Getting Started Guide

Agilent Technologies
N4261A Filter Tuning Software

Agilent Part Number: N4261-90001

Printed in USA
September 2001
Supersedes May 2001

© Copyright 2001 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice.
Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.

Acknowledgments
Pentium ® is a U.S. registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Windows NT ® is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows ® and MS Windows ® are U.S. registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

ii
 Contents

1. Introduction

2. Installing Agilent FTS

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Network Analyzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Calibration Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Agilent FTS Hardware Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
To Install the Hardware Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
To Configure a PC with Windows NT 4.0 for Use with Agilent FTS . 2-13
To Install Agilent FTS on the Internal PC of an E835x . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
From an External CD-ROM Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
From an External PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
From an External PC Over a LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
To Configure an E835x for Agilent FTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
To Change the Network Analyzer in Use with Agilent FTS . . . . . . . . 2-17

3. Overview of Agilent FTS

Which Tuning Stage Do I Start With? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Which Resonator Do I Tune First? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
When Is a Resonator or Coupler Tuned? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Anatomy of an Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
When Has a Tuning Stage Been Completed?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
When Is a Filter Tuned? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
When Is a Filter Untunable with Agilent FTS?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Contents-iii
 Contents

4. Troubleshooting
Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Error: Cannot Find C:\WinNT\regtlib.exe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Permission Denied When Running Automation Script for E835x . . . 4-2
Invalid VISA Message When Installing Agilent FTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
E835x Will Not Boot Up with FTS Installed on Internal PC . . . . . . . 4-3
USB Hardware License Key Not Recognized by Agilent FTS . . . . . . 4-4
Error: Could Not Connect to Network Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Contacting Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Sign Up for “Notify Me” Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Contents-iv
1 Introduction

1-1
Introduction

The Agilent filter tuning software (FTS) provides a visual representation

of how to make appropriate tuning adjustments to coupled-resonator
bandpass filters. It allows a filter tuner to intuitively and accurately tune
each resonator of a filter and adjust the couplings between resonators to
match the target response of an ideal or “reference” filter. The indicators
clearly show the state of each tuning element compared to its target
value. FTS is designed to:

• Reduce training requirements for filter tuners

• Allow for the use of less skilled filter tuners
• Reduce average filter tuning times for the manufacture of
coupled-resonator bandpass filters
FTS is used in conjunction with the typical measurement setup: vector
network analyzer (VNA), cables, fixtures, and calibration kits. FTS is
your interface with your VNA and filter, controlling the VNA for you. It:

• Sets up VNA sweep parameters

• Initiates measurements with the VNA
• Reads measurement data from the VNA
• Updates the FTS graphical display (tuning indicators, traces,
markers)
• Guides you in tuning order (optional)
FTS sets the sweep parameters based upon the filter information you
specify. The accuracy of the measurements will be the accuracy of the
network analyzer used, along with the calibration data used for error
correction.

1-2 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

2 Installing Agilent FTS

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-1

 Installing Agilent FTS
System Requirements

System Requirements

Computer
Minimum requirements:

• Pentium II processor, or better

• 266 MHz clock speed
(Agilent FTS can be run on the internal computer of the Agilent
E835x network analyzer)
• Windows 2000 or NT 4.0 operating system
• 64 Megabytes of RAM
• 20 Megabytes of hard disk space

Network Analyzer
An Agilent network analyzer capable of measuring 2-port S-parameters.
The following network analyzers will work with Agilent FTS:

• E835x
• 8719ES (or D with firmware upgrade 7.0 or later)
• 872xES (or D with firmware upgrade 7.0 or later)
• 875xE/ES (or D with firmware upgrade 7.0 or later)

NOTE Agilent FTS will not function properly with firmware version 7.60–7.66
on the Agilent 8719, 872x, or 875x.

Calibration Kit
• Appropriate kit for your VNA for full SOLT 2-port calibration (ECal
units can be used when supported by the analyzer.)

