Agilent N5500A Phase Noise Test Set

Agilent N5500A
Phase Noise Test Set
Hardware Reference
First edition, June 2004
Agilent Technologies
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004
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N5500-90001
Edition
First edition, June 2004
Printed in USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
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Safety Notices
C A UTI ON
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.
WA RN IN G
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.
Contents
1 General Information
N5500A Overview 8
Figure 1. N5500A test set
N5500A with Option 001
9
N5500A with Option 201
9
8
2 Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
Standard Front-Panel Interfaces 12
Figure 2. N5500A standard front panel 12
50 kHz-1600 MHz (REF INPUT) 12
ACT (STATUS) 12
ANALYZER: <100 kHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 13
ANALYZER: <100 MHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 13
ERR (STATUS) 13
LSN (GPIB) 13
MONITOR (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 13
NOISE (INPUT) 13
OUT OF LOCK 14
POWER 14
RF ANALYZER (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 14
RMT (GPIB) 14
SIGNAL (INPUT) 14
SRQ (GPIB) 15
TLK (GPIB) 15
TUNE VOLTAGE 15
Option 001 Front-Panel Interfaces 16
Figure 3. N5500A Option 001 front panel 16
50 kHz-1600 MHz (REF INPUT) 16
1.2 - 26.5 GHz (REF INPUT) 17
ACT (STATUS) 17
ANALYZER: <100 kHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 17
ANALYZER: <100 MHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 17
ERR (STATUS) 17
FROM DOWNCONVERTER 17
LSN (GPIB) 17
MONITOR (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 18
NOISE (INPUT) 18
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
3
OUT OF LOCK 18
POWER 18
RF ANALYZER (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
RMT (GPIB) 19
SIGNAL (INPUT) 19
SRQ (GPIB) 20
TLK (GPIB) 20
TO DOWNCONVERTER 20
TUNE VOLTAGE 20
19
Option 201 Front-Panel Interfaces 21
Figure 4. N5500A option 201 front panel 21
50 kHz-1600 MHz (REF INPUT) 21
1.2 - 26.5 GHz (REF INPUT) 22
ACT (STATUS) 22
ANALYZER: <100 kHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 22
ANALYZER: <100 MHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 22
ERR (STATUS) 22
LSN (GPIB) 22
MONITOR (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 22
NOISE (INPUT) 23
OUT OF LOCK 23
POWER 23
RF ANALYZER (PHASE DET OUTPUT) 23
RMT (GPIB) 23
SIGNAL (INPUT) 24
SRQ (GPIB) 24
TLK (GPIB) 24
TUNE VOLTAGE 24
µW SIGNAL 24
Rear-Panel Connectors (All Options) 25
Figure 5. N5500A Rear Panel 25
CHIRP SOURCE IN 25
GPIB 25
MULTIPLEXER OUT 25
Power Connector (~ LINE) 26
TRACK GEN IN 26
TUNE VOLTAGE OUT 26
4
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
3 Technical Data
Specifications 28
Table 1. Environmental and mechanical specifications
Table 2. Tuning voltage output 28
Table 3. Noise input port 28
Table 4. Noise floor degradation 28
Power Requirements 29
Table 5. N5500A power supply requirements
Power line module 29
Fuse 29
28
29
System Phase Noise and Spurious Responses 30
Figure 6. Graph of system phase noise and spurious responses 30
Figure 7. Results of decreased input on the RF phase detector R-Ports 31
Figure 8. Results of decreased input on the microwave phase detector R-ports
Phase Detector Input Ports 32
Table 6. Frequency ranges 32
Table 7. Amplitude ranges 32
Noise Floor Specifications 33
Table 8. RF phase detector noise floor specifications 33
Table 9. RF phase detector accuracy 33
Table 10. µ Detector noise floor specifications (Option 001/201) 33
Table 11. AM detector noise floor specifications (option 001) 33
Table 12. AM detector accuracy 33
31
4 Preventive Maintenance
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors 36
Repeatability 36
RF cable and connector care 36
Proper connector torque 37
Table 13. Proper Connector Torque 37
Connector wear and damage 37
SMA connector precautions 38
Cleaning procedure 38
Table 14. Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent
39
General Procedures and Techniques 40
Figure 9. GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors
Connector removal 41
Instrument Removal 43
Half-Rack-Width instrument
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
40
43
5
To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack 43
Figure 10. Instrument lock links, front and rear 44
Benchtop instrument 44
To remove an instrument from a benchtop system 44
Instrument installation 45
Half-Rack-Width instrument 45
To install the instrument in a rack 45
Benchtop instrument 46
To install an instrument in a benchtop system 46
6
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
N5500A Phase Noise Test Set
Hardware Reference
1
General Information
N5500A Overview 8
N5500A with Option 001 9
N5500A with Option 201 9
Agilent Technologies
7
1
General Information
N5500A Overview
The Agilent N5500A Phase Noise Test Set is part of the E5505A Phase Noise
Measurement System. The N5500A performs phase noise measurements with
the addition of baseband analyzers and software. Carrier frequencies range
from 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz with offset frequencies of 0.01 Hz to 100 MHz.
The phase detector input power at the SIGNAL input is specified at
0 to +23 dBm, and at the REF INPUT connection is +15 to +23 dBm. The NOISE
input for noise sources or external detectors ranges in frequency from 0.01 Hz
to 100 MHz with a 50 ohm input impedance and 1 Volt peak max.
There are three baseband analyzer outputs: (ANALYZER) <100 kHz,
(ANALYZER) <100 MHz and RF ANALYZER. The MONITOR output is used for
observing time domain phase noise on an oscilloscope. The TUNE VOLTAGE
output is used for tuning a VCO in a phase-locked measurement.
The rear-panel TRACK GEN and CHIRP SOURCE inputs are used for verifying
phase-lock-loop suppression. There are several available low pass filters:
100 MHz, 20 MHz, 2 MHz, 200 kHz and 20 kHz. The AM blocking filter is used
for an external AM detector (or the internal AM detector for Option 001). The
Decade spaced low pass and high pass filters range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, and
are used to limit the bandwidth of noise applied to the baseband analyzer.
Figure 1
8
N5500A test set
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
General Information
1
N5500A with Option 001
Option 001 adds an input attenuator, input switching, an AM detector, and a
microwave phase detector to the test set. The input attenuation ranges from 0
to 35 dB in 5 dB steps.
The RF ANALYZER output can view either an input signal of up to 26.5 GHz or
baseband noise. The SIGNAL input can be switched to AM detector, RF phase
detectors, microwave phase detector, or an external microwave
downconverter. The IF signal from the downconverter is switched to the RF
phase detectors.
N5500A with Option 201
The N5500A Option 201 adds a microwave phase detector to extend the carrier
frequency range to 26.5 GHz. The microwave phase detector frequency ranges
from 1.2 GHz to 26.5 GHz. The microwave phase detector input power at the
µW SIGNAL input ranges from 0 to +5 dBm and +7 to +10 dBm at the
REF INPUT connections.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
9
1
10
General Information
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
N5500A Phase Noise Test Set
Hardware Reference
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
Standard Front-Panel Interfaces 12
Option 001 Front-Panel Interfaces 16
Option 201 Front-Panel Interfaces 21
Rear-Panel Connectors (All Options) 25
Agilent Technologies
11
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
Standard Front-Panel Interfaces
This section describes the front-panel interfaces on the standard N5500A test
set. They appear alphabetically.
N5500A
Test Set
GPIB
RMT LSN TLK SRQ
SIGNAL
SIGNAL INPUT
INPUT
STATUS
ACT ERR
REF INPUT
NOISE
50 kHz -1600 MHz
0.01 Hz -100 MHz
+15 dBm MIN
MAXIMUM POWER
50 kHz -1600 MHz
+23 dBm
MAXIMUM POWER
50 kHz -1600 MHz
+23 dBm
50
1 V Pk
50 kHz -1600 MHz
PHASE DET OUTPUT
POSSIBLE
OUTPUT POWER
+30 dBm
RF ANALYZER
MONITOR
ANALYZER
ANALYZER
TUNE VOLTAGE
OUT OF LOCK
<100 kHz
<100 MHz
50
20 mA MAX
POWER
n5500a_standard_front_pnl
26 Mar 04 rev 1
Figure 2
N5500A standard front panel
50 kHz-1600 MHz (REF INPUT)
This connector is a reference signal input to the RF phase detectors.
Limits
• Level range: +15 to +23 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to 1600 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• AC coupled: +15 VDC Max
ACT (STATUS)
This LED is not used for phase noise measurement.
12
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
2
ANALYZER: <100 kHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the <100 kHz phase detector output connector is a high
impedance output to the FFT analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
ANALYZER: <100 MHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the <100 MHz phase detector output connector is the output to
the baseband spectrum analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
Characteristics
• Output impedance: 50 Ω nominal
ERR (STATUS)
The error message LED illuminates when a communication error occurs and
indicates that an error message is available.
LSN (GPIB)
The listen LED illuminates when the system addresses the instrument to
listen.
MONITOR (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
A baseband signal from the detector and LNA in use is available at this port. It
may be useful to observe this signal on an oscilloscope to help troubleshoot the
phase noise measurement process, or to observe the noise characteristics of a
device under test in the time domain.
Characteristics
• The source impedance is 50 Ω, but the port is intended to drive a load
impedance much greater than 50 Ω.
• The voltage level may range from 1 mV to 2 V p-p.
NOISE (INPUT)
The noise input connector accepts the following inputs:
• Millimeter measurements using an external millimeter wave mixer
• AM noise measurements using an external AM detector
• Baseband noise measurements (using a DC block).
The input bypasses all of the internal phase detectors and routes the signal
directly to the input filters and low noise amplifiers.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
13
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
Limits
• Frequency: 0.01 Hz - 100 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, nominal
OUT OF LOCK
This LED illuminates if the internal comparators detect either an excessive
peak voltage from the phase detector or an excessive change in the tune
voltage.
POWER
This switch puts the instrument in active operation or standby mode. It is a
standby switch and not a LINE switch. The detachable power cord is the test
set’s disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains
supply before other parts of the instrument or system.
