Keysight M9384B User guide

Startup
Guide
Keysight M9384B VXG 
Microwave Signal Generator

Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc.
2019
No part of this manual may be
reproduced 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 Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Manual Part Number
M9384-90001
Publication Date
Edition 1: November 2019
Supersedes: October 2019
Published in USA
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. 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
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KEYSIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ERRORS OR FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN
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PERFORMANCE OF THIS
DOCUMENT OR ANY INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD
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COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS
DOCUMENT THAT CONFLICT WITH
THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY
TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT WILL 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 accordance
with the terms of such license.
U.S. Government Rights
The Software is “commercial
computer software,” as defined
by Federal Acquisition Regulation
(“FAR”) 2.101. Pursuant to FAR
12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR
Supplement (“DFARS”) 227.7202,
the U.S. government acquires
commercial computer 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 standard
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 Software. The EULA
and the license set forth therein,
does not require or permit,
among other things, that
Keysight: (1) Furnish technical
information related to
commercial computer software
or commercial computer
software documentation that is
not customarily provided to the
public; or (2) Relinquish to, or
otherwise provide, the
government rights in excess of
these rights customarily provided
to the public to use, modify,
reproduce, release, perform,
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computer software or
commercial computer 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 pursuant to
the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing
elsewhere 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.
Safety Notices
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.
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 death.
Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

3
Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about this product, including instrument
software upgrades, application information, and product information, browse to the following URL:
https://www.keysight.com/find/m9384b
To receive the latest updates by email, subscribe to Keysight Email Updates at the following URL:
http://www.keysight.com/find/MyKeysight
Information on preventing instrument damage can be found at:
http://keysight.com/find/PreventingInstrumentRepair
Is your product software up-to-date?
Periodically, Keysight releases software updates to fix known defects and incorporate product enhancements.
To search for software updates for your product, go to the Keysight Technical Support website at:
http://www.keysight.com/find/techsupport

4

M9383B/84B Measurement Guide 1
Table of Contents
1. Quick Start
Unpack and Inspect the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Verify M9384B VXG Shipment Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Shipping Problems? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Before Applying Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Instrument Cooling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Prepare and Power Up the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Verify Operation of the Signal Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Run a Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Run Alignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Generate and View an Output Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Shutting Down the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Protecting against electrostatic discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Test equipment and ESD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Additional information about ESD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2. Instrument Operating System
Installed Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Microsoft Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Instrument software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Is your product software up-to-date? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
User installation of software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installation of other 3rd Party Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
User Accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Administrator account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Instrument accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
User creation of accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Windows Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Settings that can be changed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Settings that must not be changed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Autoplay/Autorun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Configuring LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hostname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
IP Address & Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Connecting to a Network Shared Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Windows Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Windows Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

2 M9383B/84B Measurement Guide
Automatic Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Virus Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Spyware Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Disk Defragmenting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
USB Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Disk Drive Partitioning and Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Disk Drive Recovery Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Updating the software (required after a recovery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
3. Using Windows Tools
Navigating Windows Without a Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Remote Desktop: Using the Signal Generator Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Overview of Remote Desktop operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Setting up Remote Desktop operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
How to locate the computer name of the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Running a Remote Desktop session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Windows Shortcuts and Miscellaneous Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Windows shortcuts (key combinations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Windows taskbar auto-hide feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
4. Safety and Maintenance Information
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Before Applying Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Instrument Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Instrument Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Cleaning the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Cleaning Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Returning an Instrument for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Calling Keysight Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Locations for Keysight Technologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Service Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Packaging the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

M9383B/84B Measurement Guide 3

4 M9383B/84B Measurement Guide

5
M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator
Startup Guide
1 Quick Start
Use this guide to unpack and set up the M9384B VXG Microwave Signal
Generator.
The following topics can be found in this section:
“Unpack and Inspect the Instrument” on page 6
“Before Applying Power” on page 7
“Prepare and Power Up the Instrument” on page 8
“Verify Operation of the Signal Generator” on page 9
“Generate and View an Output Signal” on page 11
“Shutting Down the Instrument” on page 13
“Protecting against electrostatic discharge” on page 14

6 M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide
Quick Start
Unpack and Inspect the Instrument
Unpack and Inspect the Instrument
Before unpacking your instrument, inspect the packaging container for
evidence of mishandling during transit. Report any damage to the shipping
agent immediately, as such damage is not covered by the warranty (refer to the
warranty information at the beginning of this document).
Remove the instrument from the packaging container and ensure that all
accessories are included. Inspect the instrument and accessories for damage.
If the contents appear damaged, notify your local Keysight Technologies Inc.
representative.
Verify M9384B VXG Shipment Contents
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 M9384B VXG to Keysight Technologies, use the
original (or comparable) shipping materials. See “Returning an Instrument
for Service” on page 57.
The instrument is shipped in a container which prevents damage from static. The
instrument should only be removed from the packaging in an anti-static area ensuring
that correct anti-static precautions are taken. Store the instrument in an anti-static
envelope when not in use. See more about electrostatic discharge on page 14.
Visit www.keysight.com/find/tips for information on preventing damage to your
Keysight equipment.
Qty Keysight Part
Number
Description
1 M9384B M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator
1 M9384-90002 Keysight M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Flyer
1 5061-7383 South Korean Class A EMC Declaration
1 11900B Adapter, female connector (2.4 mm) to female connector (2.4 mm, DC to 50 GHz)
1 8710-1761 Open End Wrench, 7 mm

M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide 7
Quick Start
Before Applying Power
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken. Refer to Chapter 4, “Safety and
Maintenance Information”, on page 49 for Caution and Warning information.
Make all connections to the unit before applying power. Note the external
markings described in the Instrument Markings section on page 54.
Instrument Cooling
The following are the recommended best practices to ensure proper and safe
operating conditions:
— Ensure that adequate clearance is provided around all instrument vents,
both air intake vents, and air exhaust vents, including any vents at the
bottom of the instrument.
— Ensure that all the fan filters are clean and unobstructed.
— To the extent possible, install the instrument in a location with lower
ambient temperatures. For example, avoid the situation where the exhaust
air from another instrument feeds into the air intake for this instrument.
The M9384B VXG has multiple air intakes. They are located at the lower sides,
lower front and bottom of the instrument.