2-2 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
System Requirements

Cables
• Lan or GPIB cable (whichever is appropriate)
• Cables for connecting the filter to the network analyzer

NOTE A LAN or GPIB cable is not necessary when Agilent FTS is installed on
the internal computer of the Agilent E835x.

Agilent FTS Hardware Key

• USB or parallel port (included in product package)

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-3

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

1. Connect your analyzer to your PC with a LAN cable (for E835x) or
GPIB cable (for 875x or 872x).

NOTE The E835x analyzer supports the installation of application software on

its internal computer. See the procedures listed in To Install Agilent FTS on
the Internal PC of an E835x at the end of this chapter for details about
accessing the Agilent FTS CD-ROM with the E835x. Then follow the
instructions below.

NOTE When using Agilent FTS with the 875x or 872x, the GPIB interface
software, including VISA libraries, must be installed prior to installation
of Agilent FTS.

NOTE GPIB is not supported for controlling the E835x network analyzer.

NOTE If you are using a USB hardware key with Agilent FTS, do not install it
on your PC or E835x until after the software has been installed.

2. Insert the Agilent FTS CD-ROM into the CD drive of your PC. The
Welcome dialog appears.

If the Welcome dialog does not appear because Autorun is disabled,

you can manually start the installation. From the Start menu on the
PC desktop, select Run.... The Run dialog will appear. Type the
following at the prompt:
E:\FTSSetup.exe
(Choose the appropriate drive letter for your CD/DVD ROM drive.)

2-4 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

Welcome to Agilent FTS Dialog

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-5

Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

3. Click Next. The Agilent FTS License Agreement dialog appears.

Agilent FTS License Agreement Dialog

4. Read the license agreement. Click the radio button to accept the
license agreement.

2-6 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

5. Click Next. The User Information dialog appears.

User Information Dialog

6. Enter your full name and your organizations name.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-7

Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

7. Click Next. The VNA Support dialog appears.

VNA Support Dialog

8. Click Agilent E835x Network Analyzer support if you will use Agilent
FTS with an E835x network analyzer. In PNA Host Name, enter the
host name of the E835x analyzer.
9. Click Agilent 87xx Network Analyzer support if you will use Agilent FTS
with an 87xx network analyzer. In GPIB Address, enter the GPIB
address of the 87xx network analyzer.

2-8 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

10. Click Next. The Agilent FTS Destination Folder dialog appears.

Agilent FTS Destination Folder Dialog

11. Select the desired destination folder for the Agilent FTS application.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-9

Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

12. Click Next. The Ready to Install dialog appears.

Ready to Install Dialog

2-10 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software

13. Click Next to begin installation. The Successful Installation dialog

appears and indicates that Agilent FTS has been successfully
installed.

Successful Installation Dialog

14. Click Finish.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-11

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install the Hardware Key

To Install the Hardware Key

1. For PCs with USB ports, plug the USB key into an available USB
port after installing Agilent FTS.

NOTE The E835x analyzer has an internal PC that supports USB. USB or
parallel hardware keys can be used if Agilent FTS is installed on the
internal PC of the analyzer. The USB hardware key can be connected
directly to the analyzer, but a USB hub is necessary to allow for
connection of the hardware key, keyboard, and mouse. Agilent
recommends the powered Hewlett-Packard USB hub that is available as
an option with the E835x. The parallel key requires a parallel-port
adapter.

NOTE Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB. If you are using Windows NT 4.0,
you must use a parallel hardware key.