RF ANALYZER (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the RF analyzer phase detector output connector is the output to
the RF swept spectrum analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
Characteristics
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
RMT (GPIB)
The remote indicator LED illuminates when the instrument is enabled for
GPIB control.
SIGNAL (INPUT)
This connector accepts the input (device under test) signal.
Limits
• Frequency: 50 kHz to 1600 MHz Characteristics
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω Nominal
• AM noise: dc coupled to 50 Ω load
14
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
2
SRQ (GPIB)
The service request LED illuminates when the instrument requests service.
TLK (GPIB)
The talk indicator LED illuminates when the system addresses the instrument
to talk.
TUNE VOLTAGE
The signal at this connector is the ouput to the VCO’s (voltage controlled
oscillator’s) tune port connector.
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, 20 mA max
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
15
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
Option 001 Front-Panel Interfaces
This section describes the function of the front-panel interfaces on the N5500A
test set with Option 001. The interfaces appear in alphabetical order.
N5500A Opt 001
Test Set
SIGNAL INPUT
0 VDC MAX
MAXIMUM POWER
50 kHz -1600 MHz
+23 dBm + ATTEN
1.2 GHz-26.5 GHz
+10 dBm + ATTEN
+30 dBm MAX WITH
ATTENUATOR
GPIB
RMT LSN TLK SRQ
SIGNAL
INPUT
STATUS
ACT ERR
REF INPUT
NOISE
50 kHz - 1600 MHz
1.2 - 26.5 GHz
0.01 Hz - 100 MHz
+15 dBm MIN
+7 dBm MIN
FROM
DOWNCONVERTER
TO
DOWNCONVERTER
50
1 V Pk
50 kHz - 26.5 GHz
MAXIMUM POWER
50 kHz -1600 MHz
+23 dBm
1.2 -26.5 GHz
+10 dBm
PHASE DET OUTPUT
RF ANALYZER
POSSIBLE
OUTPUT POWER
+30 dBm
ANALYZER
MONITOR
TUNE VOLTAGE
ANALYZER
OUT OF LOCK
<100 kHz
<100 MHz
50
20 mA MAX
POWER
n5500a_opt001_front_pnl
26 Mar 04 rev 1
Figure 3
NO T E
N5500A Option 001 front panel
Some interfaces on the front and rear panels are not used for phase noise measurement, as
their descriptions indicate. Their primary function is for factory testing and troubleshooting.
50 kHz-1600 MHz (REF INPUT)
This connector is a reference signal input to the RF phase detectors.
Limits
• Level range: +15 to +23 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to 1600 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• AC coupled: +15 VDC Max
16
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
2
1.2 - 26.5 GHz (REF INPUT)
This connector is a reference signal input to the microwave phase detector.
Limits
• Level range: +7 to +10 dBm
• Frequency: 1.2 to 26.5 GHz
ACT (STATUS)
This LED is not used for phase noise measurement.
ANALYZER: <100 kHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the <100 kHz phase detector output connector is a high
impedance output to the FFT analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
ANALYZER: <100 MHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the <100 MHz phase detector output connector is the output to
the baseband spectrum analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
Characteristics
• Output impedance: 50 Ω nominal
ERR (STATUS)
The error message LED illuminates when an operational error occurs.
FROM DOWNCONVERTER
The signal at this connector is the input from the downconverter’s IF output
connector. The From Downconverter connector, along with the To
Downconverter connector, is used to insert a downconverter in the signal
path.
LSN (GPIB)
The listen LED illuminates when the system addresses the instrument to
listen.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
17
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
MONITOR (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
A baseband signal from the detector and LNA in use is available at this port. It
may be useful to observe this signal on an oscilloscope to help troubleshoot the
phase noise measurement process, or to observe the noise characteristics of a
device under test in the time domain.
Characteristics
• The source impedance is 50 Ω, but the port is intended to drive a load
impedance much greater than 50 Ω.
• The voltage level may range from 1 mV to 2 V p-p.
NOISE (INPUT)
The noise input connector accepts the following inputs:
• Millimeter measurements using an external millimeter wave mixer
• AM noise measurements using an external AM detector
• Baseband noise measurements (using a DC block).
The input bypasses all of the internal phase detectors and routes the signal
directly to the input filters and low noise amplifiers.
Limits
• Frequency: 0.01 Hz - 100 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, nominal
OUT OF LOCK
This LED illuminates if the internal comparators detect either an excessive
peak voltage from the phase detector or an excessive change in the tune
voltage.
POWER
This switch puts the instrument in active operation or standby mode. It is a
standby switch and not a LINE switch. The detachable power cord is the test
set’s disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains
supply before other parts of the instrument or system.
18
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
2
RF ANALYZER (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the RF analyzer phase detector output connector is the output to
the RF swept spectrum analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
Characteristics
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
RMT (GPIB)
The remote indicator LED illuminates when the instrument is enabled for
GPIB control.
SIGNAL (INPUT)
This connector accepts the input (device under test) signal.
C A UTI ON
To prevent damage to the N5500A test set’s hardware components, input signal
must not be applied to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has
been set correctly by the software for the desired destination, as shown below.
Refer to the User’s Guide for your E5505A system for more information.
