Keysight Technologies EXA N9010A User manual

Functional
Tests
Keysight Technologies
This manual provides documentation for the following
Analyzers:
N9010A EXA

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2006-2015
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Manual Part Number
N9010-90013
Print Date
January 2015
Published in USA
Keysight Technologies
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
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3
Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about these products, including instrument software
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of your product:
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Is your product software up-to-date?
Periodically, Keysight releases software updates to fix known defects and incorporate product enhancements. To search
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4

Contents
5
Table of Contents
1. Functional Tests
Functional Test Versus Performance Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Contents of this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Before Performing a Functional Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2. Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3. Frequency Readout Accuracy
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4. Amplitude Accuracy at 50 MHz
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Testing Preamp Option (P03) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5. Frequency Response (Flatness)
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6. Frequency Response (Flatness), Preamp On
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7. Scale Fidelity
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

6
Contents

7
Keysight Technologies
N9010A EXA Signal Analyzer
Functional Tests
1 Functional Tests
Functional tests are tests of various instrument parameters that give a high
degree of confidence that the analyzer is operating correctly. They are
recommended as a check of analyzer operation for incoming inspection or after
a repair. Measurement uncertainty analysis is not available for functional tests,
and the analyzer is checked against limits that are wider than the published
specifications. The functional tests are designed to test an analyzer operating
within the temperature range defined by the analyzer specifications using a
minimum set of test equipment. If a test does not pass, performance
verification tests must be run to determine whether a problem exists.

8 Chapter 1
Functional Tests
Functional Test Versus Performance Verification
Functional Test Versus Performance Verification
Functional tests use a minimum set of test equipment to check a much smaller
range of parameters (and a limited number of data points for each parameter)
than do performance verification tests. Functional tests use limits that are
wider than the published specifications; measurement uncertainty analysis is
not available for functional tests.
NOTE If a functional test does not pass, you must run performance verification tests
to determine whether a problem exists.
Performance verification tests span a wide range of instrument parameters and
provide the highest level of confidence that the instrument conforms to
published specifications. These tests can be time consuming and require
extensive test equipment.

Chapter 1 9
Functional Tests
Contents of this Document
Contents of this Document
This chapter includes the following:
—“Before Performing a Functional Test” on page 10 (what to do first).
—“Test Equipment” on page 11 (a list of the equipment required for all of the
tests).
Subsequent chapters describe the following Functional Tests:
—“Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)” on page 15
—“Frequency Readout Accuracy” on page 19
—“Amplitude Accuracy at 50 MHz” on page 23
—“Amplitude Accuracy at 50 MHz” on page 23
—“Frequency Response (Flatness)” on page 29
—“Frequency Response (Flatness), Preamp On” on page 33
—“Scale Fidelity” on page 37
Each functional test includes:
— Test limits (pass/fail criteria)
— A description of the test
— The equipment required for the test
— A figure showing how to connect the equipment
— Step-by-step instructions
— One or more tables in which to record the measurement results

10 Chapter 1
Functional Tests
Before Performing a Functional Test
Before Performing a Functional Test
1. Ensure that you have the proper test equipment.
2. Switch on the unit under test (UUT) and let it warm up (in accordance with
warm-up requirements in the instrument specifications).
3. Allow sufficient warm-up time for the required test equipment (refer to
individual instrument documentation for warm-up specifications).
4. Ensure that the analyzer’s frequency reference is set to Internal:
a. Press the Input/Output, More, Freq Ref In keys.
b. If the Freq Ref In softkey does not show Internal, press the Freq Ref
In softkey and select Internal.
5. Following instrument warm-up, perform the auto align routine:
Press System, Alignments, Align Now, All.
NOTE Functional test accuracy depends on the precision of the test equipment
used. Ensure that all of the test equipment is calibrated before running a
functional test.