2. For PCs without USB ports, connect the parallel hardware key into
the parallel port.

2-12 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Configure a PC with Windows NT 4.0 for Use with Agilent FTS

To Configure a PC with Windows NT 4.0 for

Use with Agilent FTS
1. Install the latest version of HTML Help. It is available free at:
http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/library/tools/htmlhelp/wkshp/downlo
ad_main.htm
2. If you are using Agilent FTS with the E835x, install the latest version
of Microsoft Windows Scrip 5.6 or greater. This program is needed to
run the automation script that sets up the interface between the PC
and the E835x. It is available free at:
http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/scripting/

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-13

Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent FTS on the Internal PC of an E835x

To Install Agilent FTS on the Internal PC of

an E835x
There are three ways to access the Agilent FTS CD-ROM on your E835x.
You must be listed as an Administrator on your E835x.

From an External CD-ROM Drive

1. Install an external CD-ROM drive (USB format) into a USB hub
connected to a USB port on your E835x (or directly into a USB port on
your E835x).
2. Follow the procedure from “To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software”
on page 2-4. Start at Step 2 of the procedure.

From an External PC
Contact your Network or Systems Administrator with any questions.

1. Connect your E835x directly to your PC with a crossover cable (a

regular straight LAN cable will not work).
2. On the desktop of your external PC, right-click on the My Computer
icon. Select Properties.
3. Click on the Network Identification tab.
4. Click Properties.
5. Click on the Workgroup radio button. Enter the name of the
Workgroup. This name must be the same for both your PC and the
E835x.
6. Click OK.
7. Click OK.
8. On the desktop of the internal PC of your E835x, right-click on the My
Computer icon. Select Properties.

9. Repeat steps 3−7. In step 5, enter the same Workgroup name used
with this step on your PC. This name must be the same for both your
PC and the E835x.

2-14 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Install Agilent FTS on the Internal PC of an E835x

10. Follow the procedure from “To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software”
on page 2-4. Start at Step 2 of the procedure.

From an External PC Over a LAN

Contact your Network or Systems Administrator for any questions about
setting up or connecting to a LAN.

1. Connect the E835x to your LAN with a straight LAN cable.

2. On the desktop of your external PC, double-click on the My Computer
icon.
3. Right-click on the icon for the CD-ROM drive. Select Sharing.
4. Select Share this folder.
5. In the Share name area, enter the letter designation for the CD-ROM
drive.
6. Click OK.
7. On the desktop of the internal PC of your E835x, select Run... The Run
dialog will appear. Where hostname is the name of your external PC,
type the following at the prompt:
\\hostname\E$\FTSSetup.exe
(Choose the appropriate drive letter for your shared CD-ROM drive.)
The Welcome dialog appears.
8. Follow the procedure from “To Install Agilent Filter Tuning Software”
on page 2-4. Start at Step 3 of the procedure.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-15

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Configure an E835x for Agilent FTS

To Configure an E835x for Agilent FTS

NOTE If you have installed Agilent FTS on the internal PC of your E835x (not
on an external PC), you do not need to perform the following procedure.

NOTE If you have installed Agilent FTS on a PC with Windows NT 4.0

operating system, you must install the latest version of Microsoft
Windows Script (version 5.6 or greater) before performing the following
procedure. This program is needed to run the automation script which
sets up the interface between the PC and the E835x. It is available free
at: http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/scripting/

You must be listed as an Administrator on your E835x. The user name

and password must also match for your PC and the E835x.

1. Right-click on the My Network Place icon on your PC desktop.

2. Select Map Network Drive.
3. In Path, enter the path to the hard drive of your E835x on your
network. (Enter \\hostname\C$ to specify the hard drive of your
E835x, where hostname is the actual name of your E835x.)
4. Make sure that Reconnect at Logon is selected.
5. Click Finish. A Windows Explorer dialog will appear with the
directory for the hard drive of your E835x. (If a dialog box appears
that asks for your user name and password, the user name and
password for your PC does not match those for your E835x.)
6. Click OK.
7. Double click Program Files.
8. Double click Agilent.
9. Double click Network Analyzer.
10. Double click Automation.
11. Double click Automation.vbs to run the automation script that allows
the E835x to be controlled remotely. This automation script must be
run after Agilent FTS has been installed to your PC.
12. Click OK.