Limits
• Frequency: 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz
• Maximum signal input power: +30 dBm
• At attenuator output, operating level range:
• RF phase detector: 0 to +23 dBm
• Microwave phase detector: 0 to +5 dBm
• Internal AM detector: 0 to +20 dBm
• Downconverters:
• N5507A/70427A: 0 to +30 dBm
• N5502A/70422A: +5 to +15 dBm
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω Nominal
• AM noise: dc coupled to 50 Ω load
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
19
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
SRQ (GPIB)
The service request LED illuminates when the instrument requests service.
TLK (GPIB)
The talk indicator LED illuminates when the system addresses the instrument
to talk.
TO DOWNCONVERTER
The signal at this connector is the test set’s output to the downconverter’s
Signal input connector. The To Downconverter connector, along with the From
Downconverter connector, is used to insert a downconverter in the signal
path.
TUNE VOLTAGE
The signal at this connector is the ouput to the VCO’s (voltage controlled
oscillator’s) tune port connector.
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, 20 mA max
20
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
2
Option 201 Front-Panel Interfaces
This section describes the function of the front-panel interfaces on the N5500A
test set with Option 201. The interfaces appear in alphabetical order.
N5500A Opt 201
Test Set
SIGNAL INPUT
GPIB
RMT LSN TLK SRQ
SIGNAL
INPUT
STATUS
ACT ERR
REF INPUT
NOISE
50 kHz - 1600 MHz
1.2 - 26.5 GHz
0.01 Hz - 100 MHz
+15 dBm MIN
+7 dBm MIN
MAXIMUM POWER
50 kHz -1600 MHz
+23 dBm
50
1 V Pk
50 kHz-1600 MHz
MAXIMUM POWER
50 kHz -1600 MHz
+23 dBm
1.2 -26.5 GHz
+10 dBm
PHASE DET OUTPUT
POSSIBLE
OUTPUT POWER
+30 dBm
RF ANALYZER
MONITOR
W SIGNAL
ANALYZER
ANALYZER
TUNE VOLTAGE
MAXIMUM POWER
1.2-26.5 GHz
+10 dBm
1.2-26.5 GHz
OUT OF LOCK
<100 kHz
<100 MHz
50
20 mA MAX
POWER
n5500a_opt201_front_pnl
26 Mar 04 rev 1
Figure 4
N5500A option 201 front panel
50 kHz-1600 MHz (REF INPUT)
This connector is a reference signal input to the RF phase detectors.
Limits
• Level range: +15 to +23 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to 1600 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• AC coupled: +15 VDC Max
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
21
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
1.2 - 26.5 GHz (REF INPUT)
This connector is a reference signal input to the microwave phase detector.
Limits
• Level range: +7 to +10 dBm
• Frequency: 1.2 to 26.5 GHz
ACT (STATUS)
This LED is not used for phase noise measurement.
ANALYZER: <100 kHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the <100 kHz phase detector output connector is a high
impedance output to the FFT analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
ANALYZER: <100 MHz (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at the <100 MHz phase detector output connector is the output to
the baseband spectrum analyzer used for phase noise measurements.
Characteristics
• Output impedance: 50 Ω nominal
ERR (STATUS)
The error message LED illuminates when an operational error occurs.
LSN (GPIB)
The listen LED illuminates when the system addresses the instrument to
listen.
MONITOR (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
A baseband signal from the detector and LNA in use is available at this port. It
may be useful to observe this signal on an oscilloscope to help troubleshoot the
phase noise measurement process, or to observe the noise characteristics of a
device under test in the time domain.
Characteristics
• The source impedance is 50 Ω, but the port is intended to drive a load
impedance much greater than 50 Ω.
22
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
• The voltage level may range from 1 mV to 2 V p-p.
NOISE (INPUT)
The noise input connector accepts the following inputs:
• Millimeter measurements using an external millimeter wave mixer
• AM noise measurements using an external AM detector
• Baseband noise measurements (using a DC block).
The input bypasses all of the internal phase detectors and routes the signal
directly to the input filters and low noise amplifiers.
Limits
• Frequency: 0.01 Hz to100 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 W, nominal
OUT OF LOCK
This LED illuminates if the internal comparators detect either an excessive
peak voltage from the phase detector or an excessive change in the tune
voltage.
POWER
This switch puts the instrument in active operation or standby mode. It is a
standby switch and not a LINE switch. The detachable power cord is the test
set’s disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains
supply before other parts of the instrument or system.
RF ANALYZER (PHASE DET OUTPUT)
The signal at this connector is the output to the RF swept spectrum analyzer
used for the noise measurements. The RF analyzer output can be internally
switched between the baseband output and the IF output.
Characteristics
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
RMT (GPIB)
The remote indicator LED illuminates when the instrument is enabled for
GPIB control.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
23
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
SIGNAL (INPUT)
This connector accepts the input (device under test) signal.
Limits
• Frequency: 5 MHz to 1600 MHz
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, nominal
SRQ (GPIB)
The service request LED illuminates when the instrument requests service.
TLK (GPIB)
The talk indicator LED illuminates when the system addresses the instrument
to talk.
TUNE VOLTAGE
The signal at this connector is the ouput to the VCO’s (voltage controlled
oscillator’s) tune port connector.
Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, 20 mA max
µW SIGNAL
This connector accepts the microwave input (device under test) signal.
Limits and characteristics
• Level range (microwave phase detector): 0 to +5 dBm
• Frequency: 1.2 to 26.5 GHz
• Input impedance: 50 Ω, nominal
24
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
Rear-Panel Connectors (All Options)
This section describes the function of the rear-panel interfaces on all options
of the N5500A test set. The interfaces appear in alphabetical order.
GPIB
MULTIPLEXER
TRACK GEN
OUT
IN
ICES/NMB-001
ISM GRP.1 CLASS A
CHIRP SOURCE
SEE USERS MANUAL
TUNE VOLTAGE
IN
N10149
154258
OUT
SERIAL NUMBER
LABEL
LINE
115 V/3 A
230 V/2 A
50/60 Hz
FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V
n5500a_rear_pnl
26 Mar 04 rev 1
Figure 5
N5500A Rear Panel
CHIRP SOURCE IN
This connector accepts a pseudo-random noise source from the PC digitizer or
FFT analyzer.
GPIB
GPIB communication between the test set and the system occurs through this
connector.
MULTIPLEXER OUT
The signal at this connector is the voltage measured by the internal voltmeter
and is used for factory troubleshooting purposes.
Characteristics
• Output level range: +/–10 V
• Output impedance: 1 k Ω
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
25
2
Front and Rear Panel Interfaces
• Bandwidth: 100 kHz
Power Connector (~ LINE)
This is the connection for the AC power cord. The detachable power cord is the
test set’s disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the
mains supply before other parts of the instrument or system. For information
on power requirements, see the specifications chapter.
TRACK GEN IN
This connector accepts the signal from the tracking generator of a baseband
analyzer.
TUNE VOLTAGE OUT
The signal at this connector is the ouput to the VCO’s tune port connector. This
Tune Voltage Output port is the default at power-up.
26
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
N5500A Phase Noise Test Set
Hardware Reference
3
Technical Data
Specifications 28
System Phase Noise and Spurious Responses 30
Phase Detector Input Ports 32
Noise Floor Specifications 33
Agilent Technologies
27
3
Technical Data
Specifications
This section contains general specifications for the N5500A test set. It also
includes data on system phase noise and spurious response levels, and the
frequency and amplitude ranges for the phase detector input ports.
Table 1
Environmental and mechanical specifications
Altitude
Up to 2,000 meters (6,500 ft)
Operating temperature range
+0 °C to +45 °C (41 °F to 110 °F)
Warm-up time
20 minutes
Max relative humidity
80% for temperatures up to 31 °C, decreasing linearly
to 50% relative humidity at 40 °C.
Height
177.2 mm (7 in)
Width
212.5 mm (8.4 in)
Depth
574.3 mm (22.6 in)
Weight
~ 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Table 2
Tuning voltage output
Voltage range
±10 V, open circuit
Current
20 mA, max
Output impedance
50 Ω, typical
Table 3
Noise input port
Frequency
0.01 Hz to 100 MHz
Amplitude
1 V peak, max
Input impedance
50 Ω, typical (DC coupled, RL < 9.5 dB)
Table 4
Noise floor degradation
Degrade system noise floor 1 dB for every dB
reduction in R input levels less than:
NO T E
28
+15 dBm (low frequency input)
The N5500A has low susceptibility to RFI and mechanical vibration. Care must be exercised,
however, in making measurements in high RFI or mechanical vibration environments as
spurious signals may be induced in the instrument.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Technical Data
3
Power Requirements
This section contains the power requirements and characteristics for the
N5500A test set.
Table 5
N5500A power supply requirements
Nominal Voltage
115
230
Nominal Frequency
60 Hz
50 Hz
Power
3 A, max
2 A max
Power line module
The power module in the N5500A has the following characteristics:
• 200 W
• 85 to 264 VAC continuous-range operation
• 47 to 63 Hz
• Internal fuse: 5 A, 250 V
Fuse
The instrument’s AC line cable has a replaceable fuse with the following
characteristics:
• 3.15 A, 250 V, time delayed
• Agilent part number: 2110-1124
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
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3
Technical Data
System Phase Noise and Spurious Responses
The internal noise design of the N5500A is capable of measuring a range of
reference sources, including very low noise reference sources. The graph in
Figure 6 shows the phase noise and spurious response levels specified for the
system.
The specified response does not include the phase noise or spurious signal
contributions of a reference source.
-60
-80
-100
Spurious responses (dBc)
-120
Phase noise (L (f), dBc/Hz)
-140
f <10 MHz
-160
-180
.01
1
10
n5500a_phase_noise_responses
17 Apr 04 rev 1
Figure 6
Carrier
frequencies
100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M
Offset frequency (Hz)
Graph of system phase noise and spurious responses
Figure 7 on page 31 shows the increase in system noise and spurious response
levels as the signal level at the Signal Input (R input) port of the N5500A Phase
Detector is decreased below +15 dBm.
To determine the system noise and spurious response level for a given Signal
Input port (R port) level, determine the resulting dB degradation using
Figure 7, and then adjust the phase noise and spurious response levels shown
in Figure 6 by the degradation value.
