File: Readme.txt
Date: March 15, 2002
8648 Test Package Version: 7.01

Welcome to the HP Service Support Software with the 8648 Test package!

PLEASE READ THESE NOTES BEFORE RUNNING THE APPLICATION!

These notes are designed to help you understand characteristics
of this application and to inform you of any last minute
changes.

OVERVIEW

This is the test software for the 8648 RF Signal Generator series. 
This software includes a Test Executive (User Interface) and a package 
of Adjustments/Performance Tests that apply specifically to the 
8648 series. Note that except for power level accuracy, manual 
performance test procedures are provided in the 8648 Operation and 
Service Guide.

MODELS AND OPTIONS COVERED 
The following models and options are covered by this software:

	MODEL #               OPTIONS
	8648A		1E2, 1E5, 1EP		
	8648B		1E2, 1E5, 1E6, 1EA
	8648C		1E2, 1E5, 1E6, 1EA
	8648D		1E2, 1E5, 1E6, 1EA

Early versions of the 8648B/C (Serial prefix < 3623A or 3629U) have a 
low frequency limit of 100 kHz. The LF Output Level and LF Power Level 
Accuracy adjustments do not apply to these instruments.


GENERAL

Please be sure to install and configure the 16-bit SICL I/O libraries 
that came with your GP-IB card before running the application.
Only Agilent Technologies (Hewlett-Packard) GP-IB interface cards are supported at
this time.

The first time the application is run, the system administrator
needs to enter information about the test equipment available
at your site for this application.  This is done through the
File, Test Equipment menu items.  If this is not done, 
the software will not allow testing.  NOTE: If you are using
any power sensors, each must have a default GPIB address of -1.

If you get an error while running the application, first check 
for obvious problems such as equipment not connected, cables not
attached, equipment not turned on, etc.  Note any information
the error message gives you which may be useful to customer
support should you need their help.  Always try to duplicate the
error condition, and as a last resort, try rebooting your PC 
if the application hangs up.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For assistance, please FAX your questions to  8648 Support at (1)
(707) 577-6011.  Please include a complete description of your
request along with the following information:
Your name
Company
Address
Telephone number (plus extension)
FAX number
e-mail address

Your message will be responded to promptly.

PERFORMANCE TESTS


-- HF Power Level Accuracy--:

For high frequency (>=100 kHz) power level measurements below -10dBm, the 
power level accuracy test has test limits that are wider than the signal
generator specifications.  This is due to the measurement uncertainty of 
the test system.  At the factory, a very sophisticated and accurate system 
is used to adjust and verify power level accuracy.  The test as part of 
this application uses commercially available test equipment and is not as 
accurate as the factory system. The following uncertainties exist:

	Power level > -10dBm:  Measurement uncertainty is based
	on power sensor and power meter accuracy, as well as
	mismatch uncertainties.  Depending on frequency and
	power level, these uncertainties range from less than
	-.13dB to .3dB and are suitable for testing to actual
	specifications.

	Power levels < -10dBm and >= -70dBm:  Uncertainties
	here are based on making a measurement with the spectrum
	analyzer that is relative to the power meter measurement.
	Test limits are based on RSS of the following
	measurement uncertainties:
		-Measurement uncertainties for power meter
		 measurement at -10 dBm
		-Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for setting
		 reference at -10 dBm
		-Spectrum analyzer log fidelity using digital
		 resolution BW filter
		-Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for power
		 measurement
		-System mismatch uncertainties

	Power levels < -70dBm:  Uncertainties here are based on
	making a measurement with the spectrum analyzer that is 
	relative to the spectrum analyzer measurement at -70 dBm.
	Test limits are based on RSS of the following
	measurement uncertainties:
		-Measurement uncertainties for spectrum analyzer
		 measurement at -70 dBm
		-Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for setting
		 reference at -70 dBm
		-Spectrum analyzer log fidelity using digital
		 resolution BW filter
		-Spectrum analyzer marker resolution for power
		 measurement
 		-System mismatch uncertainties

	Measurement uncertainties allow testing to standard specifications 	over most of the frequency and power level ranges of the 8648 series. 	The exception is that the test limit for the 2000 MHz to 2500 MHz 	frequency range and <= -100 dBm is degraded to +-1.5 dB.

ADJUSTMENTS

-- LF Power Level Accuracy--:
This adjustment affects the 9 kHz to 100 kHz frequency range and applies 
to models 8648B/C with serial prefixs >= 3623A or 3629U. It also applies 
to all 8648D instruments. It does not apply to the 8648A.

MOTHERBOARD UTILITY
A Motherboard ID entry has been added to the user interface. This ID should 
already be loaded into all replacement boards. It includes the last four 
digits of the Motherbaoard part number and the 5 digit serial number. At 
this time the part number portion of the ID should be 0314. The serial 
number is unique for each board. If the Motherboard ID is not correctly
loaded into the replacement Motherboard and you are unable to determine 
the correct serial number, enter "00000" for the serial number. 

REVISION HISTORY:
	
	Revision 3.0 (Original release)
	
	Revision 3.2
		Added dialog box to check for potentiometers on the 
		output and frequency extension modules on AM related
		adjustments. Instruments with serial prefix 3847A or
		3847U and above do not have these adjustments. 	
	
	Revision 3.21
		Fixed Y2K bug that was printing wrong date and time
		on the log file.

	Revision 3.3
		Fixed Motherboard Utility to operate in Windows NT
		environment.

	Revision 6.00
		Flash screens and nomenclature changed to reflect transition to
		AgilentTechnologies

	Revision 6.1
		Fixed bug with Low Frequency Power Level Accuracy Adjustment

		Made changes to AM Level, AM Level:FE and the AM Predistortion 
		and Detector Offset adjustments. This allows the adjustments to
		be completed when either the Output board or the Frequency Extension
		module have potentiometers.

	Revision 7.01
		Moved software from floppy disks to CD ROM.     
	
	
