4-24 Service Guide E8364-90038
Troubleshooting PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers
Measurement System Troubleshooting E8362C, E8363C, E8364C
Measurement System Troubleshooting
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for the measurement portion of the PNA series network
analyzer. In this section, the analyzer is used as a tool to help isolate the suspected faulty functional group.
Once the faulty functional group is determined, troubleshooting steps are provided to help you isolate the
faulty assembly or part.
This section is divided into two major sections for troubleshooting. The first section mainly covers the
standard S-parameter measurement troubleshooting (pages 4-26 thru page 4-42). However, some parts are
applicable for the frequency offset section. The second section is for troubleshooting the frequency offset
section, option 080 (refer to pages 4-44 thru pages 4-48). The “Checking the Frequency Offset Group (Option
080)” on page 4-44 section will also reference portions of the S-parameter troubleshooting section in its
troubleshooting process as well as the troubleshooting of the E836xB, option 081 (external reference switch
option).
Before you begin—consider: Where do you see a problem?
If you are seeing a problem at Preset, perform the standard S-parameter test set troubleshooting procedure,
starting with: “Verifying the A, B, R1, and R2 Traces (Standard S-Parameter Mode)” on page 4-26.
You should also consider the problem indications that are observed and whether the observed condition is a
soft failure or a hard failure.
Soft Failure
With a soft failure, the network analyzer's performance has degraded to an unacceptable level, yet it
continues to operate and displays no error messages. For this type of failure, performance tests must be
conducted to isolate the problem. Begin with viewing the error terms as described in “Error Terms” in
Chapter 8. This will help to isolate most problems. If additional tests are required, refer to “Performance
Tests (Agilent N7840A Software Package)” on page 3-30.
Hard Failure
With a hard failure, the PNA does not perform well and displays one or more error messages. To diagnose
and repair a hard failure:
•Check “Help About” to verify that the model number and options listed match the actual analyzer model
and options.
•Check “EEPROM Headers” to verify that the data there is correct.
• Check error messages. Refer to “Error Messages” and follow the suggestions outlined there for each
applicable error message.
Help About
Go to the Help About screen by selecting
Help, About Network Analyzer in the network analyzer application.
Verify that the information displayed in this screen is correct for your analyzer. If any of the information is
incorrect, contact Agilent Technologies. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on page 2-12.
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