54853A, 54854A, And 54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes Service Guide Agilent 54853A 54854A

User Manual: Agilent-54853A-54854A-and-54855A-Infiniium-Oscilloscopes-Service-Guide

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Service Guide

Publication Number 54855-97008
October 2003

For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory
information, see the pages at the back of this book.
 Copyright Agilent Technologies 2003
All Rights Reserved.

Agilent Model 54853A, 54854A, and
54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes

The Agilent Technologies Infiniium Oscilloscope Model 54853/4/5A at a Glance

Ease of use with high performance
The Agilent Technologies Infiniium oscilloscopes
combine unprecedented ease-of-use with highperformance digitizing oscilloscope functionality
to simplify your design and analysis measurement
tasks.
• Traditional oscilloscope front-panel interface
provides direct access to the controls needed
for most troubleshooting tasks
• Graphical user interface with menus,
windows, dialogs, and toolbars provides easy
access to dozens of configuration and
analysis tools, ensuring you can set up and
make the most complex measurements
• Agilent 54853A offers 4 channels, 20 GSa/s
sampling rate on all four channels, 2.5 GHz
bandwidth
• Agilent 54854A offers 4 channels, 20 GSa/s
sampling rate on all four channels, 4 GHz
bandwidth
• Agilent 54855A offers 4 channels, 20 GSa/s
sampling rate on all four channels, 6 GHz
bandwidth
Display shows waveforms and graphical user
interface
• Graphical interface allows direct interaction
with waveforms, including drag-and-drop
positioning and instant waveform zoom
• Waveforms displayed in color, making
correlation easy
• Current configuration parameters displayed
near the waveform display and are colorcoded to make identification easy
• Graphical interface menus and toolbars
simplify complex measurement setups
Horizontal controls set sweep speed and position
• Main sweep speeds from 5 ps/div to 20 s/div
(54855A/54854A) or 10 ps/div to 20 s/div
(54853A)
• Delayed sweep speeds from 1 ps/div to main
time base setting
• Intensified waveforms on main sweep
window make it easy to see what will appear
in delayed sweep window

Acquisition and general controls start and stop
the scope and do basic setup
• Run and stop controls for continuous or
single-shot acquisitions
• Clear display before one or more acquisitions
• Default setup and Autoscale set initial
configuration
Hard disk drive and floppy disk drive for saving
and restoring setups and measurement results
• Store measurement displays for inclusion in
reports and test setup guides
• Store oscilloscope setups to repeat tests
another time
• Hard disk stores oscilloscope operating
system
Trigger setup controls set mode and basic
parameters
• Select Edge, Glitch, or Advanced Modes
• Choose input source and slope
• Use graphical user interface to simplify
configuration of pattern, state, delay, and
violation
• Use auxiliary trigger to increase triggering
flexibility
Vertical controls set attenuation, and position
• Input attenuation adjustable from 1 mV/div to
1 V/div
• Color-coded knobs make it easy to find the
controls that affect each waveform
Marker and quick measurements help measure
waveform parameters
• Waveform markers A and B to check voltage
or ∆−time at any point on the displayed
waveform
• Quick Meas executes up to four predefined
measurements instantly
Service Policy
The service policy of this instrument requires
replacing defective assemblies. Some
assemblies can be replaced on an exchange
basis.

Front panel
Display and
Graphical
Interface

Horizontal
controls

Acquisition and
general controls

Floppy Disk Drive

Vertical
Inputs

Marker and Quick
Measurements

Power

Vertical
Controls

Auxiliary
Trigger Input

Trigger
Setup

AutoProbe
Interface

Rear panel without option 017

Rear
foot

Mouse and
Keyboard
Interface

Parallel
Printer Port

RS232
COM
Port

LAN
and
USB
Ports

Secondary
monitor

CD-RW
drive

Sound In
Sound Out
Microphone

VGA
Interface

GPIB Interface

Trig
Out

AC Power
Input

10 MHz
Ref Out

iii

Rear panel with option 017

Removable hard drive

In This Book

This book provides the service documentation for the Agilent Technologies 54853A, 54854A, and
54855A oscilloscopes. It is divided into seven chapters.
Chapter 1 provides general information and specifications.
Chapter 2 shows you how to prepare the oscilloscope for use.
Chapter 3 gives performance tests.
Chapter 4 covers calibration procedures, how to do them, and how often they need to be done.
Chapter 5 gives the procedures and techniques for replacing assemblies and other parts.
Chapter 6 includes a list of exchange assemblies and other replaceable parts, part ordering
information, and shipping information.
Chapter 7 briefly covers the internal operation of the oscilloscope.
At the back of the book you will find safety notice information.

Contents

General Information
Instruments covered by this service guide 1-2
Accessories supplied 1-3
Options available 1-3
Accessories available 1-3
Specifications and Characteristics 1-5
Dimensions 1-11
Recommended test equipment 1-12

Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect power 2-3
To connect the mouse or other pointing device 2-5
To connect the keyboard 2-6
To connect to the LAN card 2-7
To connect oscilloscope probes 2-8
To connect SMA Cables 2-10
To connect a printer 2-11
To connect an external monitor 2-13
To connect a GPIB cable 2-13
To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing 2-15
To turn on the oscilloscope 2-16
To turn off the oscilloscope 2-16
To verify basic oscilloscope operation 2-17
Installing application programs on Infiniium 2-18
Changing Windows System Settings 2-18
To clean the oscilloscope 2-19

Testing Performance
Performance Test Interval 3-2
Performance Test Record 3-2
Test Order 3-2
Test Equipment 3-2
Before Performing Performance Verification Testing 3-3
Vertical Performance Verification 3-4
Offset Performance Test 3-5
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test 3-11
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check 3-16
Horizontal Performance Verification 3-23
Time Base Accuracy Test 3-24
Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test 3-28
Trigger Performance Verification 3-31
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test 3-32
Trigger Jitter Test 3-43
Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record 3-47

Contents–1

Contents

Calibration
Equipment Required 4-2
Self Calibration Interval and Hardware Adjustments 4-2
Mainframe Cal Factor Memory Error 4-2
Operating Hints 4-3
Loading Default Oscilloscope Settings 4-3
Loading New Software 4-3
Calibration Procedures 4-3
To check the flat panel display (FPD) 4-4
To run the self calibration 4-7

Troubleshooting
Safety 5-2
Tools Required 5-2
ESD Precautions 5-2
Keystroke Conventions 5-2
Default Setup 5-3
To install the fan safety shield 5-3
To troubleshoot the instrument 5-4
Primary Trouble Isolation 5-6
No Display Trouble Isolation 5-10
Front Panel Display Debug 5-11
Motherboard Verification 5-13
To configure the motherboard jumpers and setup BIOS 5-16
POST Code Listing 5-19
Front Panel Debug 5-21
Power Supply Trouble Isolation 5-22
Power Board Trouble Isolation 5-24
AutoProbe Board Trouble Isolation 5-25
To check the keyboard; Troubleshooting Procedure 5-26
To check the LEDs 5-27
To troubleshoot the acquisition system 5-28
Software Revisions 5-29
To check probe power outputs 5-30
To check the SVGA display board video signals 5-31
To check the backlight inverter voltages 5-32

Replacing Assemblies
ESD Precautions 6-2
Tools Required 6-2
To return the oscilloscope to Agilent Technologies for service 6-3
To remove and replace the covers 6-4
To disconnect and connect Mylar flex cables 6-6
To remove and replace the AutoProbe assembly 6-7
To remove and replace the probe power and control board 6-9
To remove and replace the backlight inverter board 6-11
To remove and replace the front panel assembly 6-13
To remove and replace the keyboard and flat-panel display assemblies 6-16
To remove and replace the acquisition board assembly 6-19
Contents–2

Contents

To remove and replace the power regulator distribution board 6-22
To remove and replace the GPIB interface board 6-23
To remove and replace the PCI bridge board. 6-24
To remove and replace the scope interface board and SVGA display board 6-25
To remove and replace the floppy disk drive 6-26
To remove and replace the internal hard disk drive 6-27
To remove and replace the CD-ROM drive 6-29
To remove and replace the motherboard 6-31
To remove and replace the power supply 6-33
To remove and replace the fans 6-37

Replaceable Parts
Ordering Replaceable Parts 7-2
Power Cables and Plug Configurations 7-3
Exploded Views 7-5
Replaceable Parts List 7-10

Theory of Operation
Block-Level Theory 8-3
Acquisition Theory 8-5

Contents–3

Contents-4

Instruments covered by this service guide 1-2
Accessories supplied 1-3
Options available 1-3
Accessories available 1-3
Specifications and Characteristics 1-5
Recommended test equipment 1-12

General Information

This chapter of the Agilent Technologies Infiniium Oscilloscope Service Guide gives
you general information about the instrument. The following topics are covered in this
chapter.
•
•
•
•
•

Instrument identification
Options
Accessories
Specifications and characteristics
Test equipment requirements

Instruments covered by this service guide
The oscilloscope can be identified by the product number (54853A, 54854A, or 54855A) on
the back panel.
On the rear panel of the instrument is a serial number label and a VIN # XXX. The serial number
is composed of two parts. The first part contains two letters and two numbers that signify the
instrument’s county of origin and year date code. The second part, or the last six digits from the
right, contains a rolling number that is different for each Infiniium. This manual applies to “B”
model Infiniinums at release date. This manual may not reflect changes made to the oscilloscope
after the release data listed on the title page.
An oscilloscope manufactured after the printing of this manual may have a newer serial number.
This newer serial prefix indicates that the oscilloscope may be different from those described in
this manual. The manual for this oscilloscope will be revised as needed. If you have an oscilloscope
with a newer serial number, please refer to the Agilent Technologies website and download a
newer manual edition in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format. The Agilent Technologies URL is:
“www.agilent.com”. It will be necessary to search for the 54853A, 54854A, or 54855A product
page, then click on “Manuals, Guides, & Notifications” link in the Library section of the product
page.
For additional information on configuration differences see the following sections in this service
guide:
• Chapter 6, “Replaceable Parts”.
This section contains exploded views for the different motherboard configurations, cabling
schemes, and outside hardware versions. The Replaceable Parts List also contains the
assembly part numbers for the different oscilloscope configurations.

1–2

Chapter 1: General Information
Accessories supplied

Accessories supplied
The following accessories are supplied.
• Mouse, Agilent part number 1150-7913
• Keyboard, Agilent part number 1150-7809
• Accessory Pouch, Agilent part number 54810-68701
• Front-panel cover, Agilent part number 54810-42201
• Calibration cable assembly (54855A only), Agilent part number 54855-61620
• Probe De-skew and Performance Verification Kit, Agilent E2655A
• Precision 3.5 mm adapters (qty 2), Agilent part number 54855-67604 (54854A & 54855A only)
• BNC shorting cap, Agilent part number 1250-0929
• Power cord (see chapter 6, “Replaceable Parts,” for available power cords)
• Recovery CD Kit 54855-68821
• User's Quick Start Guide

Options available
The following options are available for the oscilloscope.
Table 1-1

Infiniium Oscilloscope Options
Option

Description

001

1 MB Memory Upgrade

1CM

Add 1 Rackmount kit (E2609B)

A6J

ANSI Z-540 compliant calibration

R1280A

Return-to-Agilent - warranty and service plan

R-51B

Return-to-Agilent - warranty and service plan (months)

R1282A

Return-to-Agilent - calibration plan

You can order multiple options with the oscilloscope. Also, all model numbers shown in table 1-1 may
also be ordered separately, using the model number. Some accessories that will enhance your work
with the oscilloscope are listed in table 1-2.

Accessories available
The following accessories are available for use with the oscilloscope.
Table 1-2

Accessories for the Infiniium Oscilloscopes
Agilent Model Number

Description

54855-67604

18 GHz BNC-compatible to APC 3.5 mm adaptor

10833A

GPIB cable, 1 m

10833B

GPIB cable, 2 m

10833C

GPIB cable, 4 m

10833D

GPIB cable, 0.5 m

11094B

75 Ω Feedthrough Termination

1131A

3.5 GHz InfiniiMax Active Probe

1–3

Chapter 1: General Information
Accessories available

Agilent Model Number

Description

1132A

5 GHz InfiniiMax Active Probe

1134A

7 GHz InfiniiMax Active Probe

1144A

800 MHz Active Probe

1145A

750 MHz Active Probe

1156A

1.5 GHz Active Probe

1157A

2.5 GHz Active Probe

1158A

4 GHz Active Probe

1181B

Testmobile with tilt tray

1184A

Testmobile with keyboard and mouse tray and drawer for accessories

34398A

RS-232-C Printer Cable

34399A

RS-232-C Adapter kit

54006A

6 GHz probe, 10:1 (500 Ω) or 20:1 (1 k Ω), .25 pf

C2950A

Parallel printer cable, 2 m

C2951A

Parallel printer cable, 3 m

E2609B

Rackmount kit

E2621A

75 Ω terminator

E2622A

100/110/120 Ω differential terminator

E2654A

EZ-Probe® Positioner

E2655A

Additional probe deskew and performance verification kit

E2669A

Differential connectivity kit

E2668A

Single-ended connectivity kit

E2675A

Differential browser and accessories

E2676A

Single-ended browser and accessories

E2677A

Differential solder-in probe head

E2678A

Single-ended/differential socketed probe

E2679A

Single-ended solder-in probe head

E2680A

1 MB Memory upgrade

E2681A

Jitter Analysis Software for the 54850A Series Infiniium oscilloscope

E2683A

USB Test Option

E2688A

Serial Bus Mask Test Option

E5850A

Time-correlation fixture, integrates Infiniium oscilloscope and 16700
logic analyzer

N1022A

Adapter 113X & 115X probes to 86100 infiniium DCA

1–4

Chapter 1: General Information
Specifications and Characteristics

Specifications and Characteristics
The following table lists the specifications and characteristics for the Agilent Technologies
54853A, 54854A, and 54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes. Asterisks (*) denotes warranted
specifications, all others are typical. Specifications are valid after a 30 minute warm-up period,
and within ± 5 °C from the self-calibration temperature.
Vertical
Input channels

Analog bandwidth (-3 dB)*

54855A: 6 GHz

54854A: 4 GHz

54853A: 2.5 GHz

Rise time (10% to 90%)

54855A: 70 ps

54854A: 105 ps

54853A: 155 ps

Input impedance

50 Ω ±2.5%

Sensitivity1

1 mV/div to 1 V/div

Input coupling
Vertical resolution

DC
8 bits, ≥12 bits with averaging

Channel to channel isolation
DC to 100 MHz: 40 dB
(any two channels with equal V/div settings) 100 MHz to 1 GHz: 28 dB
>1 GHz to 6 GHz: 24dB

DC gain accuracy*1

±1% of full scale at full resolution channel scale

Maximum input voltage*

5 Vrms, CAT I

Offset range

> ±12 div or ±4 Volts, whichever is smallest

Offset accuracy*1

± (2% of channel offset +1% of full scale)

Dynamic range

± 4 div from center screen

DC voltage measurement accuracy*1
Dual cursor
Single cursor

± [(DC gain accuracy)+(resolution)]
± [(DC gain accuracy)+(offset accuracy)+(resolution/2)]

Horizontal
Main sweep time scale range

54855A: 5 ps/div to 20 s/div
54854A: 5 ps/div to 20 s/div
54853A: 10 ps/div to 20 s/div

Main sweep time delay range

-200 s to 200 s

Delayed sweep time scale range

1 ps/div to current main time scale setting

Channel deskew range

-50 µs to 150 µs

Time scale accuracy3

±1 ppm pk
6,7

Delta-time measurement accuracy

≥256 Averages: 70 fs rms, ± [ (0.5 ps) + (1 x 10-6 x |reading|) ] peak

Averaging disabled: 2.0 ps rms, ± [ (7.0 ps) + (1 x 10-6 x |reading|) ] peak

Jitter measurement floor6
Time interval error:
Period jitter:
N-cycle, cycle-cycle jitter:

54855A: 1.4 ps rms
54855A: 2.0 ps rms
54855A: 2.4 ps rms

54854A: 1.8 ps rms
54854A: 2.5 ps rms
54854A: 3.8 ps rms

54853A: 2.0 ps rms
54853A: 3.0 ps rms
54853A: 4.5 ps rms

1–5

Chapter 1: General Information
Specifications and Characteristics

Acquisition
Real time sample rate per channel
Memory depth per channel
Standard
Option 001
Sampling modes
Real time
Real time with averaging
Real time with peak detect
Filters
Sin(x)/x Interpolation

20 GSa/s
262,144 at all sample rates
1,025,000 at all sample rates
32,800,000 ≤2 GSa/s sample rate
Successive single-shot acquisitions
Selectable from 2 to 4096
2 GSa/s peak detect, for less than 2 GSa/s sample rates (option 001 only)
On/off selectable FIR digital filter. Digital signal processing adds points
between acquired data points to enhance measurement accuracy and
waveform display quality.

Trigger
Sensitivity1
Internal Low1

54855A: 0.5 div p-p 0 to 2 GHz, 1.0 div p-p 2 to 4 GHz, <2.5 div @ 5 GHz
54854A: 0.5 div p-p 0 to 2 GHz, 1.0 div p-p 2 to 4 GHz
54853A: 0.5 div p-p 0 to 2 GHz, 1.0 div p-p 2 to 2.5 GHz

Internal High1

54855A: 0.2 div p-p 0 to 6 GHz
54854A: 0.2 div p-p 0 to 4 GHz
54853A: 0.2 div p-p 0 to 2.5 GHz

Auxiliary

DC to 500 MHz: 500 mV p-p CATI

Level range
Internal
Auxiliary

±8 div from center screen
±5 V

Sweep modes

Auto, triggered, single

Trigger jitter6,8

54855A: 1.0 ps rms
54854A: 1.3 ps rms
54853A: 1.7 ps rms

Trigger holdoff range

80 ns to 320 ms

Trigger actions

Specify an action to occur and the frequency of the action when a trigger
condition occurs. Actions include e-mail on trigger and QuickMeas+.

1–6

Chapter 1: General Information
Specifications and Characteristics

Trigger modes
Edge
Glitch

Line
Pattern

State
Delay by time
Delay by events

Violation triggers
Pulse width
Setup/hold

Transition

Triggers on a specified slope and voltage level on any channel or auxiliary
trigger.
Triggers on glitches narrower than the other pulses in your waveform by
specifying a width less than your narrowest pulse and a polarity.
Triggers on glitches as narrow as 500 ps. Glitch range settings: < 1.5 ns to
< 160 ms.
Triggers on the line voltage powering the oscilloscope.
Triggers when a specified logical combination of the channels is entered,
exited, present for a specified period of time or is within a specified time
range. Each channel can have a value of High (H), Low (L) or Don’t care
(X). Triggers on patterns as narrow as 500 ps.
Pattern trigger clocked by the rising or falling edge of one channel.
Logic type: AND or NAND.
The trigger is qualified by an edge. After a specified time delay between
30 ns to 160 ms, a rising or falling edge on any one selected input will
generate the trigger.
The trigger is qualified by an edge. After a specified delay between 1 to
16,000,000 rising or falling edges, another rising or falling edge on any one
selected input will generate the trigger.
Trigger on a pulse that is wider or narrower than the other pulses in your
waveform by specifying a pulse width and a polarity. Triggers on pulse
widths as narrow as 500 ps. Pulse width range settings: 1.5 ns to 160 ms.
Triggers on setup, hold or setup and hold violations in your circuit.
Requires a clock and data signal on any two input channels as trigger
sources. High and low thresholds and setup and/or hold time must then
be specified.
Trigger on pulse rising or falling edges that do not cross two voltage levels
in > or < the amount of time specified.

Measurements and math
Waveform measurements
Voltage
Time
Frequency Domain

Peak to peak, minimum, maximum, average, RMS, amplitude, base, top,
overshoot, preshoot, upper, middle, lower, area.
Period, frequency, positive width, negative width, duty cycle, delta time,
rise time, fall time, Tmin, Tmax, channel-to-channel phase.
FFT frequency, FFT magnitude, FFT delta frequency, FFT delta magnitude,
FFT phase.

Statistics

Displays the mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum and number
of measurements value for the displayed automatic measurements.

Histograms

Vertical (for timing and jitter measurements) or horizontal (noise and
amplitude change) modes, regions are defined using waveform markers.
Measurements included: mean, standard deviation, peak-to-peak value,
median, min, max, total hits, peak (area of most hits), and mean ± 1, 2, and
3 sigma.

Eye-diagram measurements

Eye-diagram measurements include eye height, eye width, eye jitter,
crossing percentage, Q factor, and duty-cycle distortion.

Jitter measurements
(E2681A software package)

Cycle-cycle jitter, N-cycle jitter, cycle-cycle + width, cycle-cycle - width,
cycle-cycle duty cycle, data rate, unit interval, time interval error data,
time interval error clock, setup time, hold time, phase, period, frequency,
+ width, - width, duty cycle, rise time, fall time.

Mask testing

Allows pass/fail testing to user-defined or Agilent-supplied waveform
templates. AutoMask lets you create a mask template from a captured
waveform and define a tolerance range in time/voltage or percentage.
Test modes include test forever, test to specified time or event limit, and
stop on failure. Communications Mask Test Kit option provides a set of
ITU-T G.703, ANSI T1.102, and IEEE 802.3 industry-standard masks for
compliance testing.

1–7

Chapter 1: General Information
Specifications and Characteristics

Waveform math

FFT
Frequency range4
Frequency resolution
Best resolution at maximum sample rate
Frequency accuracy
Signal-to-noise ratio5
Window modes
Measurement modes
Automatic measurements
QuickMeas
Drag-and-drop measurement toolbar
Marker modes

Four functions, select from add, average, differentiate, divide, FFT
magnitude, FFT phase, integrate, invert, magnify, min, max, multiply,
subtract, versus, common mode, smoothing.
4 DC to 10 GHz.
Sample rate/memory depth = Resolution.
20 GSa/1 Mpts = 20 kHz.
(1/2 frequency resolution)+(1 x 10-6)(signal frequency).
60 dB at 32k memory depth.
Hanning, flattop, rectangular.
Measure menu access to all measurements, five measurements can be
displayed simultaneously.
Front-panel button activates five pre-selected or five user-defined
automatic measurements.
Measurement toolbar with common measurement icons that can be
dragged and dropped onto the displayed waveforms.
Manual markers, track waveform data, track measurements.

Display
Display
Display
Resolution
Annotation
Grids
Waveform style

8.4 inch diagonal color TFT-LCD.
640 pixels horizontally x 480 pixels vertically.
Up to 12 labels, with up to 100 characters each, can be inserted into the
waveform area.
Can display 1, 2 or 4 waveform grids.
Connected dots, dots, persistence (minimum, variable, infinite),
color-graded infinite persistence.

Computer system and peripherals, I/O ports
Computer system and peripherals
Operating system
CPU
PC system memory
Drives
Peripherals

File types
Waveforms
Images

1–8

Windows® XP Pro.
Intel® Pentium® III 1 GHz microprocessor.
512 MB.
≥10 GB internal hard drive, CD-RW drive on rear panel, standard 3.5 inch
1.44 MB floppy drive.
Logitech optical USB mouse and compact keyboard supplied. All Infiniium
models support any Windows-compatible input device with a serial, PS/2
or USB interface.
Compressed internal format, comma and tab separated X and Y pairs or
voltage values.
BMP, PCX, TIFF, GIF or JPEG.

Chapter 1: General Information
Specifications and Characteristics

I/O ports
LAN
GPIB
RS-232 (serial)
Parallel
PS/2
USB
Video output
Dual-monitor video output
Auxiliary output
Trigger output
Time base reference output

RJ-45 connector, supports 10Base-T and 100Base-T. Enables
Web-enabled remote control, e-mail on trigger or demand, data/file
transfers and network printing.
IEEE 488.2, fully programmable.
COM1, printer and pointing device support.
Centronics printer port.
2 ports. Supports PS/2 pointing and input devices.
2 ports. Allows connection of USB peripherals and pointing devices while
the oscilloscope is on.
15 pin VGA, full color output of scope waveform display.
15 pin XGA, full color output for using third-party applications.
DC (±2.4 V); square wave (~715 Hz and 456 MHz); trigger output
(255 mV p-p into 50Ω).
5 V 50 Ω back-terminated.
10 MHz, 5 V 50 Ω back-terminated.

1–9

Chapter 1: General Information
Specifications and Characteristics

General characteristics
Temperature

Operating: 0° C to +40° C.
Non-operating: -40° C to +70° C.

Humidity

Operating: Up to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing) at +40°C.
Non-operating: Up to 90% relative humidity at +65°C.

Altitude

Operating: Up to 4,600 meters (15,000 feet).
Non-operating: Up to 15,300 meters (50,000 feet).

Vibration

Operating: Random vibration 5-500 Hz, 10 minutes per axis, 0.3 g(rms).
Non-operating: Random vibration 5-500 Hz, 10 minutes per axis, 2.41
g(rms); resonant search 5-500 Hz, swept sine, 1 octave/minute sweep rate,
(0.75g), 5 minute resonant dwell at 4 resonances per axis.

Power

100-240 VAC, ± 10%, Cat II, 47 to 440 Hz; max power dissipated: 475 W.

Weight

Net: 13 kg (28.5 lbs.).
Shipping: 16 kg (35.2 lbs.).

Dimensions (excluding handle)

Height: 216 mm (8.5 in).
Width: 437 mm (17.19 in).
Depth: 440 mm (17.34 in).

Safety

Meets IEC 61010-1 +A2, CSA certified to C22.2 No.1010.1, self-certified to
UL 3111.

*
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Denotes warranted specifications, all others are typical. Specifications are valid after a 30-minute warm-up period, and ±5°C from
annual calibration temperature.
Full scale is defined as 8 vertical divisions. Vertical divisions are defined by the major scale settings above non-major scale settings.
The major scale settings are 10 mV, 20 mV, 50 mV, 100 mV, 200 mV, 500 mV, 1 V.
Vertical resolution for 8 bits = 0.4% of full scale, for 12 bits = 0.024% of full scale.
Within one year of previous calibration.
FFT amplitude readings are affected by input amplifier roll-off.
54855A: (-3 dB at 6 GHz, with amplitude decreasing as frequency increases above 6 GHz).
54854A: (-3 dB at 4 GHz, with amplitude decreasing as frequency increases above 4 GHz).
54853A: (-3 dB at 2.5 GHz, with amplitude decreasing as frequency increases above 2.5 GHz).
The noise floor varies with memory depth and averaging.
Signal peak-to-peak amplitude ≥5 divisions, vertical scale ≥10 mV/div, signal rise time 155 ps (54853A), ≤225 ps (54854A), 150 ps
(54855A), sample rate = 20 Gsa/s, sin(x)/x interpolation enabled, measurement threshold = fixed voltage at 50% level.
Between two edges on a single channel. Rms value refers to the standard deviation of 256 consecutive measurements performed
using an individual instrument.
Internal trigger. Trigger level contained within full scale display range of trigger channel.

CAT I and CAT II Definitions
Installation category (overvoltage category) I: Signal level, special equipment or parts of
equipment, telecommunication, electronic, etc., with smaller transient overvoltages than
installation category (overvoltage category) II.
Installation category (overvoltage category) II: Local level, appliances, portable equipment etc.,
with smaller transient overvoltages than installation category (overvoltage category) III.

1–10

Chapter 1: General Information
Dimensions

Dimensions
The following pictures shows the dimensions of the frame.

1–11

Chapter 1: General Information
Recommended test equipment

Recommended test equipment
The following table is a list of the test equipment required to test performance, calibrate and
adjust, and troubleshoot this instrument. The table indicates the critical specification of the test
equipment and for which procedure the equipment is necessary. Equipment other than the
recommended model may be used if it satisfies the critical specification listed in the table.
Recommended Test Equipment
Equipment Required

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model

Use

Digital Multimeter

DC voltage measurement accuracy better than
±0.1% of reading

Agilent 34401A or Agilent
3458A

Microwave CW
Generator

Maximum Frequency ≥ 6 GHz
Power range: -20 dBm to +16 dBm into 50 Ω
Output resistance = 50 Ω
10 MHz Reference Signal Output

Agilent E8247C with
Opt 520 or Agilent 82712B
with Opt 1E5 or Agilent
8665B with Opt 004

Power Splitter

2 Resistor Power Splitter
Max Frequency ≥ 18 GHz

Agilent 11667B

Power Meter

Agilent E-series power sensor compatibility

Agilent E4418B or E4419B

Power Sensor

Maximum Frequency ≥ 6 GHz
Power range: -24 dBm to +16 dBm

Agilent E4413A

Microwave Cable
Assembly

50 Ω characteristic impedance
3.5 mm (m) or SMA (m) connectors
Max Frequency ≥ 18 GHz

Agilent 8120-4948 or
Agilent 11500E or
Gore EKD01D010480

Cable Assembly
(2 required)

50 Ω characteristic impedance
BNC (m) connectors

Agilent 8120-1840

Adapter

BNC Tee (m)(f)(f)

Agilent 1250-0781

Adapter

BNC (f) to dual banana

Agilent 1251-2277

Adapter

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC

Agilent 54855-67604

Shorting Cap

BNC (m)

Agilent 1250-0929

Cable Assembly
(Cal Cable for 54853A
and 54854A)

50 Ω characteristic impedance
BNC (m) connectors
<= 12 Inch Length

Agilent 8120-1838
or Agilent 10502A

Cable Assembly
(Cal Cable for 54855A)

NO Substitute

Agilent 54855-61620

10 MHz Signal Source

Frequency accuracy better than 0.4 ppm

Agilent 53131A with
Opt. 010 *
or Agilent 5071A or
Symmetricom 58503B **

* Requires time base calibration once every 6 months
** Requires link to GPS

Alternate Power Splitter/Power Sensor Equipment - List 1
Equipment Required

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model

Use

Power Splitter

2 Resistor Power Splitter
Max Frequency ≥ 18 GHz

Agilent 11667A

Power Sensor

Maximum Frequency ≥ 6 GHz
Power range: -24 dBm to +16 dBm

Agilent E4412A

Adapters

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC
Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (f)
Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (m)

Agilent 54855-67604
Agilent 1250-1744
Agilent 1250-1743

1–12

Chapter 1: General Information
Recommended test equipment

Alternate Power Splitter/Power Sensor Equipment - List 2
Equipment Required

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model

Use

Power Splitter

2 Resistor Power Splitter
Max Frequency ≥ 18 GHz

Agilent 11667A

Power Sensor

Maximum Frequency ≥ 6 GHz
Power range: -24 dBm to +16 dBm

Agilent E4412A

Adapters

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC
3.5 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (m)
Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (m)

Agilent 54855-67604
Agilent 1250-1748
Agilent 1250-1750

1–13

1–14

To connect power 2-3
To connect the mouse or other pointing device 2-5
To connect the keyboard 2-6
To connect to the LAN card 2-7
To connect oscilloscope probes 2-8
To connect SMA Cables 2-10
To connect a printer 2-11
To connect an external monitor 2-13
To connect a GPIB cable 2-13
To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing 2-15
To turn on the oscilloscope 2-16
To turn off the oscilloscope 2-16
To verify basic oscilloscope operation 2-17
Installing application programs on Infiniium 2-18
Changing Windows System Settings 2-18
To clean the oscilloscope 2-19

Setting Up the Oscilloscope

This chapter shows you how to set up your Infiniium oscilloscope, connect power and
accessories, and verify general operation.

