Keysight Technologies N432A User manual

Keysight N432A Thermistor
Power Meter
User’s Guide
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com

II N432A User’s Guide
Notices
© Keysight Technologies 2010 - 2014
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Keysight
Technologies as governed by United States
and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N432A-90002
Edition
Edition 5, November 14, 2014
Printed in Malaysia
Keysight Technologies
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Trademark Acknowledgements
Microsoft is a trademark or registered trade-
mark of Microsoft Corporation.
Mozilla is a trademark of the Mozilla Foun-
dation.
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems,
Incorporated.
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum extent permitted by applicable
law, Keysight disclaims all warran-
ties, either express or implied, with
regard to this manual and any infor-
mation contained herein, including
but not limited to the implied warran-
ties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose. Keysight shall
not be liable for errors or for inciden-
tal or consequential damages in con-
nection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of
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 shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accor-
dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Soft-
ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user cus-
tomers. Keysight provides this customary
commercial license in Software and techni-
cal data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical
Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and,
for the Department of Defense, DFARS
252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial
Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in
Commercial Computer Software or Com-
puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing 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 per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

N432A User’s Guide III
Certification
Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment. Keysight further certifies that its
calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly National Bureau of
Standards), to the extent allowed by that organization calibration facility,
and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards
Organization members.
General 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 shall control. Duration and conditions of warranty for
this product may be superseded when the product is integrated into
(becomes a part of) other Keysight products. During the warranty period,
Keysight will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to
be defective. The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the
date of installation if installed by Keysight.
Warranty Service
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service
facility designated by Keysight. For products returned to Keysight for
warranty service, the Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Keysight and
Keysight shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer.
However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for
products returned to Keysight from another country.

IV N432A User’s Guide
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper
or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied products or
interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the
environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation
or maintenance.
The design and implementation of any circuit on this product is the sole
responsibility of the Buyer. Keysight does not warrant the Buyer’s circuitry
or malfunctions of Keysight products that result from the Buyer’s circuitry.
In addition, Keysight does not warrant any damage that occurs as a result
of the Buyer’s circuit or any defects that result from Buyer-supplied
products.
To the extent allowed by local law, Keysight makes no other warranty,
expressed or implied, whether written or oral with respect to this product
and specifically disclaims any implied warranty or condition of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or satisfactory quality.
Exclusive Remedies
To the extent allowed by local law, the remedies provided herein are the
Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Keysight shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including
lost profit or data), whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other
legal theory.

N432A User’s Guide V
Restricted Rights Legend
The Software and Documentation have been developed entirely at private
expense. They are delivered and licensed as “commercial computer
software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS
252.211-7015 (May 1991), or DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun 1995), as a
“commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a), or as “restricted computer
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (Jun 1987) (or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is applicable. You have
only those rights provided for such Software and Documentation by the
applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the Keysight standard software
agreement for the product involved.
Technology Licenses
The hardware 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.

VI N432A User’s Guide
Safety Summary
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s
failure to comply with these requirements.
Safety Notices
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 loss of life. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
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.

N432A User’s Guide VII
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation
indicate precautions that must be taken to maintain safe operation of the
instrument.
Caution, risk of danger. The Instruction
Documentation Symbol. The
instrument is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for the user to
refer to the instructions in the supplied
documentation.
This symbol indicates the operating
switch for ‘Stand-by’ mode.
Note, this instrument is NOT isolated
from the mains when the switch is
pressed. To isolate the instrument, the
mains coupler (mains input cord) should
be removed from the power supply.
Alternating current (AC)
Instrument protected throughout by
DOUBLE INSULATION or RE-INFORCED
INSULATION
Direct current (DC) On (Supply)
Both direct and alternating current Off (Supply)
Three-phase alternating current Caution, risk of electric shock
Earth (ground) TERMINAL Caution, hot surface
PROTECTIVE CONDUCTOR TERMINAL In position of bi-stable push control
Frame or chassis TERMINAL Out position of bi-stable push control
Equipotentiality

