Agilent Technologies 46A, 45A, 54835A Calibrating and Adjusting, Mainframe Cal Factor Memory Error

Calibrating and Adjusting

This chapter provides firmware (self calibration) and hardware adjustment procedures for the Agilent Technologies 54835A/45A/46A 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, 715 Hz calibration output (probe compensation squarewave), 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.

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