For example, if the signal input (R port) signal level is +5 dBm, the resulting
degradation is +10 dB. Applying the +10 dB degradation to Figure 6 increases
the system’s maximum noise level at 10 kHz offset frequencies from -170 to
-160 dBc/Hz. The specified maximum spurious signal level also increases from
-112 to -102 dBc at all offset frequencies.
30
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Technical Data
3
Degradation (dB)
+20
+10
0
5 MHz to 1.6 GHz phase
detector amplitude range
0
+5
n5500a_RF_phase_det
17 Apr 04 rev 1
Figure 7
+10
+15
+20
R input signal level (dBm)
+25
Results of decreased input on the RF phase detector R-Ports
Degradation (dB)
+10
+5
0
1.2 GHz to 26.5 GHz phase
detector amplitude range
0
+1
n5500a_microwave_phase_det
17 Apr 04 rev 1
Figure 8
+2
+3
R input signal level (dBm)
+4
+5
Results of decreased input on the microwave phase detector R-ports
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
31
3
Technical Data
Phase Detector Input Ports
The wide frequency and amplitude ranges enable you to make noise
measurements for a wide variety of application requirements. Table 6
indicates the frequency ranges, and Table 7 the amplitude ranges, for the
phase detector input ports on the N5500A.
Table 6
Table 7
Frequency ranges
Carrier Frequency
Offset Frequency
50 kHz to 500 kHz
0.01 Hz to 20 kHz
500 kHz to 5 MHz
0.01 Hz to 200 kHz
5 MHz to 50 MHz
0.01 Hz to 2 MHz
50 MHz to 250 MHz
0.01 Hz to 20 MHz
250 MHz to 1.6 GHz
0.01 to 100 MHz
Amplitude ranges
Low Frequency Inputs
Options 001 & 201
High Frequency Inputs
Options 001
AM Noise
Carrier Frequency Range
50 kHz to 1.6 GHz
1.2 GHz to 26 GHz
50 kHz to 26.5 GHz
RF Input (R port)
0 dBm to +23 dBm
0 dBm to +5 dBm
N/A
RF Input with Option 001
0 dBm to +30 dBm
0 dBm to +30 dBm
0 dBm to +30 dBm
Signal Input (L port)
+15 dBm to +23 dBm
+7 dBm to +10 dBm
32
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
3
Technical Data
Noise Floor Specifications
Table 8 through Table 12 contain various noise floor and accuracy
specifications.
Table 8
RF phase detector noise floor specifications
Input
Frequency
50 kHz to
1.6 GHz
Offset from Carrier (Hz)
Spurious (dBc)
.01
1
10
100
1k
10k
100k
1M
10M
100M .01
0.1
>10
Special
–70
–130
–140
–150
–160
–170
–170
–170
–170
–170
–70
–100 –112
Typical
–77
–137
–147
–157
–167
–177
–177
–177
–177
–177
–77
–107 –119
1. Input ports: L port (Reference Input) = +15 dBm to 23 dBm; R port (Signal Input) = +15 dBm
Table 9
RF phase detector accuracy
Frequency Range
Offset from Carrier
.01 Hz to 1 MHz
±2 dB
1 MHz to 100 MHz
±4 dB
Table 10 µ Detector noise floor specifications (Option 001/201)
Input
Frequency
Offset from Carrier (Hz)
.01
1.2 to
Spec. –55
26.5 GHz
Typical –62
100
1k
10k
32k
Spurious (dBc)
1
10
100k
1M
10M
100M 1
10
100M
–115
–125 –135 –145 –155 –160 –160 –160
–160 –160
–97
–97
–97
–122
–132 –142 –152 –162 –167 –167 –167
–167 –165
–104 –104 –104
1. Input ports: L port (Reference Input) = +7 dBm to 10 dBm; R port (Signal Input) = +5 dBm
Table 11 AM detector noise floor specifications (option 001)
Input
Frequency
+10 to
+20 dBm
Offset from Carrier (Hz)
10
100
Spurious (dBc)
1k
10k
100k
10k
1M
10M
100M 100M ≥10
1k
100M
Spec.
–105 –115
–125
–140
–149
–150
–150
–150
–170
–170
–70
–100 –112
Typical
–77
–147
–157
–167
–177
–177
–177
–177
–177
–77
–107 –119
–137
Table 12 AM detector accuracy
Frequency Range
Offset from Carrier
.01 Hz to 1 MHz
±3 dB
1 MHz to 100 MHz
±5 dB
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
33
3
34
Technical Data
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
N5500A Phase Noise Test Set
Hardware Reference
4
Preventive Maintenance
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors 36
General Procedures and Techniques 40
Instrument Removal 43
Instrument installation 45
Agilent Technologies
35
4
Preventive Maintenance
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors
Taking proper care of cables and connectors protects your system’s ability to
make accurate measurements. One of the main sources of measurement
inaccuracy can be caused by improperly made connections or by dirty or
damaged connectors.
The condition of system connectors affects measurement accuracy and
repeatability. Worn, out-of-tolerance, or dirty connectors degrade these
measurement performance characteristics.
Repeatability
If you make two identical measurements with your system, the differences
should be so small that they will not affect the value of the measurement.
