Getting Started

This topic will guide you through preparing the DUT and chassis (for PXIe models) and installing the software for the DUT and TME. It includes the following sections:

Also refer to the README document of the calibration application for other useful information such as:

The README document can be found on the Keysight Technologies TME Calibration Software website.

Install Software and Drivers for the VNA and Chassis

  • Administrator privileges will be needed for software and hardware installation.
  • References to the chassis apply to the PXIe models only.
  • Note that the P937xA USB VNA firmware is the recommended VNA firmware version for running the N7874A Calibration Application. The P937xA USB firmware can be used with both types of VNA DUTs: P937xA USB and M937xA PXIe.

Before running the N7874A Calibration Application, the software and drivers for the VNA and the chassis (PXIe VNA only) must be installed. Refer to the VNA Startup Guide for complete instructions. Current software, drivers, and documentation are available at Keysight support.

The Startup Guide will instruct you to:

  1. Install the Keysight IO Libraries Suite (IOLS) available at: www.keysight.com/find/iosuite. This software must installed first. Refer to the VNA Startup Guide for version requirements.

  2. Install the VNA software and drivers.

    1. The IVI and Matlab drivers are no longer bundled with the firmware and must be installed separately. An Closederror message may appear indicating that the drivers are not installed.

      The drivers can be found on the Keysight website:

  3. PXIe models only: Install the chassis drivers (which are pre-installed on the embedded controller). Complete instructions are in the chassis Startup Guide. Chassis drivers, software, and manuals are also available at Keysight support.

  4. PXIe models only: If using an embedded controller, install it now and power up the chassis.

    If using a remote host rather than an embedded controller, refer to the Connecting a Remote Host PC to the Chassis section of the chassis Startup Guide for installation instructions and other requirements. The chassis Startup Guide can also be found at Keysight support.

  5. USB VNA models only: Before powering up the USB VNA, ensure the following:

  6. USB VNA models only: If your USB VNA application software and USB VNA does not behave as expected with the newly installed IO Libraries and firmware, cycle power on the VNA.

Verify operation of the DUT

For instructions on how to verify the operation of the VNA, refer to the Startup Guide located at Keysight support.

Module and Chassis Requirements

PXIe VNA models

USB VNA models

TME Test Station Configuration Requirements

There are specific configuration requirements for a TME test station running the N7874A calibration software. The following requirements apply to both the PXIe M937xA and the USB P937xA VNA models.

TME Installation/Upgrade Instructions

Installing Over Previous Versions

Refer to the Readme.txt file for information on the compatibility of this package with previous versions of the application and the Test Management Environment (TME) test executive.

System Requirements

Refer to the Readme.txt for information on the minimum system requirements to run this application.

Installation packages are available for download at the Keysight Technologies Calibration website.

There are two ways to install TME and its applications:

Network Installation

In a network installation, order information is stored centrally and can be accessed by any TME client in the network. This allows you to combine data from tests that were run on multiple stations into a single report. Equipment data and order information are also accessible from any station.

  • The installation of the application network data must take place on the same PC that installed the TME network data. To set up a new TME network, please see the instructions in the TME help system.

  • If TME is setup as a network installation, the application will automatically be set up as a network on that machine when the installation is executed. The application server must be installed before any clients can be installed.

  • TME client must also be installed on all machines intending to run this application as clients of the network.

To install an application on a network, follow these steps:

  1. Find the PC where the TME network was installed (Shows “TME Server” in Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features depending on the OS).

  2. Run Setup.exe for the application on that PC. This will install all networked components for that application.

  3. Install application clients:

or

\\FileServer\Test Management Environment\Install\(AppName)\(AppName)ClientSetup.exe

The client setup must be run from this location. It should not be moved or renamed.

Local Installation

On a local installation, all application data is stored on the target PC. TME must be installed on the target PC before the application installation can occur. Once TME has been installed as a local installation, the application will automatically install locally when executed. Order information, test results, and equipment data will not be shared with other users.

Uninstall Procedure

To remove pre-E.01.00 versions of TME and its applications before installing a newer version, please refer to Installing Over Previous Versions.

If you uninstall  TME completely or uninstall any TME application, you will lose the data associated with those applications. Create any reports needed and save them as PDF files before you perform any uninstallation of that product.

Uninstall of Network Install

To uninstall an application client, select that package from Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features depending on the OS on the Control Panel and click Remove (or Uninstall depending on the OS).

Data will not be lost if only a client is uninstalled. Other clients will still have access to the data in the network.

To uninstall an application server:

  1. Follow the directions above to uninstall all application clients first.

  2. On the PC where the server installation was performed, select the application server from Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features depending on the OS on the Control Panel and click Remove (or Uninstall depending on the OS).

Uninstall of Local Install

To uninstall an application local installation, select that package from Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features depending on the OS on the Control Panel and click Remove (or Uninstall depending on the OS).

Connecting Test Instruments

This topic describes the preparation of the instruments used by the test software at a given test station. (Refer to Required Test Equipment to confirm that you have the proper test equipment.) The test software does not check instruments for proper operation on the GPIB bus or PXI before attempting to perform tests.

Cable and Connector Care

For the smaller front-panel connectors, it is recommended to use the Keysight cable removal tool (part number 5002-3361) to disconnect the cables. When using the cable removal tool, pull the cable straight away from the connector. Do not use the tool as a pry bar.

Cable Removal Tool

GPIB Address Configuration

The typical GPIB address configuration for a test station is:

Dynamic Accuracy Test Set

9

Gain Compression Test Set

23

Power Meter

13

Frequency Counter

3

Network Analyzer

16

Follow the steps below to manually check for proper connection of the GPIB devices before performing tests on a newly connected test station.

  1. Note the GPIB address of each instrument associated with the test station/test plan defined earlier.

  2. Connect a power cord to each instrument, and then connect each instrument to the computer serving as the GPIB controller.

  3. Power up all the instruments on the GPIB bus.

  4. Check each GPIB instrument for proper communication over the bus and the required "detectable" options. (A detectable option is one that can be detected through the GPIB.) Follow the process described below in Checking GPIB Instruments.

Checking GPIB instruments

When checking the basic operation of each instrument or when checking for detectable options on a given instrument, you may need to look up the actual command for retrieving the identification string before performing these steps.

  1. Start the Keysight Connection Expert from the task bar or access it through Start > All Programs > Keysight Connection Expert.

  2. Check for all expected GPIB devices. Verify that all expected GPIB devices are shown in the left window. If a device is missing, correct the problem and re-scan for connected instruments.

  3. Check for basic operation of each GPIB device:

    If an instrument does not support SCPI, refer to the user guide for the product to learn more about checking the basic operation of its GPIB.

    1. Select a GPIB device.

    2. Select the Interactive I/O from the right window.

    3. The command window should be pre-populated with the *IDN? query. You can also select from the Commands > drop-down menu, or simply type *IDN? in the command window.

    4. Select Send & Read.

    5. Verify that the expected model number is contained in the response text string.

  4. Check for detectable options on a given device:

    This does not work with the power meter.

    1. Select a GPIB device to highlight it.

    2. Select the Interactive I/O from the right window.

    3. Type *OPT? in the command window.

    4. Select Send & Read.

ESD Precautions

Protection against ESD (electrostatic discharge) is essential while connecting, inspecting, or cleaning connectors attached to a static-sensitive circuit (such as those found in test sets). Static electricity can build up in your body and can easily damage sensitive internal circuit elements when discharged. Static discharges too small to be felt can cause permanent damage. Devices such as calibration components and units under test (UUTs) can also carry an electrostatic charge. To prevent damage to the test set, components and devices: