Keysight Technologies X Series User manual

Keysight M1971 Series Harmonic
Mixer
This manual provides documentation for use with the
X-Series Signal Analyzer.
User’s Guide

2 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Notices
Copyright Notice
© Keysight Technologies 2015 - 2016
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced 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 Technol-
ogies as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
M1971-90004
Edition
Edition 3, September, 2016
Printed in:
Printed in Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software
described in this document are fur-
nished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight prod-
ucts may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/
go/conformity. You can then search by
product number to find the latest Dec-
laration of Conformity.
U.S. Government Rights
The Software is “commercial computer
software,” as defined by Federal Acqui-
sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu-
ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR Supple-
ment (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S.
government acquires commercial com-
puter software under the same terms
by which the software is customarily
provided to the public. Accordingly,
Keysight provides the Software to U.S.
government customers under its stan-
dard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
be found at http://www.keysight.com/
find/sweula. The license set forth in the
EULA represents the exclusive authority
by which the U.S. government may use,
modify, distribute, or disclose the Soft-
ware. The EULA and the license set
forth therein, does not require or per-
mit, among other things, that Keysight:
(1) Furnish technical information
related to commercial computer soft-
ware or commercial computer software
documentation that is not customarily
provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish
to, or otherwise provide, the govern-
ment rights in excess of these rights
customarily provided to the public to
use, modify, reproduce, release, per-
form, display, or disclose commercial
computer software or commercial com-
puter software documentation. No
additional government requirements
beyond those set forth in the EULA
shall apply, except to the extent that
those terms, rights, or licenses are
explicitly required from all providers of
commercial computer software pursu-
ant to the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing else-
where in the EULA. Keysight shall be
under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR
12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS
227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR
227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any
technical data.
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 DIS-
CLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD
TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMA-
TION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUD-
ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS
OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR OF ANY INFORMATION CON-
TAINED HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT
AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE
WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WAR-
RANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATE-
RIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.
Safety Information
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, 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 pro-
ceed 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 proce-
dure, 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.

Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 3
Warranty
This Keysight Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment.
During the warranty period, Keysight Technologies will, at its option, either repair
or replace products that prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility
designated by Keysight Technologies. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to
Keysight Technologies, and Keysight Technologies shall pay shipping charges to
return the product to Buyer. For products returned to Keysight Technologies from
another country, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes.
Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about these
products, including instrument software upgrades, application information, and
product information, browse to one of the following URLs, according to the name
of your product:
www.keysight.com/find/smartmixers
www.keysight.com/find/pxa
www.keysight.com/find/uxa
www.keysight.com/find/mxa
www.keysight.com/find/exa
To receive the latest updates by email, subscribe to Keysight Email Updates at the
following URL:
www.keysight.com/find/emailupdates
Information on preventing analyzer damage can be found at:
www.keysight.com/find/tips

4 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Compliance Notices and Regulatory Information
Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
This product conforms with the protection requirements of EMC Directive (2014/
30/EU) for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
The product complies to the EMC Directive by assessment according to the IEC/
EN61326-1 EMC standard.
In order to preserve the EMC performance of the product, any cable which
becomes worn or damaged must be replaced with the same type and
specifications.
Regulatory markings
The CE mark is a registered
trademark of the European
Community. This CE mark shows
that the product complies with all
the relevant European Legal
Directives.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM device
complies with the Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme
NMB-001 du Canada.
ISM GRP.1 Class A indicates that this is an
Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class A
product.
The RCM mark is a registered
trademark of the Australian
Communications and Media
Authority.
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive
(2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed
product label indicates that you must not discard
this electrical or electronic product in domestic
household waste.
This symbol indicates the time
period during which no hazardous
or toxic substance elements are
expected to leak or deteriorate
during normal use. Forty years is
the expected useful life of the
product.
This instrument is Class A suitable for professional
use and is for use in electromagnetic environments
outside of the home.

Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 5
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/
96/EC
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product category
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center,
or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml
for more information.

