Keysight E6640A User manual

Source User’s
Guide
Keysight E6640A EXM Wireless Test Set
Notice: This document contains references to Agilent.
Please note that Agilent’s Test and Measurement
business has become Keysight Technologies. For
more information, go to www.keysight.com.

Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2014
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 as governed by
United States and international
copyright laws.
Trademark Acknowledgments
N/A
Manual Part Number
E6640-90022
Supersedes: N/A
Print Date
September 2014 Supersedes: N/A
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 merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
Keysight shall not be liable for errors
or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the
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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 accordance
with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the
performance of a U.S. Government
prime contract or subcontract,
Software is delivered and licensed as
“Commercial computer software” as
defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June
1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as
“Restricted computer software” as
defined in FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987)
or any equivalent agency regulation or
contract clause. Use, duplication or
disclosure of Software is subject to
Keysight Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and
non-DOD Departments and Agencies
of the U.S. Government will receive no
greater than Restricted Rights as
defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2)
(June 1987). U.S. Government users
will receive no greater than Limited
Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
(June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015
(b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable
in any technical data.
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 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
Source User’s Guide
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, see the following URLs:
http://www.keysight.com/find/e6640a
Information on preventing instrument damage can be found at:
http://www.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 check for
software updates for your product, go to the Keysight website at:
http://www.keysight.com/find/e6640a_software

4
Source User’s Guide

Source User’s Guide 5
Contents
1 Source Overview
Test Set Source Features 10
Modes of Operation 11
Continuous Wave 11
Analog Modulation 11
Digital Modulation 11
List Sequencer 11
2 Basic Operation
Viewing Key Descriptions 14
Setting test set source parameters 14
Presetting the Source 15
Saving and Recalling States 16
Selecting Source Output 16
Setting Frequency and Power (Amplitude) 17
Example: Configuring a 700 MHz, −20 dBm Continuous Wave Output 17
Basic Sequencing 19
Setting Up the Sequence 19
Modulating the Carrier Signal 22
Example 22
Working with Files 23
Viewing a List of Stored Files 23
Storing a Sequence 24

6Source User’s Guide
Loading (Recalling) a Stored File 24
Reading Error Messages 25
3 Using Analog Modulation
The Basic Procedure 28
4 Optimizing Performance
Using Unleveled Operating Modes 30
ALC Off Mode 30
Using an Output Offset, Reference, or Multiplier 31
Setting an Output Offset 31
Setting an Output Reference 31
Using Amplitude Corrections 33
Selecting a port 33
Setting up a corrections table 33
5 Basic Digital Operation
Waveform File Basics 36
Instrument Memory 36
Dual ARB Player 36
Storing, Loading, and Playing a Waveform Segment 37
Loading a Waveform Segment into ARB memory 37
Renaming/Deleting a Waveform Segment on Internal Disk 37
Deleting a Waveform Segment from ARB memory 38
Playing a Waveform Segment 38
Waveform Sequences 39
Waveform Components 39
Creating a Sequence 40
Viewing the Contents of a Sequence 41
Editing a Sequence 42
Playing a Sequence 43
Saving a Waveform Settings & Parameters 45
Viewing and Modifying Header Information 46
Using Waveform Markers 49
Waveform Marker Concepts 50
Accessing Marker Utilities 53
Selecting which Marker to output 53
Viewing a Marker Pulse 54

