Keysight (Agilent HP) E4446A Repair Service
Product model
E4446A PSA Spectrum Analyzer, 3 Hz - 44 GHzServices
Keep your Agilent E4446A Spectrum Analyzer in service with our repair and calibration. We specialize in unsupported equipment. Free evaluations.
Description
E4446A PSA high-performance spectrum analyzer measures and monitors complex RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave signals up to GHz. With optional external mixing, the frequency coverage expands to 110 GHz with our external mixer, and to 325 GHz with other vendors' mixers.
Repair prices
Any failures or unforeseen issues identified during the calibration phase will be detailed in an estimate submitted for your approval prior to any further action. Repair charges are determined by the actual time and materials required. Please be aware that customers are responsible for all associated shipping costs, to and from our location. This initial estimate is provided free of charge.
E4446A Specifications – click to expand
E4446A Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 3 Hz to 44 GHz (DC coupled) |
| Sweep Time | Span >= 10 Hz, 1 ms to 2000 s |
| Phase Noise at 1GHz (10 kHz Offset) | -116 dBc/Hz |
| Maximum Third Order Dynamic Range, 1 GHz | 113 dB |
| Displayed Average Noise at 1 GHz | -168 dBm |
| Standard Attenuator Range/Step | 70 dB / 2 dB |
| Overall Amplitude Accuracy | ± 0.62 dB |
| Resolution Bandwidth | 1 Hz to 3 MHz (10 % steps), 4, 5, 6, 8 MHz |
| Standard Analysis Bandwidth | 10 MHz |
E4446A Options – click to expand
E4446A Options
- Opt 226, Phase noise
- Opt 219, Noise figure Requires Option IDS or 110 to meet specifications
- Opt 241, Flexible digital modulation analysis
- Opt BAF, W-CDMA Requires B7J
- Opt 210, HSDPA/HSUPA (for W-CDMA) Requires B7J and BAF
- Opt 202, GSM w/ EDGE Requires B7J
- Opt B78, cdma2000 Requires B7J
- Opt 214, 1xEV-DV Requires B7J and B78
- Opt 204, 1xEV-DO Requires B7J
- Opt BAC, cdmaOne Requires B7J
- Opt BAE, NADC, PCD Requires B7J
- Opt 217, WLAN Requires 122 or 140
- Opt 211, TD-SCDMA power measurement
- Opt 212, TD-SCDMA modulation
- Opt 213, HSPA for TD-SCDMA Requires Option 212
- Opt 215, External source control
- Opt 266, Programming code compatibility suite
- Opt 233, Built-in measuring receiver personality
- Opt 23A, AM/FM/PM triggering Requires Option 233
- Opt 23B, CCITT filter Requires Option 233
- Opt 239, N9039A RF preselector control. Options
- Opt 1DS, RF internal preamplifier (100 kHz to 3 GHz), Excludes 110
- Opt 110, RF/µW internal preamplifier (10 MHz to upper frequency limit of the PSA), Excludes 1DS
- Opt B7J, Digital demodulation hardware
- Opt 122, 80 MHz bandwidth digitizer, excludes 140, 107, H70
- Opt 140, 40 MHz bandwidth digitizer, excludes 122, 107, H70
- Opt 123, Switchable MW preselector bypass Excludes AYZ (Option HY3 allows coexistance of 123 and AYZ)
- Opt 124, Y-axis video output
- Opt AYZ, External mixing, excludes 123 (Option HY3 allows coexistance of 123 and AYZ)
- Opt 107, Audio input 100 k-ohm Requires 233 to operate; excludes 122, 140
- Opt 111, USB device side I/O interface Shipped standard in all PSA instruments with serial number prefix >= MY4615 unless 117 license is activated
- Opt 115, 512 MB user memory
- Opt 117, Secure memory erase Excludes 115
- Opt BAB, Replaces type-N input connector with APC 3.5 connector
- Opt H70, 70 MHz IF output Excludes 122, 140
- Opt HYX, 21.4 MHz IF output Available for all PSA models
- Opt HY3, Switched LO for Options AYZ and 123
Agilent / HP E4446A Error Codes – click to expand
Agilent E4446A Error Codes and Messages
Error and status messages for the Agilent E4446A PSA spectrum analyzer. Numbered errors appear in the error queue (System, Show Errors); status messages appear in the upper-right of the display. Hardware-related messages are listed first.
