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Instrument Problems

No RF Signal Displayed on the Analyzer

If the analyzer display indicates that there is no RF signal, the signal generator, analyzer, or both, could have problems. To isolate the problem it is best to substitute a known good RF source in place of the signal generator. The signal generator may appear to have no or low output. Leave the signal generator connected to the signal analyzer as shown in the instrument setup figure. Turn on the equipment and perform the following steps:

  1. Check the error messages in the signal generator and analyzer. If possible, correct the conditions indicated by the messages.

  2. Ensure that the signal analyzer and signal generator connectors are clean and in good condition. Check to see that the RF cable connecting the signal generator and analyzer is the correct cable and that it is not damaged or broken.

  3. Put the signal generator and signal analyzer in Local mode.

  4. Turn off the signal generator and analyzer and then turn them both back on.

  5. Set the following signal generator parameters:

    Frequency: 1 GHz

    RF Power: 0 dBm

    RF Out: On

    MOD: Off

  6. Set the following analyzer parameters:

    CF Frequency: 1 GHz

    Span: 500 MHz or Start Frequency: 0.5 GHz and Stop Frequency: 1.5 GHz

    Ref Level: 10 dBm

There should be a signal displayed on the analyzer. If there is no signal, perform the following:

  1. Disconnect the RF cable from the analyzer and check the RF power using an RF power meter. If the power meter reads approximately 0 dBm, then the problem is with the analyzer. If the power meter reading is wrong, then continue with step 2.

  2. Disconnect the RF cable from the signal generator and check the signal generator RF output power using an RF power meter. If the power reads approximately 0 dBm, the problem is with the RF cable. If the power level is wrong, the problem is with the signal generator.

You can also substitute a known good signal source in place of the signal generator. If the analyzer displays a signal with the new source, then the signal generator probably has a problem. If there is still no signal on the analyzer, the problem is probably with the analyzer.

No Communication with the Signal Generator or Analyzer

  1. Ensure that the correct IO Libraries are installed on your PC.

  2. Perform the Keysight IO Libraries GPIB and LAN configurations.

    Refer to the Keysight Signal Studio Software Installation Guide for more information on configuring and troubleshooting the interface.

  3. Ensure that you are using a valid TCP/IP address. A long time-out when entering the TCP/IP address may indicate that it is incorrect.

  4. Verify that the Host file is correct.

  5. Run the Closedping program.

    1. From the computer, go to Start > Run, type command then click OK.

    2. At the C:\> prompt, type ping <IP address>, where <IP address> is the signal generator's IP address or hostname.

    3. If the signal generator does not respond, contact your IP department.

    4. Type exit in the command prompt window then press Enter

  6. For more information on the 'ping' program, refer to the Keysight Signal Studio Software Installation Guide.

M8190A FAQ - Making the M8190A A LAN based instrument

Why can’t I ping the M8190A Arb from my PC? Keysight I/O Manager finds the Arb and even connects to it. *IDN? Query works too. When I try to save the M8190A in the I/O manager it shows an error.

Cant’ ping M8190A AXIe embedded controller from external PC. Why?

The below process will cover enabling ping requests through the Windows Firewall.

  1. After you are in the Windows 7 Firewall you will need to select "Advance Setting" on the left hand side of the window.

  2. Click on Inbound Rules

  3. Next you will need to scroll down the list until you see "File and Printer Sharing (Echo Request - ICMPv4-In)".

    In Windows 7, Microsoft moved the rule under the File and Printer Sharing section. So if you are trying to find the rule for Windows Vista you will want to look under Networking.

  4. After you find the listing you will need to right click and select Enable Rule.

    You will see the listing for each network profile. So you will want to do this for each one. Also at this time you do not need to enable the ICMPv6-In rule because ICMPv6 is not current used as a standard.

  5. Click on the red "x" to close the Windows Firewall with Advance Security window.

You should now be able to send ping requests through the Windows 7 Firewall.

LO Leakage

LO or carrier leakage is caused by DC voltage offsets in the baseband (I/Q) signal. To minimize the LO leakage be sure the signal generator has a current I/Q calibration. The LO leakage can be further reduced by using the I Offset and Q Offset properties in the signal generator. These properties can be found under the I/Q Adjustments Menu of the signal generator.

A large LO leakage can occur when using the External Arb configuration. This configuration uses a wideband Arb, N603xA/M933xA or N824xA) and the external I/Q inputs on the front of the signal generator. To minimize the LO leakage, do the following each time the application is started:

  1. Create a simple pattern then download and play it.

  2. Change the Arb voltage to 0.8 V.

  3. Download and play the pattern again.

  4. Change the Arb voltage back to 0.5 V.

  5. Download and play the pattern again.

  6. Play the Test Signal and check the LO leakage.

  7. Adjust the I and Q offsets on the signal generator to minimize the LO leakage. Be sure that the I/Q Adjustments are enabled on the signal generator.