8 M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide
Quick Start
Prepare and Power Up the Instrument
Prepare and Power Up the Instrument
1. Make sure that the line cord is plugged into a grounded outlet to establish
earth ground.
2. Make sure that the instrument fans are operable and free of dust and other
contaminants that may restrict airflow.
3. Press the power button to power up the instrument.
4. Allow the VXG to warm up for at least 30 minutes before using.

M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide 9
Quick Start
Verify Operation of the Signal Generator
Verify Operation of the Signal Generator
To verify the operation of the M9384B VXG, run a Self Test and Internal
Alignments.
Run a Self Test
Refer to the Data Sheet for a description of the front and rear panel
connectors.
1. Launch the M9384B application.
2. Select the Gear icon on the top right corner, and then select System.
3. Select the Diagnostics tab, then Run Self Test.
The self test takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

10 M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide
Quick Start
Verify Operation of the Signal Generator
If the Self Test passes (see results below), continue on with “Run Alignments”
and “Generate and View an Output Signal”.
If the Self Test fails, contact Keysight at
https://www.keysight.com/find/assist

for help resolving your issue.
Run Alignments
1. Select the Gear icon > Alignments > Run.
The internal alignments calibration will ensure optimal operation of the
VXG. It takes approximately 4 minutes per channel to complete.

M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide 11
Quick Start
Generate and View an Output Signal
Generate and View an Output Signal
After verifying the operation of the M9384B VXG, you are ready to make a
measurement.
1. Turn on the Keysight signal analyzer.
2. Connect a male (2.4 mm) to SMA (male) cable between the M9384A front
panel RF Out connector and the RF In connector on the Keysight signal
analyzer.
3. On the M9384B VXG, set the following parameters:
a. Frequency: 2 GHz
b. Power: -10 dBm
c. Set the RF Out switch to On by selecting the RF Out switch. 
This enables the RF Out for the indicated channels, in this case
Channel 1 if using a 2-channel VXG.
d. For two channel instruments only: In the top right corner of the
display, set RF Out (All) to On by selecting the switch.
The following measurement uses a M9384B VXG to generate the 2 GHz signal and
Keysight Signal Analyzer to analyze it. You may use any frequency depending upon the
signal analyzer used.

12 M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide
Quick Start
Generate and View an Output Signal
4. On the Keysight signal analyzer, select Frequency in the menu panel, then
AUTO TUNE. Verify that you have a 2 GHz, -10 dBm signal as shown
below.
Repeat the above steps for a M9384B VXG with dual channel configuration, for 
Channel 2.
Refer to the Measurement Guide for information on making basic and 5G NR
measurements.

M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide 13
Quick Start
Shutting Down the Instrument
Shutting Down the Instrument
Power down the instrument using the front panel power button. Press briefly to
shut down, press and hold to force a shutdown. Do not power down by
removing the power cord. For software controlled shutdown, refer to the
SYSTem:PDOWn SCPI commands.

14 M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide
Quick Start
Protecting against electrostatic discharge
Protecting against electrostatic discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components
(the possibility of unseen damage caused by ESD is present whenever
components are transported, stored, or used).
Test equipment and ESD
To help reduce ESD damage that can occur while using test equipment:
— Before connecting any coaxial cable to an instrument connector for the first
time each day, momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the
cable together.
— Personnel should be grounded with a 1 Mresistor-isolated wrist-strap
before touching the center pin of any connector and before removing any
assembly from the instrument.
— Be sure that all instruments are properly earth-grounded to prevent
build-up of static charge.
— Perform work on all components or assemblies at a static-safe workstation.
— Keep static-generating materials at least one meter away from all
components.
— Store or transport components in static-shielding containers.
— Always handle printed circuit board assemblies by the edges. This reduces
the possibility of ESD damage to components and prevent contamination of
exposed plating.
Additional information about ESD
For more information about ESD and how to prevent ESD damage, contact the
Electrostatic Discharge Association (http://www.esda.org). The ESD standards
developed by this agency are sanctioned by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI).
Do not use these first three techniques when working on circuitry with a
voltage potential greater than 500 volts.

M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide 15
Quick Start
Related Documentation
Related Documentation
The table below provides the list of documentation available for the M9384B
VXG.
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest documentation, browse
to the following URL:
https://www.keysight.com/find/m9384b
Document Description Format
Startup Guide (this
document)
Includes procedures to help you to unpack, inspect, install (software and
hardware), perform instrument connections, verify operability, and troubleshoot
your product. Also includes an annotated block diagram.
PDF
Embedded Help Provides user-interface descriptions, programming information, tutorials, SCPI
commands and more.
HTML5
Data Sheet Provides key features and specifications. PDF
Configuration
Guide
Includes standard configurations, options, accessories, and compatible
peripherals.
PDF
Measurement
Guide
Includes step-by-step procedures to configure the M9384B VXG and perform
measurements using the instrument. Also, includes programming examples to
help you get started with using SCPI in your application development
environment.
PDF

16 M9384B VXG Microwave Signal Generator Startup Guide
Quick Start
Related Documentation