Source User’s Guide 7
Using the Pulse/RF Blanking Marker Function 54
Setting Marker Polarity 55
Controlling Markers in a Waveform Sequence 56
Using the TRIGGER 2 OUT Signal as a Test Set Trigger 57
Triggering a Waveform 59
Trigger Type 59
Trigger Source 60
Example: Segment Advance Triggering 60
Setting the Baseband Frequency Offset 62
Alignment 64
Alignment 65
Licensing 67
Signal Studio 67
Waveform multi-pack licensing 67
Installing an Option N5182A–22x Waveform 5–Pack Licensing 69
Licensing a Source Waveform File 69
Waveform Licensing keys Overview 69
6 List Sequencer
List Sequencer 74
Terminology 75
Sequence 75
Step 75
Front panel setup 79
Saving the sequence 81
Tab separated value file 81
Spreadsheet setup 81
TSV file generation 83
Loading a tsv file into the List Sequencer 84
Tab separated value file editing 85
Importing a tsv file into a spreadsheet 85
7 Troubleshooting
Front panel lock–up 88
RF Output 89
No RF Output 89
Power Supply Shuts Down 89
No Modulation at the RF Output 89
RF Output Power too Low 89

8Source User’s Guide
Distortion 90
Signal Loss While Working with a Spectrum Analyzer 90
Signal Loss While Working with a Mixer 90
Preset 93
The Source Does Not Respond 93
Error Messages 94
Licenses 95
A time–based license stops working 95
Cannot load a time–based license 95
Contacting Keysight Technologies 96

9
Keysight E6640A
EXM Wireless Test Set
Source User’s Guide
1
Source Overview
The source in this instrument can be operated independently of the test set
analyzer to provide arbitrary waveform generation to test wireless mobile devices.
The source can also be used together with the test set analyzer to simultaneously
test both the transmitter and receiver of a wireless device.
“Test Set Source Features" on page 10
“Modes of Operation" on page 11

10 Source User’s Guide
1Source Overview
Test Set Source Features
• 380 MHz to 6.0 GHz (range may be smaller, depending on options ordered)
• list sequence of frequency, power, or frequency and power
• ability to include waveforms in list sequence
• analog modulation: AM, FM, and FM
• arbitrary I/Q waveform playback up to 80 MSa/s
•powercalibration
• GPIB, USB 2.0, and 100Base–T LAN interfaces
• manual power search (ALC off)
• SCPI and IVI–COM driver
• user flatness correction
• four output connectors
• with Signal Studio Software, the test set can generate 802.11 WLAN,
W–CDMA, cdma2000, 1xEV–DO, GSM, EDGE, and more.
For more details on hardware, firmware, software, and documentation features and
options, refer to the data sheet shipped with the test set and available from the
Keysight Technologies website at: http://www.Keysight.com/find/e6640a

Source Overview 1
Source User’s Guide 11
Modes of Operation
The instrument source provides four basic modes of operation: continuous wave
(CW), analog modulation, digital modulation, and List Sequencer mode.
Continuous Wave
In this mode, the test set produces a CW signal. The test set is set to a single
frequency and power level, which is set up using the Source front-panel key menu.
To learn more, refer to Chapter 2, Basic Operation.
Analog Modulation
In this mode, the test set modulates a CW signal with an analog signal. The analog
modulation types are AM, FM and PM. The analog modulation types are accessed
using the Source front-panel key, followed by the Modulation Setup key menu. To
learn more, refer to Chapter 3, Using Analog Modulation.
Digital Modulation
In this mode, an internal baseband generator in the test set modulates a CW
signal with an arbitrary I/Q waveform (ARB). The ARB waveforms are downloaded
through a remote interface into the ARB memory. The ARB waveform setup is
accessed using the Source front-panel key, followed by the Modulation Setup key
menu. To learn more, refer to Chapter 5, Basic Digital Operation.
List Sequencer
In this mode, the source can be set up to output a series of waveform sequences
either on its own or in synchronism with the test set analyzer. The source List
Sequencer is designed to allow the testing and calibration of a mobile device
receiver. In synchronism with the analyzer List Sequencer, the source List
Sequencer allows simultaneous testing/calibration of both transmitter and
receiver of the mobile device. The source List Sequencer is accessed using the
Source front-panel key, followed by the List Sequencer key minutia learn more,
refer to Chapter 6, List Sequencer.