6 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Sales and Technical Support
To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
–www.keysight.com/find/smartmixers
–www.keysight.com/find/pxa
–www.keysight.com/find/uxa
–www.keysight.com/find/mxa
–www.keysight.com/find/exa
(product-specific information and support, software and documentation
updates)
–www.keysight.com/find/assist
(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 7
Table of Contents
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Where to Find the Latest Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Compliance Notices and Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . . . . . . . . . . .4
Regulatory markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/
EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Product category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1Overview
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Shipping problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Mixers Covered by This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Serial numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Spectrum Analyzer Retrofit Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
N9040B signal analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
N9030A/B signal analyzer (requires Option EXM and Windows 7) .20
N9020A/B signal analyzer (requires Option EXM and Windows 7) .21
N9010A/B signal analyzer (requires Option EXM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
2Operation
Operating Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
RF input power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
LO input power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Electrostatic discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Connect only one mixer at a time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Waveguide protection foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Provide mechanical support for the mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

8 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Avoiding waveguide flange damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mixer waveguide connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the M1971 Series Mixer with the N9030A/B, N9020A/B, and
N9010A/B Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Equipment setup (mixer’s path Normal mode or Dual Conversion
mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
LO adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Viewing the external mixer setup screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Signal ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Equipment setup (mixer’s path Aux equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using the M1971 Series Mixer with the N9040B Signal Analyzer . . . . 34
Equipment setup (mixer’s path Normal mode or Dual Conversion
mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Automatic correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
LO adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Viewing the external mixer setup screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Signal ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Equipment setup (mixer’s path Aux Equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Replaceable parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Returning a M1971 Series Mixer for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Contacting Keysight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Shipping your product to Keysight for service or repair . . . . . . . . . 49
4Specifications
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

10 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
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Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 11
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 M1971 Series mixer overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Figure 1-2 M1971 Series mixer side view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Figure 2-1 External mixer setup screen (from the PXA spectrum ana-
lyzer display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Figure 2-2 External mixer setup screen (from the UXA spectrum ana-
lyzer display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Figure 4-1 M1971 dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

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Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 13
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Standard shipped items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Table 1-2 Instrument options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Table 1-3 Option EXM retrofit for N9030A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Table 1-4 Option EXM retrofit for N9020A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Table 1-5 Option EXM retrofit for N9010A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Table 2-1 Equipment setup for the M1971 Series mixer and the
N9030A/B, N9020A/B, and N9010A/B signal analyzers
(Option EXM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Table 2-2 Operation of the M1971 Series mixer and the N9030A/B,
N9020A/B, and
N9010A/B signal analyzers (Option EXM) . . . . . . .28
Table 2-3 Equipment setup for the M1971 Series mixer’s path AUX
and the N9030A/B, N9020A/B, and N9010A/B signal
analyzers (Option EXM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Table 2-4 Equipment setup for the M1971 Series mixer and the
N9040B signal
analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Table 2-5 Operation of the M1971 Series mixer and the N9040B sig-
nal analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Table 2-6 Equipment setup for the M1971 Series mixer’s path AUX
and the N9040B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Table 2-7 Operation of the M1971 Series mixer’s path AUX
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Table 3-1 Troubleshooting procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Table 3-2 Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Table 3-3 Replaceable parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Table 4-1 General specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Table 4-2 Physical characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Table 4-3 Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

14 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
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1Overview
16 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Description
The Keysight M1971E/V/W Harmonic Mixer is an un-preselected mixer that is
used to extend the frequency range of the Keysight X-Series signal analyzer for
high-frequency wireless and millimeter wave applications.
With emphasis on ease-of-use, the embedded features of the mixer will
automatically transfer the conversion loss data from the mixer memory to the
signal analyzer through the USB plug-and-play feature. It will also auto detect the
mixer model and serial number to set the default frequency range.
Once the mixer is connected to the signal analyzer via both the SMA cable
connection and the USB connection, the signal analyzer and mixer can perform
an LO power adjustment that will compensate for SMA cable loss (cable length
<3 meters) and optimize the LO power present at the mixer.
Operation of the M1971E/V/W mixer can be categorized into three modes:
–Normal Path: This path should be used for I/Q measurements. The mixer’s IF
frequency supplied to the host analyzer depends on the host analyzer’s IF Path
selected.
–Dual Conversion Path: Provides the widest image-free range since the first
conversion is to a higher IF frequency, and the mixer uses the host analyzer's
10 MHz external reference out to generate a second LO signal for the second
IF down-conversion. Intended only for swept measurements of wideband
modulated carriers. The mixer’s IF bandwidth is wide enough to support all
host instrument resolution bandwidth settings, but not wide enough for I/Q
acquisitions.
–Aux Equipment Path: The mixer down-converts the input signal to an IF
frequency defined by the user, and this IF is available at a separate mixer
output port for connection to external equipment (e.g. oscilloscope). The
signal analyzer’s signal path is not used, since the signal analyzer only
provides an LO signal to the mixer. This path is designed for I/Q acquisitions of
bandwidths wider than those supported by the internal instrument IF paths.
Since the spectrum analyzer’s signal path is not used, there is no Signal
Identification or automatic amplitude correction for mixer conversion loss and
IF flatness. You must determine which signals are real and which are images or
multiples. The mixer's conversion loss and IF flatness data for this path is
contained in a file on the signal analyzer.

