency to 4 GHz
•Set IFBW to 1 kHz

Now the measurement display has
S11. We are going to add other 15
reflection parameters.
From menu bar of the M937X SPF,
Trace/Chan > Trace > New Trace…
Select
S22, S33, S44, S55, S66, S77, S88, S99,
S10_10, S11_11, S12_12, S13_S13,
S14_S14, S15_S15, S16_S16
Now you have all reflection parameter
from port1 (S11) to port16 (S16_16)

Perform calibration
In order to perform calibration more than 2 port, the M937X need to have option 551.
All the demo unit of the M937X has the option 551 installed.
In order to enable option 551 capability in your multiport configuration, you have to have at least 1 module
of the M937X which has option 551.
To check the option installed on the M937X, go to the menu bar of the M937X, then click Help > About
Network analyzer…
Click [Cal] key on the right panel
Click [Cal Wizard…] key on the menu
under “Start Cal”.
Follow instruction to perform cal.

Demonstrating multi-site configuration
While the 4-port VNA is running, you can also create a different, fully-functioning VNA which would run at the same time
as the 4-port VNA. The only practical limit to the number of VNA instances is the CPU speed of the host controller. The
benefit of creating Multi-site VNAs is measurement throughput. You could test multiple devices at the same time.
In this demo we use multiple M937XA to demonstrate multi-site configuration. The key point of this demo is to show
flexibility of the setting.
The mainframe should have the latest version of the software for this demonstration. Refer to verify and install
the software section for more detail.
In the following instructions, two pairs of 4-port operation are configured. Use these instructions as a general
guide if installing a different number of modules.
Install Modules
As seen in shown figure, install four modules. Install semi-rigid cables (M9370-20006 for LO In/Out, M9370-20018 for Trig
In/Out, M9370-20019 for Ref In/Out) to connect each module. Also, connect 50 ohm loads on LO In of the first module
and LO Out of the second module for each pair of 4-port configuration M957XA.

Using Soft Front Panel to demonstrate multi-site configuration
Launch software
Click the Network Analyzer SFP
shortcut
Select M937XA modules to run. In this
example, select slot 2 and 3 to
configure 4-port VNA.
Click Run
With the first VNA already running,
again, click the
Network Analyzer
SFP
shortcut, which restarts the Launcher
dialog.
The Launcher dialog shows the same
selected slots as the previous time. The
selection is 'sticky' to allow you to
quickly run the same configuration as
before. Select M937XA modules to run.
Click each to un-select the previously-
selected slots.
Then select one or more of the
previously-unused VNA modules. In this
example, select slot 5 and 6 to
configure 4-port VNA
Click Run

Now, you have two M937X SPF in one
system.

Demonstrating program based PXIe VNA
The M973xA PXI VNA is supplied with a comprehensive portfolio of module drivers, documentation, examples, and
software tools to help you quickly develop test systems with your software platform of choice. The module comes with IVI-
COM, IVI-C, LabVIEW and MATLAB software drivers that work in the most popular T&M development environments
including, LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI from National Instruments, MATLAB from The MathWorks, Microsoft C/ C++, C#,
and VB.NET.
IVI Driver Programing Examples
The IVI Driver Programming Examples are simple applications that demonstrate basic use of the driver in a variety of
application development environments and programming languages. All the Example programs do the following:
1. Create an instance of the driver.
2. Initialize the driver in simulation mode (no instrument required).
3. Read several IVI Identity properties.
4. Check the instrument error queue.
5. Close the driver.
Examples are coded to initialize the driver in simulation mode and should compile and run as is, without an
instrument.
Example Visual Studio projects were created with VS2008 and may be converted to newer versions. If you are
using an older version of Visual Studio, you may cut and paste code from the example project source into a
similar project created in your version of Visual Studio.
You may use these examples as a starting point for creating programs for your driver. For additional info on
using IVI drivers in a variety of development environments.
Example programs are copied at “C:\Program Files (x86)\IVI Foundation\IVI\Drivers\AgNA\Examples\” when you install
IVI-COM.
Demonstrating Create Measurement VB Example
The mainframe should have the latest version of the software for this demonstration. Refer to verify and install the
software section for more detail.
You need visual studio to run and edit the example program. You can use Microsoft Visual Studio Express,
which is freeware development environment developed by Microsoft.

Launch Soft Front Panel
Click the
Network Analyzer
SFP shortcut
Select M937XA module to run
Click Run
Open example file
From start menu, Click…
Agilent IVI Drivers >
AgNA>
AgNA Examples
Open…
Examples > VS.NET > VB >
CreateMeasurement_VBExample
Copy and rename…
CreateMeasurement_VBExample_Copy.vbproj
then double clik the file to open