Chapter 1 11
Functional Tests
Test Equipment
Test Equipment
The table below summarizes the test equipment needed to perform all of the
functional tests. Alternate equipment model numbers are given in case the
recommended equipment is not available. If neither the recommended nor the
alternative test equipment are available, substitute equipment that meets or
exceeds the critical specifications listed.
Analyzer
Option Item Critical Specifications Recommended
Keysight Model
Alternate
Keysight
Model
Adapters
All 3.5 mm (f) to 3.5mm (f)
(connector saver for source)
Frequency: 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
VSWR: < 1.1:1 83059B 1250-1749
All BNC (f) to SMA (m) Frequency: 40 MHz 1250-1200
All Type N (f) to Type N (f) Frequency: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
VSWR: < 1.05:1
1250-1472 1250-0777
All Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (m) Frequency: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
VSWR: < 1.1:1
1250-1743
All Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (f) Frequency: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
VSWR: < 1.1:1
1250-1744
All Type N (f) to 3.5 mm (f) Frequency: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
VSWR: < 1.1:1
1250-1745
All Type N (m) to BNC (f) Frequency: 10 MHz to 1 GHz
VSWR: < 1.05:1
1250-1476
Attenuators
All 10 dB Step Attenuator Frequency: 50 MHz
Range: 0 to 70 dB
8495A 8496A
All 10 dB Fixed Attenuator (2
required)
Frequency: 50 MHz
VSWR: < 1.2:1
8493C Option 010 8493A Option
010
or
8493B Option
010
Pxx 30 dB Fixed Attenuator Accuracy: < 0.05 dB @ 50 MHz 11708A
Cables
All 3.5 mm (1 meter) Frequency: 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
VSWR: < 1.4:1
Loss: < 2.0 dB
11500E 8120-4921
All Cable, BNC (3 required) 120 cm (48 in.) BNC cable 10503A

12 Chapter 1
Functional Tests
Test Equipment
BBA Cable, BNC 120 cm (48 in.) BNC cable
Flatness (250 kHz to 40 MHz) < 0.5 dB
10503A
BBA Cable, BNC BNC male
23 cm (9 in) max
10502A
Signal Source
All Synthesized Sweeper Frequency: 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Harmonic level: < − 40 dBc
Amplitude range: 10 to − 20 dBm
Frequency Accuracy: 0.02%
PSGa83630B,
83640B,
83650B
BBA Signal Generator Frequency: 250 kHz to 40 MHz
Amplitude: ~–10 dBm
Flatness: < ±0.75 dB
E4438C 33250A
Power Meter
All Power Meter Power Reference Accuracy: ±1.2%
Compatible with power sensor
E4418B E4419B
All Power Sensor Frequency Range: 50 MHz to
3.66 GHz
Amplitude Range: −70 to –10 dBm
8481D 8487D
8485D
P03 Low Power Sensor Frequency Range: 50 MHz to 3.6 GHz
Amplitude Range: –70 to –10 dBm
8481D 8485D
8487D
Pxx other
than P03
Low Power Sensor Frequency Range: 50 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Amplitude Range: –70 to –10 dBm
8485D 8487D
Oscilloscope
All Keysight Infiniium
Oscilloscope
Cutoff Frequency: 50 MHz
Rejection at 65 MHz: > 40 dB
Rejection at 75 MHz: > 60 dB
Rejection at 80 MHz: > 60 dB
Frequency: 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
54800B
Miscellaneous Equipment
All Filter, 50 MHz Low Pass Cutoff Frequency: 50 MHz
Rejection at 65 MHz: > 40 dB
Rejection at 75 MHz: > 60 dB
Rejection at 80 MHz: > 60 dB
Frequency: 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
0955-0306
526 Power Splitter, 3.5 mm Nominal Insertion Loss: 6 dB
Tracking Between Ports: < 0.25 dB
11667B
Analyzer
Option Item Critical Specifications Recommended
Keysight Model
Alternate
Keysight
Model

Chapter 1 13
Functional Tests
Test Equipment
503, 507,
513
Power Splitter Nominal Insertion Loss: 6 dB
Tracking Between Ports: < 0.25 dB
11667A 11667B
All Termination, 50ΩType N (m) Connector
Frequency: 30 Hz to 26.5 GHz
909A Option 012
BBA Termination, 50ΩBNC male
Frequency: 250 kHz to 40 MHz
11593A
a. PSG model numbers: E8244A, E8254A, E8247C Option 520, E8247C Option H31 or 540, E8257D
Option 520, E8257D Option 550, E8257D Option 567, E8267D Option 544.
Analyzer
Option Item Critical Specifications Recommended
Keysight Model
Alternate
Keysight
Model

