Keysight NFA Series Owner's manual

ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers
EMC Analyzers
NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers
Security Features
Part Number: E4401-90513
Supersedes: E4401-90494
Printed in USA
October 2018
Copyright 2005-2018 Keysight Technologies, Inc

Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers
2
Table of Contents
Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices………………………...3
Products Covered by this Document…………………………………..4
Terms and Definitions. …………………………………………….….5
Instrument Memory………………………………………………...….7
Memory Clearing, Sanitization and/or Removal Procedures……...….11
Summary of Declassification Procedures……………………………..13
Recovering from Clearing the Instrument’s Memory…………………14
User and Remote Interface Security Measures……….…………….….15
Procedure for Declassifying a Faulty Instrument………………….…..17

3
Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices
Assistance with test and measurements needs and information on finding a local Agilent office is
available on the Internet at, http://www.agilent.com/find/assist.If you do not have access to the
Internet, please contact your field engineer.
Note: In any correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the instrument by its model
number and full serial number. With this information, the Agilent representative can determine
whether your unit is still within its warranty period.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

4
Products Covered by this Document
Model Numbers:
ESA-E Series ESA-L Series EMC Analyzers
E4401B E4403B E7401A
E4402B E4408B E7402A
E4404B E4411B E7403A
E4405B E7404A
E4407B E7405A
These models were sold with either Agilent or Hewlett-Packard branding.
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers and EMC Analyzers
Product Family Name: ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers, ESA-L Series Spectrum
Analyzers, and EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers
This document describes instrument security features and the steps to declassify an instrument
through memory sanitization. For additional information, please go to:
http://www.agilent.com/find/security
Note: Be sure that all information stored by the user in the instrument that needs to be saved is properly backed up
before attempting to clear any of the instrument memory. Agilent Technologies cannot be held responsible for any
lost files or data resulting from the clearing of memory. Be sure to read this document entirely before proceeding
with any file deletion or memory clearing.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers
NFA Series
N8972A
N8973A
N8974A
N8975A

5
Terms and Definitions
Definitions:
Clearing – Clearing is the process of eradicating the data on media before reusing the media so that the data can
no longer be retrieved using the standard interfaces on the instrument. Clearing is typically used when the
instrument is to remain in an environment with an acceptable level of protection.
Sanitization – Sanitization is the process of removing or eradicating stored data so that the data cannot be
recovered using any known technology. Instrument sanitization is typically required when an instrument is moved
from a secure to a non-secure environment such as when it is returned to the factory for calibration. (The instrument
is declassified) Agilent memory sanitization procedures are designed for customers who need to meet the
requirements specified by the US Defense Security Service (DSS). These requirements are outlined in the “Clearing
and Sanitization Matrix” issued by the Cognizant Security Agency (CSA) and referenced in National Industrial
Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) DoD 5220.22M ISL 01L-1 section 8-301.
Security erase – Security erase is a term that is used to refer to either the clearing or sanitization features of
Agilent instruments.
Instrument declassification – A term that refers to procedures that must be undertaken before an instrument
can be removed from a secure environment such as is the case when the instrument is returned for calibration.
Declassification procedures will include memory sanitization and or memory removal. Agilent declassification
procedures are designed to meet the requirements specified by the DSS NISPOM security document (DoD
5220.22M chapter 8)
.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

