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HP 8590 L-Series User Manual

HP 8590 L-Series
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Table of Contents

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HP 8590 L-Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
Input Impedance50 ohms
Video Bandwidth (VBW)1 Hz to 3 MHz
Amplitude Accuracy±1.5 dB
Maximum Input Level+30 dBm
Power Requirements100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Input VSWR1.5:1 (typical)

Summary

Preparing For Use

What You’ll Find in This Chapter

Overview of the topics covered in this chapter, including setup, inspection, and self-calibration routines.

Introducing the HP 8590 Series Spectrum Analyzers

Provides an introduction to the HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzers, listing their frequency ranges.

Preparing Your Spectrum Analyzer for Use

Detailed steps for unpacking, inspecting, and setting up the spectrum analyzer for operation.

Initial Inspection

Instructions for inspecting the shipping container and verifying contents and analyzer condition.

Power Requirements

Setting the Line Voltage Selector Switch

Procedure to correctly set the rear-panel voltage selector switch for the power source.

Checking the Fuse

Guidance on checking the fuse, its type, rating, and replacement procedure.

Power Cable

Information on the three-wire power cable, grounding, and available power cable types.

Turning on the Analyzer for the First Time

Performing the Tracking-Generator Self-Calibration Routine

Procedure for calibrating the tracking generator for optimal performance before use.

Performing the YTF Self-Calibration Routine

Procedure for performing the YTF self-calibration routine for specific spectrum analyzer models.

Electrostatic Discharge

Reducing Damage Caused by ESD

Suggestions to reduce ESD damage during testing and servicing operations.

Getting Started

What You’ll Learn in this Chapter

Overview of the basic functions and features of the HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzers covered in this chapter.

Getting Acquainted with the Analyzer

Introduction to the analyzer's front and rear panels, menus, and softkeys.

Front-Panel Features

Description of the active function block, message block, softkey labels, and softkeys.

Rear-Panel Features

Description of the various connectors and controls located on the rear panel of the spectrum analyzer.

Data Controls

Explanation of controls used to change values for functions like frequency, bandwidth, and markers.

Screen Annotation

Explanation of screen annotation codes for trace, trigger, and sweep modes.

Menu and Softkey Overview

Description of front-panel keys, softkey menus, and how they access functions.

Making a Measurement

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

Overview of spectrum analyzer measurement techniques and procedures covered in this chapter.

Improving Accuracy with Self-Calibration Routines

Warm-Up Time

Guidance on allowing sufficient warm-up time before making calibrated measurements.

Performing the Tracking Generator Self-Calibration Routine (Option 010 or 011 only)

Procedure for self-calibrating the tracking generator for optimal performance.

Performing the YTF Self-Calibration Routine (HP 8592L, HP 85933, HP 85953, or HP 85963 Only)

Procedure for performing the YTF self-calibration routine periodically.

When Is Self-Calibration Needed?

Guidelines to help decide when to use the self-calibration features.

Memory Card Insertion and Battery Replacement

Procedure to Change the Memory Card Battery

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the memory card battery.

Analyzer Battery Information

Making Basic Measurements

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

Overview of basic spectrum analyzer measurements and procedures covered in this chapter.

Resolving Signals of Equal Amplitude Using the Resolution Bandwidth Function

Technique for distinguishing between two equal-amplitude signals using resolution bandwidth.

Resolving Small Signals Hidden by Large Signals Using the Resolution Bandwidth Function

Method for viewing small signals obscured by larger signals using resolution bandwidth.

Increasing the Frequency Readout Resolution Using the Marker Counter

Procedure to improve frequency readout accuracy using the marker counter function.

Decreasing the Frequency Span Using the Marker Track Function

Technique to quickly decrease frequency span while keeping the signal centered.

Peaking Signal Amplitude with Preselector Peak

Method to automatically adjust preselector tracking for accurate amplitude readings.

Tracking Unstable Signals Using Marker Track and the Maximum Hold and Minimum Hold Functions

Using marker track and hold functions to monitor drifting or modulated signals.

Comparing Signals Using Delta Markers

Technique for comparing frequency and amplitude differences between signals.

Measuring Low-Level Signals Using Attenuation, Video Bandwidth, and Video Averaging

Methods to improve visibility of low-level signals using attenuation and averaging.