2-16 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Installing Agilent FTS
To Change the Network Analyzer in Use with Agilent FTS

To Change the Network Analyzer in Use with

Agilent FTS
This procedure is used to change to a network analyzer that was not
specified in the VNA Support dialog of the original installation. Use the
VNA Setup dialog in Agilent FTS to change to a network analyzer that
was specified in the original installation.

1. Uninstall Agilent FTS.

2. Reinstall Agilent FTS, specifying the desired device and its hostname
and /or GPIB address.

NOTE Uninstalling Agilent FTS will not remove any of the user-created
reference filter files or.s2p files.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 2-17

Installing Agilent FTS
To Change the Network Analyzer in Use with Agilent FTS

2-18 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

3 Overview of Agilent FTS

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 3-1

Overview of Agilent FTS

Agilent FTS uses the performance of a reference filter that has been
expertly tuned as a standard or template for tuning filters. Agilent FTS
uses a gradual visual approach to home in on the tuning targets
established in the reference filter. To support filters in a variety of tuning
states, including those that may be completely untuned, the Agilent FTS
operates in three stages of tuning. Each tuning stage has its own
measurement span which is set when the reference filter data is
established.

Tuning Stage Measurement Span (default)

Coarse 8 x (3 dB Bandwidth)

Medium 6.5 x (3 dB Bandwidth)

Fine 2.5 x (3 dB Bandwidth)

The Coarse tuning stage is for cases when the filter is completely
out-of-tune, with at least one resonator frequency more than the
3 dB bandwidth away from the corresponding resonator frequency of the
reference filter. The resonators are tuned to target values based on the
results from the Coarse tuning span of the reference filter.
The Medium tuning stage is for filters that have passed the Coarse
tuning stage or have been pre-tuned in the manufacturing line. The
resonators are tuned to target values based on the results from the
Medium tuning span of the reference filter.
The Fine tuning stage is only for filters that have passed the Medium
tuning stage. The resonators are tuned to target values based on the
results from the Fine tuning span of the reference filter, where the
narrower measurement span allows for better resolution.
Agilent FTS allows you to adjust the pass band (tolerance) around the
target value for each tuning element of each tuning stage. See “Anatomy
of an Indicator” on page 3-6.

3-2 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Overview of Agilent FTS
Which Tuning Stage Do I Start With?

Which Tuning Stage Do I Start With?

Agilent FTS initiates a broadband measurement sweep when you start
the tuning process with a filter. Agilent FTS determines which tuning
stage to start with, based on the criteria in the following table. Agilent
FTS will never start in the Fine stage.

Start Tuning In: If:

Medium Stage Agilent FTS can clearly detect the input coupler
and all resonators, without ambiguity.

Coarse Stage Agilent FTS cannot detect the input coupler and all
resonators,
or
any resonator is more than 3 dB bandwidth value
from its respective target.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 3-3

 Overview of Agilent FTS
Which Resonator Do I Tune First?

Which Resonator Do I Tune First?

Agilent FTS can indicate the order in which to tune resonators with the
Guided Tuning feature. With guided tuning enabled, Agilent FTS shows
you which resonator or coupler is the furthest off from its target by
highlighting it.
You can use the Tuning menu to disable guided tuning and tune the
resonators and couplers in any order you choose.

Tuning Menu

NOTE Guided tuning provides a suggestion for the tuning order. The
suggestions are based on general rules that may or may not apply to all
filter types in all tuning stages. The best results are usually obtained
when guided tuning is used in conjunction with a view of the S11 and S22
time domain responses with overlapping of reference filter data.
Following the indicators, guided tuning, and time domain tuning
guidelines will result in the most efficient tuning process.

3-4 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Overview of Agilent FTS
When Is a Resonator or Coupler Tuned?

When Is a Resonator or Coupler Tuned?