6
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

7
Instrument Memory
This section contains information on the types of memory available in your instrument. It explains the size of
memory, how it is used, its location, volatility, and the sanitization procedure.
Table 1. Summary of Instrument Memory - Base Instrument
Memory Type
and Size
(Size is in bits)
Writable During
Normal Operation?
Data Retained When
Powered Off?
Purpose/Contents Data Input
Method
Location in
Instrument and
Remarks
Sanitization
Procedure
Main Memory
(Flash)
64 M (w/o Opt
B72)
128 M (w Opt
B72)
Yes Yes Firmware operating system,
installed measurement
personalities (ESA-E only),
option license keys, loaded
user limit lines, loaded user
amplitude correction
factors, user preset data;
also contains user C: drive,
instrument states and
setups, trace data, limit line
files, screen images,
amplitude correction files,
reports (EMC only), signal
lists (EMC only)
Programmed
before installed
and also by
user
A4 Processor
See Table 6
Boot ROM
(Flash)
1 M
No Yes Boot loader for the
instrument’s CPU
Programmed
before installed
A4 Processor
No user data See Table 6
Battery-backed
System
Information
Memory
(SRAM)
256 k
Yes Yes Self alignment data, current
time and date, remote
interface configuration,
printer setup information,
last state settings,
miscellaneous instrument
system information
Firmware
operations and
user
A4 Processor
The battery cannot
easily be removed. See Table 5
Operations
Memory
(DRAM)
128 M (w/o Opt
B72)
256 M (w Opt
B72)
Yes No Firmware operating
memory; also provides
R: drive for user input
Firmware
operations and
user
A4 Processor
Volatile memory.
Data is cleared when
the instrument is
turned off.
Cycle power
Video Memory
(DRAM)
1 M
Yes No Used to store trace
information before
displayed on screen
Firmware
operations
during
instrument
usage
A4 Processor
Press
Instrument
Preset or
cycle power
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

8
Memory Type
and Size
(Size is in bits)
Writable During
Normal Operation?
Data Retained When
Powered Off?
Purpose/Contents Data Input
Method
Location in
Instrument and
Remarks
Sanitization
Procedure
Configuration
Memory
(EEPROM)
20 k
No Yes Used to identify the
instrument. No user data
Programmed
before installed
or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A7A4 Frequency
Extension
See Table 7
Config & Cal
Memory
(EEPROM)
20 k
No Yes Used to identify the
assembly and store
calibration data. No user
data
Programmed
before installed
or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A8 1.5 GHz RF
See Table 7
Config & Cal
Memory
(EEPROM)
20 k
No Yes Used to identify the
assembly and store
calibration data. No user
data
Programmed
before installed
or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A8A1A2 3 GHz
Front End / LO
See Table 7
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

9
Table 2. Summary of Additional Instrument Memory - With Option AYX
Memory Type
and Size
(Size is in bits)
Writable during
normal operation?
Data Retained when
powered off?
Purpose/Contents Data Input
Method
Location in
Instrument and
Remarks
Sanitization
Procedure
ADC Capture
Memory
(SRAM)
512 k
Yes No Used to capture ADC data Firmware
operations
A7A5 Fast ADC
(20 MHz Sampler)
Volatile memory.
Data is cleared when
the instrument is
turned off.
Cycle power
Config & Cal
Memory
(EEPROM)
4096
No Yes Used to identify the
assembly and store
calibration data. No user
data
Programmed
before
installed or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A7A5 Fast ADC
(20 MHz Sampler)
See Table 7
Table 3. Summary of Additional Instrument Memory - With Option B7D
Memory Type
and Size
(Size is in bits)
Writable during
normal operation?
Data Retained when
powered off?
Purpose/Contents Data Input
Method
Location in
Instrument and
Remarks
Sanitization
Procedure
DSP Program
Memory
(Flash)
64 M
Yes Yes Stores DSP (digital signal
processing) programs
Firmware
operations
A7A7 Digital Demod
DSP
(40 MHz Sampler)
Contains no user data
See Table 6
ADC Capture
Memory
(SRAM)
16 M
Yes No Used to capture ADC data Firmware
operations
A7A7 Digital Demod
DSP
(40 MHz Sampler)
Volatile memory.
Data is cleared when
the instrument is
turned off.
Cycle power
DSP Boot ROM
(Flash)
1 M
No Yes Boot loader for DSP system Programmed
before
installed
A7A7 Digital Demod
DSP
(40 MHz Sampler)
No user data
See Table 6
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