Repeatability (the amount of similarity from one measurement to another of
the same type) can be affected by:
• Dirty or damaged connectors
• Connections that have been made without using proper torque techniques
(this applies primarily when connectors in the system have been
disconnected, then reconnected).
C A UTI ON
Static-Sensitive Devices
This system contains instruments and devices that are static-sensitive. Always take
proper electrostatic precautions before touching the center conductor of any
connector, or the center conductor of any cable that is connected to any system
instrument. Handle instruments and devices only when wearing a grounded wrist or
foot strap. When handling devices on a work bench, make sure you are working on
an anti-static worksurface.
RF cable and connector care
Connectors are the most critical link in a precision measurement system.
These devices are manufactured to extremely precise tolerances and must be
used and maintained with care to protect the measurement accuracy and
repeatability of your system.
To extend the life of your cables or connectors:
• Avoid repeated bending of cables—a single sharp bend can ruin a cable
instantly.
• Avoid repeated connection and disconnection of cable connectors.
36
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Preventive Maintenance
4
• Inspect the connectors before connection; look for dirt, nicks, and other
signs of damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector
instantly.
• Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical
connections and may damage the connector.
• Minimize the number of times you bend cables.
• Never bend a cable at a sharp angle.
• Do not bend cables near the connectors.
• If any of the cables will be flexed repeatedly, buy a back-up cable. This will
allow immediate replacement and will minimize system down time.
Before connecting the cables to any device:
• Check all connectors for wear or dirt.
• When making the connection, torque the connector to the proper value.
Proper connector torque
• Provides more accurate measurements
• Keeps moisture out of the connectors
• Eliminates radio frequency interference (RFI) from affecting your
measurements
The torque required depends on the type of connector. Refer to Table 13.
Do not overtighten the connector.
Never exceed the recommended torque when attaching cables.
Table 13 Proper Connector Torque
Connector
Torque cm-kg
Torque N-cm
Torque in-lbs
Wrench P/N
Type-N
52
508
45
hand tighten
3.5 mm
9.2
90
8
8720-1765
SMA
5.7
56
5
8710-1582
Connector wear and damage
Look for metal particles from the connector threads and other signs of wear
(such as discoloration or roughness). Visible wear can affect measurement
accuracy and repeatability. Discard or repair any device with a damaged
connector. A bad connector can ruin a good connector on the first mating. A
magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe is useful during inspection.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
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4
Preventive Maintenance
SMA connector precautions
Use caution when mating SMA connectors to any precision 3.5 mm RF
connector. SMA connectors are not precision devices and are often out of
mechanical tolerances, even when new. An out-of-tolerance SMA connector
can ruin a 3.5 mm connector on the first mating. If in doubt, gauge the SMA
connector before connecting it. The SMA center conductor must never extend
beyond the mating plane.
Cleaning procedure
1 Blow particulate matter from connectors using an environmentally-safe
aerosol such as Aero-Duster. (This product is recommended by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency and contains tetrafluoroethane.
You can order this aerosol from Agilent (see Table 14).)
2 Use alcohol and a lint-free cloth to wipe connector surfaces. Wet a small
swab with a small quantity of alcohol and clean the connector with the
swab.
3 Allow the alcohol to evaporate off of the connector before making
connections.
C A UTI ON
38
Do not allow excessive alcohol to run into the connector. Excessive alcohol entering
the connector collects in pockets in the connector’s internal parts. The liquid will
cause random changes in the connector’s electrical performance. If excessive
alcohol gets into a connector, lay it aside to allow the alcohol to evaporate. This may
take up to three days. If you attach that connector to another device it can take
much longer for trapped alcohol to evaporate.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Preventive Maintenance
4
Table 14 Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent
Product
Part Number
Aero-Duster
8500-6460
Isopropyl alcohol
8500-5344
Lint-Free cloths
9310-0039
Small polyurethane swabs
9301-1243
WA RN IN G
Cleaning connectors with alcohol should only be performed with the
instruments’ mains power cord disconnected, in a well ventilated area.
Connector cleaning should be accomplished with the minimum amount of
alcohol. Prior to connector reuse, be sure that all alcohol used has dried, and that
the area is free of fumes.
WA RN IN G
If flammable cleaning materials are used, the material should not be stored, or
left open in the area of the equipment. Adequate ventilation should be assured to
prevent the combustion of fumes, or vapors.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
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4
Preventive Maintenance
General Procedures and Techniques
This section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in
the system. Read this section before attempting to remove or install an
instrument! Each connector type may have unique considerations.
Always use care when working with system cables and instruments.
GPIB Type Connector
Figure 9
40
GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
4
Preventive Maintenance
Connector removal
GPIB connectors
These are removed by two captured screw, one on each end of the connector;
these usually can be turned by hand. Use a flathead screwdriver if necessary.
GPIB connectors often are stacked two or three deep. When you are removing
multiple GPIB connectors, disconnect each connector one at a time. It is a
good practice to connect them back together even if you have not yet replaced
the instrument; this avoids confusion, especially if more than one instrument
has been removed.
When putting GPIB connectors back on, you must again detach them from one
another and put them on one at a time.
Precision 3.5 mm connectors
These are precision connectors. Always use care when connecting or
disconnecting this type of connector. When reconnecting, make sure you align
the male connector properly. Carefully join the connectors, being careful not
to cross-thread them.