The tuning indicators clearly show you whether each tuning element is
meeting the target within acceptable tolerance levels.

Tuned Out-of-Tune Out-of-Tune

Too Low Too High

a) b) c)

• If the vertical bar is blue (as in a), its top end is within the green pass
zone. This means that the resonator (or coupler) is tuned.
• If the vertical bar is red (as in b and c), the resonator (or coupler) is
not tuned. For most filters, the relative height of the indicator bar
corresponds to the physical height of the tuning screw in the filter.

• If the top of the red bar is below the green zone (as in b), the
resonator is below the target. For most filters, this means the
tuning screw needs to be adjusted up.
• If the top of the red bar is above the green zone (as in c), the
resonator is above the target value to be adjusted. For most filters,
this means the tuning screw needs to be lowered.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 3-5

Overview of Agilent FTS
When Is a Resonator or Coupler Tuned?

Anatomy of an Indicator

Linear Range & Span Pass Band & Target

Indicator Structure

Indicator Properties Dialog

3-6 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Overview of Agilent FTS
When Is a Resonator or Coupler Tuned?

The indicator properties shown in the previous graphics are described

below:

• The span of the indicator corresponds to the measurement span of the

current tuning stage for resonators by default.
• The green band in the middle of the indicator is the pass band, which
represents the tolerance band around the target.
• The line in the middle of the green band is the target. The default
value is the measured frequency of the corresponding resonator in the
reference filter or the measured peak value in time domain of the
corresponding coupling.
• The area between the blue lines represents the linear range of the
indicator. The portions of the indicator above the upper blue line and
below the lower blue line are nonlinear regions. The indicator span is
divided into linear and non-linear regions to provide a stable and
responsive view of the current state of the tuning element.
• The linear percent represents the percentage of the span that is
displayed as the linear range.
Agilent FTS allows you to adjust the Pass Band parameter for each
tuning element of each tuning stage, in addition to all the indicator
properties listed above, for all specified tuning elements. This is useful
for customizing Agilent FTS to the sensitivity of your filter.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 3-7

Overview of Agilent FTS
When Has a Tuning Stage Been Completed?

When Has a Tuning Stage Been Completed?

A tuning stage has been completed when the indicators for all tuning
elements have the blue vertical bar in the green pass zone, as shown
below. (It is possible to advance to the next tuning stage even if all tuning
elements do not have the blue vertical bar in the green pass zone.)

Medium Tuning Stage Window

3-8 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Overview of Agilent FTS
When Is a Filter Tuned?

When Is a Filter Tuned?

There is only one way to know that a filter is meeting specifications:
The Agilent FTS Limit Evaluation feature shows that the filter is
meeting the user-defined limits.
The ultimate way of verifying that a filter is tuned to meet specifications
is through the use of limits. The indicators are visual tuning guides that
reflect the state of individual filter elements, but the limit results reflect
the overall performance of the filter. The indicators may show that not
all resonators and couplers are tuned to match the reference filter, but
the filter performance may still meet the specified limits. Set the limits
in Agilent FTS as you would with your network analyzer.
Although very rare, it is possible for the indicators to be in a passing
state and the filter performance not within specification. This condition
would occur if there were non-adjustable elements in the filter with wide
manufacturing tolerances that vary widely from the reference filter, or if
the indicator properties were not set correctly.
Agilent Technologies recommends that you use the Limit Evaluation
feature as the final confirmation that a filter is tuned.

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 3-9

 Overview of Agilent FTS
When Is a Filter Untunable with Agilent FTS?

When Is a Filter Untunable with Agilent FTS?

