Keysight N7010A User manual

Keysight N7010A
Active Termination Adapter
User’s Guide

2N7010A User’s guide
Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2015-2016,
2020
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 agreement
and written consent from Keysight Technolo-
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international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N7010-97003
Edition
Fourth edition, November 2020
Published by:
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.
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regard to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability
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rate agreement shall control.
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Restricted Rights Legend
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"commercial computer software," as
defined by Federal Acquisition Regula-
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of Defense FAR Supplement ("DFARS")
227.7202, the U.S. government acquires
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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 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 personal
injury or death. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

N7010A User’s guide 3
Contents
1 General Information / 5
Connecting the N7010A / 6
Using the N7010A / 8
N7010A’s Low Noise Floor / 11
Avoiding Costly Repairs / 12
Safety Information / 14
Inspecting the N7010A / 17
Cleaning the N7010A / 17
Returning the Product for Service / 18
Contacting Keysight Technologies / 19
2 Specifications and Characteristics / 21
Specifications and Characteristics / 22
N7010A Dimensions / 26
3 Performance Verification / 27
Test 1. Bandwidth / 28
Test 2. Input Resistance at DC / 34
Performance Test Record / 37
Index

4N7010A User’s Guide
Contents

5
Keysight N7010A Active Termination Adapter
User’s Guide
1 General Information
Connecting the N7010A 6
Using the N7010A 8
N7010A’s Low Noise Floor 11
Avoiding Costly Repairs 12
Safety Information 14
Inspecting the N7010A 17
Cleaning the N7010A 17
Returning the Product for Service 18
Contacting Keysight Technologies 19
The N7010A active termination adapter is a 30 GHz single-ended adapter
featuring a user adjustable common termination voltage (Vterm) and extremely low
noise performance. The N7010A is ideal for high SNR (low noise) measurements
for standards such as:
• HDMI 2.0,
• DisplayPort, and
• MIPI M-PHY Gear 3/4.
CAUTION
Before using the N7010A, refer to “Safety Information" on page 14. Handle the N7010A
with care and refer to the safety notices in this manual. Avoid any mechanical shocks to
this product in order to guarantee accurate performance and protection.
CAUTION
The maximum allowable input to the N7010A is ±4V.

6N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
Connecting the N7010A
Compatible Oscilloscopes
The N7010A is compatible with the Keysight oscilloscopes shown in Table 1. The
table also lists the minimum required firmware version for the oscilloscope. The
N7010A is designed for oscilloscopes with 50ΩAutoProbe II interface channel
inputs. The AutoProbe II interface also provides power to the probe.
N7010A Input Connection
The N7010A comes with a 2.9 mm precision connector and a removable 3.5 mm
connector saver as shown in Figure 1 on page 7. The 2.9 mm connector is
compatible with 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, and SMA connectors but can be damaged by
mating to low-quality SMA connectors. You can also connect SMP cables using an
adapter (not provided).
The relatively inexpensive connector saver protects the N7010A’s 2.9 mm
connector from wear caused when repeatedly making cable connections or from
mating with low-quality SMA connectors.
Table 1 Compatible Oscilloscopes and Support
Infiniium Oscilloscopes Required Firmware Version
Z-Series ¡ 5.30
V-Series
90000Q
UXR-Series
(Compatible for use with UXR-Series <=33 GHz)
90000X ¡ 5.50.0031
NOTE
Is Your Oscilloscope Software Up-to-Date? Keysight periodically releases software updates to
support your probe, fix known defects, and incorporate product enhancements. To download
the latest firmware, go to www.keysight.com and search for your oscilloscope’s topic. Click on
the “Drivers, Firmware & Software” tab.

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 7
Figure 1 N7010A with Supplied Connector Saver
CAUTION
Avoid costly repairs that are caused from making improper connections to the 2.9 mm
precision RF input connector. Always properly align any mating connection before
tightening the connection to the specified torque.
CAUTION
Torque all cables and adapter connections to the 2.9 mm connector to 8 in-lbs
(90 N-cm).
CAUTION
Torque all cables and adapter connections to the 3.5 mm connector saver to 8 in-lbs
(90 N-cm).

