Keysight N1930 B Series User manual

N1930xB Physical Layer Test Systems
N1930xB Physical Layer Test System
Software which supports VNA-Based and
TDR-Based Physical Layer Test System
Hardware
INSTALLATION GUIDE

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WARRANTYSTATEMENT
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 FURNISHING, USE, OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT OR
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 WILL CONTROL.
DFARS/Restricted Rights Notice
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.

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Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are
available for
Keysight Technologies products. For information about these agreements and for other assistance,
contact Keysight. Refer to ContactingKeysight.
Safety and Regulatory Information
The safety and regulatory information pertaining to this product is located in Safetyand
RegulatoryInformation.
Safety Notes
The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each of the
notes and its meaning before operating this instrument. All pertinent safety notes for using this
product are located in SafetyandRegulatory Information.
WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not
correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond
a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of the instrument.
Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

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DocumentationMap
The online Help files are in the PLTS software, offering quick reference to
user documentation. Click Help on the menu bar.
This Installation Guide helps you to with PLTS software and hardware
installation.
PLTSDocumentation Online
All PLTS documentation, including the very latest online version of the PLTS Help file, can be
foundat: Technical Support: N19301B PLTS Base Analysis.

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Contents
Contents
1Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System
Hardware..........................................................................................10
Step 1. Set Up the Personal Computer ........................................................................12
Step 2. Verify your System Shipment...........................................................................13
Step 3. Set Up the Network Analyzer ...........................................................................16
Step 4. Attach the Network Analyzer to the Test Set...................................................17
(N4420B or N4421A/B Test Set Only)......................................................................................17
Preparing the Network Analyzer...............................................................................................17
Preparing the Test Set..............................................................................................................18
Attaching the Network Analyzer to the Test Set .......................................................................18
Step 5. Install the Test System on a Bench Top or in an EquipmentRack................20
To Install on a Bench Top .........................................................................................................21
To Install in an Equipment Rack...............................................................................................22
Step 6. Make the Interconnections between the S-ParameterTest Set and the
Network Analyzer......................................................................................................26
N1957B Test System Interconnections....................................................................................29
N1955B Test System Interconnections....................................................................................31
N1935A and N1953B Test System Interconnections ...............................................................33
Step 7. Set up PC to PLTS Communication.................................................................35
500 MHz CPU WITHOUT Opt 550/551 - Legacy Mode............................................................35
1.1 GHz CPU WITHOUT Opt 550/551 - Legacy Mode.............................................................36
500 MHz CPU with Opt 550/551...............................................................................................37
1.1 GHz CPU with Opt 550/551................................................................................................37
Step 8. Power up the S-Parameter Test Set.................................................................39

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2Installing the TDR-Based Physical Layer Test System
Hardware..........................................................................................41
Step 1. Set Up the Personal Computer ........................................................................44
Step 2. Set up the TDR System ....................................................................................45
Step 3. Set Up the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB)..........................................47
Step 4. Power up the TDR System ...............................................................................48
3Installing the PLTS Software .....................................................49
Important PLTS Installation Notes................................................................................50
Step 1. Install or Upgrade PLTS Software ...................................................................51
Step 2. License the Physical Layer Test System Software.........................................53
Get Your Host ID......................................................................................................................53
Get Your License......................................................................................................................55
Add a License File....................................................................................................................55
Specify a Remote License Server............................................................................................56
Step 3. Start the Physical Layer Test System Software ..............................................59
Important Note:..........................................................................................................................59
Start the PLTS software:..........................................................................................................59
4Troubleshooting ........................................................................60
ElectrostaticDischarge.................................................................................................61
PLTSInstallationTroubleshooting...............................................................................62
Connection Manager working with .NET and the T&M Toolkit.................................................63
PLTS does not recognize the Keysight USB to GPIB adapter. ................................................63
Other Keysight USB to GPIB Adapter Problems......................................................................64
Problems with the VISA Layer..................................................................................................65
Problems with VISA COM (SOAP Error)..................................................................................65
Problems with using National Instruments I/O Devices............................................................69

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I/O Troubleshooting Steps........................................................................................................70
Missing Microsoft Component ..................................................................................................74
PLTSHardwareTroubleshooting..................................................................................75
Troubleshooting PLTS Using a Tektronix CSA8000 or TDS8000 ............................................76
ContactingKeysight......................................................................................................82
5Safety and Regulatory Information...........................................83
SafetyInformation.........................................................................................................84
Safety Symbols.........................................................................................................................84
Instrument Markings ......................................................................................................................85
Safety Considerations..............................................................................................................87
RegulatoryInformation.................................................................................................90
Compliance with Canadian EMC Requirements......................................................................90
South Korean Class A EMC Declaration..................................................................................90
Compliance with German Noise Requirements .......................................................................90
Declaration of Conformity.........................................................................................................90