Loosen precision 3.5 mm connectors on flexible cables by turning the
connector nut counter-clockwise with a 5/16 inch wrench. Always reconnect
using an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (Agilent part number 8720-1765). Semirigid
cables are metal tubes, custom-formed for this system from semirigid coax
cable stock.
3.5 mm connectors with a gold hex nut
The semirigid cables that go to the RF outputs of some devices have a gold
connector nut. These do not turn. Instead, the RF connector on the instrument
has a cylindrical connector body that turns. To disconnect this type of
connector, turn the connector body on the instrument clockwise. This action
pushes the cable’s connector out of the instrument connector.
To reconnect, align the cable with the connector on the instrument. Turn the
connector body counterclockwise. You may have to move the cable slightly
until alignment is correct for the connectors to mate. When the two connectors
are properly aligned, turning the instrument’s connector body will pull in the
semirigid cable’s connector. Tighten firmly by hand.
3.5 mm connectors with a silver hex nut
All other semirigid cable connectors use a silver-colored nut that can be
turned. To remove this type of connector, turn the silver nut counter-clockwise
with a 5/16 inch wrench.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
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Preventive Maintenance
When reconnecting this type of cable:
• Carefully insert the male connector center pin into the female connector.
(Make sure the cable is aligned with the instrument connector properly
before joining them.)
• Turn the silver nut clockwise by hand until it is snug, then tighten with an 8
inch-lb torque wrench (part number 8720-1765).
Bent semirigid cables
Semirigid cables are not intended to be bent outside of the factory. An
accidental bend that is slight or gradual may be straightened carefully by hand.
Semirigid cables that are crimped will affect system performance and must be
replaced. Do not attempt to straighten a crimped semirigid cable.
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Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Preventive Maintenance
4
Instrument Removal
To remove an instrument from the system, use one of the following procedures.
Required tools
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver
Half-Rack-Width instrument
To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack
1 Power off the system.
• For details, see the system installation
guide.
2 Remove the selected instrument’s power cord
from the power strip in the rack.
3 The instrument is attached to the half-rack width
instrument beside it; remove that instrument’s
power cord from the power strip also.
• The instruments are secured together
4 Remove the power cord and other cables from the
front and rear of both instruments.
• Note the location of cables for
5 Remove the four corner screws on the front of the
rack panel that secures the instruments in place.
• The screws are located near the corners
by lock links at the front and rear. The
lock links at the rear attach with screws.
The lock links at the front hook together.
re-installation.
of the face of the instrument.
• Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
6 Slide both instruments, as a single unit, out from
the front of the rack and set them on a secure, flat
surface.
7 Detach the lock links that secure the rear of the
instruments together by removing their screws.
• Use a #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver.
• See Figure 10 on page 44.
8 Carefully and at the same time, push one
instrument forward and pull the other back to
unhook the lock links that secure the front of the
instruments to each other.
9 Store the “partner” instrument and lock links
while the selected instrument is out of the rack.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
• Only install the instruments as a pair;
individual installation is not secure.
43
4
Preventive Maintenance
Front links
Rear links
Inst_lock_links
24 Feb 04 rev 1
Figure 10 Instrument lock links, front and rear
Benchtop instrument
To remove an instrument from a benchtop system
1 Power off each instrument in the system.
• For details, see the system installation guide or
system user’s guide.
2 Unplug the selected instrument’s power
cord from the AC power supply.
3 Remove the power cord and other cables
from the front and rear of the instrument.
44
• Note the location of cables for re-installation.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
Preventive Maintenance
4
Instrument installation
To install or re-install an instrument in a system, use one of the following
procedures.
Required tools
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver
Half-Rack-Width instrument
To install the instrument in a rack
Step
Note
1 Make sure the system is powered off.
• For details, see the system installation guide
or system user’s guide.
2 Re-attach the lock link that secures the front
of the returned instrument to it’s partner
half-rack-width instrument.
• Use a #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver.
• See Figure 10 on page 44.
3 Re-attach the lock link that secures the rear
of the instruments together.
• Use a #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver.
4 Insert the attached instruments in the same
slot from which you removed them, sliding
them along the support rails until they meet
the rack-mount ears.
• The rack-mount ears stop the instruments at
5 Replace the rack panel in front of the
instruments and secure the four corner
screws.
• The screws are located near the corners of
the correct depth.
the face of the instrument.
• Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
6 Confirm that the instrument is turned off.
7 Connect the appropriate cables to the
instruments (front and rear), including the
power cords.
8 Power on the system.
• For details, see the system installation guide
or system user’s guide.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference
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Preventive Maintenance
Benchtop instrument
To install an instrument in a benchtop system
1 Make sure the system is powered off.
• For details, see For details, see the system
installation guide or system user’s guide.
2 Connect all cables to the instrument (front
and rear), including the power cord.
3 Connect the power cord to the AC power
source.
4 Power on the system.
• For details, see the system installation guide
or system user’s guide.
5 Set the instrument GPIB address, if
necessary.
46
• For procedures, see the system installation
guide or system user’s guide.
Agilent N5500A Hardware Reference