10
Table 4. Summary of Additional Instrument Memory - With Option 1DN
Memory Type
and Size
(Size is in bits)
Writable during
normal operation?
Data Retained when
powered off?
Purpose/Contents Data Input
Method
Location in
Instrument and
Remarks
Sanitization
Procedure
Config & Cal
Memory
(EEPROM)
4096
No Yes Used to identify the
assembly and store
calibration data. No user
data
Programmed
before
installed or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A2A1 1.5 GHz
Tracking Generator
Control
See Table 7
Config & Cal
Memory
(EEPROM)
4096
No Yes Used to identify the
assembly and store
calibration data. No user
data
Programmed
before
installed or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A2A1 3 GHz
Tracking Generator
Driver
See Table 7
Config & Cal
Memory
(EEPROM)
4096
No Yes Used to identify the
assembly and store
calibration data. No user
data
Programmed
before
installed or by
calibration
procedure
(factory or
service center)
A2A2 1.5 GHz
Tracking Generator
RF Board
See Table 7
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

11
Memory Clearing, Sanitization and/or Removal Procedures
This section explains how to clear and sanitize user accessable memory from your instrument for all memory that
can be written to during normal operation and for which the clearing and sanitization procedure is more than trivial,
such as rebooting your instrument.
Note: Before beginning clearing, you need to make sure that you have the instrument firmware disk set and (for
ESA analyzers) all of the measurement personality disk sets. If you need a disk set of the latest instrument firmware,
go to:
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa_firmware (for ESA analyzers with Option B72, Extended Memory) or
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa_firmware_std-mem (for ESA analyzers without Option B72) or
http://www.agilent.com/find/emc_firmware (for EMC analyzers)
If you need a disk set of the latest measurement personality, go to:
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa_solutions
You may need to retrieve the license key information using the following remote query:
:SYST:LKEY? ‘option number’
For example: To retrieve the license key for the ESA Phase Noise Measurement Utility (Option 226) use:
:SYST:LKEY? ‘226’
This will need to be done for each licensed option that is installed. To obtain a list of the installed licensed options,
press [System] {More 1 of 3} {More 2 of 3} {Licensing}{Show License}. License keys will need to be written
down and saved for all licensed options listed.
If there are any user files on the C: drive that need to be saved, they can be copied to a floppy disk inserted into the
A: drive, then restored at a later time.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers
http://www.agilent.com/find/nfa_firmware (for NFA analyzers)

12
Table 5. SRAM
Description and
purpose
System information memory used to store self-alignment data, current time and date,
remote interface configuration, printer setup information, last state settings, and
miscellaneous instrument system information.
Size A4 Processor: 256 kbits (see Table 1), A7A5 Fast ADC: 512 kbits (see Table 2), and
A7A7 Digital Demod DSP: 16 Mbits (see Table 3)
Memory clearing and
sanitization
Note: The “three-button procedure,” listed in Table 6, fully includes the following “two-
button procedure.” If the three-button Flash memory clearing and sanitization procedure
is performed, the SRAM clearing and sanitation procedure is also executed. Therefore,
you can skip this two-button procedure if you plan to also clear and sanitize the Flash
memory.
This memory can be cleared and sanitized by using the following “two-button
procedure” (or the “three-button procedure in Table 6).
1. Turn the instrument off.
2. Turn the instrument back on while holding down both the [ESC] key and the
[Return] key on the front panel. Continue to hold these two keys for at least 10
seconds after turning the instrument back on.
3. The instrument will now clear and sanitize the SRAM memory.
This procedure complies with the clearing and sanitization requirements specified for
SRAM in the “Clearing and Sanitization Matrix” referenced in DoD 5220.22M ISL 01L-
1 section 8-301 as current on 06/27/2005.
Memory removal Memory removal is not necessary for sanitization requirements.
Write protecting N/A
Memory validation When the SRAM is cleared and sanitized, the message, “System,Alignments, Align
Now, All Required” will appear on the display when the instrument is powered on.
Remarks N/A
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