2–2

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect power

To connect power
1 Position the oscilloscope where it will have sufficient clearance for airflow around the top,

bottom, back, and sides.
2 Position the oscilloscope so that it is not difficult to unplug the power cord.
Figure 2-1
Minimum 39 mm

Minimum 0 mm

Minimum 22 mm
Minimum 85 mm
both sides
Airflow requirements 250 cfm

Positioning the Infiniium Oscilloscope with Sufficient Clearance

2–3

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect power

3 Connect the power cord to the rear of the oscilloscope, then to a suitable ac voltage source

(120-240 VAC ±10%, 47 to 440 Hz, max power dissipation 475 W).
Figure 2-2

Infiniium Oscilloscope Power Cord Connection

The oscilloscope power supply automatically adjusts for line input voltages in the range 120 to 240
VAC. Therefore, you do not need to adjust an input line voltage setting. The line cord provided is
matched by Agilent Technologies to the country of origin of the order. A full list of power cables
and plug configurations is shown in chapter 6, "Replaceable Parts".

2–4

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect the mouse or other pointing device

To connect the mouse or other pointing device
1 Plug the mouse into the matching connector on the back panel of the oscilloscope.
Figure 2-3

Connecting the Mouse Cable

While you can operate many oscilloscope functions using only the front-panel keys and knobs, you
will need the mouse to access advanced oscilloscope functions through the graphical interface, or to
find out more about the oscilloscope through the built-in information system.
The optional touchpad pointing device connects in exactly the same way as the mouse. The supplied
mousepad provides the correct surface for smooth mouse operation.

2–5

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect the keyboard

To connect the keyboard
1 Plug the keyboard cable into the matching connector on the back panel of the oscilloscope.
Figure 2-4

Connecting the Keyboard

The keyboard simplifies some oscilloscope tasks, such as entering file names when you store
waveforms and setups to the disk.
2 If you need more desk space, place the keyboard on top of the oscilloscope. Do not stack

other objects on the keyboard; this will cause self-test failures on power on.

2–6

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect to the LAN card

To connect to the LAN card
1 Connect your LAN cable to the RJ-45 connector on the LAN card. Make sure the

connection is secure.
Figure 2-5

RJ-45
Connection

Connecting to the LAN Card

2 After you have connected to the LAN card, you must set up the network. See your system

administrator for assistance in setting up the network.

2–7

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect oscilloscope probes

To connect oscilloscope probes
1 Attach the probe connector to the desired oscilloscope channel or trigger input. Push it

straight on until it latches into place.
Figure 2-6

Attaching the Probe Connector

2 Connect the probe to the circuit of interest using the browser or other probing accessories.
Figure 2-7

Probing the Circuit

2–8

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect oscilloscope probes

3 To disconnect the probe, push the small latch on top of the probe connector to the left,

then pull the connector body away from the front panel of the oscilloscope without twisting
it.
Figure 2-8

Disconnecting the Oscilloscope Probe

CA UT IO N

Do not attempt to twist the snap-on probes on or off the oscilloscope’s BNC connector. Twisting
the probe connector body will damage it.

Do not exceed the maximum input voltage rating. The maximum input voltage for the 50 Ω inputs
is 5 Vrms, CAT I.

2–9

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect SMA Cables

To connect SMA Cables
You can connect an SMA cable to the Infiniium oscilloscopes by using 3.5 mm to BNC compatible
adaptors. Precision adapters are supplied with the 54854A and 54855A. Precision adapters are not
required for the 54853A.
1 Attach the two 3.5 mm to BNC compatible adaptors to the ends of an SMA cable.
2 Push the 3.5 mm to BNC compatible adaptors onto the oscilloscope BNC connectors.
3 Tighten the thumbscrews until they are snug.
Figure 2-9

Thumb screw

Precision 3.5 mm to
BNC compatible
adaptor

SMA cable

Connecting SMA to BNC Adaptors

2–10

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect a printer

To connect a printer
If you have a parallel (Centronics) printer, you will need a parallel printer cable, such as an C2950A
(2 m) or C2951A (3 m) cable. Go to step 1.
If you have a serial printer, you will need a 9-pin to 25-pin serial printer cable, such as an 34398A
cable, plus the 34399A adapter kit. Some printers may require other cable configurations, but the
oscilloscope has a 9-pin serial connector. Go to step 5.
1 Attach the 25-pin small “D” connector to the printer output connector on the rear of the

oscilloscope. Tighten the thumbscrews to secure the cable.
Figure 2-10

Attaching the Small “D” Connector

2 Attach the larger 36-pin “D” connector to the printer. Latch the wire bails into the tabs on

each side of the connector.
Figure 2-11
Port on Printer

Attaching the Larger “D” Connector

3 Set the printer configuration to use the “Centronics” or “Parallel” interface, if necessary.

See the documentation for your printer.
4 Go to “To install the printer software” in Chapter 3.

2–11

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect a printer

5 Connect the 9-pin “D” connector of the serial printer cable to the serial output port on the

rear panel of the oscilloscope. Tighten the thumbscrews to secure the cable.
Figure 2-12

Attaching the 9-pin “D” Connector

6 Attach the 25-pin “D” connector to the serial input port of the printer. Tighten the

thumbscrews to secure the cable.
Figure 2-13
Port on Printer

Attaching the 25-pin “D” Connector

7 Set the printer configuration to use the serial interface. See the documentation for your

printer.

2–12

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect an external monitor

To connect an external monitor
To display a larger view of the oscilloscope screen
You can connect a VGA-compatible monitor to the Infiniium oscilloscope to provide a larger viewing
area of the oscilloscope display.
1 Connect the monitor cable to the display board video connector marked VGA at the rear

panel of the oscilloscope as shown in the figure below.
2 Tighten the retaining screws.
To extend the Windows XP desktop
You can extend the Windows XP desktop by connecting a secondary monitor.
1 Connect the monitor cable to the secondary monitor connector at the rear panel of the

oscilloscope as shown in the figure below.
2 Tighten the retaining screws then go into the Windows control panel to setup and configure

the monitor.
Figure 2-14

Secondary
Monitor
Oscilloscope
Display
Connecting External Monitors

To connect a GPIB cable
1 Attach the GPIB connector to the GPIB interface card connector at the rear of the

oscilloscope.
2 Tighten the thumbscrews on the connector.

2–13

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To connect a GPIB cable

Figure 2-15

Attaching the GPIB Connector

2–14

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing

To tilt the oscilloscope upward for easier viewing
1 Lift up the front of the oscilloscope, grasp the wire bail near the center, and pull it down

and forward until it latches into place.
Figure 2-16

Latching the Oscilloscope Front Feet

2–15

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To turn on the oscilloscope

To turn on the oscilloscope
1 Depress the power switch in the lower left-hand corner of the oscilloscope front panel.
Figure 2-17

Turning on the Oscilloscope

After a short initialization period, the oscilloscope display appears. The oscilloscope is ready to use.
2 Hook up all cables and accessories before applying power. You can connect and

disconnect probes and the keyboard while the oscilloscope is turned on.
Screen Saver
The oscilloscope display has a screen saver that turns off the backlight when there has been no front
panel or graphical interface activity for a pre-determined period. The default time is 8 hours and is
configurable through the Display Setup dialog in the graphical interface. You can turn the display on by
moving the mouse, typing on the optional keyboard, pressing a front panel key, or turning a front panel
knob.

To turn off the oscilloscope
1 Momentarily depress the power switch at the lower left-hand corner of the oscilloscope

front panel. The oscilloscope will go through a normal Windows shutdown process.

2–16

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To verify basic oscilloscope operation

To verify basic oscilloscope operation
1 Connect an oscilloscope probe to channel 1.
2 Attach the probe to the calibration output on the front panel of the oscilloscope.
Use a probe grabber tip so you do not need to hold the probe and make sure you connect the ground
wire. The calibration output is marked with a square wave symbol.
Figure 2-18

Calibration
Output

Verifying Basic Oscilloscope Operation

3 Press the Default Setup key on the front panel.
The display will pause momentarily while the oscilloscope is configured to its default settings.
4 Press the Autoscale key on the front panel.
The display will pause momentarily while the oscilloscope adjusts the sweep speed and vertical scale.
You should then see a square wave with peak-to-peak amplitude of approximately 5 divisions and a
period of almost 3 divisions. If you do not see the waveform, ensure your power source is adequate,
the oscilloscope is properly powered-on, and the probe is connected securely to the front-panel
channel input BNC and to the probe calibration output.
5 Move the mouse around and verify that the pointer follows on the screen.
If the pointer does not move, ensure that the mouse is properly connected, that you have clicked the
correct button to enable the graphical interface.

2–17

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
Installing application programs on Infiniium

Installing application programs on Infiniium
Infiniium is an open Windows system. This allows you to install your own application software. Agilent
has verified that the following applications are compatible with the Infiniium oscilloscope application.
• Microsoft Office 2000
• MathWorks MATLAB
• Mathsoft MathCad 2001i
• McAfee VirusScan
• Symantec Norton AntiVirus
Before installing any software, you should exit the oscilloscope application.
If you install an application other than those which Agilent has tested, it is possible that it could break
the oscilloscope application. This would require you to reinstall the oscilloscope application using
the recovery disks.

Changing Windows System Settings
Before changing any Windows System settings outside of the oscilloscope application you should Exit
the oscilloscope application.
There are several Windows System settings that can be changed to suit your own personal
preferences. However, there are some system settings that you should avoid changing because it will
interfere with the proper operation of the oscilloscope.

•
•
•
•
•
•

Do not change the Power Options.
Do not change the System Properties Hardware Tab settings.
Do not change the System Properties Advanced Tab settings.
Do not change the Regional and Language Options Advanced Tab settings.
Do not remove Fonts.
Display Settings
• Do not turn off the screen saver. The screen saver turns off the display’s backlights extending their
life.
• Do not change the screen resolution from 640 by 480 pixels or the color quality from High (24 bit).
• Do not use the Windows XP Theme.
• Do not change “Windows and buttons” from the “Windows Classic Style”.
• Do not change the Font size to Extra Large.
• Do not use a Menu font size greater than 12 points.
• Do not modify “1. Digital Flat Panel (640x480) on Chips and Technologies (Asiliant) 65550”.
• Do not set “Intel ® 82815 Graphics Controller” to “Use this device as the primary monitor”.

• Do not use the Administrative Tools to enable or disable Internet Information Services
(Web Server). Use the Infiniium Web Control dialog box to enable or disable the Web
Server.
• Do not delete or modify the InfiniiumAdmin user account.

2–18

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Oscilloscope
To clean the oscilloscope

To clean the oscilloscope
• Clean the oscilloscope with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution.
CA UT IO N

Do not use too much liquid in cleaning the oscilloscope. Water can enter the Infiniium front panel,
damaging sensitive electronic components.

2–19

2–20

Performance Test Interval 3-2
Performance Test Record 3-2
Test Order 3-2
Test Equipment 3-2
Before Performing Performance Verification Testing 3-3
Vertical Performance Verification 3-4
Offset Performance Test 3-5
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test 3-11
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check 3-16
Horizontal Performance Verification 3-23
Time Base Accuracy Test 3-24
Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test 3-28
Trigger Performance Verification 3-31
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test 3-32
Trigger Jitter Test 3-43
Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record 3-47

Testing Performance

This section documents performance test procedures. Performance verification for the
products covered by this manual consists of three main steps:
• Performing the internal product self-tests to ensure that the measurement system is
functioning properly
• Calibrating the product
• Testing the product to ensure that it is performing to specification

Performance Test Interval
The procedures in this section may be performed for incoming inspection and should be
performed periodically to verify that the instrument is operating within specification. The
recommended test interval is once per year or after 2000 hours of operation. Performance
should also be tested after repairs or major upgrades.

Performance Test Record
A test record form is provided at the end of this section. This record lists performance tests,
test limits and provides space to record test results.

Test Order
The tests in this section may be performed in any order desired. However, it is recommended
to conduct the tests in the order presented in this manual as this represents an incremental
approach to performance verification. This may be useful if you are attempting to
troubleshoot a suspected problem.

Test Equipment
Lists of equipment needed to conduct each test are provided for each test procedure. The
procedures are written to minimize the number and types of instruments and accessories
required. The instruments in these lists are ones that are currently available for sale by
Agilent at the time of writing this document. In some cases, the test procedures use features
specific to the instruments in the recommended equipment list. However, with some
modification to the test procedures, instruments, cables and accessories that satisfy the
critical specifications in these lists may be substituted for the recommended models with
some modification to the test procedures.
Contact Agilent Technologies for more information about the Agilent products in these lists.

3–2

Chapter 3: Testing Performance

Before Performing Performance Verification Testing
Let the instrument warm up before testing
The oscilloscope under test must be warmed up (with the oscilloscope application running) for at least 30
minutes prior to the start of any performance test.
1 Perform self tests
While the oscilloscope is warming up, run the self-test to ensure that the hardware is functioning
properly. To run the self-test:
a Pull down the Utilities menu and select SelfTest.
b Select Scope SelfTest from the SelfTest list.
c Click on Start SelfTest to start the self test procedure.
If any of the self-tests fail, ensure that the failure is diagnosed and repaired before
calibrating and testing performance.
2 Performance calibration.
After the warm up period, calibrate the oscilloscope.
a Pull down the Utilities menu and select Calibration.
b Uncheck to Cal Memory Protect box to allow calibration.
c Click on Start to start the calibration procedure.
Follow the on-screen instructions as calibration proceeds.

3–3

Vertical Performance Verification

This section contains the following vertical performance verification:
• Offset Performance Test
• Zero Error Test
• Offset Gain Test

• DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test
• Analog Bandwidth (Maximum Frequency Check)

3–4

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Offset Performance Test

Offset Performance Test
Specifications
Offset Accuracy

= ±(2% of channel offset + 1% of full scale)
= ±(Offset Gain + Zero Error)

Offset Range

> ±12 div, or ±4 V, whichever is smallest

Full scale is defined as 8 vertical divisions. Vertical divisions are defined by the major scale settings above non-major scale settings.
The major scale settings are 10 mV, 20 mV, 50 mV, 100 mV, 200 mV, 500 mV and 1 V.

Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Digital Multimeter

DC voltage measurement accuracy better than ±0.1% of reading Agilent 34401A or
Agilent 3458A

Cable Assembly
(2 required)

50Ω characteristic impedance, BNC (m) connectors

Agilent 8120-1840

Adapter

BNC Tee (m)(f)(f)

Agilent 1250-0781

Adapter

BNC (f) to dual banana

Agilent 1251-2277

Procedure
Zero Error Test

1 Disconnect all cables from the scope channel inputs.
2 Press Default Setup, then configure the scope as follows:
a Pull down the Setup menu and select Acquisition.
b When the Acquisition Setup window is displayed, enable averaging and set the # of
averages to 256 as shown below.

3–5

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Offset Performance Test

3 Configure the scope to measure Average voltage on channel 1 as follows:
a Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 to 10mV/div.
b Click the V avg measurement icon on the left side of the screen.

V avg
icon

c When the Enter Measurement Info window is displayed, ensure that the V avg function
is set up as follows and then click OK:
Source = Channel 1
Measurement Area = Entire Display

3–6

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Offset Performance Test

4 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of

screen) to return to 256 and then record the scope’s mean V avg reading in the Zero
Error Test section of the Performance Test Record.
Notes
• For all scope readings in this procedure, use the mean value in the Measurements display area at the
bottom of the screen.
• If a question mark is displayed in front of any of the values at the bottom of the screen, press the Clear
Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value to return to 256 and then record the scope reading.

Record the
mean reading

5 Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 to 20 mV/div, press the Clear Display key,

wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of screen) to return to 256 and then record the
scope V avg reading in the Zero Error Test section of the Performance Test Record.
6 Repeat step 5 for the remaining vertical sensitivities for channel 1 in the Zero Error
Test section of the Performance Test Record.
7 Press Default Setup, then turn off channel 1 and turn channel 2 display on.
8 Configure the scope to measure V avg on Channel 2 as follows:
a Pull down the Utilities menu and select Acquisition. When the Acquisition Setup window
is displayed, enable averaging and set the # of averages to 256.
b Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 2 to 10 mV/div.
c Click the V avg measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
d When the Enter Measurement Info window is displayed, ensure that the Vavg function
is set up as follows and then click OK:
Source = Channel 2
Measurement area = Entire Display
9 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value to return to 256 and

then record the DMM voltage reading and the scope V avg reading in the Zero Error
Test section of the Performance Test Record.
10 Repeat step 9 for the remaining vertical sensitivities for channel 2 in the Zero Error
section of the Performance Test Record.
11 Repeat steps 7 through 10 for channels 3 and 4.
3–7

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Offset Performance Test

Offset Gain Test
12 Make the connections to scope channel 1 as shown below.
Connections
Digital Multimeter

5485x Scope Under Test

Aux Out

Chan 3 IN

Chan 4 IN

Chan 2 IN

Chan 1 IN

Input

BNC Tee
connected directly to
scope channel input

Notes:
• Where it is used, it is important to connect the BNC Tee adapter directly to the scope channel input to
minimize ground potential differences between the scope and the test instruments and to ensure that
the DMM measures the input voltage to the scope channel as accurately as possible. Differences in
ground potential can be a significant source of measurement error, particularly at high scope
sensitivities.
• It also helps to reduce ground potential differences if the scope and the external test instruments are
connected to the same AC supply circuit.
• A fairly large number of averages are used in the scope measurements of this section to reduce
measurement noise and to reduce the measurement error due to resolution.
13 Set up the DMM to perform DC voltage measurements.
14 Configure the scope to measure V avg on Channel 1 as follows:
a Press Default Setup.
b Pull down the Utilities menu and select Acquisition. When the Acquisition Setup window
is displayed, enable averaging and set the # of averages to 256.
c Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 to 10 mV/div.
d Click the V avg measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
e When the Enter Measurement Info window is displayed, ensure that the V avg function
is set up as follows and then click OK:
Source = Channel 1
Measurement area = Entire Display

3–8

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Offset Performance Test

15 Set the channel 1 offset value to 120 mV. This can be done either using the front panel

control or:
a Pull down the Setup menu and select Channel 1 or click the Channel 1 setup icon.
b Click the Offset control arrows to change the offset value or click on the offset value
and enter 120 mV in the dialog box.
c Enter 120 mV in the Enter Offset dialog box.

Channel 1
setup icon

16 Set the Aux Out voltage (VAux Out) to +120 mV as follows:
a Pull down the Utilities menu and select Calibration.
b Change the Aux Output function to DC (top left corner).
c Set the Level to 120 mV.
d Click on Close.

17 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of

screen) to return to 256 and then record the DMM voltage reading as VDMM+ and the
scope Vavg reading as VScope+ in the Offset Gain Test section of the Performance Test
Record.

3–9

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Offset Performance Test

18 Change the channel 1 offset value to -120 mV.
19 Set the Aux Out voltage to -120 mV.
20 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of

screen) to return to 256 and then record the DMM voltage reading as VDMM- and the
scope Vavg reading as VScope- in the Offset Gain Test section of the Performance Test
Record.
21 Calculate the offset gain using the following expression and record this value in the
Offset Gain Test section of the Performance Test Record:
∆V out V scope+ – V scopeOffset Gain = -------------- = -------------------------------------------∆V in
V DMM+ – V DMM22 Repeat steps 15 to 21 for the remaining channel 1 vertical sensitivities in the Offset

Gain Test section of the Performance Test Record. For each measurement, set both
the Aux Out voltage (VAux Out) and the Channel offset voltage to the positive VAux Out
value and then to the negative VAux Out value in the "VAux Out Setting" column of the
Offset Gain Test table in the Performance Test Record for each of the vertical
sensitivities.
23 Move the Tee connector to the next channel input and repeat steps 14 to 22 for the
channels 2 to 4.

3–10

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test

DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test
Specifications
DC Gain Accuracy

±1% of full scale at full resolution channel scale

Offset Accuracy

±(2% of channel offset + 1% of full scale)

Vertical Resolution

8 bits, ≥12 bits with averaging

DC Voltage Measurement Accuracy
Single Cursor

±[(DC gain accuracy) + (offset accuracy) + (resolution/2)]

Dual Cursor

±[(DC gain accuracy) + (resolution)]

Full scale is defined as 8 vertical divisions. Vertical divisions are defined by the major scale settings above non-major scale
settings. The major scale settings are 10 mV, 20 mV, 50 mV, 100 mV, 200 mV, 500 mV and 1 V.
Vertical resolution for 8 bits = 0.4% of full scale, for 12 bits = 0.024% of full scale

Example: Single cursor measurement 70 mV input @ 20 mV/div, 0 V channel offset with no averaging:
expected measurement error < ±[(1%(160 mV)) + (1%(160 mV) + (0.4%(160 mV)/2)] = ±3.52 mV.
Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Digital Multimeter

DC voltage measurement accuracy better than ±0.1% of reading Agilent 34401A or
Agilent 3458A

Cable Assembly
(2 required)

50Ω characteristic impedance, BNC (m) connectors

Agilent 8120-1840

Adapter

BNC Tee (m)(f)(f)

Agilent 1250-0781

Adapter

BNC (f) to dual banana

Agilent 1251-2277

Connections
Digital Multimeter

5485x Scope Under Test

Aux Out

Chan 3 IN

Chan 4 IN

Chan 2 IN

Chan 1 IN

Input

BNC Tee
connected directly to
scope channel input

3–11

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test

Notes
• It is important to connect the BNC Tee adapter directly to the scope channel input to minimize ground
potential differences between the scope and the test instruments and to ensure that the DMM measures
the input voltage to the scope channel as accurately as possible. Differences in ground potential can be
a significant source of measurement error, particularly at high scope sensitivities.
• It also helps to reduce ground potential differences if the scope and the external test instruments are
connected to the same AC supply circuit.
• A fairly large number of averages are used in the scope measurements of this section to reduce
measurement noise and to reduce the measurement error due to resolution to a negligible value.
• Only single cursor measurements are made in this procedure since this measurement covers all of the
accuracy terms in this product's dc vertical accuracy specification and makes the procedure more
efficient.
Procedure
1 Make the connections to scope channel 1 as shown in the connection diagram on the

previous page.
2 Set up the DMM to perform DC voltage measurements.
3 Press Default Setup, then configure the scope as follows:
a Pull down the Utilities Menu and select Acquisition.
b When the Acquisition Setup window is displayed, enable averaging and set the # of
averages to 256 as shown below.

3–12

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test

4 Set the Aux output voltage to +30 mV DC as follows:
a Pull down the Utilities menu and select Calibration.
b Change the Aux Output function to DC (top left corner).
c Set the Level to 30 mV.
d Click on Close.

5 Configure the scope to measure Average voltage as follows:
a Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 to 10 mV/div.
b Click the V avg measurement icon on the left side of the screen.

c When the Enter Measurement Info window is displayed, ensure that the V avg function
is set up as follows and then click OK:
Source = Channel 1
Measurement area = Entire Display

3–13

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test

6 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of

screen) to return to 256 and then record the DMM voltage reading (VDMM) and the
scope Vavg reading (VScope) in the DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test
section of the Performance Test Record. For all scope readings in this procedure, use
the mean value in the Measurements display area at the bottom of the screen. Calculate
the upper and lower limits for this test using the VDMM reading and the Max Scope
Error (VERR) value in the results table. VScope must be between these two limits to pass
this test.
Notes
• For all scope readings in this procedure, use the mean value in the Measurements display area at the
bottom of the screen.
• If a question mark is displayed in front of any of the values at the bottom of the screen, press the Clear
Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value to return to 256 and then record the scope reading.

Record the
mean reading

7 Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 to 20 mV/div.
8 Change the Aux output voltage to +60 mV DC as in step 4 above.
9 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of

screen) to return to 256 and then record the DMM voltage reading and the scope V avg
reading in the DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test section of the
Performance Test Record.
10 Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 for the remaining channel 1 vertical sensitivities in the table.
For each measurement, set the Aux Out voltage to the "VAux Out Setting" column in the
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test section of the Performance Test
Record for each of the vertical sensitivities.
11 Move the BNC Tee adapter to scope channel 2. Press Default Setup, then turn off
channel 1 and turn channel 2 display on.

3–14

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test

12 Configure the scope to measure V avg on Channel 2 as follows:
a Change the vertical sensitivity of channel 2 to 10 mV/div.
b Click the V avg measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
c When the Enter Measurement Info window is displayed, ensure that the V avg function
is set up as follows and then click OK:
Source = Channel 2
Measurement area = Entire Display
13 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value to return to 256 and

then record the DMM voltage reading and the scope V avg reading in the DC
Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test section of the Performance Test Record.
14 Repeat steps 12 and 13 for the remaining channel 2 vertical sensitivities in the table.
For each measurement, set the Aux Out voltage to the "VAux Out Setting" column in the
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test section of the Performance Test
Record for each of the vertical sensitivities.
15 Repeat steps 11 to 14 for the remaining channels and sensitivities of the table in the
DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test section of the Performance Test
Record.

3–15

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check
Specification
Analog Bandwidth (-3 dB)
54855A

6.0 GHz

54854A

4.0 GHz

54853A

2.5 GHz

Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Microwave CW
Generator

Maximum Frequency ≥6 GHz
Power range: -20 dBm to +16 dBm into 50Ω
Output resistance = 50Ω

Agilent E8247C with Opt 520 or
Agilent 82712B with Opt 1E5 or
Agilent 8665B with Opt 004

Power Splitter

2 Resistor Power Splitter
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 11667B

Power Meter

Agilent E-series power sensor compatibility

Agilent E4418B or E4419B

Power Sensor

Maximum Frequency ≥6 GHz
Power range: -24 dBm to +16 dBm

Agilent E4413A

Microwave Cable
Assembly

50Ω Characteristic Impedance
3.5 mm (m) or SMA (m) connectors
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 8120-4948 or
Agilent 11500E or
Gore EKD01D010480

Adapters

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC

Agilent 54855-67604

Alternate Power Splitter/Power Sensor Equipment List 1
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Power Splitter

2 Resistor Power Splitter
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 11667A

Power Sensor

Maximum Frequency ≥6 GHz
Power range: -24 dBm to +16 dBm

Agilent E4412A

Adapters

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC
Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (f)
Type N (m) to 3.5 mm (m)

Agilent 54855-67604
Agilent 1250-1744
Agilent 1250-1743

Alternate Power Splitter/Power Sensor Equipment List 2
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Power Splitter

2 Resistor Power Splitter
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 11667B

Power Sensor

Maximum Frequency ≥6GHz
Power range: -24 dBm to +16 dBm

Agilent E4412A

Adapters

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC
3.5mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m)
Type N (f) to 3.5 mm (m)

Agilent 54855-67604
Agilent 1250-1748
Agilent 1250-1750

3–16

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

Connections
Power Meter

5485x Scope Under Test

Microwave
Generator

RF Out

Chan 4

Chan 3

Chan 2

Chan 1

54855-67604

11667B

E4413A

Notes
• Connect output 1 of the 11667B splitter to the scope Channel n input directly using the 54855-67604
adapter, without any additional cabling or adapters.
• Connect the power sensor directly to output 2 of the power splitter without any additional cabling or
adapters.
• Minimize the use of other adapters.
• Ensure that SMA and 3.5 mm connectors are tightened properly:
8 in-lbs (90 N-cm) for 3.5 mm
5 in-lbs (56 N-cm) for SMA
Procedure
1 Preset the power meter.
2 Ensure that the power sensor is disconnected from any source and zero the meter.
3 Connect the power sensor to the power meter’s Power Ref connector and calibrate the

meter.
4 Make the connections to scope channel 1 as shown in the connection diagram above.
5 Set up the Power Meter to display measurements in units of Watts.
6 Press Default Setup, then configure the scope as follows:
a Ensure Channel 1 is displayed and all other channels are turned off.
b Set the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 to 10mV/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 16 ns/div (to display 8 cycles of a 50 MHz waveform).

Click here and
enter 16E-9

3–17

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

d Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then set up the acquisition parameters
as follows:
Memory Depth = Automatic
Sampling rate = Maximum (20 GSa/s)
Sin(x)/x Interpolation filter enabled
Averaging enabled with # of Averages = 16
e Pull down the Measure menu, select Voltage and then select V rms.

f When the RMS voltage measurement setup window is displayed, configure this
measurement as follows:
Source = Channel 1
Measurement Area = Entire Display
RMS Type = AC

3–18

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

7 Set the generator to apply a 50 MHz sine wave with a peak-to-peak amplitude of about

4 divisions.
• Use the following table to determine the approximate required signal amplitude.
The amplitude values in the table below are not absolutely required. If your generator is
unable to produce the recommended amplitude, then set the generator to the highest
value that does not produce a vertically clipped signal on the scope.
Table 3-1. Nominal Generator Amplitude Settings
Scope
Vertical Sensitivity

Generator Signal
Amplitude (Vp-p)

Generator Signal
Amplitude (dBm)

10 mV/div

0.08

-18

20 mV/div

0.16

-12

50 mV/div

0.4

-4

100 mV/div

0.8

200 mV/div

1.6

500 mV/div

+16

1 V/div

+22

8 Measure the input power to the scope channel and convert this measurement to Volts

RMS using the expression:
V in =

P meas × 50Ω

For example, if the power meter reading is 4.0 µW, then Vin = (4.0*10-6 * 50Ω)1/2 = 14.1 mVrms.
Record the RMS voltage in the Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check section of the
Performance Test Record (Vin @ 50 MHz).

3–19

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

9 Press the Clear Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value (top left corner of

screen) to return to 16 and then record the scope V rms reading in the Analog
Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check section of the Performance Test Record (Vout
@ 50 MHz). For all scope readings in this procedure, use the mean value in the
Measurements display area at the bottom of the screen.
Notes
• For all scope readings in this procedure, use the mean value in the Measurements display area at the
bottom of the screen.
• If a question mark is displayed in front of any of the values at the bottom of the screen, press the Clear
Display key on the scope, wait for the #Avgs value to return to 16 and then record the scope reading.

Record the
mean reading

10 Calculate the reference gain as follows:

V out @50 MHz
Gain 50 MHz = --------------------------------V in @50 MHz
Record this value in the Calculated Gain @50 MHz column in the Analog Bandwidth - Maximum
Frequency Check section of the Performance Test Record.

3–20

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

11 Change the generator frequency to the maximum value for the model being tested as

shown in the table below. It is not necessary to adjust the signal amplitude at this point
in the procedure.
Setting

Model
54853A

54854A

54855A

Maximum Frequency

2.5 GHz

4.0 GHz

6.0 GHz

Scope Time Base Setting

320 ps/div

200 ps/div

133 ps/div

12 Change the scope time base to the value for the model under test in the table above.

Click here and enter time
base value from table

13 Measure the input power to the scope channel at the maximum frequency and convert

this measurement to Volts RMS using the expression:
V in =

P meas × 50Ω

screen) to return to 16 and then record the scope V rms reading in the Analog
Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check section of the Performance Test Record (Vout
@ Max Freq).
15 Calculate the gain at the maximum frequency using the expression:
Gain Max Freq = 20 log 10

( V out Max Freq ) ⁄ ( V in Max Freq )
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gain 50 MHz

For example, if (Vout @ Max Frequency) = 13.825 mV, (Vin @ Max Frequency) = 13.461 mV and
Gain @ 50MHz = 1.0023, then:

13.825 mV ⁄ 13.461 mV
Gain Max Freq = 20 log 10 ------------------------------------------------------------- = 0.212 dB
1.0023
Record this value in the Calculated Gain @Max Freq column in the Analog Bandwidth - Maximum
Frequency Check section of the Performance Test Record. To pass this test, this value must be
greater than -3.0 dB.