8N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
Using the N7010A
This section describes how to use the N7010A active termination adapter. Figure 2
shows a block diagram of the N7010A connected to the oscilloscope. The Voff and
Vterm controls are supplied from the oscilloscope via the AutoProbe II connector.
Figure 2 Simplified Function Diagram
Vterm Control
The Vterm control is used to allow the 50 ohm input of the N7010A to be
terminated to a voltage rather than to ground, which is required by some devices
under tests (DUTs). Vterm can be set anywhere from –4V to +4V, however Vin must
never be more than 0.6V away from Vterm.
To set the Vterm voltage, perform the following steps on the oscilloscope:
1Click Setup > Probe Configuration to open the Probe Configuration dialog box.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the N7010A, the maximum low frequency (LF) input voltage must not
exceed ±8V. LF is defined as DC to approximately 50 kHz, and AC is defined as greater
than approximately 50 kHz.

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 9
2Select the N7010A tab.
3In the dialog box’s Probe System field, click Options to open the Probe dialog box.
4Set the Termination Voltage.
Figure 3 Probe Dialog Box
Voff Control
The Voff control allows the N7010A to subtract the DC voltage component from Vin
thereby allowing the N7010A output to be centered around ground.
To set the Voff control, perform the following steps on the oscilloscope:
1Click Setup > Probe Configuration to open the Probe Configuration dialog box.
2Select the N7010A tab.
3In the dialog box’s Probe System field, click Probe Offset and enter the required
offset voltage.

10 N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
Maximum Signal Input
To avoid distortion, the input signal to the N7010A must and be within the
following limits:
The maximum allowable input signal (1.2 Vpp) occurs when Vin is centered on
Vterm and Voff is adjusted to remove the DC component of Vin, which means the
signal into the oscilloscope is centered around ground.
600 mV–Vinput Vtermination –()+600 mV≤≤
NOTE
Vin is the voltage at the input of the N7010A. If the source driving the N7010A has a non-zero
output impedance then Vterm will interact with Vin.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the N7010A, the maximum low frequency (LF) voltage on the input
should not exceed ±8V. To avoid damaging the oscilloscope input, the maximum AC
voltage should not exceed 5Vrms (which is 0.5W into 50 ohms).

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 11
N7010A’s Low Noise Floor
With the N7010A’s low attenuation ratio setting (1.16:1), the adapter has an
extremely lower noise floor. The following two pictures compare two eye diagrams
for the same MIPI M-PHY Gear 3 data rate signal at 5.8304 Gb/s. The amplitude
swing is 140 mVpp. Figure 4 shows the signal connected directly to the Infiniium
oscilloscope’s channel input without using a N7010A. Figure 5 shows the same
signal connected to the oscilloscope through the N7010A. Notice that the N7010A
doesn’t inherently contribute noise.
Figure 4 Direct Signal Connect to Infiniium Scope Without N7010A
Figure 5 Signal Connected to Infiniium Scope Through N7010A

12 N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
Avoiding Costly Repairs
When connecting or using the N7010A, use caution to avoid damaging the
oscilloscope’s channel input circuits due to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Figure 6 on page 13 shows an example of a static-safe work station using two
types of ESD protection:
• Conductive table-mat and wrist-strap combination.
• 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 MΩof isolation from ground. Purchase acceptable ESD
accessories from your local supplier.
CAUTION
When the N7010A is connected to the oscilloscope, the
oscilloscope’s channel input circuits can be damaged by
electrostatic discharge (ESD). Avoid applying static
discharges to the N7010’s input. Prior to energizing and
connecting any accessory cable to the N7010A,
momentarily short the center and outer conductors of
the cable together. Be sure that the instrument is
properly earth-grounded to prevent buildup of static
charge. Wear a wrist-strap or heel-strap.
WARNING
These techniques for a static-safe work station should not be used when working on
circuitry with a voltage potential greater than 500 volts.