12 Source User’s Guide
1Source Overview

13
Keysight E6640A
EXM Wireless Test Set
Source User’s Guide
2
Basic Operation
This chapter introduces fundamental front panel operation. For information about
remote operation, refer to the Online Help or the User’s and Programmer’s Guide
•“Viewing Key Descriptions" on page 14
•“Setting test set source parameters" on page 14
•“Presetting the Source" on page 15
•“Basic Sequencing" on page 19
•“Modulating the Carrier Signal" on page 22
•“Working with Files" on page 23
•“Reading Error Messages" on page 25
NOTE The E6640A test set has no instrument front-panel. Therefore, the PC mouse and monitor are
required for instrument control through a virtual front panel (VFP). For ease in using the VFP,
the PC keyboard is recommended. The instructions in this chapter for front-panel keys and
softkeys apply to the VFP keys.
NOTE The instructions in this chapter for front-panel keys and softkeys apply to the VFP keys.

14 Source User’s Guide
2Basic Operation
Viewing Key Descriptions
Setting test set source parameters
The source functionality on the test set is accessed by pressing the Source
front-panel key on the virtual front panel. This is in the SETUP set of keys.
Pressing the Source key opens up a menu of Source keys on the right hand side of
the display. These keys allow complete configuration of the Source parameters.
Press the Help key for comprehensive test set information. The online help is
context-sensitive (that is, the help opens to a page that is relevant to the last key you
pressed). Also, while the help screen is open, press any key, and a page relevant to
that key is displayed; the normal key function does not execute. To exit the online
help, press the Cancel (ESC) key, located above the numerical entry keypad.
In a key menu at the right of the screen, more keys may be included than are
visible at first, as indicated by the presence of a More key at the bottom. Press
More as many times as necessary to cycle through all the keys included in the
menu. In the procedures given here, the More key is usually not mentioned. For
example, in the instruction to select Source, List Sequencer, the List
Sequencer key on the Source menu only becomes visible when you press More.

Basic Operation 2
Source User’s Guide 15
Presetting the Source
Presetting the source is a method of restoring all source settings to their default
values, after some or all of them have been changed. If you want to be able to
return the source settings to the values they had before the preset, save the
current state before you preset the source (see “Saving and Recalling States
below).
1. Press the Source front-panel key.
2. In the Source key menu (viewed on right of display) select More, until Source
Preset appears.
3. Select Source Preset.
4. Because presetting the source will cause the current source settings to be lost,
a confirmation window appears. Select OK or Cancel.
Pressing the Mode Preset button also has the effect of presetting the source, but
in that case analyzer settings are affected as well.

16 Source User’s Guide
2Basic Operation
Saving and Recalling States
The current state of the test set (including both source and analyzer settings) can
be saved and later recalled.
1. Press the Save front-panel key, followed by the State key.
2. In the State key menu, choose a register in which to save the state by pressing
one of the six Register keys. (A register with no state saved in it is labeled
“empty”; when you save a state in it, the register is labeled with the date and
time.)
3. Alternatively, you can save the state to a file rather than to a register. Press the
To File... key, and use the file-save window to chose a name and location for
the file.
4. Recall a saved state by pressing the Recall front-panel key, followed by the
State key.
5. In the State key menu, choose a register from which to retrieve a state by
pressing one of the six Register keys.
6. Alternatively, you can retrieve the state from a file rather than from a register.
Press the From File... key, and use the file-open window to chose a name and
location for the file.
Selecting Source Output
To select the output port for the source, use the Input/Output VFP key.
1. Press Input/Output, More, RF Output & Test Set Config, RF Output.
2. Select from RF Output, RFIO 1, or RFIO 2. If you select RF Output, this only
means that whichever of the two half-duplex ports (RF3 I|O or RF4 I|O) is
designated as an output will be used.
3. If you selected RF Output in the previous step, return to the RF Output & Test
Set Config menu and select Half Duplex Config, RF Output Port to toggle
between the RF3 I|O and RF4 I|O settings. Note that this also toggles the RF
Input Port setting, because neither of these two ports can serve both as an
output and an input.