E4446A notes
- The E4446A is a PSA-series analyzer to 44 GHz. PSA and ESA share one message manual, but some numbers mean different things (for example 108, and the 600-series file errors), so this list uses the PSA numbering.
- The E4446A millimeter front end uses the A19 SBTX/RYTHM assembly, the A29 SBTX Driver board and the A30 FIFA first IF amplifier, with a 10 dB/switch (A14) and 60 dB (A15) input attenuator pair.
- With Option 123 fitted, error 235 means the 26.5–50 GHz preselector bypass is on, not a fault.
- Errors 787–789 on the E4446A only apply with the Option 122/140 wideband IF installed.
E4446A hardware and alignment errors
| Error | Message | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 64 | Align All Now Needed | The stored alignment data is no longer valid. Run System, Alignments, Align Now, All. If the message comes straight back, or the alignment itself fails, there is a hardware fault in the signal path being aligned. |
| 102 | Excessive 50 MHz RF input power is preventing internal alignments | Too much 50 MHz energy is at the RF input for the internal alignment to run. Bring the input below 0 dBm and align again. |
| 103 | Sampling Oscillator Unlock | The sampling oscillator that helps lock the first LO has lost lock. This is a hardware fault: on the E4446A check the A12A2 Sampling Oscillator board and the 600 MHz reference reaching it from A11 over cable A12W2. |
| 104 | 1st LO Unlock | The first LO cannot hold phase lock. Usually hardware: on the E4446A the usual suspects are the A18 YTO, the A12A1 LO/Synthesizer board, the A21 FELOMA (LO multiplier/amplifier) and the A13 Front End Driver (YTO coil drive and LO leveling). |
| 105 | 2nd LO Unlock | The second LO has lost phase lock. On the E4446A the 2nd LO is on the A9 2nd LO/Fan Control assembly, fed with 600 MHz from the A11 Reference. |
| 106 | 4th LO Unlock | The fourth LO in the IF chain has lost phase lock. On the E4446A look at the IF chain (A8 Analog IF / A7 Digital IF) and its reference inputs. |
| 107 | Sample Clock Unlock | The ADC sample clock has lost lock. On the E4446A the sample clock serves the A7 Digital IF; check it and the reference feeding it. |
| 143 | Final IF Overload | The final IF stage is overdriven. Add input attenuation or lower the signal. If it shows with no signal connected, suspect the IF section. |
| 197 | Marker Freq Count HW Failure | The marker counter hardware did not return a valid count. A persistent failure points to the IF/counter circuitry. |
| 206 | Unable to initialize flatness data | Flatness correction data in the internal EEROM could not be set up. Amplitude flatness will be wrong until the data is restored; this needs service. |
| 207 | Unable to store flatness data | Writing flatness correction data to the internal EEROM failed. Usually means a memory problem or a failed adjustment; needs service. |
| 622 | External reference missing or out of range | External reference is selected but the signal at EXT REF IN is missing, too low, or not at the frequency entered. If it appears on internal reference, suspect the reference circuitry. |
| 653 | Auto Align not available when using Calibration Defaults | Calibration defaults are loaded, so auto alignment is off until Align Now, All has been run successfully. |
| 767 | Failed to Initialize ISTATE regions. Fatal LDS error | The instrument state memory could not be initialized at power-up. Cycle power; if it repeats, the processor or its memory needs service. |
| 605 | Data corrupt or stale; EEPROM copy of | A calibration file in EEPROM is corrupt beyond repair by its error-correction codes, so default values were loaded. Amplitude and frequency accuracy may be off; frequent occurrences point to failing memory. |
| 606 | Data questionable; EEPROM copy of | The EEPROM copy of an internal file is unusable and a default was used in its place. Report for service. |
| 608 | Mass storage error; EEPROM write timeout | An EEPROM write did not finish in time. Repeated occurrences indicate a memory or board fault. |
| 609 | Restoration of NVRAM data | A file in non-volatile RAM was repaired from its error-correction codes. Harmless once; if it appears at every power-up, the memory is failing. |
