Keysight (Agilent HP) E4401B Repair Service

E4401B ESA-E Spectrum Analyzer, 1kHz to 1.5 GHz
Expert repair and calibration for your Agilent HP E4401B Spectrum Analyzer. We specialize in obsolete, unsupported equipment. Free evaluations.
•1.1 dB overall amplitude accuracyrn•100 Hz to 5 MHz RBW, 100 Hz to 300 Hz optionalrn•+7.5 dBm TOIrn•5 minute warm-up to guaranteed measurement accuracy
e4401b
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.
E4401B Specifications – click to expand

E4401B Specifications

•1.1 dB overall amplitude accuracyrn•100 Hz to 5 MHz RBW, 100 Hz to 300 Hz optionalrn•+7.5 dBm TOIrn•5 minute warm-up to guaranteed measurement accuracy

E4401B Options – click to expand

E4401B Options

  • 1 kHz RBW and 1 kHz VBW
  • (measurement time)rn≤ 150 Hz x Ncrn (100 ms) ≤ 10 Hz x Ncrn (20 ms),
  • Option 1DR ≤ 2 Hz peak-to-peak x Ncrn, (20 ms),
  • Option 1DR and 1D5
  • Option PFR ≤ 0.25 Hz x Nc
  • (20 ms nominal)
  • Option 1D5 only 100 ms ≤ 100 Hz x Nc Standard ≤ 10 Hz x Nc
  • (20 ms nominal)
  • Option 1DR only 20 ms ≤ 10 Hz x Nc
  • Option 1DR and 1D5 only 20 ms ≤ 2 Hz peak-to-peak x Nc
Agilent / HP E4401B Error Codes – click to expand

Agilent E4401B Error Codes and Messages

Error and status messages for the Agilent E4401B ESA-E 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.

E4401B notes

  • The E4401B is an ESA-E analyzer to 1.5 GHz. This list uses the ESA numbering (108 is Cal Oscillator Unlock, 600-series file errors use ESA numbers).
  • The E4401B is a 1.5 GHz model: one A8 RF assembly, optional 1.5 GHz tracking generator (Option 1DN 50 Ω / 1DQ 75 Ω) and input overload protection. Disconnect the INPUT before running Align Now, All.
  • The E4401B accepts the E-series options such as Option 1D5 precision frequency reference, AYX fast ADC and BAA FM demod.

E4401B hardware and alignment errors

ErrorMessageMeaning
64Align All Now NeededThe stored alignment data is no longer valid.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.
102Excessive 50 MHz RF input power is preventing internal alignmentsToo much 50 MHz energy is at the RF input for the internal alignment to run. Bring the input below 0 dBm and align again.
103Sampling Oscillator UnlockThe sampling oscillator that helps lock the first LO has lost lock. This is a hardware fault: on the E4401B the LO circuits are part of the A8 1.5 GHz RF assembly.
1041st LO UnlockThe first LO cannot hold phase lock. Usually hardware: on the E4401B look at the A8 1.5 GHz RF assembly.
1052nd LO UnlockThe second LO has lost phase lock. On the E4401B this is on the A8 1.5 GHz RF assembly.
1064th LO UnlockThe fourth LO in the IF chain has lost phase lock. On the E4401B suspect the A3 IF assembly.
107Sample Clock UnlockThe ADC sample clock has lost lock. On the E4401B suspect the A3 IF assembly or its reference input.
108Cal Oscillator UnlockThe internal calibration oscillator has lost lock, so alignments and amplitude accuracy are affected. On the E4401B the calibrator is part of the A8 1.5 GHz RF assembly.
143Final IF OverloadThe final IF stage is overdriven. Add input attenuation or lower the signal. If it shows with no signal connected, suspect the IF section.
197Marker Freq Count HW FailureThe marker counter hardware did not return a valid count. A persistent failure points to the IF/counter circuitry.
206Unable to initialize flatness dataFlatness correction data in the internal EEROM could not be set up. Amplitude flatness will be wrong until the data is restored; this needs service.
207Unable to store flatness dataWriting flatness correction data to the internal EEROM failed. Usually means a memory problem or a failed adjustment; needs service.
622External reference missing or out of rangeExternal 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.
651Connect RF OUT to INPUTA tracking generator alignment was started without the TG RF OUT cabled to the analyzer INPUT. Connect it and repeat.
653Auto Align not available when using Calibration DefaultsCalibration defaults are loaded, so auto alignment is off until Align Now, All has been run successfully.
767Failed to Initialize ISTATE regions. Fatal LDS errorThe instrument state memory could not be initialized at power-up. Cycle power; if it repeats, the processor or its memory needs service.