13
Table 6. Flash
Description and
purpose
See “Main Memory” and “Boot ROM” in Table 1; “DSP Program Memory” and “DSP
Boot ROM” in Table 3.
Size Main Memory: 64 or 128 Mbits (See Table 1); Main Memory Boot ROM: 1 Mbit (see
Table 1); DSP Boot ROM: 1 Mbit (see Table 3); DSP Program Memory: 64 Mbits
Memory clearing and
sanitization
The Flash memory can be cleared and sanitized by using the following “three-button
procedure:”
1. Turn the instrument off.
2. Turn the instrument back on while holding down the [ESC] key the [Return] key,
and the [View/Trace] key on the front panel. Continue to hold these three keys for
at least 10 seconds after turning the instrument back on.
3. The instrument will now clear the Flash memory. Allow at least 10 minutes for this
process to complete. There will be no visual indication of when it is done. Unplug
the instrument to turn it off; the Standby button will not work because its
instructions have been cleared out of memory.
This procedure complies with the clearing and sanitization requirements specified for Flash
in the “Clearing and Sanitization Matrix” referenced in DoD 5220.22M ISL 01L-1 section
8-301 as current on 06/27/2005.
Memory removal Memory removal is not necessary for sanitization requirements
Write protecting N/A
Memory validation Persistent white screen when instrument is powered on.
Remarks See “Recovering from Clearing the Instrument’s Memory” following this section.
Table 7. EEPROM
Description and
purpose
Configuration and calibration memory used to store the configuration and calibration
data, including serial and model number.
Size A7A4, A8, and A8A1A2: 20 kbits each; Options AYX (Table 2) and 1DN (Table 4):
4096 bits each
Memory clearing Since this memory contains instrument configuration and calibration data, there is no
way for the user to clear it without destroying the integrity of the instrument. Since this
information does not contain User information, sanitization is not required.
Memory sanitization This memory need not be sanitized per compliance with the sanitization requirements
specified for EEPROM in the “Clearing and Sanitization Matrix” referenced in DoD
5220.22M ISL 01L-1 section 8-301 as current on 06/27/2005
Memory removal Memory removal is not necessary for sanitization requirements
Write protecting N/A
Memory validation N/A
Remarks N/A
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

14
Recovering from Clearing the Instrument’s Memory
Flash:
At this point, the instrument will not function. It has no operating system installed. To install the
firmware/operating system and return the instrument to operating condition, perform the
following steps:
1. Insert the firmware loader disk into the floppy drive and power the instrument on.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the firmware and measurement suite.
3. When the installation is complete, press [System]{More 1 of 3}{Restore Sys
Defaults}{Restore Sys Defaults}. The “System, Alignments, Align Now, All
Required” message will be displayed on the screen.
4. You will need to manually perform an instrument alignment using the front-panel
keys. Follow the key press sequence in the on-screen message. Be sure to connect the
AMPTD REF OUT (if available) to the RF INPUT. Refer to the Getting Started Guide
for your instrument if further instructions are required.
5. If optional measurement personalities were installed (ESA-E analyzers only), you will
need to re-install them and their license keys. Refer to the User’s Guides for these
measurement personalities for detailed instructions on how this is done. Before re-
installing any measurement personalities, visit the Agilent Web site to verify that the
latest versions are being used. To find a listing of the latest versions, go to:
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa_revisions
The latest measurement personalities can be downloaded from the following Web site:
http://www.agilent.com/find/esa_solutions
SRAM:
Cycle the power to load all of the installed measurements. The “System, Alignments, Align
Now, All Required” message will be displayed on the screen. You will need to manually
perform an instrument alignment using the front-panel keys. Follow the key press sequence in
the on-screen message. Be sure to connect the AMPTD REF OUT (if available) to the RF
INPUT. Refer to the Getting Started Guide for your instrument if further instructions are
required.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