VIII N432A User’s Guide
General Safety Information
This 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 instrument
is likely to damage the instrument. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
WARNING
• Do not operate the instrument in an explosive atmosphere or in the
presence of flammable gasses or fumes.
• Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders. For
continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with
fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type.
• Do not perform procedures involving cover or shield removal unless
you are qualified to do so. Operating personnel must not remove the
meter covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal of covers
and shields are for use by service-trained personnel only.
• Do not service or adjust alone. Under certain conditions, dangerous
voltages may exist even with the instrument switched off. To avoid
electrical shock, service personnel must not attempt internal service
or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid
and resuscitation, is present.
• Do not operate damaged instrument. Whenever it is possible that the
safety protection features built into this instrument have been
impaired, either through physical damage, excessive moisture, or
any other reason, REMOVE POWER and do not use the instrument
until safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If
necessary, return the instrument to Keysight for service and repair to
ensure the safety features are maintained.
• Do not substitute parts or modify the instrument. Because of the
danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the instrument.
Return the instrument to Keysight for service and repair to ensure
the safety features are maintained.

N432A User’s Guide IX
In This Guide...
1 Introduction
This chapter introduces you to the front panel display and instrument Web
browser of the Keysight N432A Thermistor Power Meter.
2 Operating Information
This chapter provides the information on the N432A general operation.
3 Maintenance
This chapter describes the built-in self-tests, error messages, and general
maintenance.
4 Specifications and Characteristics
This chapter lists the specifications and characteristics of the N432A.

XN432A User’s Guide
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Keysight Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or
description at the Web address below.
NOTE
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Keysight representative.

N432A User’s Guide XIII
Contents
1 Introduction 1
LXI Class-C Compliant N432A 2
Sensor Compatibility 3
Conventions Used in This Guide 4
Front Panel Outlook 5
Rear Panel Connections 10
Display Layout 11
Window Symbols and Pop-Ups 15
Warning symbol pop-up 15
Wait symbol pop-up 16
Confirm symbol pop-up 16
Numeric entry pop-up 16
Text entry pop-up 17
List pop-up 17
Using the N432A Web Interface 18
Using the remote front panel 22
Editing the N432A LAN settings 23
Capturing the screen image 25
Getting the instrument data 26
Making the Socket Connection 27
2 Operating Information 29
Setting the Bridge Resistance 30
Setting the Resistance Type 31
Setting the Measurement Unit 34
Setting the Measurement Frequency 35

XIV N432A User’s Guide
Setting the Resolution 37
Displaying Voltage Measurements 38
Making Relative Measurements 39
Setting Offsets 41
Setting the channel offset 42
Setting the display offset 43
Setting the frequency-dependent offset 45
Setting the Voltage Averaging 52
Step Detection 53
Setting Measurement Limits 54
Checking for limit failures 56
Single Function Measurement 57
Combined Measurement 58
Max Hold/Min Hold 60
Recorder Output 63
Saving and Recalling N432A States 66
Editing a register name 67
Recalling a measurement setup 67
Zeroing the N432A 69
Using the Calibration/Correction Factors 70
Frequency-specific calibration factors 70
Sensor calibration tables 71
Selecting a sensor calibration table 71
Editing/generating sensor calibration tables 73
Power Measurement Procedures 77
Internal power measurement 77
Precision power measurement 79
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) Measurement 82

N432A User’s Guide XV
Blank Screen 88
Secure Blank 89
Backlight Intensity Control 92
Memory Erase/Secure Erase 93
Warm Start 95
3 Maintenance 97
Self-Test 98
Front panel selection of self-tests 98
Instrument self-test 99
Remote testing 101
Test descriptions 101
Error Messages 103
Introduction 103
Error list 105
Operator Maintenance 112
Checking the power line fuses 112
Contacting Keysight Technologies 113
Prior to contacting Keysight Technologies 113
Check the basics 114
Instrument serial numbers 114
Recommended calibration interval 115
Erasing Memory Data 116
Returning the N432A for Service 117
Packaging the N432A for shipment 117
Keysight Sales and Service Offices 118
4 Specifications and Characteristics 119
Introduction 120

XVI N432A User’s Guide
Specification definitions 120
N432A Specifications 122
Rear Panel Input and Output Connections 124
Line power 124
1 mW Power Reference 125
Environmental Conditions 126
General 126
Operating environment 126
Storage 126
Physical Characteristics 127
Dimensions 127
Weight 127
Regulatory Information 128
Electromagnetic (EM) compatibility 128
Product safety 128
Low voltage directive 129