Overview 1
Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 17
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container and the cushioning material for signs of stress.
Retain the shipping materials for future use, as you may wish to ship the
instrument to another location or to Keysight Technologies for service.
Shipping problems
If the shipping materials are damaged or the contents of the container are
incomplete:
– Contact the nearest Keysight Technologies office.
– Keep the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection.
– If you must return the instrument to Keysight Technologies, use the original (or
comparable) shipping materials. See “Returning a M1971 Series Mixer for
Service” on page 49.
Table 1-1 Standard shipped items
Item Description
User’s Guide Provides instructions on usage, retrofit requirements, troubleshooting,
specifications, and general information.
SMA cable RF cable required to connect the mixer to the signal analyzer EXT MIXER
connector.
USB cable USB cable required to connect the mixer to the signal analyzer.
Certificate of calibration Provides information regarding the instrument calibration.
Waveguide screws Screws required for connection to the waveguide (5 ea).
Ball driver 3/32 inch hex driver for installation of the waveguide screws.

1Overview
18 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Mixers Covered by This Guide
– M1971E Option 001: 60 to 90 GHz waveguide harmonic mixer
– M1971E Option 003: 55 to 90 GHz waveguide harmonic mixer
– M1971V: 50 to 75 GHz waveguide harmonic mixer
– M1971W: 75 to 110 GHz waveguide harmonic mixer
Serial numbers
A serial number label is attached to your mixer that shows the serial number and
country of manufacture.
Figure 1-1 M1971 Series mixer overview
Figure 1-2 M1971 Series mixer side view
10 MHz IN BNC connector
LO/IF SMA connector
Waveguide
connector
USB connector
AUX SMA connector

Overview 1
Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide 19
Instrument Options
The following options are available:
Table 1-2 Instrument options
Option number Description
M1971E/V/W-101 Cable, SMA, 1 meter
M1971E/V/W-102 Cable, SMA, 3 meters
M1971E/V/W-201 Cable, USB, 1.8 meters
M1971E/V/W-202 Cable, USB, 3 meters
M1971E/V/W-301 Jackstand

1Overview
20 Keysight M1971 Series User’s Guide
Spectrum Analyzer Retrofit Requirements
N9040B signal analyzer
The N9040B is fully hardware-compliant since option EXM is standard.
N9030A/B signal analyzer (requires Option EXM and Windows 7)
Instruments without Option EXM currently installed can be retrofitted to add the
hardware and licensing.
To retrofit Option EXM:
NOTE
The N9040B software revision must be A.16.05 or later for use with E band
mixers.
The N9040B software revision must be A.18.01 or later for use with V or W band
mixers.
Table 1-3 Option EXM retrofit for N9030A/B
Model Frequency option Serial number prefix
<MY/US/SG5138 ≥ MY/US/SG5138
N9030A 550, 544, or 543 N9030AK-EXM N9030AK-EXM
503, 508, 513, or 526 N9030AK-HL6
N9030B All — N9030BU-EXM
NOTE
The N9030A/B software revision must be A.16.05 or later for use with E band
mixers.
The N9030A/B software revision must be A.18.05 or later for use with V or W
band mixers.
Other manuals for X Series
16
This manual suits for next models
5
Table of contents