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 13
Figure 6 ESD Workstation

14 N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
Safety Information
This manual provides information and warnings essential for operating the
N7010A in a safe manner and for maintaining it in safe operating condition. Before
using this equipment and to ensure safe operation and to obtain maximum
performance from the probe, carefully read and observe the following warnings,
cautions, and notes.
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with accepted industry
standards, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The documentation contains
information and warnings that must be followed by the user to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.
Note the external markings on the probe that are described in this document.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury and to prevent fire or damage to this product or products
connected to it, review and comply with the following safety precautions. Be aware that
if you use this probe assembly in a manner not specified, the protection this product
provides may be impaired.
WARNING
Use Only Grounded Instruments.
Do not connect the probe’s ground lead to a potential other than earth ground. Always
make sure the probe and the oscilloscope are grounded properly.
WARNING
Connect and Disconnect Properly.
Connect the probe to the oscilloscope and connect the ground lead to earth ground
before connecting the probe to the circuit under test. Disconnect the probe input and
the probe ground lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from
the oscilloscope.
WARNING
Do Not Operate Without Covers. To avoid electrical shock or fire hazard, do not operate
this probe with the covers removed.
WARNING
Do Not Operate in Wet / Damp Conditions.
To avoid electrical shock, do not operate this probe in wet or damp conditions.

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 15
Concerning the Oscilloscope or Voltage Measuring Instrument to Which
the Probe is Connected
WARNING
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere.
To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate this probe in an explosive atmosphere.
WARNING
Avoid Exposed Circuit. To avoid injury, remove jewelry such as rings, watches, and other
metallic objects. Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is
present.
WARNING
For Indoor Use Only. Only use this probe indoors.
WARNING
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this probe,
have it inspected by a qualified service personne.
WARNING
Whenever it is likely that the ground protection is impaired, you must make the
instrument inoperative and secure it against any unintended operation.
WARNING
If you energize the instrument by an auto transformer (for voltage reduction or mains
isolation), the ground pin of the input connector terminal must be connected to the
earth terminal of the power source.
WARNING
Before turning on the instrument, you must connect the protective earth terminal of the
instrument to the protective conductor of the (mains) power cord. The mains plug shall
only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. You must
not negate the protective action by using an extension cord (power cable) without a
protective conductor (grounding). Grounding one conductor of a two-conductor outlet
is not sufficient protection.

16 N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
WARNING
Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal blow,
time delay, etc.) should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse
holders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
WARNING
Capacitors inside the instrument may retain a charge even if the instrument is
disconnected from its source of supply.

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 17
Inspecting the N7010A
• Inspect the shipping container for damage.
Keep the damaged shipping container or cushioning material until the contents
of the shipment have been checked for completeness and the probe has been
checked mechanically and electrically.
• Check the accessories.
• If the contents are incomplete or damaged, notify your Keysight Technologies
Sales Office.
• Inspect the N7010A. If there is mechanical damage or defect, or if the N7010A
does not operate properly or pass calibration tests, notify your Keysight
Technologies Sales Office.
If the shipping container is damaged, or the cushioning materials show signs of
stress, notify the carrier as well as your Keysight Technologies Sales Office. Keep
the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection. The Keysight Technologies
office will arrange for repair or replacement at Keysight Technologies’ option
without waiting for claim settlement.
Cleaning the N7010A
Disconnect the N7010A from the oscilloscope and clean the N7010A with a soft
cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution. Make sure that the N7010A
is completely dry before reconnecting it to an oscilloscope. Avoid using abrasive
cleaners and chemicals containing benzene or similar solvents.

18 N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information
Returning the Product for Service
If the N7010A is found to be defective we recommend sending it to an authorized
service center for all repair and calibration needs. Perform the following steps
before shipping the probe back to Keysight Technologies for service.
1Contact your nearest Keysight sales office for information on obtaining an RMA
number and return address.
2Write the following information on a tag and attach it to the malfunctioning
equipment.
• Name and address of owner
• Product model number (for example, N7010A)
• Product Serial Number (for example, USXXXXXXXX)
Figure 7 Location of Serial Number
• Description of failure or service required.
3Protect the probe by wrapping in plastic or heavy paper.
4Pack the probe in the original carrying case or if not available use bubble wrap or
packing peanuts.
5Place securely in sealed shipping container and mark container as "FRAGILE".
NOTE
Include probing and browsing heads if you feel the probe is not meeting performance
specifications or a yearly calibration is requested.
NOTE
If any correspondence is required, refer to the product by serial number and model number.

General Information 1
N7010A User’s Guide 19
Contacting Keysight Technologies
For technical assistance, contact your local Keysight Call Center.
• In the Americas, call 1 [phone]
• In other regions, visit http://www.keysight.com/find/assist
• Before returning an instrument for service, you must first call the Call Center at
1 [phone].

20 N7010A User’s Guide
1General Information