Basic Operation 2
Source User’s Guide 17
Setting Frequency and Power (Amplitude)
NOTE The E6640A test set does not have an Automatic Level Control feature; amplitude
accuracy is regulated by means of calibration for frequency and temperature
variations.
To set the frequency and power of the source output proceed as follows:
1. Select Source, Amplitude, RF Power.
2. Use the numeric keypad, step keys, or RPG to set a value for power. If you use
the numeric keypad, press the appropriate units key to complete the entry.
3. Select Source, Frequency, Frequency.
4. Use the numeric keypad, step keys, or RPG to set a value for frequency. If you
use the numeric keypad, press the appropriate units key to complete the entry.
5. Press the Source front-panel key and set the RF Output key to On.
Example: Configuring a 700 MHz, −20 dBm Continuous Wave Output
1. Preset the source by pressing Source, More, Source Preset.
2. Press the Source front-panel key, followed by the keys Frequency, Frequency.
Press 700 on the keypad and select the MHz key.
The source displays 700 MHz in the Active Function area of the display, see
below.
3. Set the amplitude to −20 dBm: Press the Source front-panel key, followed by
the keys Amplitude, RF Power. Press 20 on keypad and select the -dBm key.
The display changes to −20 dBm in the Active Function area of the display, and
the amplitude value becomes the active entry. Amplitude remains the active
function until you press another function key.
4. Turn on the RF Output: Press the Source front-panel key, then set the RF
Output to On.
5. Press Input/Output, More, RF Output & Test Set Config, RF Output Port, RF
Output.
The 700 MHz, −20 dBm CW signal is available at the selected RF OUTPUT
connector (to select the output connector see “Selecting Source Output" on
page 16).

18 Source User’s Guide
2Basic Operation

Basic Operation 2
Source User’s Guide 19
Basic Sequencing
The Source List Sequencer can be used to generate a series of signals, each with
its characteristics defined in advance. The procedures below can be used to
generate a simple sequence, with frequency and power defined for each step (for
more advanced List Sequencer features see Chapter 6).
Setting Up the Sequence
1. Preset the source (see “Presetting the Source" on page 15).
2. Press the Source front-panel key.
3. Select More, List Sequencer, List Sequencer Setup.
4. Set the number of steps by pressing Number of Steps, enter the number of
steps desired and press Enter.
5. Set Current Step to 1.
6. Set the desired frequency by pressing More, Frequency, enter the desired
frequency value and press the appropriate units key.
7. Set the desired power by pressing Power, enter the desired power value and
press the appropriate units key.
8. Set Current Step to 2.
9. Set Frequency to 2nd frequency in your list and then set corresponding Power.
10.Continue to increment the Current Step number and populate the frequencies
and power until you reach the stop frequency.
11.Press Return and set the Sequencer key to On.
12.Press Initiate Sequence.
When the Initiate Sequence key is pressed:
If the trigger is set to Free Run, the sequence starts immediately and the full
sequence repeats continuously until the List Sequencer parameters are changed.
If the trigger is not set to Free Run, the List Sequencer sweep starts once the
trigger arrives and the sequence repeats only when it receives a new trigger.
Saving a List Sweep
To save a sweep that you have set up use the Save front-panel key.
1. Press the Save front-panel key.
2. Select the Sequences key.
3. Select Source Sequence.

20 Source User’s Guide
2Basic Operation
4. Select Save As...
5. In the Save As dialog box type in a unique filename for the sequence you have
created. The file is saved on the D: drive to My Documents\Sequences.
Editing a List Sequencer sweep
To edit a sweep that you have set up:
1. Press the Source front-panel key.
2. Select the More, List Sequencer, List Sequencer Setup keys.