E4401B status messages

Status messageMeaning
50 MHz Osc UnlevelThe internal 50 MHz amplitude reference is unleveled. Alignments cannot run correctly until this is fixed; points to the calibrator/reference circuitry.
First IF OverloadThe 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 FailureStatus bits that are set when a particular alignment routine fails. The failing routine identifies the section to troubleshoot.
Source LO Unlock / Source UnlevelTracking generator LO lost lock, or TG output cannot hold the set level. Check frequency and power are inside TG limits first; otherwise a TG board fault.
Overload: Reduce Signal and press The input overload protection tripped on this 1.5 GHz model. Reduce the signal and press ESC. Long exposure to high input power can damage the input.

E4401B setup messages

ErrorMessageMeaning
129Meas UncalSweep is too fast for the RBW/VBW. Increase sweep time or press Auto Couple.
163Freq Count: Reduce Span/RBW ratioSpan is too wide for the RBW to count a marker. Narrow the span or widen the RBW.
201Option not installedThe function needs an option this unit does not have.
202No peak foundNo signal met the peak search criteria.
204TG Frequency LimitThe tracking generator has reached the end of its frequency range.
211RBW limited to 1 kHz when Span > 5 MHzDigital RBWs under 1 kHz are only available in narrower spans.
214TG start freq is less than 9 kHzTracking generator is uncalibrated below 9 kHz.
224Option not licensedThe option is present but has no license key installed.
751Instrument state set to initial valuesA saved or power-on state was corrupt and defaults were loaded.
757Unable to load user state, factory preset was doneThe user preset is invalid; save a good state as the user preset.
769Invalid instrument modeThe requested measurement personality is not installed.

E4401B file and storage errors

ErrorMessage
604File exists
605Media is protected
607File name error
609Media is not writable
612File not found
613Flash memory is full
614Bad, missing, or unformatted disk
615File is corrupt
617Wrong density floppy inserted

E4401B SCPI error ranges

RangeClass
−100 to −199Command errors (syntax, header)
−200 to −299Execution errors (setting out of range, not allowed now)
−300 to −399Device-specific errors (queue overflow, self-test, memory)
−400 to −499Query errors (unterminated or interrupted query)

LO unlock, alignment failure or IF overload on your E4401B? Analyzer Repair Inc. repairs and calibrates the Agilent E4401B 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 ESA Spectrum Analyzers Service Guide.

Agilent / HP E4401B Replaceable Parts – click to expand

Agilent E4401B Replaceable Assemblies and Part Numbers

Major replaceable assemblies for the Agilent E4401B with Agilent part numbers from the Agilent ESA Spectrum Analyzers Service Guide. Option-only parts are marked in the Notes column.

ReferenceAssemblyAgilent part numberNotes
A1A1Front panel interface board kitE4401-60241
A1A1A1Rotary pulse generator (RPG)1990-1865
A1A2LCD assembly kitE4401-60242Serial prefix US4119 and above (earlier units take E4401-60241 and E4401-60242)
A1A2DS1/DS2Display backlight2090-0577Upper and lower
A1A3Front frame assemblyE4401-60257Except Option 060
A1MP5Main keypadE4401-40002
A21.5 GHz tracking generator, 50 ΩE4401-60128Option 1DN
A21.5 GHz tracking generator, 75 ΩE4401-60129Option 1DQ
A2A11.5 GHz TG control board kitE4401-60131Option 1DN/1DQ
A2A21.5 GHz TG RF board kit, 50 ΩE4401-60133Option 1DN
A2A21.5 GHz TG RF board kit, 75 ΩE4401-60134Option 1DQ
A2A31.5 GHz TG output board, 50 ΩE4401-60135Option 1DN
A2A31.5 GHz TG output board, 75 ΩE4401-60136Option 1DQ
A3IF assembly with shieldsE4401-60183
A4Processor assembly, enhanced memoryE4401-60233Option B72
A4A1Flash SIMM, 4 MBE4401-6010512 MB E4401-60081 with Option B72
A4A2DRAM SIMM, 32 MBE4401-60289Option B72
A4MAU58Lithium battery, 3 V1420-0556
A5Power supply assemblyE4401-60186
A5B1Fan3160-0866
A6Speaker/floppy assemblyE4401-60008
A7Motherboard, ESA-E seriesE4401-60107
A7A1IF/video/sweep portsE4401-60096Option A4J
A7A2GPIB assemblyE4401-60013Option A4H
A7A3RS-232 assemblyE4401-60014Option 1AX
A7A5Fast ADC assemblyE4401-60083Option AYX
A7A6FM demod assemblyE4401-60343Option BAA
A7A12IF out assemblyE4403-60076Option H55
A7A12IF out assemblyE4404-60034Option H70
A81.5 GHz RF assembly, 50 ΩE4401-60294Exchange E4401-69294
A81.5 GHz RF assembly, 75 ΩE4401-60100Option 1DP
A8A1Precision frequency referenceE4401-60036Option 1D5

Part obsolete? Many E4401B assemblies are no longer sold new. Analyzer Repair Inc. repairs E4401B 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 ESA Spectrum Analyzers Service Guide.

Located in: Spectrum Analyzers