N432A User’s Guide XVII
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Dual numeric display 11
Figure 1-2 Single numeric and analog display 12
Figure 1-3 Full screen numeric display 13
Figure 1-4 Accessing the N432A Web interface from the Connection Expert 18
Figure 1-5 N432A Web interface (Welcome page) 19
Figure 1-6 Blinking message to identify the N432A 20
Figure 1-7 Example of the Lan Status message 20
Figure 1-8 Virtual front panel 22
Figure 1-9 Viewing the current LAN configuration from the Web interface 23
Figure 1-10 Enter Password dialog box 23
Figure 1-11 Changing the N432A LAN interface configuration 24
Figure 1-12 Screen capture 25
Figure 1-13 Obtaining instrument data 26
Figure 1-14 Add Instrument dialog 27
Figure 1-15 Add LAN Instruments dialog 28
Figure 1-16 N432A connected via the socket connection 28
Figure 2-1 Bridge resistance pop-up list 30
Figure 2-2 Connections for Ruser measurement 31
Figure 2-3 Resistance type pop-up list 32
Figure 2-4 Ruser pop-up 32
Figure 2-5 Frequency pop-up 36
Figure 2-6 Voltage measurement display 38
Figure 2-7 Typical relative measurement display 39
Figure 2-8 Simplified measurement path 41
Figure 2-9 Setting the channel offset 42
Figure 2-10 Offset indicator 43
Figure 2-11 Setting the display offset 44
Figure 2-12 Frequency-dependent offset tables 46
Figure 2-13 Frequency-dependent offset table indicator 46
Figure 2-14 Edit Offset display with data added 48
Figure 2-15 Edit table name pop-up 48
Figure 2-16 Setting the offset unit 49
Figure 2-17 Offset display in the engineering unit (when the selected unit is %) 51
Figure 2-18 Volt Avg pop-up list 52
Figure 2-19 Minimum limit pop-up 55

XVIII N432A User’s Guide
Figure 2-20 Meter minimum pop-up 55
Figure 2-21 Limit failures 56
Figure 2-22 Single function measurement configuration 57
Figure 2-23 Function pop-up list 57
Figure 2-24 Combined measurement configuration 58
Figure 2-25 Measurement display example 59
Figure 2-26 Max hold/min hold measurement performed on the ‘HOLD’ block 60
Figure 2-27 Hold pop-up list 61
Figure 2-28 Min Hold and Max Hold measurement modes indicated on the
display 61
Figure 2-29 Min Hold indicated in full in the expanded window 62
Figure 2-30 Recorder output pop-up list 63
Figure 2-31 Recorder Minimum pop-up 64
Figure 2-32 Recorder Maximum pop-up 64
Figure 2-33 Save/Recall screen 66
Figure 2-34 Save confirmation pop-up dialog 66
Figure 2-35 File name pop-up 67
Figure 2-36 Recall confirmation pop-up dialog 68
Figure 2-37 Zeroing pop-up message 69
Figure 2-38 Cal Factor pop-up 70
Figure 2-39 Sensor table selected 72
Figure 2-40 Sensor calibration table indicator 72
Figure 2-41 Sensor Tbls screen 74
Figure 2-42 Edit Cal display 75
Figure 2-43 Edit table title pop-up 75
Figure 2-44 Connection diagram for precision power measurement 80
Figure 2-45 Connection diagram for VRC measurement 84
Figure 2-46 Connection diagram for VSWR measurement 86
Figure 2-47 Blank Screen feature 88
Figure 2-48 Secure Blank feature 89
Figure 2-49 Enter 6-digit Password pop-up 89
Figure 2-50 Warning message 90
Figure 2-51 Reconfirm Password pop-up 90
Figure 2-52 Warning message 90
Figure 2-53 Password reconfirmation pop-up 91
Figure 2-54 Password required to restore display 91
Figure 2-55 Backlight intensity control feature 92
Figure 2-56 Increase or decrease the backlight brightness 92

N432A User’s Guide XIX
Figure 2-57 Activate memory erase using combo keys 93
Figure 2-58 Secure Erase feature 94
Figure 2-59 Confirmation to begin secure erase 94
Figure 2-60 Warning message displaying the secure erase status 94
Figure 2-61 Warm start On/Off feature 95
Figure 3-1 Self-test completed 99
Figure 3-2 VRF, VCOMP, and V0tests skipped 100
Figure 3-3 Error indicator 103
Figure 3-4 Checking the fuses 112
Figure 3-5 Secure erase status pop-up 116

XX N432A User’s Guide