| 786 | Cal file not initialized correctly, | An older LO board is fitted whose EEPROM band-edge cal file has no millimeter-band values. Seen in service mode after board swaps. |
| 787 | WBIF Self Test Failed | The Option 122/140 wideband IF failed its power-on loop-back test (ADC image cal, DAC playback, power and S/N check). Hardware fault or incorrect installation of the wideband IF boards. |
| 788 | WBIF ADC Image Calibration Failed | The two wideband ADCs could not be resynchronized. This calibration only fails with a hardware problem in the Option 122/140 digitizer. |
| 789 | WBIF Firmware Reset | The local processor on the wideband digitizer was reset. Repeated resets indicate a wideband IF hardware fault. |
E4446A status messages
| Status message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 50 MHz Osc Unlevel | The internal 50 MHz amplitude reference is unleveled. Alignments cannot run correctly until this is fixed; points to the calibrator/reference circuitry. |
| First IF Overload | The first IF is overdriven. Increase attenuation or reduce the input; with no input applied it indicates an RF/IF fault. |
| Frequency Reference Error (Freq Ref Unlocked) | The frequency reference loop is unlocked or near unlock. On external reference, check the source matches the entered value; on internal reference it is a reference-board fault. |
| LO Unlock (Synth Unlocked) | The LO phase-lock circuitry is unlocked. Readings are invalid until it is repaired. |
| LO Unlevel (LO Unleveled) | The LO drive is unleveled inside the instrument, causing low or unstable signal levels. |
| ADC / IF / LO / RF Align Failure | Status bits that are set when a particular alignment routine fails. The failing routine identifies the section to troubleshoot. |
E4446A setup messages
| Error | Message | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 129 | Meas Uncal | Sweep is too fast for the RBW/VBW. Increase sweep time or press Auto Couple. |
| 163 | Freq Count: Reduce Span/RBW ratio | Span is too wide for the RBW to count a marker. Narrow the span or widen the RBW. |
| 201 | Option not installed | The function needs an option this unit does not have. |
| 202 | No peak found | No signal met the peak search criteria. |
| 208 | Preselector is not available at this frequency | Preselector centering only works above about 3 GHz. |
| 209 | Preselector centering failed | Centering was attempted with too wide a span or no usable signal. |
| 211 | RBW limited to 1 kHz when Span > 5 MHz | Digital RBWs under 1 kHz are only available in narrower spans. |
| 224 | Option not licensed | The option is present but has no license key installed. |
| 229 | 3 – 26.5 GHz preselector bypassed, can't adjust | Option 123 preselector bypass is on, so the microwave preselector cannot be centered. |
| 235 | 26.5 – 50 GHz preselector bypassed, can't adjust | Option 123 bypass is on for the millimeter band, so it cannot be centered. |
| 236 | License conflict | Two options that cannot be licensed together were requested. |
| 751 | Instrument state set to initial values | A saved or power-on state was corrupt and defaults were loaded. |
| 757 | Unable to load user state, factory preset was done | The user preset is invalid; save a good state as the user preset. |
E4446A file and storage errors
| Error | Message |
|---|---|
| 601 | File not found |
| 602 | Media is protected |
| 603 | File is corrupt |
| 604 | File name error |
| 613 | Flash memory is full |
| 615 | File exists |
| 617 | Wrong density floppy inserted |
| 627 | Media is not writable |
| 763 | Bad, missing, or unformatted disk |
E4446A SCPI error ranges
| Range | Class |
|---|---|
| −100 to −199 | Command errors (syntax, header) |
| −200 to −299 | Execution errors (setting out of range, not allowed now) |
| −300 to −399 | Device-specific errors (queue overflow, self-test, memory) |
| −400 to −499 | Query errors (unterminated or interrupted query) |
LO unlock, alignment failure or IF overload on your E4446A? Analyzer Repair Inc. repairs and calibrates the Agilent E4446A in-house in Cocoa, Florida, including YTO, RF assembly, synthesizer and IF board faults. Free estimate once the unit is in our lab. Contact us for service.
Message numbers from Agilent ESA/PSA Instrument Messages and Functional Tests (E4440-90619); assembly references from the Agilent PSA Service Guide (E4440-90616).