3–21

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check

16 Change the scope set up as follows:
a Change the channel vertical sensitivity to 20 mV/div.
b Reset the horizontal scale to 16 ns/div (to display 8 cycles of a 50 MHz waveform).
17 Change the generator output as follows:
a Reset the generator frequency to 50 MHz.
b Change the amplitude to the value suggested for this sensitivity in Table 3-1.
18 Repeat steps 8, 9, and 10 to measure the reference gain at 50 MHz for this sensitivity.
19 Repeat steps 11, 12, 13, and 14 to measure the gain at maximum frequency for this

sensitivity.
20 Repeat steps 15 to 19 to complete measuring gains for remaining sensitivities for
channel 1 in the Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check section of the
Performance Test Record.
21 Move the splitter to channel 2 and change the scope configuration as follows:
•
•
•
•

Ensure Channel 2 is displayed and all other channels are turned off.
Set the vertical sensitivity of channel 2 to 10 mV/div.
Set the horizontal scale to 16 ns/div (to display 8 cycles of a 50MHz waveform).
Right click on the V rms measurement at the bottom of the screen. When the RMS voltage
measurement setup window is displayed, change the source from Channel 1 to Channel 2.

22 Repeat steps 7 to 20 to complete measuring gains for channel 2.
23 Move the splitter to channel 3 and change the scope configuration as follows:
a Ensure Channel 3 is displayed and all other channels are turned off.
b Set the vertical sensitivity of channel 3 to 10 mV/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 16 ns/div (to display 8 cycles of a 50 MHz waveform).
d Click on the V rms measurement at the bottom of the screen and select Customize. When
the V rms setup window is displayed, change the source from Channel 2 to Channel 3.
24 Repeat steps 7 to 20 to complete measuring gains for channel 3.
25 Move the splitter to channel 4 and change the scope configuration as follows.
a Ensure Channel 4 is displayed and all other channels are turned off.
b Set the vertical sensitivity of channel 4 to 10 mV/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 16 ns/div (to display 8 cycles of a 50 MHz waveform).
d Click on the V rms measurement at the bottom of the screen. When the V rms setup
window is displayed, change the source from Channel 3 to Channel 4.
26 Repeat steps 7 to 20 to complete measuring gains for channel 4.

3–22

Horizontal Performance Verification

This section contains the follow horizontal performance verification:
• Time Base Accuracy Test
• Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test

3–23

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Time Base Accuracy Test

Time Base Accuracy Test
Specification
Time Scale Accuracy

±1 ppm peak

Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/Part
Numbers

10 MHz Signal Source

Sine Wave with Amplitude ≤6 Vp-p into 50Ω
Frequency Accuracy better than 0.4 ppm
Output resistance = 50Ω

Agilent E8247C with Opt 520 or
Agilent 82712B with Opt 1E5 or
Agilent 8665B with Opt 004

Microwave Cable Assembly 50Ω Characteristic Impedance
3.5 mm (m) or SMA (m) connectors
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 8120-4948 or
Agilent 11500E or
Gore EKD01D010480

Adapters

Agilent 54855-67604

3.5mm (f) to Precision BNC

Connections

10 MHz
Signal
Source

Channel 1

Scope
Under
Test

Procedure
1 Connect the 10 MHz signal source to scope channel 1 as shown in the connection

diagram above.
2 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press Default Setup.
b Press Auto-scale.
c Change the timebase setting to 1 ms/div.

3–24

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Time Base Accuracy Test

3 Set up the scope to measure frequency as follows:
a Click the Frequency measurement icon on the left side of the screen, or
b Pull down the Measure menu, select Time and then select Frequency.

Frequency
measurement
icon

c If the time base is calibrated, the displayed waveform will be un-aliased at this time base
setting and will appear like the one on the screen image shown below.
The question marks in the frequency measurement area at the bottom of the screen
indicate that the frequency is not measurable at this time scale.

d If the time base is NOT calibrated, an aliased waveform with a frequency in the range of
about 30 Hz to 140 Hz will be displayed.

3–25

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Time Base Accuracy Test

4 Increase the time base setting to 2 ms/div and then press the Clear Display key.
a If at least 1 complete cycle is displayed and NO question marks are displayed in the
frequency measurement area at the bottom of the screen, record the max frequency in
the Aliased Frequency Measurement field in the Time Base Accuracy Test section of the
Performance Test Record.
b If less than one cycle is displayed or if question marks appear in the frequency
measurement area, continue to increase the time base setting and then press the Clear
Display key until at least 1 complete cycle is displayed and NO question marks are
displayed in the frequency measurement area at the bottom of the screen.
c In most cases, it will be necessary to repeat this procedure until the time base setting is
about 100 ms/div to 500 ms/div. A typical aliased waveform will look like the one shown
below.
Wait until the # of meas field shows 15 or more measurements and then record the max
reading in the Aliased Frequency Measurement field in the Time Base Accuracy Test
section of the Performance Test Record.
To meet specification, the aliased frequency must be less than or equal to 10 Hz.
If the scope was just calibrated, the aliased frequency must be less than or equal to 5 Hz
to account for an aging rate of 0.5 ppm per year.

Record the
max reading

3–26

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Time Base Accuracy Test

d In some cases, the time base clock will be too close in frequency to the input signal used
in this test. If this is the case, a waveform like the one shown below will be displayed.
If this case, it will be impossible to capture a full cycle of the aliased waveform. If this
occurs with the timebase set to 200 ms/div or higher, and if the frequency accuracy of the
source is 0.4 ppm or better, then the scope under test passes this test.

3–27

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test

Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test
Specification
≥256 Averages

RMS: 70 fs
Peak: ±[(0.5 ps) + (1x10-6 * |reading|)]

Averaging disabled

RMS: 2.0 ps
Peak: ±[(7.0 ps) + (1x10-6 * |reading|)]

Signal peak-to-peak amplitude ≥5 divisions, vertical scale ≥10mV/div, signal rise time 155ps (54853A) ≤225 ps (54854A) 150 ps
(54855A), sample rate = 20 GSa/s, sinx/x interpolation enabled, measurement threshold = fixed voltage at 50% level.
Measurement is between two edges on a single channel.
RMS value refers to the standard deviation of 256 consecutive measurements performed using an individual instrument.

Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/Part
Numbers

Microwave CW Generator

Maximum Frequency ≥6 GHz
Power range: -20 dBm to +16 dBm into 50Ω
Frequency Accuracy better than 0.4 ppm
Output resistance = 50Ω

Agilent E8247C with Opt 520 or
Agilent 82712B with Opt 1E5 or
Agilent 8665B with Opt 004

Microwave Cable Assembly 50Ω Characteristic Impedance
3.5 mm (m) or SMA (m) connectors
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 8120-4948 or
Agilent 11500E or
Gore EKD01D010480

Adapter

Agilent 54855-67604

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC

Connections

Microwave
Signal
Source

50 Ohm
RF Output

Channel 1

Scope
Under
Test

Procedure
1 Connect the microwave signal source to scope channel 1 as shown in the connection

diagram above.
2 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press Default Setup.
b Set channel 1 vertical sensitivity to 100 mV/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 48 ps/div (54855A and 54854A) or 76 ps/div (54853A).

Click here and enter
48E-12 or 76E-12

3–28

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test

d Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then set up the acquisition parameters
as follows:
Memory Depth = Automatic
Sampling rate = Automatic or maximum (20 GSa/s)
Sin(x)/x filter enabled
Averaging enabled with # of Averages = 256

3 Set up the signal source to operate as follows:
Frequency = 4 GHz (54855A and 54854A) or 2.5 GHz (54853A)
Amplitude = ~7 divisions peak to peak (~+2.5 dBm)
4 Set up the scope to measure period as follows:
a Click the Period measurement icon on the left side of the screen, or
b Pull down the Measure menu, select Time and then select Period.

Period
measurement
icon

3–29

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test

5 Scroll down the measurement bar at the bottom of the screen so the min, max, std dev

and # of meas fields are visible as shown below.
6 Press the Clear Display key, then allow the # of meas field to increment to at least 256
and then press the Stop key.
7 Record the min, max and std dev values in the Delta-time Results with Averaging
Enabled section of the Performance Test Record.

Record the min,
max, and std dev
readings

8 Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then disable Averaging.
9 Press the Clear Display key, then allow the # of meas field to increment to at least 256

and then press the Stop key.
10 Record the min, max and std dev values in the Delta-time Results with Averaging

Disabled section of the Performance Test Record.

3–30

Trigger Performance Verification

This section contains the follow trigger performance verification:
• Internal Channel Trigger Accuracy Test
• Low Sensitivity Measurements @ 1 GHz
• Low Sensitivity Measurements @ 2.5 GHz (54853A) or 4 GHz (54854A and 54855A)
• High Sensitivity Measurements @ Maximum Frequency: 2.5 GHz (54853A) or 4 GHz (54854A)
or 6 GHz (54855A)

• Trigger Jitter Test

3–31

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test
Specification
Low sensitivity mode:

54855A: 0.5 div p-p 0 to 2 GHz, 1.0 div p-p 2 to 4 GHz, <2.5 div @ 5 GHz
54854A: 0.5 div p-p 0 to 2 GHz, 1.0 div p-p 2 to 4 GHz
54853A: 0.5 div p-p 0 to 2 GHz, 1.0 div p-p 2 to 2.5 GHz

High sensitivity mode:

54855A: 0.2 div p-p 0 to 6 GHz
54855A: 0.2 div p-p 0 to 4 GHz
54855A: 0.2 div p-p 0 to 2.5 GHz

Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Microwave CW Generator

Maximum Frequency ≥6 GHz
Power range: -20 dBm to +16 dBm into 50Ω
Output resistance = 50Ω

Agilent E8247C with Opt 520 or
Agilent 82712B with Opt 1E5 or
Agilent 8665B with Opt 004

Microwave Cable Assembly 50Ω Characteristic Impedance
3.5 mm (m) or SMA (m) connectors
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 8120-4948 or
Agilent 11500E or
Gore EKD01D010480

Adapters

Agilent 54855-67604

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC

Connections

Microwave
Signal
Source

50 Ohm
RF Output

Channel 1

Scope
Under
Test

Procedure
Low Sensitivity Measurements @ 2 GHz
1 Connect the microwave signal source to scope channel 1 as shown in the connection

diagram above.
2 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press Default Setup.
b Set channel 1 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 2 ns/div.

3–32

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

d Pull down the Setup menu, select trigger and then set up the trigger parameter as follows:
Mode = Edge
Source = Channel 1
Sweep = Auto
Click on Conditioning and select Low Sensitivity.

e Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then set up the acquisition parameters
as follows:
Memory Depth = Automatic
Sampling rate = Maximum 20 GSa/s
Sin(x)/x Interpolation filter enabled
Averaging enabled with # of Averages = 16

3 Set up the source generator as follows:
Frequency = 2 GHz
Amplitude = -5.0 dBm

3–33

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

4 Click the V p-p voltage measurement icon on the left side of the display and then

coarsely adjust the signal amplitude until the mean amplitude is ≥ 500 mVp-p. Press
the Clear Display key after each amplitude adjustment.

V p-p
measurement
icon

5 Turn the V p-p measurement off.
6 Press the trigger Sweep key until Trig’d is illuminated and then carefully adjust the

trigger Level control until the Trig’d indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob turns
on solidly (not blinking) to indicate stable triggering.
7 Reduce the source generator signal amplitude in 0.2 dBm decrements until the Trig’d
indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob starts to blink on and off. When the Trig’d
indicator starts to blink, carefully re-adjust the trigger level to try to re-establish stable
triggering (Trig’d indicator not blinking.) If stable triggering is re-established, then
continue to reduce input signal amplitude until the Trig’d indicator starts to blink on
and off. Repeat this procedure until adjusting the trigger level cannot re-establish stable
triggering.

3–34

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

8 Measure the signal amplitude applied to channel 1 as follows:
a Increase the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 until the displayed waveform is at least 4
divisions in amplitude and is not clipped.
b Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
c Record the mean V p-p value displayed at the bottom of the screen in the space provided
in the Internal Trigger Sensitivity Test section (Low Sensitivity @ 2 GHz) of the
Performance Test Record for channel 1.

V p-p
measurement
icon

Record the
mean reading

d Convert this measurement into units of divisions at 1 V/div using the expression:

Measured V p-p
Trig Sens = ------------------------------------------- = ______ divisions
1 V/div
e Record this peak-to-peak division value in the space provided in the Internal Trigger
Sensitivity Test section (Low Sensitivity @ 2 GHz) section of the Performance Test
Record for channel 1.
9 Turn off the V p-p measurement.
10 Move the cable from channel 1 to channel 2.
11 Change the scope setup as follows
a Turn channel 1 display off.
b Turn channel 2 display on.
c Set channel 2 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
d Press the trigger Source key until 2 is illuminated.
e Press the trigger Sweep key until Auto is illuminated.
12
13
14
15

Reset the source generator output to -5 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 2.
Turn off the V p-p measurement.
Move the cable from channel 2 to channel 3.

3–35

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

16 Change the scope setup as follows:
a Turn channel 2 display off.
b Turn channel 3 display on.
c Set channel 3 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
d Press the trigger Source key until 3 is illuminated.
e Press the trigger Sweep key until Auto is illuminated.
17
18
19
20

Reset the generator output to -5 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 3.
Move the cable from channel 3 to channel 4.
Change the scope setup as follows:
a
b
c
d
e

Turn channel 3 display off.
Turn channel 4 display on.
Set channel 4 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
Press the trigger Source key until 4 is illuminated.
Press the trigger Sweep key until Auto is illuminated.

21 Reset the generator output to -5 dBm.
22 Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 4.

3–36

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

Low Sensitivity Measurements @ 2.5 GHz (54853A) or 4 GHz (54854A and 54855A)
1 Connect the microwave signal source to scope channel 1.
2 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press the Default Setup key.
b Set channel 1 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 2 ns/div.
d Pull down the Setup menu, select trigger and then set up the trigger parameter as follows:
Mode = Edge
Source = Channel 1
Sweep = Auto
Click on Conditioning and select Low Sensitivity.
e Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then set up the acquisition parameters
as follows:
Memory Depth = Automatic
Sampling rate = Maximum 20 GSa/s
Sin(x)/x Interpolation filter enabled
Averaging enabled with # of Averages = 16
3 Set up the source generator as follows:
Frequency = 2.5 GHz (if testing 54853A) or 4.0 GHz (if testing 54854A or 54855A)
Amplitude = -1.5 dBm
4 Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the display and then coarsely adjust

5
6

the signal amplitude until the mean amplitude is ≥1.0 Vp-p. Press the Clear Display key
after each amplitude adjustment.
Turn the V p-p measurement off.
Press the trigger Sweep key until Trig’d is illuminated and then carefully adjust the
trigger Level control until the Trig’d indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob turns
on solidly (not blinking) to indicate stable triggering.
Reduce the source generator signal amplitude in 0.2 dBm decrements until the Trig’d
indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob starts to blink on and off. When the Trig’d
indicator starts to blink, carefully re-adjust the trigger level to try to re-establish stable
triggering (Trig’d indicator not blinking.) If stable triggering is re-established, then
continue to reduce input signal amplitude until the Trig’d indicator starts to blink on
and off. Repeat this procedure until adjusting the trigger level cannot re-establish stable
triggering.
Measure the signal amplitude applied to channel 1 as follows:
a Increase the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 until the displayed waveform is at least 4
divisions in amplitude and is not clipped.
b Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
c Record the V p-p mean value displayed at the bottom of the screen in the space provided
in the Internal Trigger Sensitivity Test section (Low Sensitivity @ 4 GHz or 2.5 GHz)
section of the Performance Test Record for channel 1.
d Convert this measurement into units of divisions at 1V/div using the expression:

V pp
Trig Sens = ------------------- = ______ divisions
1 V/div
e Record this peak-to-peak division value in the space provided in the Internal Trigger
Sensitivity Test section (Low Sensitivity @ 4 GHz or 2.5 GHz) section of the Performance
Test Record for channel 1.