15
User and Remote Interface Security Measures
Deleting User Information without Clearing Entire Memory
The following list shows possible types and locations of user-stored information:
Saved user files on the C: drive
Loaded amplitude correction data
Loaded limit line data
User Preset
Last state settings
Trace registers
Segmented Sweep settings (ESA-E analyzers only)
Signal List (EMC analyzers only)
Clearing the individual types of user information:
Saved user files on the C: drive:
Press [File]{Delete},then select and delete all of the following types of files:
SET instrument setup
STA instrument state
TRC trace and state
CSV trace and state
LIM limit line
GIF screen image
BMP screen image
ANT antenna corrections
CBL cable corrections
OTH other corrections
AMP user corrections
LIS signal list (EMC analyzers only)
HTM report (EMC analyzers only)
Loaded amplitude correction data:
Press [Amplitude]{More 1of 3}{Corrections}{More 1 of 2}{Delete All Corrections}
{Delete All Corrections}
Loaded limit line data:
Press [Display]{Limits}{Delete All Limits}{Delete All Limits}
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

16
User Preset:
Press [Preset]{Factory Preset (if displayed)}[System] {Power On / Preset}{Save User
Preset}
Last state settings:
Press [Preset][Preset]
Trace registers:
Cycling the power will clear all three trace registers.
Segmented Sweep settings (ESA-E analyzers only):
Press [Sweep]{Segmented}{Modify}{Delete}{Delete}
Signal List (EMC analyzers only):
Press [Measure]{More 1 of 2}{Signal List}{Delete Signals}{Delete All}{Yes}
Screen and Annotation Blanking
Table 8. Disabling display parameters
Function Key Sequence Remote Command
Annotations [Display]{Preferences}{Annotation On Off} :DISP:WIND:TRAC:ANN OFF | 0
Graticule [Display]{Preferences}{Graticule On Off} :DISP:WIND:GRAT:GRID OFF | 0
Display Line [Display]{Display Line On Off} :DISP:WIND:TRAC:DLIN:STAT OFF | 0
Trace [View/Trace]{Blank 1}, {Blank 2}, or {Blank 3} :TRAC:1 | 2 | 3:MODE BLAN
Softkeys [Display]{Full Screen} :DISP:MENU:STAT OFF
Time/Date [System]{Time/Date}{Time/Date Off} :DISP:ANN:CLOC OFF | 0
Executing all of the above sequences can totally blank the display. The blanking can be reversed by similar
key sequences or by pressing [PRESET]. You can also blank the screen of the analyzer using the SCPI
command :DISP:ENAB OFF | 0, and turn it back on using :DISP:ENAB On | 1.
Consult your User’s Guide for complete information on the proper use of these commands. Some of them
may affect program operation.
In addition, the GPIB command LLO (local lockout) can be sent by the controller to prevent front-panel
keyboard access.
Remote Access Interfaces
The user is responsible for providing security for the I/O port for remote access by controlling physical
access to the I/O ports. The I/O ports must be controlled because they provide access to most user settings,
user states, and the display memory.
The I/O ports used in the ESA/EMC-Series are GPIB plus parallel or RS232 plus parallel.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

17
Procedure for Declassifying a Faulty Instrument
If the instrument is not able to power on, the user information cannot be cleared using the front panel or the remote
interface. The only choice in this situation is to take manual steps to remove any user information that may be
present. This includes removing the A4 Processor and the A7A7 Digital Demod DSP (if Option B7D is installed).
Refer to the Service Guide for your instrument for removal procedures.
Product Declassification and Security
Product Name: ESA-Series Spectrum Analyzers, EMC Analyzers, and NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers

This information is subject to change
without notice.
© Keysight Technologies 2005-2018
Edition 1, October 2018
E4401-90513
www.keysight.com