1. HP 836xx Synthesizer has excessive (32 ms) frequency switching times. 2.
NSI's measurement system may exhibit dropouts during data acquisition
(8530A based RF systems only). 1. HP 836xx Synthesizer has excessive (32 ms) frequency switching times. Problem Description: The HP 8360 series (HP 83621B, etc. ) synthesizers are specified with a list mode frequency switching time of 5 ms + 5 ms. Typical source settling times in the 10 GHz to 11 GHz range are around 8 ms. Units shipped since June of 1997, may have a firmware bug which causes list mode switching times of around 32 ms. for certain frequencies. This can significantly increase measurement times for multi-frequency users of NSI software. To determine if your system has this bug, perform the following steps:
HP (Agilent Technologies) now has a firmware upgrade kit for the 32 ms bug. Implementing the fix requires installation of new EPROMs. Contact Agilent directly for your 836xx Upgrade Kit. 2. NSI's measurement system may exhibit dropouts during data acquisition (8530A based RF systems only). Problem Description: During data acquisition customers may experience problems with 12 dB glitches (momentary jumps) in amplitude measurements during data collection when using an 8530A based RF subsystem. In most cases this problem is caused by the hardware inside of the 85102R receiver (bottom box of the 8530A) while in the fast autorange (FASAD) mode of 8530A operation. Note, FASAD mode is the default mode used by the NSI measurement system. Solution: If customers purchased the 8530A from NSI, contact NSI to coordinate the repair of the 8530A. Customers who purchased the 8530A from Agilent should contact Agilent service support for assistance. In most cases the cost of repair will be covered by Agilent under warranty. In the United States, on-site service from Agilent can be arranged by calling 800-593-6635. 3. Agilent announces 8510 and 8530 receivers will be discontinued on October 31, 2003. The Agilent 8510 and 8530 Series of vector network analyzers will be discontinued as of October 31, 2003. Agilent Technologies will support these products for the five-year period following their discontinuance. The end of support life will be November 1, 2008. Agilent is now offering systems and products based on the PNA Series network analyzer. In less than three years, the PNA Series has expanded to cover 20, 40, 50, and 67 GHz and now offers new capabilities for 110 GHz. With its high performance and flexibility, the PNA Series has quickly become the new standard in network analysis. So, after nearly 20 years of service the 8510 and 8530 Series will be discontinued. This includes associated models, upgrades, and most accessories. For more information and a list of discontinued items, click here for the relevant Agilent web page.
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