3–37

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

9 Turn off the V p-p measurement.
10 Move the cable from channel 1 to channel 2.
11 Change the scope setup as follows:
a Turn channel 1 display off.
b Turn channel 2 display on.
c Set channel 2 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
d Press the trigger Source key until 2 is illuminated.
e Press the trigger Sweep key until Auto is illuminated.
12
13
14
15
16

Reset the source generator output amplitude to -1.5 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 2.
Turn off the V p-p measurement.
Move the cable from channel 2 to channel 3
Change the scope setup as follows:
a
b
c
d
e

17
18
19
20

Turn channel 2 display off.
Turn channel 3 display on.
Set channel 3 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
Press the trigger Source key until 3 is illuminated.
Press the trigger Sweep key until Auto is illuminated.

Reset the source generator output amplitude to -1.5 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 3.
Move the cable from channel 3 to channel 4
Change the scope setup as follows:
a
b
c
d
e

21 Reset the source generator output amplitude to -1.5 dBm.
22 Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 4.

3–38

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

Low Sensitivity Measurements @ 5 GHz (54855A only)
1 Connect the microwave signal source to scope channel 1.
2 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press the Default Setup key.
b Set channel 1 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 2 ns/div.
d Pull down the Setup menu, select trigger and then set up the trigger parameter as follows:
Mode = Edge
Source = Channel 1
Sweep = Auto
Click on Conditioning and select Low Sensitivity.
e Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then set up the acquisition parameters
as follows:
Memory Depth = Automatic
Sampling rate = Maximum 20 GSa/s
Sin(x)/x Interpolation filter enabled
Averaging enabled with # of Averages = 16
3 Set up the source generator as follows:
Frequency = 5 GHz
Amplitude = -1.5 dBm
4 Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the display and then coarsely adjust

5
6

the signal amplitude until the mean amplitude is ≥2.5 Vp-p. Press the Clear Display key
after each amplitude adjustment.
Turn the V p-p measurement off.
Press the trigger Sweep key until Trig’d is illuminated and then carefully adjust the
trigger Level control until the Trig’d indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob turns
on solidly (not blinking) to indicate stable triggering.
Reduce the source generator signal amplitude in 0.2 dBm decrements until the Trig’d
indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob starts to blink on and off. When the Trig’d
indicator starts to blink, carefully re-adjust the trigger level to try to re-establish stable
triggering (Trig’d indicator not blinking.) If stable triggering is re-established, then
continue to reduce input signal amplitude until the Trig’d indicator starts to blink on
and off. Repeat this procedure until adjusting the trigger level cannot re-establish stable
triggering.
Measure the signal amplitude applied to channel 1 as follows:
a Increase the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 until the displayed waveform is at least 4
divisions in amplitude and is not clipped.
b Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
c Record the V p-p mean value displayed at the bottom of the screen in the space provided
in the Internal Trigger Sensitivity Test section (Low Sensitivity @ 5 GHz) section of the
Performance Test Record for channel 1.
d Convert this measurement into units of divisions at 1V/div using the expression:

V pp
Trig Sens = ------------------- = ______ divisions
1 V/div
e Record this peak-to-peak division value in the space provided in the Internal Trigger
Sensitivity Test section (Low Sensitivity @ 5 GHz) section of the Performance Test
Record for channel 1.

3–39

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

17
18
19
20

Reset the source generator output amplitude to -1.5 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 3.
Move the cable from channel 3 to channel 4
Change the scope setup as follows:
a
b
c
d
e

21 Reset the source generator output amplitude to -1.5 dBm.
22 Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 4.

3–40

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

High Sensitivity Measurements @ Maximum Frequency: 2.5 GHz (54853A) or 4 GHz (54854A) or 6 GHz (54855A)
1 Connect the microwave signal source to scope channel 1.
2 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press Default Setup.
b Set channel 1 vertical sensitivity to 1.0 V/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 2 ns/div.
d Pull down the Setup menu, select trigger and then set up the trigger parameter as follows:
Mode = Edge
Source = Channel 1
Sweep = Auto
Click on Conditioning and select High Sensitivity.
e Pull down the Setup menu, select Acquisition and then set up the acquisition parameters
as follows:
Memory Depth = Automatic
Sampling rate = Maximum 20 GSa/s
Sin(x)/x Interpolation filter enabled
Averaging enabled with # of Averages = 16
3 Set up the source generator as follows:
Frequency = 2.5 GHz (if testing 54853A), 4.0 GHz (if testing 54854A), or 6.0 GHz (if testing 54855A)
Amplitude = -10.0 dBm
4 Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the display and then coarsely adjust

5
6

the signal amplitude until the mean amplitude is ≥200 mVp-p. Press the Clear Display
key after each amplitude adjustment.
Turn the V p-p measurement off.
Press the trigger Sweep key until Trig’d is illuminated and then carefully adjust the
trigger Level control until the Trig’d indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob turns
on solidly (not blinking) to indicate stable triggering.
Reduce the source generator signal amplitude in 0.2 dBm decrements until the Trig’d
indicator by the Horizontal timebase knob starts to blink on and off. When the Trig’d
indicator starts to blink, carefully re-adjust the trigger level to try to re-establish stable
triggering (Trig’d indicator not blinking.) If stable triggering is re-established, then
continue to reduce input signal amplitude until the Trig’d indicator starts to blink on
and off. Repeat this procedure until adjusting the trigger level cannot re-establish stable
triggering.
Measure the signal amplitude applied to channel 1 as follows:
a Increase the vertical sensitivity of channel 1 until the displayed waveform is at least 4
divisions in amplitude and is not clipped.
b Click the V p-p measurement icon on the left side of the screen.
c Record the mean V p-p value displayed at the bottom of the screen in the space provided
in the Internal Trigger Sensitivity Test section (High Sensitivity @ Max Frequency)
section of the Performance Test Record for channel 1.
d Convert this measurement into units of divisions at 1V/div using the expression:

V pp
Trig Sens = ------------------- = ______ divisions
1 V/div
e Record this peak-to-peak division value in the space provided in the Internal Trigger
Sensitivity Test section (High Sensitivity @ Max Frequency) section of the Performance
Test Record for channel 1.

3–41

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test

Reset the source generator output amplitude to -10.0 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 2.
Turn off the V p-p measurement.
Move the cable from channel 2 to channel 3.
Change the scope setup as follows:
a
b
c
d
e

17
18
19
20

Reset the source generator output amplitude to -10.0 dBm.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 3.
Move the cable from channel 3 to channel 4.
Change the scope setup as follows:
a
b
c
d
e

21 Reset the source generator output amplitude to -10.0 dBm.
22 Repeat steps 4 to 8 inclusive for channel 4.

3–42

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Trigger Jitter Test

Trigger Jitter Test
Specification
54855A

1.0 ps rms

54854A

1.3 ps rms

54853A

1.7 ps rms

Signal peak-to-peak amplitude ≥5 divisions, vertical scale ≥10mV/div, signal rise time 155 ps (54853) ≤ 225 ps (54854) 150ps (54855),
sample rate = 20 GSa/s, sinx/x interpolation enabled, measurement threshold = fixed voltage at 50% level.
Internal trigger: Trigger level contained within full scale display range of trigger channel.

Equipment Required
Description

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/
Part Numbers

Microwave CW
Generator

Maximum Frequency ≥6 GHz
Power range: -20 dBm to +16 dBm into 50Ω
Frequency Accuracy better than 0.4 ppm
Output resistance = 50Ω

Agilent E8247C with Opt 520 or
Agilent 82712B with Opt 1E5 or
Agilent 8665B with Opt 004

Microwave Cable
Assembly

50Ω Characteristic Impedance
3.5 mm (m) or SMA (m) connectors
Max Frequency ≥18 GHz

Agilent 8120-4948 or
Agilent 11500E or
Gore EKD01D010480

Adapter

3.5 mm (f) to Precision BNC

Agilent 54855-67604

Connections

Microwave
Signal
Source

50 Ohm
RF Output

Channel 1

Scope
Under
Test

Procedure
1 Connect the microwave signal source to scope channel 1 as shown in the connection

diagram above.
2 Set up the source to operate as follows:
Frequency = 4 GHz (54855A and 54854A) or 2.5 GHz (54853A)
Amplitude = +10 dBm

3–43

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Trigger Jitter Test

3 Set up the scope as follows:
a Press Default Setup.
b Set channel 1 vertical sensitivity to 200 mV/div.
c Set the horizontal scale to 10 ps/div.
d Trigger Mode: Edge triggered, Rising edge.
e Trigger Source = Channel 1.

4 Configure the scope to measure jitter as follows:
a Pull down the Setup menu and select Display.

b Enable Color Grade.

3–44

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Trigger Jitter Test

c Pull down the Analyze menu and select Histogram.
d Set up the histogram parameters as shown below:
Orientation = Horizontal
Scale Source = Channel 1
Top Limit (By) = 0.0 V
Bottom Limit (Ay) = 0.0 V
Left Limit (Ax) = -10 ps
Right Limit (Bx) = 10 ps
Histogram is enabled

Click here and enter
limits from step d

5 Press the Clear Display key, allow the hits counter to increment to at least 512 and then

record the std dev value in the Trigger Jitter Test section of the Performance Test
Record for channel 1.

Record the
std dev reading

hits
counter

3–45

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Trigger Jitter Test

6 Move the cable from channel 1 to channel 2. Turn the channel 1 display off and turn

channel 2 display on.
a Set channel 2 vertical sensitivity to 200 mV/div.
b Change the trigger source to channel 2.
7 Pull down the Analyze menu and select Histogram. When the histogram menu is

displayed, change the scale source from channel 1 to channel 2.

8 Press the Clear Display key, allow the hits counter to increment to at least 512 and then

record the std dev value in the Trigger Jitter Test section of the Performance Test
Record for channel 2.
9 Repeat steps 6 to 8 for channels 3 and 4.

3–46

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record

Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record
Offset Performance Test
Zero Error Test
Vertical Sensitivity
10 mV/div
20 mV/div
50 mV/div
100 mV/div
200 mV/div
500 mV/div
1 V/div

Test Limits
-0.8 mV to +0.8 mV
-1.6 mV to +1.6 mV
-4.0 mV to +4.0 mV
-8.0 mV to +8.0 mV
-16.0 mV to +16.0 mV
-40.0 mV to +40.0 mV
-80.0 mV to +80.0 mV

Channel 1

Channel 2

VDMM-

VScope+

Channel 3

Channel 4

Offset Gain Test
Vertical Sensitivity VAux Out
Setting
Channel 1
10 mV/div
±120 mV
20 mV/div
±240 mV
50 mV/div
±600 mV
100 mV/div
±1.2 V
200 mV/div
±2.4 V
500 mV/div
±2.4 V
1 V/div
±2.4 V
Channel 2
10 mV/div
±120 mV
20 mV/div
±240 mV
50 mV/div
±600 mV
100 mV/div
±1.2 V
200 mV/div
±2.4 V
500 mV/div
±2.4 V
1 V/div
±2.4 V
Channel 3
10 mV/div
±120 mV
20 mV/div
±240 mV
50 mV/div
±600 mV
100 mV/div
±1.2 V
200 mV/div
±2.4 V
500 mV/div
±2.4 V
1 V/div
±2.4 V
Channel 4
10 mV/div
±120 mV
20 mV/div
±240 mV
50 mV/div
±600 mV
100 mV/div
±1.2 V
200 mV/div
±2.4 V
500 mV/div
±2.4 V
1 V/div
±2.4 V

VDMM+

VScope-

Calculated
Offset Gain

Offset Gain
Test Limits
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02
+0.98 to +1.02

3–47

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record

DC Measurement Accuracy (Single Cursor) Test
Vertical Sensitivity VAux Out
Setting

Channel 1
10 mV/div
20 mV/div
50 mV/div
100 mV/div
200 mV/div
500 mV/div
1 V/div
Channel 2
10 mV/div
20 mV/div
50 mV/div
100 mV/div
200 mV/div
500 mV/div
1 V/div
Channel 3
10 mV/div
20 mV/div
50 mV/div
100 mV/div
200 mV/div
500 mV/div
1 V/div
Channel 4
10 mV/div
20 mV/div
50 mV/div
100 mV/div
200 mV/div
500 mV/div
1 V/div

VDMM

VScope

Max Scope
Error (VERR)

+30 mV
+60 mV
+150 mV
+300 mV
+600 mV
+1.5 V
+2.4 V

1.6 mV
3.2 mV
8.0 mV
16.0 mV
32.0 mV
80.0 mV
160 mV

+30 mV
+60 mV
+150 mV
+300 mV
+600 mV
+1.5 V
+2.4 V

1.6 mV
3.2 mV
8.0 mV
16.0 mV
32.0 mV
80.0 mV
160 mV

+30 mV
+60 mV
+150 mV
+300 mV
+600 mV
+1.5 V
+2.4 V

1.6 mV
3.2 mV
8.0 mV
16.0 mV
32.0 mV
80.0 mV
160 mV

+30 mV
+60 mV
+150 mV
+300 mV
+600 mV
+1.5 V
+2.4 V

1.6 mV
3.2 mV
8.0 mV
16.0 mV
32.0 mV
80.0 mV
160 mV

3–48

Calculated
Vscope
Lower Limit
(VDMM – VERR)

Calculated
Vscope
Upper Limit
(VDMM + VERR)

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record

Analog Bandwidth - Maximum Frequency Check
Max frequency: 54853A = 2.5 GHz, 54854A = 4.0 GHz, 54855A = 6.0 GHz
Vertical Sensitivity

Vin @ 50 MHz

Vout @ 50 MHz

Measurement
Calculated
Vin @ Max Freq
Gain @ 50 MHz
(Test Limit =
greater than -3 dB)

Vout @ Max Freq

Calculated
Gain @ Max Freq
(Test Limit =
greater than -3 dB)

Time Base Accuracy Test
Aliased Frequency Measurement

Test Limits
≤ 10 Hz to meet specification
≤ 5 Hz if timebase just calibrated

3–49

Chapter 3: Testing Performance
Agilent 54853A/54A/55A Performance Test Record

Delta-time Measurement Accuracy Test
Result Name
Measured Value
Delta-time Results with Averaging Enabled
Min
Max
Std dev
Delta-time Results with Averaging Disabled
Min
Max
Std dev

Test Limit
249.5 ps
250.5 ps
70 fs
242.5 ps
257.5 ps
2.0 ps

Internal Channel Trigger Sensitivity Test
Channel
Peak to Peak Voltage
Peak to Peak Divisions Test Limit
Low Sensitivity Measurements and Results @ 2 GHz
1
0.5 division
2
0.5 division
3
0.5 division
4
0.5 division
Low Sensitivity Measurements and Results @ 4 GHz (54855A &54854A) or 2.5 GHz (54853A)
1
1.0 division
2
1.0 division
3
1.0 division
4
1.0 division
Low Sensitivity Measurements and Results @ 5 GHz (54855A only)
1
<2.5 division
2
<2.5 division
3
<2.5 division
4
<2.5 division
High Sensitivity Measurements and Results @ Max Frequency
1
0.2 division
2
0.2 division
3
0.2 division
4
0.2 division

Trigger Jitter Test
Channel
1

Measured Value (Std Dev) Test Limits
54855A: 1.0 ps
54854A: 1.3 ps
54853A: 1.7 ps
54855A: 1.0 ps
54854A: 1.3 ps
54853A: 1.7 ps
54855A: 1.0 ps
54854A: 1.3 ps
54853A:
54855A: 1.0 ps
54854A: 1.3 ps
54853A: 1.7 ps

3–50

Equipment Required 4-2
Self Calibration Interval and Hardware Adjustments 4-2
Mainframe Cal Factor Memory Error 4-2
Operating Hints 4-3
Loading Default Oscilloscope Settings 4-3
Loading New Software 4-3
Calibration Procedures 4-3
To check the flat panel display (FPD) 4-4
To run the self calibration 4-7

Calibration

This chapter provides firmware (self calibration) procedures for the Agilent
Technologies 54853A/54A/55A oscilloscope.
•
•
•
•

Power Supply Check
Oscillator Check
Flat-Panel Display Check
Self calibration

Equipment Required
Equipment required for adjustments is listed in the Recommended Test Equipment
table in chapter 1 of this manual. Any equipment that satisfies the critical specification
listed in the table may be substituted for the recommended model. Equipment for
individual procedures is listed at the procedure.