1 Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer
Test System Hardware

Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Chapter 1
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The Physical Layer Test System (PLTS) consists of the following items:
• Personal computer (PC)
• VNA-based system (Network analyzer and S-parameter test set)
• PLTS software
The installation procedure in this chapter will lead you through setting up the hardware (the PC
and the VNA-based system). After that is complete, you will refer to Installing thePLTS Software
to install the software.
NOTE If you have the TDR-based PLTS system, refer to InstallingtheTDR-BasedPhysicalLayer
Test SystemHardware for instructions on setting up that system.
This installation procedure will lead you through a series of steps to set up your PLTS hardware.
The following is a list of the installation steps:
• Step 1. Set Up the Personal Computer
• Step 2. Verify your System Shipment
• Step 3. Set Up the Network Analyzer
• Step 4. Attach the Test Set to the Network Analyzer (N4420B or N4464A/B Test Set Only)
• Step 5. Install the S-Parameter Test Set on a Bench Top or in an Equipment Rack
• Step 6. Make the Interconnections between the S-Parameter Test Set and the Network
Analyzer
• Step 7. Set Up the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB)
• Step 8. Power up the Physical Layer Test System
NOTE These installation instructions were written specifically for customers who have just
received their PLTS. If you have already been using our S-parameter test set and
its corresponding network analyzer, you have probably completed most of these
installation steps. Review these installation steps to ensure that your system is
currently set up as recommended. Then, begin the software installation process by
starting at Installing the PLTS Software.

Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 1. SetUpthePersonalComputer
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Chapter 1
Step 1. Set Up the Personal Computer
1. Make sure that your PC meets the following minimum system controller requirements:
Table 1-1 Minimum PC Requirements by PLTS Modes of Operation
PC Requirement
Measurement Mode ONLY
Off-Line Analysis Mode
In the lab, controlling test equipment
and making quick analysis of the
results.
In your office, performing “What if...”
analysis, characterization, cross-domain
analysis, filtering, waveform math, and
eye diagram simulation
CPU
1.5 GHz Quad-core
1.5 GHz Quad-core
Main Memory
4 GB
4 GB+
Virtual Memorya
6 GB+
6 GB+
GPIB Interface
Keysight 82357AUSB/GPIB Interfacefor
Windows or supported GPIB card (any
National Instruments or Keysight 82340/41
or 82350 GPIB card)
No GPIB connection is required to utilize
PLTS in the off-line mode. Saved (stored)
measurement files can be recalled at any
time for analysis.
Operating Systems
Windows 10 (64 bit)
Windows 11 (64 bit)
Windows 10 (64 bit)
Windows 11 (64 bit)
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024 or greater required
DisplayColors
High Color (16 Bit) or greater
a. As a general rule for optimum PC performance when using PLTS, virtual memory should be 1.5 to
2 times the size of the main memory.
2. Using the PC documentation, make sure that the PC is operating properly.
3. Make sure the GPIB card is installed in the PC and that it is operating properly.
4. Make sure the PC is located near where you will position the Physical Layer Test System
(PLTS). Later in this process, you will connect the GPIB card to the PLTS using a GPIB cable.

Chapter 1
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Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 2. Verify your System Shipment
Step 2. Verify your System Shipment
1. Unpack your system from the containers in which it was shipped.
WARNING The test system hardware is heavy. Use proper lifting techniques. The network
analyzer can weigh between 53 lb. (24 kg) and 64 lb. (29 kg). The test set can
weigh as much as 20 lb. (9 kg).
2. Carefully inspect the system hardware to make sure that it was not damaged during shipment.
NOTE If your test system was damaged during shipment, contact Keysight Technologies.
Refer to ContactingKeysight.
3. Verify that your test set is compatible with your network analyzer and its installed options. To
see supported test sets and network analyzers, visit www.keysight.com/find/plts. If the
installed options are not compatible, contact us before proceeding. Refer to Contacting
Keysight.
Note: Support for most ECal modules requires PNA firmware revision 4.83. Type “ECal”in the
PLTS online help index for more information.

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Chapter 1
Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 2. Verify your System Shipment
4. Checkthe accessoriesthatwereshippedwithyour system. Yournetwork analyzer accessories
will be checked during the network analyzer setup.
Item Nr
Part Number
Part Description
1
8120-3445
GPIB Cable (3 feet)
2
N/A
“Port 3” Label
3
Varies by Test Set
Model and Option
Semirigid interconnect cables (refer to Step6. Make the
Interconnections between the S-Parameter Test Set and
the Network Analyzer for the appropriate number of cables)
4
Unique to country
AC Power Cord (for the test set)
5
AD00658
Balanced Transmission Line PC Board Device (Sample DUT)
6
5023-0132
2 Rear Locking Feet with captive screws (N4420B, N4421A/B
only) (With 2 Screws)
7
5063-9253
4 Lock Links (N4420B, N4421A/B only) with 8 screws (0515-1499)
To order a kit that contains items 6 and 7, use part number N4421-60001.