Identifying Distortion Products Using the RF Attenuator and Traces

Procedure to determine if harmonic distortion products are internally generated.

Third-Order Intermodulation Distortion

Method for testing third-order intermodulation distortion in communication systems.

Using the Analyzer As a Receiver in Zero Frequency Span

Technique to use the spectrum analyzer in zero span mode to recover modulation.

Measuring Signals Near Band Boundaries Using Harmonic Lock

Method for measuring signals near band boundaries using harmonic lock.

Making Measurements

What You’ll Learn in This Chapter

Overview of spectrum analyzer measurement techniques and applications.

Measuring Amplitude Modulation with the Fast Fourier Transform Function

Using the FFT function to measure amplitude modulation (AM) signals.

Stimulus-Response Measurements

Explanation of measurements using a tracking generator and spectrum analyzer system.

Stepping through the Measurement

Basic steps for performing stimulus-response measurements: setup, calibrate, normalize, and measure.

Demodulating and Listening to an AM or FM Signal

Procedure to demodulate and listen to AM or FM signals using the spectrum analyzer.

Triggering on a Selected Line of a Video Picture Field

Using trigger options to view test signals during vertical retrace.

Making Reflection Calibration Measurements

Procedure for calibrating the system for reflection measurements.

Using the Gate Utility to Simplify Time-Gated Measurements (Option 105 only)

Explanation of the gate utility for simplifying time-gated RF measurements.

Using the Time-Gated Spectrum Analyzer Capability Without the Gate Utility

Procedure for using time-gating without the Gate Utility for pulsed RF signals.

Using Analyzer Features

What You’ll Learn in this Chapter

Overview of features for manipulating measurement data and simplifying measurements.

Use the Marker Table to List All the Active Markers

Function to display and manage active markers for swept measurements.

Use the Peak Table to List the Displayed Signals

Function to list amplitude and frequency of up to 10 displayed signals.

Save and Recall Data from Analyzer Memory

Procedures for saving and recalling states, traces, limit lines, and amplitude correction factors.

Save and Recall Data from the Memory Card

Procedures for saving and recalling data, programs, and images using a memory card.

Learn about Creating Limit Lines

Introduction to limit lines and procedures for creating them.

Learn About the Analog+ Display Mode (Option 101 only)

Description of the analog+ display mode combining analog and digital features.

Learn About the Windows Display

Explanation of the windows display feature for splitting the screen into two displays.

Learn How to Enter Amplitude Correction Factors

Overview and procedure for creating and activating amplitude-correction data.

External Keyboard

Information about using an external keyboard for convenient operation.

Printing and Plotting

Printing or Plotting with HP-IB

Instructions for printing and plotting using the HP-IB interface.

Plotting Using an HP-IB Interface

Detailed procedure for connecting and configuring plotters via HP-IB.

Printing or Plotting with RS-232

Instructions for printing and plotting using the RS-232 interface.

Plotting Using an RS-232 Interface

Detailed procedure for connecting and configuring plotters via RS-232.

Printing With a Parallel Interface

Instructions for printing using a parallel interface.

Plotting to an HP LaserJet Printer

Procedure for plotting display output to an HP LaserJet printer.

Key Descriptions

Service Functions

Overview of functions available for service use: calibration and diagnostics.

Service Calibration Functions

List of softkeys for accessing service calibration routines.

Service Diagnostic Functions

List of softkeys for accessing service diagnostic functions.

If You Have A Problem

What You’ll Find In This Chapter

Information on checking for problems, returning for service, and error messages.

Before You Call Hewlett-Packard

Preliminary checks to perform before contacting Hewlett-Packard for service.

Check the Basics

Simple checks to perform to potentially solve problems or identify causes.

How to Call Hewlett-Packard

Information on contacting Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service offices for support.

Error Messages

List and definitions of spectrum analyzer messages indicating problems.

Measurement Personalities, Options, and Accessories

What You’ll Find In This Chapter

Overview of available measurement personalities, options, and accessories.

Measurement Personalities

Descriptions of specialized software personalities for various measurement types.

Options

List and descriptions of available hardware and software options for the spectrum analyzer.

Accessories

List of accessories available to configure the spectrum analyzer for specific applications.

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