File: Readme.txt Date: March 15, 2002 8648 Test Package Version: 7.01 Welcome to the HP Service Support Software with the 8648 Test package! PLEASE READ THESE NOTES BEFORE RUNNING THE APPLICATION! These notes are designed to help you understand characteristics of this application and to inform you of any last minute changes. OVERVIEW This is the test software for the 8648 RF Signal Generator series. This software includes a Test Executive (User Interface) and a package of Adjustments/Performance Tests that apply specifically to the 8648 series. Note that except for power level accuracy, manual performance test procedures are provided in the 8648 Operation and Service Guide. MODELS AND OPTIONS COVERED The following models and options are covered by this software: MODEL # OPTIONS 8648A 1E2, 1E5, 1EP 8648B 1E2, 1E5, 1E6, 1EA 8648C 1E2, 1E5, 1E6, 1EA 8648D 1E2, 1E5, 1E6, 1EA Early versions of the 8648B/C (Serial prefix < 3623A or 3629U) have a low frequency limit of 100 kHz. The LF Output Level and LF Power Level Accuracy adjustments do not apply to these instruments. GENERAL Please be sure to install and configure the 16-bit SICL I/O libraries that came with your GP-IB card before running the application. Only Agilent Technologies (Hewlett-Packard) GP-IB interface cards are supported at this time. The first time the application is run, the system administrator needs to enter information about the test equipment available at your site for this application. This is done through the File, Test Equipment menu items. If this is not done, the software will not allow testing. NOTE: If you are using any power sensors, each must have a default GPIB address of -1. If you get an error while running the application, first check for obvious problems such as equipment not connected, cables not attached, equipment not turned on, etc. Note any information the error message gives you which may be useful to customer support should you need their help. Always try to duplicate the error condition, and as a last resort, try rebooting your PC if the application hangs up. TECHNICAL SUPPORT For assistance, please FAX your questions to 8648 Support at (1) (707) 577-6011. Please include a complete description of your request along with the following information: Your name Company Address Telephone number (plus extension) FAX number e-mail address Your message will be responded to promptly. PERFORMANCE TESTS -- HF Power Level Accuracy--: For high frequency (>=100 kHz) power level measurements below -10dBm, the power level accuracy test has test limits that are wider than the signal generator specifications. This is due to the measurement uncertainty of the test system. At the factory, a very sophisticated and accurate system is used to adjust and verify power level accuracy. The test as part of this application uses commercially available test equipment and is not as accurate as the factory system. The following uncertainties exist: Power level > -10dBm: Measurement uncertainty is based on power sensor and power meter accuracy, as well as mismatch uncertainties. Depending on frequency and power level, these uncertainties range from less than -.13dB to .3dB and are suitable for testing to actual specifications. Power levels < -10dBm and >= -70dBm: Uncertainties here are based on making a measurement with the spectrum analyzer that is relative to the power meter measurement. Test limits are based on RSS of the following measurement uncertainties: -Measurement uncertainties for power meter measurement at -10 dBm -Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for setting reference at -10 dBm -Spectrum analyzer log fidelity using digital resolution BW filter -Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for power measurement -System mismatch uncertainties Power levels < -70dBm: Uncertainties here are based on making a measurement with the spectrum analyzer that is relative to the spectrum analyzer measurement at -70 dBm. Test limits are based on RSS of the following measurement uncertainties: -Measurement uncertainties for spectrum analyzer measurement at -70 dBm -Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for setting reference at -70 dBm -Spectrum analyzer log fidelity using digital resolution BW filter -Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for power measurement -System mismatch uncertainties Measurement uncertainties allow testing to standard specifications over most of the frequency and power level ranges of the 8648 series. The exception is that the test limit for the 2000 MHz to 2500 MHz frequency range and <= -100 dBm is degraded to +-1.5 dB. ADJUSTMENTS -- LF Power Level Accuracy--: This adjustment affects the 9 kHz to 100 kHz frequency range and applies to models 8648B/C with serial prefixs >= 3623A or 3629U. It also applies to all 8648D instruments. It does not apply to the 8648A. MOTHERBOARD UTILITY A Motherboard ID entry has been added to the user interface. This ID should already be loaded into all replacement boards. It includes the last four digits of the Motherbaoard part number and the 5 digit serial number. At this time the part number portion of the ID should be 0314. The serial number is unique for each board. If the Motherboard ID is not correctly loaded into the replacement Motherboard and you are unable to determine the correct serial number, enter "00000" for the serial number. REVISION HISTORY: Revision 3.0 (Original release) Revision 3.2 Added dialog box to check for potentiometers on the output and frequency extension modules on AM related adjustments. Instruments with serial prefix 3847A or 3847U and above do not have these adjustments. Revision 3.21 Fixed Y2K bug that was printing wrong date and time on the log file. Revision 3.3 Fixed Motherboard Utility to operate in Windows NT environment. Revision 6.00 Flash screens and nomenclature changed to reflect transition to AgilentTechnologies Revision 6.1 Fixed bug with Low Frequency Power Level Accuracy Adjustment Made changes to AM Level, AM Level:FE and the AM Predistortion and Detector Offset adjustments. This allows the adjustments to be completed when either the Output board or the Frequency Extension module have potentiometers. Revision 7.01 Moved software from floppy disks to CD ROM.