14 Chapter 1
Functional Tests
Test Equipment

15
Keysight Technologies
N9010A EXA Signal Analyzer
Functional Tests
2 Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)
Test Limits (with 0 dB input attenuation)
See Table 2-1 for values.
The Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) of the signal analyzer is measured
across a 10 kHz frequency span at several center frequencies. The analyzer
input is terminated into a 50Ωload. A test is performed to assure the
measurement is not performed in the presence of a residual response. The
measurement is then averaged, and the result is normalized to a 1 Hz
bandwidth.
Figure 2-1 DANL Test Setup
Item Critical Specifications
(for this test)
Recommended
Keysight Model
Termination, 50ΩType-N(m) Frequency: DC to 18 GHz 909A Option 012

16 Chapter 2
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)
Procedure
Procedure
1. Configure the equipment as shown in Figure 2-1
2. Press Mode, Spectrum Analyzer, Mode Preset on the analyzer.
3. Set up the signal analyzer by pressing:
FREQ Channel, Center Freq, 10, MHz
Input/Output, RF Input, RF Coupling, select DC
SPAN X Scale, Span, 10, kHz
AMPTD Y Scale, –70, dBm
AMPTD Y Scale, Attenuation, Mech Atten, 0, dB
BW, Res BW, 1, kHz
BW, Video BW, 100, Hz
Meas Setup, Average/Hold, Number, 20, Enter
Trace/Detector, Trace Average
Single
4. Press Restart, then wait for Average/Hold to display 20/20.
5. Press View/Display, Display, then press Display Line, On.
6. Rotate the knob and set the display line at the average amplitude of the
displayed noise floor by visual inspection.
7. Confirm that the measurement is performed on the analyzer noise floor
and not on a residual response within the displayed 10 kHz span.
NOTE Ignore the residual response if one appears when taking the measurement.
8. Enter the value of the display line as the Measured Average Noise Level at
10 MHz column in Table 2-1.
9. Normalize the measured value to a 1 Hz BW by adding 30 dB to the
measured value.
NOTE The 30 dB value is added because the formula used to calculate the value of
the noise power in a 1 Hz BW when measured with a 1 kHz BW is:
Normalized Noise = 10 Log (BW 2/BW 1) where BW 2 is the 1 kHz BW we
measure and BW 1 is 1 Hz BW to which we want to normalize.
Therefore, 10 Log (1000) = 30 dB, so the noise floor will be 30 dB lower in a
1 Hz BW.
10.Enter the normalized value of the displayed average noise level in Table
2-1.

Chapter 2 17
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)
Procedure
11.The value of the normalized displayed average noise should be less than
the specification value.
12.Change the analyzer center frequency to the next value listed in Table 2-1.
Press: FREQ Channel, Center Freq, [Table 2-1 Value], GHz
13.Repeat step 7 through step 12 to fill in the remainder of Table 2-1 for your
analyzer frequency range.
Table 2-1 Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) Results
Center Frequency Measured Average Noise Level (dBm) Normalized Average Noise Level/(1 Hz
BW) (dBm)
Test Limits
(dBm)
10 MHz –145
2 GHz –145
6 GHz –143
13 GHz –142
20 GHz –136
26.5 GHz –133

18 Chapter 2
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)
Procedure

19
Keysight Technologies
N9010A EXA Signal Analyzer
Functional Tests
3 Frequency Readout Accuracy
Test Limits
Frequency Readout Accuracy is equivalent to the following equation:
See results table for actual values.
The frequency readout accuracy is measured in several spans and center
frequencies that allow both internal analyzer synthesizer modes and prefilter
bandwidths to be tested. Frequency reference error is eliminated by using the
same frequency standard for the analyzer and signal source.
0.25% span 5% RBW 2Hz 0.5 horizontal resolution×++×+×()±
Item Critical Specification
(for this test)
Recommended
Keysight Model
Adapter, Type-N(m), to
3.5 mm(f)
Frequency: 10 MHz to 1.51 GHz
VSWR: < 1.1:1
1250-1744
Adapter, 3.5 mm(f) to
3.5 mm(f)
Frequency: 10 MHz to 1.51 GHz
VSWR: < 1.1:1
83059B
Cable, 3.5 mm, 1 meter Frequency: 10 MHz to 1.51 GHz
VSWR: < 1.4:1
11500E
Cable, BNC, 120 cm Frequency: 10 MHz 10503A
Synthesized Sweeper Frequency: 10 MHz to 1.51 GHz PSG

20 Chapter 3
Frequency Readout Accuracy
Figure 3-1 Frequency Readout Accuracy Test Setup