It is possible for Agilent FTS to become unable to resolve the current
value of one or more of the tuning elements in a filter. If there is no
vertical bar visible or if the vertical bar is at the top of the indicator, the
resonator (or coupler) is not tuned. The tuning element is in an
undetermined state that may not necessarily correlate to raising or
lowering the tuning screw as it typically would. This could happen if the
coupling peaks in the time domain S11 and S22 traces are not located
properly when creating the reference filter file because Agilent FTS will
be using incorrect tuning targets. The solution is to recreate or modify
the reference filter file, taking care to locate the coupling peaks properly.
A condition that could cause a filter to be untunable is lack of tuning
range of an element. For example, if Agilent FTS measures a resonator to
be 60 MHz from its target and the range in the tuning screw only allows
for a 40 MHz adjustment, then that filter cannot be completely tuned.
A fixed input or output coupler that deviates significantly from the value
measured with the reference filter can affect your ability to adjust tuning
elements to the specified target values. Such a situation can be verified
using time domain traces and markers.

NOTE Duplex filters and filters with adjustable cross coupling are not
supported with the current version of Agilent FTS.

3-10 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

4 Troubleshooting

Getting Started Guide N4261-90001 4-1

Troubleshooting
Symptoms

Symptoms

Error: Cannot Find C:\WinNT\regtlib.exe

When Agilent FTS is installed on an external PC for use with an E835x,
the automation script on the E835x must be run after the installation of
FTS. Install FTS, then run the automation script again. (See “To
Configure an E835x for Agilent FTS” on page 2-16.)

Permission Denied When Running Automation Script

for E835x
Make sure the user name and password for your PC matches the user
name and password for the E835x. Also verify the following:

1. On your PC, open C:\Program Files\Agilent\Network Analyzer.

2. Select 835x.tlb and 835xps.dll.
3. In the File menu, select Properties.
4. Make sure that Read Only is not selected.
5. Click OK.
6. Run the automation script again. (See “To Configure an E835x for
Agilent FTS” on page 2-16.)

4-2 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001

 Troubleshooting
Symptoms

Invalid VISA Message When Installing Agilent FTS

When using Agilent FTS with the 8719, 872x or 875x, the GPIB interface
software, including VISA libraries, must be installed prior to installation
of Agilent FTS.

1. Exit from the installation process.

2. Install the GPIB interface software, including VISA libraries, to your
PC.
3. Install Agilent FTS.

E835x Will Not Boot Up with FTS Installed on Internal

PC
Some USB hubs can inhibit the boot up process of the E835x. If you
experience this problem, Agilent recommends you replace the USB hub
with the powered Hewlett-Packard USB hub that is available as an
option with the E835x. The following procedure can be used to work
around this problem while awaiting a replacement.

1. Turn the E835x off (not Hibernate).

2. Unplug the USB hub from the E835x.
3. Plug the keyboard and mouse directly into the USB ports of the
E835x.
4. Boot the E835x.
5. Reconnect the USB hub, with hardware key, to a USB port on the
E835x.

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Troubleshooting
Symptoms

USB Hardware License Key Not Recognized by

Agilent FTS
If you are using a USB hardware key with Agilent FTS, do not install it
on your PC or E835x until after the software has been installed. If the
key is installed before the installation of FTS, the operating system of
the computer will identify the key as a USB token. Agilent FTS will not
recognize the hardware key as valid. Unplug the hardware key from the
PC or E835x, then plug it back in. If Agilent FTS still does not recognize
it as a valid hardware key, use the following procedure:

1. On your PC, select Start/Settings/Control Panel.

2. Double-click on System.
3. Select the Hardware tab.
4. Click on Device Manager.
5. Select USB Token.
6. In the Action menu, select Uninstall.
7. Remove the hardware key from the USB port.
8. Plug the hardware key back into the USB port.
9. Start Agilent FTS.

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 Troubleshooting
Symptoms

Error: Could Not Connect to Network Analyzer

This message will only be presented when Agilent FTS is used with the
E835x network analyzer. There can be a number of causes for this error
message. Try the following solutions in the order presented until the
problem is resolved. If these solutions do not solve the problem, contact
Agilent for additional information.