Self Calibration Interval and Hardware Adjustments
The firmware calibration is the self cal (self calibration). Self calibration should be done
every year, or every 2,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first. The hardware
adjustment consists of checking the power supply and flat-panel display. These
adjustments only need to be done under circumstances set by certain needs, which are
explained in other areas of this guide.
The self calibration uses signals generated in the oscilloscope to calibrate channel
sensitivity, offsets, and trigger parameters. You should run the self calibration
•
•
•
•
•

yearly, or according to your periodic needs,
when you adjust or replace the acquisition assembly or acquisition hybrids,
when you replace the hard drive or any other assembly,
when the delta temperature is more than ±5 °C different than the last calibration, or
after performing incoming performance verification and before performing outgoing
performance verification.
The need for self calibration will also depend on your experience and on the environment
in which you use the oscilloscope.

Mainframe Cal Factor Memory Error
If power is applied to the oscilloscope and the message “Mainframe cal factor memory
error: Please perform calibration” is displayed, you must calibrate the oscilloscope. See
“To run the self calibration” in this chapter.
If the oscilloscope does not pass the self calibration, repair is necessary.

4–2

Chapter 4: Calibration

Operating Hints
Some knowledge of operating the Agilent Technologies 54853A/54A/55A oscilloscope is
helpful. However, procedures are written so that little experience is necessary. The
following hints will speed progress of the procedures.
When using many averages, it often takes awhile for a waveform display to stabilize after
a change. When a front panel control on the oscilloscope is changed, averaging
automatically restarts. When the input signal or an adjustment is changed, the
oscilloscope averages new data with the old, so it takes longer for the waveform to
stabilize to the new value. Press the Clear Display key while changing input signals or
adjustments. Clearing the display restarts averaging, which gives a quicker indication
of the result of the change.

Loading Default Oscilloscope Settings
To reset the oscilloscope to default conditions, press the Default Setup key.

Loading New Software
This oscilloscope stores its operating system code on a hard disk drive. New code is
loaded into the oscilloscope by using the CD-ROM. It is rarely necessary to reload the
code. If your system is not working correctly you may need to update to newer code or
re-image the disk. Find the latest software at www.agilent.com/find/infiniium_software.
To load new code, enable the graphical interface, then select Upgrade Software from
the Utilities menu. You can then follow the instructions on the screen.

Calibration Procedures
The procedures start with the next paragraphs. Unless specified elsewhere, procedures
must be followed in the order given. Display checks are optional and independent of
other procedures.
Let the Oscilloscope Warm Up Before Adjusting
Warm up the oscilloscope for 30 minutes before starting adjustment procedures. Failure to allow warmup may result in inaccurate calibration.

4–3

Chapter 4: Calibration
To check the flat panel display (FPD)

To check the flat panel display (FPD)
No equipment is required for this procedure. Specifications for flat-panel displays used in the
Infiniium oscilloscope are shown in the following table.
Flat-Panel Display Specifications
Defect Type
Polarizer

Dot Defect
(A dot is defined as 1, 2, or 3 stuck
subpixels touching horizontally.
Subpixels are horizontal red, green,
blue triads, so these may show up as
one of 8 colors or black.)

Limit
Scratch

Width ≤ 0.05 mm
Length ≤ 10 mm

Dent

φ ≤ 0. 4mm

Bright dot

N≤5

Dark dot

N≤7

Total dot

N ≤ 12

Two adjacent dots
Bright dot
Dark dot

≤ 2 pairs
≤ 2 pairs

Three or more adjacent dots

Not allowed

Distance between defects
Bright dot
Dark dot

≥ 10 mm
≥ 10 mm

Line Defect

Not allowed

Non-uniformity

Check other specifications

Luminance
(The measurement is perpendicular
to the screen surface in both axes.)

Minimum
Typical

160 cd/m2
200 cd/m2

When to Use this Procedure
This procedure should not be performed as a part of routine maintenance. Perform the procedure only
when there appears to be a problem with the display.
1
2
3
4

Enable the graphical interface.
Select Self Test from the Utilities menu.
Click the Service Extensions box in the Self Test dialog.
Select Screen from the Interactive Test Group drop-down list box.
See figure 4-1.

4–4

Chapter 4: Calibration
To check the flat panel display (FPD)

Figure 4-1

Click to start the
test

Select Screen to do
the flat-panel
display test

Starting the Screen Test

5 Click Start Self Test.
A new dialog appears with a series of radio buttons that allow selection of different background
colors. See figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2

Click one of these buttons
to select the background
color to check

Screen Test

4–5

Chapter 4: Calibration
To check the flat panel display (FPD)

6 Select a color by clicking the radio button for that color.
7 Carefully check the colored region for pixels colored differently than the current

selection.
These pixels are either inactive or stuck. If black (when a color or white is selected), they are
inactive; if another color than the current selection, but not black, then they are stuck. If the
display does not meet the specification given on the previous page, replace it. See chapter 5 for
removal and replacement procedures.
8 Repeat steps 6 and 7 for all colors.

4–6

Chapter 4: Calibration
To run the self calibration

To run the self calibration
The self calibration uses signals generated in the oscilloscope to calibrate channel sensitivity,
offsets, and trigger parameters. You should run the self calibration
• yearly, or according to your periodic needs,
• when you adjust or replace the acquisition assembly or acquisition hybrids,
• when you replace the hard drive or any other assembly,
• when the delta temperature is more than ±5 °C different than the last calibration, or
• after performing incoming performance verification and before performing outgoing
performance verification.
Equipment Required
Equipment

Critical Specifications

Recommended Model/Part

Adapter (supplied with 54854A & 54855A - 2
required for 54855A calibration)

3.5 mm (f) to precision BNC No substitute

Agilent 54855-67604

Shorting Cap (supplied with all 3 models)

BNC (m)

Agilent 1250-0929

Cable Assembly

50 Ω characteristic impedanceBNC (m)
connectors <= 12 inch length

Agilent 10502A or Agilent 8120-1838

Cable Assembly (cal cable supplied with 54855A)

No substitute

Agilent 54855-61620

10 MHz Signal Source (required for time scale
calibration)

Frequency accuracy better than 0.4ppm

Agilent 53131A with Opt. 010* or Agilent 5071A
or Symmetricom 58503B **

* Requires time base calibration once every 6 months. Should not be powered off for more than 24 hours after time base calibration.
** Requires link to GPS

Self calibration
Calibration time
It will take approximately 20 minutes to run the self calibration on the oscilloscope, including the time
required to change cables from channel to channel.
1 Let the Oscilloscope Warm Up Before Running the Self Calibration.
The self calibration should only be done after the oscilloscope has run for 30 minutes at ambient
temperature with the cover installed. Calibration of an oscilloscope that has not warmed up may
result in an inaccurate calibration.
2 Pull down the Utilities menu and Select Calibration.
3 Click the check box to clear the Cal Memory Protect condition.
You cannot run self calibration if this box is checked. See figure 4-3.

4–7

Chapter 4: Calibration
To run the self calibration

Figure 4-3

Clear this check
box before starting
calibration
Click here to start
calibration

Calibration Dialog

4 Click Start, then follow the instructions on the screen.
The routine will ask you to do the following things in sequence:
a Disconnect everything from all inputs and Aux Out.
b Connect the shorting cap to each of the channel inputs, in turn.
c Connect the cal cable from Aux Out to channel 1.
You must use the recommended calibration cable for this procedure. Refer to the
Recommended Equipment table for the correct cable type. In particular, when calibrating
the 54855A, you must use the 54855-61620 cable assembly with two 54855-67604
adapters. Failure to use the appropriate cal cable will result in an inaccurate calibration.
d Decide if you wish to perform the Time Scale Calibration. Your choices are:
• Calibrate - Performs the time scale calibration. This option requires you to connect a 10
MHz reference signal to channel 1 that meets the following specifications. Failure to use
a reference signal that meets this specification will result in an inaccurate calibration.
Frequency: 10MHz ±0.4ppm = 10MHz ±4Hz
Amplitude: 0.2Vpeak-to-peak to 5.0Vpeak-to-peak
Wave shape: Sine or Square
• Skip - Time scale calibration will not be performed. Time scale calibration factors from
the previous time scale calibration will be used and the 10 MHz reference signal will not
be required. The remaining calibration procedure will continue.
• Default - Factory time scale calibration factors will be used. The 10 MHz reference signal
will not be required. The remaining calibration procedure will continue.
e Connect the cal cable from Aux Out to each of the channel inputs and Aux Trig In, in turn.
f A Passed/Failed indication is displayed for each calibration section. If any section fails,
repeat the self-calibration procedure.
5 After the calibration procedure is completed, click Close.

4–8

Safety 5-2
Tools Required 5-2
ESD Precautions 5-2
Keystroke Conventions 5-2
Default Setup 5-3
To install the fan safety shield 5-3
To troubleshoot the instrument 5-4
Primary Trouble Isolation 5-6
No Display Trouble Isolation 5-10
POST Code Listing 5-19
Power Supply Trouble Isolation 5-22
To check the keyboard; Troubleshooting Procedure 5-26
To check the LEDs 5-27
Software Revisions 5-29
To check probe power outputs 5-30
To check the SVGA display board video signals 5-31
To check the backlight inverter voltages 5-32

Troubleshooting

This section provides troubleshooting information for the Agilent Technologies
54853A/54A/55A oscilloscope. The service strategy of this instrument is replacement of
defective assemblies.

Safety
Read the Safety Summary at the front of this manual before servicing the instrument.
Before performing any procedure, review it for cautions and warnings.
WAR N IN G

SHOCK HAZARD!
Maintenance should be performed by trained service personnel aware of the hazards involved
(for example, fire and electric shock). Lack of training and awareness of the hazards could result
in electrical shock. When maintenance can be performed without power applied, the power cord
should be removed from the instrument.

WAR N IN G

INJURY CAN RESULT!
Use caution when working around the cooling fan with the cover removed from the instrument.
The cooling fan blades are exposed on one side and can be hazardous. Install the optional fan
safety shield (Agilent Technologies P/N 54810-00601) to protect your fingers from the fan blades.

Tools Required
You will need basic electronic troubleshooting tools, including a digital multimeter,
external Atx supply or loopback connector, external monitor, and a 100-MHz
oscilloscope. Performance verification tests have more stringent requirements. See
chapter 1 for the list of recommended test equipment.
If you need to remove and replace assemblies, you will need some of the hand tools listed
in chapter 6, “Replacing Assemblies.”

ESD Precautions
When using any of the procedures in this chapter, you should use proper ESD
precautions. As a minimum, you should place the instrument on a properly grounded
ESD mat and wear a properly grounded ESD wrist strap.

Keystroke Conventions
To guide you while setting up the oscilloscope, the following conventions are used to
represent keystrokes and other interactions with the instrument:
• When you need to issue a command through the graphical interface, the command
will be phrased like this: “Select from the menu.”
• When you need to click on an object on the graphical interface, the instructions will
be phrased something like this: “Click the OK button.”
• When you need to press a key, the instructions will be phrased something like this:
“Press the Run key.”

5–2

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
To install the fan safety shield

Default Setup
A Default Setup is provided to assure the instrument setup is in a known default state.
The default setup prevents previous setups from interfering with the next test. It also
simplifies the instrument setup procedure. Use the default setup when a procedure
requires it.
• Press the Default Setup key to set the instrument to the default state.

To install the fan safety shield
1 Disconnect the instrument power cord and remove the cover.
,IQHFHVVDU\UHIHUWRWKHSURFHGXUHVLQFKDSWHU5HSODFLQJ$VVHPEOLHV
2 Clip the fan safety shield over the outside of the instrument chassis next to the fans.
6HHILJXUH
Figure 5-1

Installing the Fan Safety Shield

5–3

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot the instrument

To troubleshoot the instrument
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ILQGWKHIDXOW\DVVHPEO\XVHWKHGLVDVVHPEO\DQGDVVHPEO\SURFHGXUHVLQFKDSWHUWR
UHSODFHWKHDVVHPEO\
7KHSULPDU\SURFHGXUDOWRROLQWKLVVHFWLRQLVWKHIORZFKDUW7KHIORZFKDUWFRQWDLQVWKH
HQWLUHWURXEOHVKRRWLQJSDWKIURPDIDLOHGLQVWUXPHQWWRDZRUNLQJRQHDQGZLOOGLUHFW\RX
LQDQRUGHUO\PDQQHUWKURXJKWKHSRVVLEOHIDLOXUHV\PSWRPV5HIHUHQFHOHWWHUVRQWKH
IORZFKDUWVSRLQWWRSURFHGXUDOVWHSVWKDWH[SODLQWKHEULHILQVWUXFWLRQVLQWKHFKDUW'RQRW
WU\WRWURXEOHVKRRWE\IROORZLQJRQO\WKHUHIHUHQFHWH[WEHFDXVHWKHWH[WLVQRWLQWKHFRUUHFW
RUGHUIRUWURXEOHVKRRWLQJ,QVWHDGVLPSO\IROORZWKHIORZFKDUW
,I\RXDUHXQIDPLOLDUZLWKWKLVLQVWUXPHQWVWDUWZLWKWKH3ULPDU\7URXEOH,VRODWLRQ
)ORZFKDUWRQWKHQH[WSDJH

5–4

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot the instrument

Primary Trouble Isolation Flowchart

Primary Trouble Isolation
A
B

Go to ’No Display
Debug’

Yes

Perform power-up
Check display
On
screen display
problems
?

No
C

Replace
motherboard.

Check processor
temperature?

Check front panel
response.

Do
knob and key test
OK?

Is
temperature
OK?

Go to ’Keyboard
Troubleshooting’

Go to ’Acquisition
Troubleshooting’

Yes

Yes
D

Replace fan.

Yes

Check for fan fail
message.

Does
fan fail?

Yes

Yes
G

No
E

Go to Acquisition
Troubleshooting

Check Self Calibration

Does
self calibration test
pass?

Run scope self tests.

Does
self test
pass?

Does
LED test
OK?