Agilent / HP E4446A Replaceable Parts – click to expand
Agilent E4446A Replaceable Assemblies and Part Numbers
Major replaceable assemblies for the Agilent E4446A with Agilent part numbers from the Agilent PSA Service Guide (E4440-90616). Option-only parts are marked in the Notes column.
| Reference | Assembly | Agilent part number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Flat panel display | 2090-0897 | Serial prefix 4611 and above |
| A1 | Flat panel display retrofit kit | E4440-60445 | Below serial prefix 4611 (replaces 2090-0396) |
| A1A1 | Display converter board | E4440-63265 | |
| A2 | Front panel interface (with inverter boards and cable) | E4440-63266 | |
| A2A1/A2A2 | Inverter boards | 0950-3379 | |
| A3 | Keyboard assembly | E4406-60004 | Keypad not included |
| A5 | Power supply assembly | 0950-4447 | |
| A6 | SCSI interface board | E4406-60065 | Replaced by A39 on serial prefix 4611 and above |
| A7 | Digital IF assembly | E4440-60206 | Serial prefix 4611 and above; also Option 122/140, 124 |
| A7 | Digital IF retrofit kit | E4440-60711 | Replaces E4440-60025 / E4440-60195 |
| A8 | Analog IF assembly | E4440-60256 | |
| A9 | 2nd LO / fan control | E4440-60431 | |
| A10 | 3rd converter | E4440-60261 | Firmware A.03.03 or later required |
| A11 | Reference assembly | E4440-60225 | |
| A12 | Synthesizer assembly (A12A1, A12A2, shields, cables) | E4440-60185 | Firmware A.04.08 or later required |
| A12A1 | LO/synthesizer board | E4440-60283 | |
| A12A2 | Sampling oscillator board | E4440-60009 | |
| A13 | Front end driver board | E4446-60166 | Serial prefix 4251 and above |
| A13 | Front end driver replacement kit | E4446-60014 | Serial prefix 4222 and below |
| A14 | Input attenuator, 10 dB / switch | 33326-60009 | |
| A15 | Input attenuator, 60 dB | 33325-60009 | |
| A18 | YTO, 2.9 to 7 GHz | E4440-60023 | |
| A19 | SBTX/RYTHM assembly, 44 GHz | 5087-7184 | Refurbished 5087-6184 |
| A20 | Low band assembly | E4440-60217 | |
| A21 | FELOMA (frequency extended LO multiplying amplifier) | 5087-7126 | |
| A22 | Preamp assembly, 3 GHz | E4440-60444 | Option 1DS (firmware A.06.04 or later) |
| A23 | Floppy disk drive | 0950-2782 | |
| A25 | Motherboard | E4440-60001 | |
| A26 | CPU (processor) | E4406-60060 | Without DRAM / flash |
| A26A1 | 128 MB DRAM assembly | E4406-60053 | |
| A26A2 | 64 MB flash memory replacement kit | E4440-60094 | |
| A26BT1 | Lithium battery, 3 V | 1420-0314 | |
| A27 | Electronic attenuator | E4440-60456 | Option B7J |
| A28 | Audio out board | E4406-60025 | |
| A29 | SBTX driver board | E4446-60005 | |
| A30 | FIFA first IF amplifier | E4446-60007 | |
| A31 | Wideband analog IF | E4440-60215 | Option 122/140 |
| A32 | Wideband digital IF | E4440-60262 | Option 122/140 |
| A33 | 70 MHz output assembly | E4440-60424 | Option H70 |
| A34 | Unpreselected mm-wave mixer | 1NB7-8539 | Option 123 |
| A35 | Mixer bias board | E4440-60254 | Option 123 |
| A36 | Millimeter preamp, 50 GHz | 0955-1617 | Option 110 |
| A37 | Audio digitizer | E4440-60264 | Option 107 |
| A38 | Option driver assembly | E4440-60459 | Option 110/123 |
| A39 | USB/memory board | E4440-60252 | Option 111, 115, 117 |
| B1-B3 | Fan | E4406-60159 | |
| FL1 | Low pass filter, 3 GHz | 0955-0988 | |
| FL2 | Band pass filter, 3.9214 GHz | 0955-1074 |
Part obsolete? Many E4446A assemblies are no longer sold new. Analyzer Repair Inc. repairs E4446A RF assemblies, YTOs, IF and synthesizer boards at the component level in Cocoa, Florida. Free estimate once the unit is in our lab. Contact us for service.
From the Agilent PSA Service Guide (E4440-90616).
Located in: Spectrum Analyzers