Agilent Spectrum Analysis Basics - Agilent Technologies

Firmware updates
Modern spectrum analyzers have much more software inside them than
do instruments from just a few years ago. As new features are added to the
software and defects repaired, it becomes highly desirable to update the
spectrum analyzer’s firmware to take advantage of the improved performance.
The latest revisions of spectrum analyzer firmware can be found on the
Agilent Technologies website. This firmware can be downloaded to a file
on a local computer. A common method to transfer new firmware into the
spectrum analyzer is to copy the firmware onto several floppy disks that are
then inserted into the spectrum analyzer’s floppy disk drive. Some models,
such as the PSA Series, allow you to transfer the new firmware directly into
the spectrum analyzer using the Ethernet LAN port.
It is a good practice to periodically check your spectrum analyzer model’s
Web page to see if updated firmware is available.
Calibration, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair
Spectrum analyzers must be periodically calibrated to insure that the
instrument performance meets all published specifications. Typically, this
is done once a year. However, in between these annual calibrations, the
spectrum analyzer must be aligned periodically to compensate for thermal
drift and aging effects. Modern spectrum analyzers such as the ESA and
PSA Series have built-in alignment routines that operate when the instrument
is first turned on, and during retrace at predetermined intervals, or if the
internal temperature of the instrument changes. These alignment routines
continuously adjust the instrument to maintain specified performance.
In the past, spectrum analyzers normally had to be turned on in a stable
temperature environment for at least thirty minutes in order for the
instrument to meet its published specifications. The auto-alignment
capability makes it possible for the ESA and PSA spectrum analyzers to
meet published specifications within five minutes.
Modern spectrum analyzers usually have a service menu available. In
this area, you can perform useful diagnostic functions, such as a test of
the front panel keys. You can also display more details of the alignment
process, as well as a list of all optional hardware and measurement
personalities installed in the instrument. When a spectrum analyzer is
upgraded with a new measurement personality, Agilent provides a unique
license key tied to the serial number of the instrument. This license key
is entered through the front panel keypad to activate the measurement
capabilities of the personality.
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