Yes
System works; do
performance tests
End

54830F01

5–5

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Primary Trouble Isolation

Primary Trouble Isolation
7KHDFWLRQVLQWKH3ULPDU\7URXEOH,VRODWLRQDUHGRQHZLWKRXWGLVDVVHPEOLQJWKHLQVWUXPHQW
,QWHUDFWLRQRIWKHIURQWSDQHOZLWKWKHUHVWRIWKHLQVWUXPHQWDQGRWKHULQGLFDWRUVDUHXVHG
WRKHOSLGHQWLI\WKHSUREOHPDUHD
$OHWWHULVDVVLJQHGWRER[HVLQWKHIORZFKDUW7KHOHWWHUFRUUHVSRQGVWRDVSHFLILFVHFWLRQLQ
WKHUHIHUHQFHWH[W%HVXUHWRXVHWKHIORZFKDUWLWVHOIIRU\RXUWURXEOHVKRRWLQJSDWK
A Perform power-up.
1 Power-on the instrument.
A short time after the instrument is turned on, the scope graticule is displayed on the
screen. The screen should look similar to the next figure. The exact appearance may vary
depending on the setup selected before the instrument was turned off.
Figure 5-2

Power-on Display Default (Graphical Interface Disabled)

2 Press the Default Setup key.
B Check the display.
7KHGLVSOD\RQWKHVFUHHQVKRXOGEHVLPLODUWRWKHILJXUHDERYH,IWKHUHLVQRGLVSOD\RQWKH
RVFLOORVFRSHIODWSDQHOGLVSOD\DIWHUSRZHUXSJRWRWKH1R'LVSOD\7URXEOH,VRODWLRQ
)ORZFKDUWRWKHUZLVHJRWRVWHS&

5–6

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Primary Trouble Isolation

C Check the processor temperature. If the processor temperature is over 70 °C, the

motherboard will turn on an audible alarm. If the alarm can be heard:
1 Reboot the oscilloscope.
2 Press del key when the splash screen is seen.
3 Scroll down to PC Health Status and press the Enter key.
4 Check that the Current CPU Temperature is around 45 °C.
,IWKHSURFHVVRUWHPSHUDWXUHLVKRWFKHFNWKHIROORZLQJ
1 Check that the processor’s heatsink is properly attached.
2 Check that the heatsink fan cable is connected to the motherboard.
,IWKHDERYHVWHSVGRQRWVROYHWKHSUREOHPWKHQUHSODFHWKHPRWKHUERDUGDVVHPEO\
D Check for the fan failure message. When the oscilloscope application loads, it will

check that the fans are running. If a fan is not running, a fan failure message will appear.
If more than one fan has failed, the oscilloscope will shut down.
E Run oscilloscope self-tests.
1 Enable the graphical interface. Refer to section 2 “Preparing for use” for instructions.
2 Select Self Test from the Utilities menu.
3 Select Scope Self Tests from the Self Test drop down list box.
4 Click the Start Test button and follow the instructions on the screen.
,IDQ\RIWKHVHOIWHVWVIDLOJRWRWKH$FTXLVLWLRQ7URXEOH,VRODWLRQWURXEOHVKRRWLQJIORZFKDUW
ODWHULQWKLVFKDSWHUIRUIXUWKHUWURXEOHVKRRWLQJ2WKHUZLVHJRWRVWHS)
F Check the front panel response by running the knob, key, and LED self tests.
8VHWKLVSURFHGXUHWRYHULI\FRUUHFWNH\ERDUGRSHUDWLRQ
1 Enable the graphical interface.
2 Select Self Test from the Utilities menu.
3 Select Knob and Key from the Self Test drop down list box, then click Start.
$QHZZLQGRZDSSHDUVZLWKDV\PEROLFUHSUHVHQWDWLRQRIWKHNH\ERDUG6HHILJXUH

5–7

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Primary Trouble Isolation

Figure 5-3

When you push a key
or turn a knob in both
directions, the
corresponding symbol
on this screen turns
green.

Knob and Key Self Test Screen

4 Push each key on the keyboard until you have pushed all keys.
:KHQ\RXSXVKDNH\WKHFRUUHVSRQGLQJNH\V\PERORQWKHGLVSOD\VKRXOGFKDQJHIURPUHG
WRJUHHQ
5 Turn each knob in both directions until you have turned all knobs.
:KHQ\RXWXUQDNQRELQRQHGLUHFWLRQWKHFRUUHVSRQGLQJNQREV\PERORQWKHGLVSOD\VKRXOG
FKDQJHIURPUHGWR\HOORZ:KHQ\RXWKHQWXUQWKHNQRELQWKHRWKHUGLUHFWLRQWKHNQRE
V\PEROVKRXOGFKDQJHIURP\HOORZWRJUHHQ
6 When you are finished, click Close.
,IDQ\RIWKHNQREVRUNH\VGRQRWZRUNJRWR7RFKHFNWKHNH\ERDUG7URXEOHVKRRWLQJ
3URFHGXUH

5–8

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Primary Trouble Isolation

8VHWKHIROORZLQJSURFHGXUHWRWHVWWKHIURQWSDQHO/(' OLJKWHPLWWLQJGLRGH LQGLFDWRUV
1 Enable the graphical interface.
2 Select Self Test from the Utilities menu.
3 Select LED from the Self Test drop-down list box, then click Start Test.
7KH/('WHVWVFUHHQDSSHDUVZKLFKVKRZVDV\PEROLFUHSUHVHQWDWLRQRIDOOIURQWSDQHO/('
LQGLFDWRUV6HHILJXUH
Figure 5-4

LED Test Screen

4 Push the Marker A left and right arrow keys to highlight each LED symbol in the test
screen. Verify that the corresponding LEDs on the front panel are the only ones
illuminated.
Test by Rows
You can use the Marker B arrow keys to test LEDs by row; however, in the event that two LED indicators
are shorted together, there is a small chance that the test will not reveal the failure.
5 When you are finished, click Close.
If any of the LEDS do not work, go to “To check the LEDs” later in this chapter.
6 If both tests pass, go to step E.
G Self Calibration
1 Complete a self Calibration by following the procedures in chapter 3, “Testing
Performance.”
2 If the calibration test fails, replace the acquisition assembly. If the calibration test passes,
go to step F.
H The system is operational. Performance test the oscilloscope using the procedures in

chapter 3 of this service manual.
5–9

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
No Display Trouble Isolation

No Display Trouble Isolation
No Display Debug
Remove acquisition board.
Plug unit in and turn it on.

Do fans
turn on & does
motherboard beep
(@10 sec)?

Remove the probe interface
board cable from the power
board.
Yes

Go to ’Front Panel
Display Debug’

Is
power board
OK?

Unplug unit. Remove cover.
Disconnect cables to power
board and motherboard from
the power supply.

Check the motherboard using
the ’Motherboard Verification’
flowchart in this chapter.

Yes
Remove AC power. Plug all
cables back into boards

Turn on unit.
Does
unit turn on
?

Replace power supply.
Go to ’Primary
Trouble Isolation’.

Does
unit turn on
?
Replace motherboard.
Yes
Go to ’Primary
Trouble Isolation’.

Replace acquisition
board.
Go to ’Primary
Trouble Isolation’

Plug probe interface board
cable back into power board.
Turn unit on.

No trouble found.
Loose connectors were
probably reseated.
End

5–10

Go to ’Primary
Trouble Isolation’.

Yes

No Display Trouble Isolation Flowchart

Replace power board.

Reinstall acquisition board.

Check the power supply using
the ’Power Supply Verification’
flowchart in this chapter.

Is
motherboard
OK?

Yes

Plug in AC power.

Is
power supply
OK?

Check the power board using
the ’Power Board Verification’
flowchart in this chapter.

Go to ’AutoProbe
Board Power Problem’

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Front Panel Display Debug

Front Panel Display Debug
Front Panel Display Debug
Turn unit on. Connect external monitor to VGA port.
Does
display appear
on monitor
?

Connect external
monitor to secondary
display port.

Yes
Check ffc display
cable connection to
SVGA card and LCD

Does
display appear
on monitor
?

Is
front Panel
black?
Yes

Does
front panel
display
work?

Check inverter board
control cable.

Check voltage on
Cap C2 of SVGA
card. Should be 12V.

Yes
No

Try a golden SVGA
card to verify failure
Does
display work
with golden
card?

Yes

Try a golden SVGA
card to verify failure

Yes
Does
display work
with golden
card?

Replace LCD.
No
Replace
LCD.

Replace
SVGA card

Is cable
and voltage
OK?

Does
front panel
display
work?

Yes

Replace
inverter.

Replace
SVGA card.

No
Replace
motherboard.

Yes
Go to ’Primary Trouble Isolation’.

5–11

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Front Panel Display Debug

WAR N IN G

SHOCK HAZARD!
The backlight inverter assembly, which is mounted at the front corner of the instrument near
the flat-panel display, operates at 1.3 kV at turn on. DO NOT handle this assembly while it is in
operation.

WAR N IN G

INJURY CAN RESULT!
Once the cover is removed, the fan blades are exposed both inside and outside the chassis.
Disconnect the power cable before working around the fan. Use extreme caution in working with
the instrument when the cover is removed. Install the fan safety shield (Agilent Technologies
P/N 54810-00601) on the side of the chassis over the fan. Failure to observe these precautions
may result in injury.

)RULQIRUPDWLRQRQKRZWRUHSODFHWKHGLVSOD\SDUWVVHHFKDSWHU

5–12

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Motherboard Verification

Motherboard Verification
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VXSSO\RUDWHVWIL[WXUHWKDWFDQEHEXLOWDVIROORZV
8VLQJDQ$03FRQQHFWRU7\FR(OHFWURQLFVSDUWQXPEHURU$JLOHQWSDUWQXPEHU
VROGHUZLUHVEHWZHHQWKHSLQVDVVKRZQLQWKH)LJXUH
Figure 5-5

5–13

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Motherboard Verification

Motherboard Verification
Obtain a 300 Watt or greater ATX PC power
supply, or build a test fixture per instructions
Disconnect ac power.
Plug motherboard
connector of ATX
supply into
motherboard power
connector.

Yes

Using
ATX power
supply?

Plug test fixture into sense line of
power harness.

Plug ac power into power
supply being used.

Plug motherboard connector of
power harness into motherboard.

Push power button on front of
instrument.

Do fans
turn on & does
motherboard beep
(@10 sec)?

Go to
No

Yes
Hit delete at splash
screen. Enter bios setup.

Is power board,
54855-66502, in
instrument?

Yes

Motherboard OK.

5–14

Set bios up
correctly note
wrong setting.
Go to ’Primary
Trouble Isolation’.

No
Setup bios per
setting instructions.

Is
’Power on After
Power Fail’ set
to off?

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Motherboard Verification

Check that the motherboard switch cable
is seated properly.

Is
cable
OK?

Motherboard verification

Pull cable from PCI bridge board. Use
tweezers to short two pins together.

Do fans
turn on & does
motherboard beep
(@10 sec)?

Yes

Go to ’Front Panel
Button Debug’.

No
Remove all PCI cards and disconnect
hard drive, CD drive and floppy drive
from the motherboard.
Use tweezers and motherboard switch
cable to try and get the motherboard to
boot.

Do fans
turn on & does
motherboard beep
(@10 sec)?

Replace motherboard if
all components removed
& motherboard still does
not boot.

Go to ’Primary
Trouble Isolation’.

Yes
Start adding components back in one at
a time. Remove all cables from cards and
add them back on one at a time also

5–15

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
To configure the motherboard jumpers and setup BIOS

To configure the motherboard jumpers and setup BIOS
,IWKH%,26VHWWLQJVEHFRPHFRUUXSWHGWKH,QILQLLXPRVFLOORVFRSH3&PRWKHUERDUGZLOOQRW
UHFRJQL]HWKHKDUGGULYHDQGWKHXQLWZLOOQRWERRW7RGHWHUPLQHWKHFRUUHFW%,26VHWXS
SURFHGXUHIRU\RXUFRQILJXUDWLRQGHWHUPLQHWKHIROORZLQJLQIRUPDWLRQ
• BIOS release number
• RAM size shown on screen at power-up
)URPWKLVLQIRUPDWLRQGHWHUPLQHWKHFRUUHFW:,1%,26VHWXSSURFHGXUHLQRUGHUWRHQWHU
WKHFRUUHFW%,26VHWWLQJ
Configure the MOT series VP-22 1 GHz CPU, floppy drive, and CD-ROM.
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RIWKLVFRQILJXUDWLRQDUHHTXLSSHGZLWWKH0276HULHV93PRWKHUERDUGDQGWKH,QWHO
*+]SURFHVVRU7KHPRWKHUERDUGpVYROWDJHVHOHFWLVDXWRPDWLFIRUWKHFRUUHFWSURFHVVRU
YROWDJH
7KLVPRWKHUERDUGFRQILJXUDWLRQOLVWVWKHIROORZLQJPHVVDJHRUVLPLODUDWWXUQRQ
Award Modular BIOS v.6.0PG
Copyright
VP22
Main Processor: Intel Pentium III 1 GHz
Memory Test: 262144K OK

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%,26VHWXSSURFHGXUH
7KLVFRQILJXUDWLRQYLQWDJHLQFRUSRUDWHVPHFKDQLFDOFKDQJHVWRWKHLQVWUXPHQWFKDVVLVDQG
FDEOLQJWRPDWFKWKHFKDQJHLQIRUPIDFWRURIWKLVPRWKHUERDUG6HH5HSODFHDEOH3DUWV
FKDSWHUIRUQHZSDUWQXPEHUV
7KHPRWKHUERDUGMXPSHULQIRUPDWLRQDQG%,26VHWXSVSURFHGXUHVDUHSUHVHQWHGLQWKH
IROORZLQJSDJHV

5–16

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
To configure the motherboard jumpers and setup BIOS

Configure the MOT series VP-22 Motherboard BIOS parameters.
8VHWKLVSURFHGXUHWRVHWWKH02793PRWKHUERDUG%,26
1 Connect the power cable to the Infiniium oscilloscope.
2 Connect the external keyboard to the rear panel.
3 Press the delete key when you see the following prompt on the bottom of the screen
Press TAB to Show POST screen, DEL to enter SETUP, F12 to select boot device.

1RWH,I\RXDUHQRWVHHLQJWKHSURPSWRUWKHRVFLOORVFRSHGRHVQRWDSSHDUWREHIXQFWLRQLQJ
FKHFNWKHPRWKHUERDUGMXPSHUVHWWLQJDQGWKHULEERQFDEOHFRQQHFWRUV2WKHUZLVHFRQWLQXH
ZLWKWKHQH[WVWHS

5–17

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
To configure the motherboard jumpers and setup BIOS

BIOS Setup Procedure
1 Go to Load Setting 2 Defaults and press Enter key. Select Y to load the defaults of

BIOS Setting 2 and press the Enter key.
2 If you have a power board part number 54855-66502 then perform the following steps.
3
4
5
6
7

Otherwise, go to step 7.
Go to Power Management Setup and press the Enter key.
Select the PWORN After PWR-Fail setting and press the Enter key.
Select the Off option and press the Enter key.
Return to the CMOS Setup Utility by pressing the Esc key.
Press F10 to save and exit the setup. Type “Y” to save changes.

5–18

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
POST Code Listing

POST Code Listing
8VHWKHIROORZLQJOLVWLQJWRWURXEOHVKRRWWKHPRWKHUERDUG
Source Exif Data:
File Type : PDF
File Type Extension : pdf
MIME Type : application/pdf
PDF Version : 1.4
Linearized : Yes
Create Date : 2003:10:07 09:28:25Z
Modify Date : 2003:10:16 13:16:18-06:00
Subject : 54853A, 54854A, and 54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes Service Guide
Page Count : 194
Page Mode : UseOutlines
Page Layout : SinglePage
Creation Date : 2003:10:07 09:28:25Z
Producer : Acrobat Distiller 4.05 for Windows
Mod Date : 2003:10:16 13:16:18-06:00
Author : Agilent Technologies Design Validation Division
Metadata Date : 2003:10:16 13:16:18-06:00
Title : 54853A, 54854A, and 54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes Service Guide
Description : 54853A, 54854A, and 54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes Service Guide
Creator : Agilent Technologies Design Validation Division

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

54853A, 54854A, And 54855A Infiniium Oscilloscopes Service Guide Agilent 54853A 54854A

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