Chapter 1
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Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 2. Verify your System Shipment
5. If you ordered any of the following options, check the parts. Option 1CP is shipped in a
separatecontainer.
Option Number
Item
Number
Part Description
1CP
1A
1B
Rack mount flange kit (For use with handles)
Handles (set of 2)
B20
2
Precision 50-ohm cables (4)
Other Calibration Kits
N/A
Not Shown
85033E 3.5mm Calibration Kit (0 Hz (dc) - 9 GHz) 1
85052D 3.5mm Economy Calibration Kit (0 Hz (dc) - 26.5 GHz) 1
85056A 2.4mm Precision Calibration Kit (0 Hz (dc) - 50 GHz) 1
85050C 7 mm Precision Calibration Kit (0 Hz (dc) - 18 GHz) 2
1 Kit for SOLT Calibration; 2 Kit for TRL Calibration

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Chapter 1
Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 3. Set Up the Network Analyzer
Step 3. Set Up the Network Analyzer
1. Using the network analyzer’s Installation and Quick Start Guide, set up the network analyzer.
2. If you are installing your network analyzer in an equipment rack, be sure to leave at least 2 rack
units of space below the analyzer to install the test set.
NOTE For the N4420B or N4421A/B test set, connect the network analyzer to the test set
before placing in the rack as a single unit on one set of rails. Refer to Step 4. Attach
the Network Analyzer to the Test Set for instructions.

Chapter 1
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Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 4. Attach the Network Analyzer to the Test Set
Step 4. Attach the Network Analyzer to the Test Set
(N4420B or N4421A/B Test Set Only)
If your test set is not an N4420B, an N4421A, or an N4421B, continue with Step 5. Install the Test
System on a Bench Top or in an EquipmentRack.
The compatible network analyzers are attached to the N4420B and N4421A/B test sets using lock
links at the front and locking feet at the rear. This hardware is supplied with the test set. Other
network analyzers are not attached to test sets (N4415A, N4416A, N4417A, N4418A, and
N4419A/B) using this hardware.
Preparing the Network Analyzer
1. Remove the four feet from the bottom of the network analyzer.
2. Remove the screws from the two lower rear panel standoffs.
3. Install the two rear locking feet where the standoffs were removed. Part number 5023-0132
includes two pieces which are NOT interchangeable.. One piece is for the right side and the
other for the left side. The locking feet may require GENTLE tapping with a hammer to seat
properly. Use the two longer screws to secure the feet to the analyzer. Do NOT tighten the
screws.

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Chapter 1
Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 4. Attach the Network Analyzer to the Test Set
Preparing the Test Set
4. Remove the trim strip from the top of the front frame.
5. Install the four lock links to the top of the front frame using eight screws.
Attaching the Network Analyzer to the Test Set
6. Place the network analyzer on top of the test set ensuring that the front frame of the network
analyzer is positioned slightly forward of the lock links that are attached to the the test set.
Then slide the network analyzer back so the lock links engage the front frame of the analyzer.

Chapter 1
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Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 4. Attach the Network Analyzer to the Test Set
7. Secure the network analyzer’s lower locking feet to the test set’s upper locking feet by inserting
the shorter two screws between the two pairs of locking feet, one on each side of the
instrument as shown below. NOTE: The screw may rub against the locking feet attached to the
analyzer. This is normal and does not detract from the strength of the fitting.
NOTE If the screw holes are not aligned, loosen the screws that secure the feet to both
the network analyzer and the test set to align the screw holes.
8. Tighten all screws.

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Chapter 1
Installing the VNA-Based Physical Layer Test System Hardware
Step 5. Install the Test System on a Bench Top or in an Equipment Rack
Step 5. Install the Test System on a Bench Top or in an
EquipmentRack
The test system can be installed on a bench top or in an equipment rack.
In all installations, consider the following ventilation requirements when deciding where to set up
your test system.
CAUTION VentilationRequirements:
When installing the product in a cabinet, the convection into and out of the product
must not be restricted. The ambient temperature (outside the cabinet) must be less
than the maximum operating temperature of the instrument by 4 ×C for every 100
watts dissipated in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater
than 800 watts, then forced convection must be used.
Refer to the section that applies to your installation.
• For bench top installation, continue on page 21.
• For equipment rack installation, continue on page 22.