1. Make sure that the LAN cable or crossover cable is properly

connected to the E835x.
2. Make sure that the User Name and Password for your PC matches
that for your E835x.
3. Verify that the E835x is properly connected to the LAN by attempting
to access the shared hard drive of your E835x from the external PC. If
the hard drive of your E835x is not mapped to your external PC,
perform the following steps:

a. Right-click on the My Network Place icon on your PC desktop.

b. Select Map Network Drive.
c. In Path, enter the path to the hard drive of your E835x on your
network. (Enter \\hostname\C$ to specify the hard drive of your
E835x, where hostname is the actual name of your E835x.)
d. Make sure that Reconnect at Logon is selected.
e. Click Finish. A Windows Explorer dialog will appear with the
directory of your E835x. (If a dialog box appears that asks for your
user name and password, the user name and password for your
PC does not match those for your E835x.)
f. Click OK.
4. Use the following steps to rerun the automation script that allows the
E835x to be controlled remotely:

a. Double click on the My Computer icon on your PC desktop.

b. Double click on the mapped drive for the E835x.
c. Double click Program Files.
d. Double click Agilent.
e. Double click Network Analyzer.
f. Double click Automation.

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Troubleshooting
Symptoms

g. Double click Automation.vbs to run the automation script.

h. Click OK.
5. Check for and close the MSSAssetServerE.exe and WSPLS.exe
applications using the following steps:

a. Close Agilent FTS.

b. Run the Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys
simultaneously, then clicking on Task Manager.
c. Select the Processes tab.
d. If MSSAssetServerE.exe is running, select it. Click End Process.
e. If WSPLS.exe is running, select it. Click End Process.
f. Exit the Task Manager.
g. Start Agilent FTS.
6. Use the following steps to verify the COM settings:

a. On your PC, select Start/Run.

b. Enter dcomcnfg in the dialog.
c. Click OK.
d. Select the General tab.
e. For Authentication Level, enter Default.
f. Select the Security tab.
g. Select Use default access permissions.
h. Select Use default launch permissions.
i. Select Use default configuration permissions.
j. Click OK.
k. Reboot your PC.
l. Start Agilent FTS.
7. Uninstall and reinstall Agilent FTS.
8. Uninstall and reinstall the network analyzer firmware on the E835x.

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 Troubleshooting
Contacting Agilent

Contacting Agilent
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, or would like to report
any defects or difficulties with FTS, please use the following information
to contact Agilent Technologies.
Table 4-1 Contacting Agilent

Online assistance: www.agilent.com/find/assist

United States Latin America Canada

(tel) 1 800 452 4844 (tel) (305) 269 7500 (tel) 1 877 894 4414
(fax) (305) 269 7599 (fax) (905) 282-6495

New Zealand Japan Australia

(tel) 0 800 738 378 (tel) (+81) 426 56 7832 (tel) 1 800 629 485
(fax) (+64) 4 495 8950 (fax) (+81) 426 56 7840 (fax) (+61) 3 9210 5947

Malaysia Philippines Thailand

(tel) 1 800 828 848 (tel) (632) 8426802 (tel) outside Bangkok:
(fax) 1 800 801 664 (tel) (PLDT subscriber (088) 226 008
only): (tel) within Bangkok:
1 800 16510170 (662) 661 3999
(fax) (632) 8426809 (fax) (66) 1 661 3714
(fax) (PLDT subscriber
only):
1 800 16510288

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Troubleshooting
Sign Up for “Notify Me” Service

Sign Up for “Notify Me” Service

Agilent offers a “Notify Me” service to support Agilent FTS. This service
provides notification of bug fixes and updates of the software.

1. Log on to the website: http://www.agilent.com/find/notifyme

2. Select the “Subscribe to the Update Service” link.
3. Complete the required information. Under RF and Microwave Test
Equipment, select network analyzers.

4-8 Getting Started Guide N4261-90001