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Agilent HomeAgilent Home > Products & Services > Test & Measurement > RF & Microwave Instruments & Systems > Network Analyzers > PNA Series > PNA Support > PNA Firmware
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PNA Series Firmware History

For FCA issues (opt 083), see FCA Support Page

Note: Any given firmware revision may actually have hundreds of changes. The below list only highlights the major changes that would affect the majority of customers. If you are concerned about a specific issue, contact your local Agilent representative.

 

Additions/Changes for Version A.08.04.07 . . . (released 02/07/2008)
Note: This is the latest firmware for the N5242A only. It was not tested on other analyzers but will probably work fine on any analyzer with a 1.1GHz CPU or faster.

  2. Supports Noise Figure measurements
  3. Supports Gain Compression Application
  4. Embedded LO
  5. ....more items to come.

Additions/Changes for Version A.07.50.26 . . . (released 02/28/2008)

  1. Fixed issue with Pulse Gates not disabling; also fixed external pulse trigger and other pulse issues
  2. Fixed global delta match
  3. Fixed VMC interpolation bug
  4. Fixed SMC reference mixer switch state problem
  5. Fixed recall of states refusal on 4-port N5230A
  6. Fixed incorrect power display when power was between 0 and 1dBm
  7. Fixed phase-lock-lost issue when performing power adjustment on E836X models
  8. Fixed crash where all thrus selected
  9. Fixed assorted crashes with FCA, and when using banded systems.

Additions/Changes for Version A.07.50.13 . . . (released 10/29/2007)
Note: This is the first converged firmware platform that is usable on most all PNAs, subject to hardware requirements. This firmware is not usable on any 3-port models (N3381A/82A/83A.) It has many new features and bug-fixes, some of which are listed below.

  1. Pulse capability
  2. Enhanced Response Cal
  3. Banded mm wave
  4. Embedded LO
  5. ADC Measurements
  6. 5 MHz IFBW
  7. USB power sensor support
  8. Supports both USB & LAN control of N1911A/12A power meters
  9. 20001 points
  10. Highest security mode
  11. Enhanced right-click
Known issues: Global Delta Match is not functioning; use A.07.50.14 or above

Additions/Changes for Version A.06.04.32 . . . (released 8/02/2007)

  1. Fixed intermittent "DSP Type 2" errors when rotating knob that crept into the .28 version.
  2. Made TRL algorithm more robust
  3. Updated uncertainty values for System Verification
  4. Fixed bug in "Choose stimulus settings" dialog when calsets differ only by number of points.

Additions/Changes for Version A.06.04.28 . . . (released 5/04/2007)

  1. Eliminated long delay on Src Pwr Cal for SMC
  2. Fixed 4 separate crashes under 4 separate conditions: VMC, spur avoid, de-embedding, SCPI (SENS:CORR:CSET:ACT)
  3. ECal User Characterization "port extension" descriptions now accessible
  4. Recalling state file now properly turns on Equation editor
  5. FCA LOs can now support amplifiers or pads on the LO port
  6. Fixed Calset issues with Maury' Load Pull system
  7. Trace parameter is no longer changed after saving CITIfile
  8. Random single triggers no longer intermittantly cause bad data under some conditions
  9. ECal switch-settling delay values were changed to improve repeatability
  10. Modified interpolation of cal data to allow data sets to be interpolated over the power range.

Additions/Changes for Version A.06.04.21 . . . (released 1/26/2007)

  1. Fixed bug involving TRL cal with isolation.
  2. Added extra settling time with N4432
  3. Fixed bug involving Power sweep with SMC cal.
  4. Fixed if gain cal issue with 1.1 GHz CPU or faster

Additions/Changes for Version A.06.04.18 . . . (released 12/6/2006)

  1. Added save of FCA and calset viewer in .prn format.
  2. Fixed various interpolation issues; some with SMC cal.
  3. Removed unexpected nominal delay dialog for 4-port units during guided cal.
  4. Fixed various issues in Equation Editor.
  5. Fixed inability to measure B or arb. ratio using B....for older PNAs only.
  6. Fixed marker.value issue for COM.
  7. Fixed crash with Marker Bandwidth when using Polar.
  8. Fixed Unguided AcquireCalStandard call. Fixed TRL Adapter Removal on 4-port PNAs.
  9. Fixed Citifile data for Real/Imag format. Fixed some crashes.
  10. Improved Print capabilities (added magins, orientation, paper type, etc.) Now allows one to deselect the Agilent Logo and Global Pass/Fail Indicator on printouts
  11. Fixed Averaging status with SMC measurement.
  12. Fixed: Delay value is sometimes not shown after unknown thru cal.
  13. Fixed: Segment Sweep Cal had issues w/sliding load transition point.
  14. Fixed Delta Match bug.
  15. Fixed GPIB passthrough bug where it would ignore the programmed timeout value.
  16. Added improved control over Power Sweep and retrace capabilities.

Additions/Changes for Version A.06.04.05 . . . (released 8/7/2006)

  1. Sped up some operations of 4-port units (measurement speed is unchanged)
  2. ECal user-characterizing can now be outside the freq range of the module's factory characterization
  3. Fixed pulse application
  4. Fixed various crashes in Cal and FCA
  5. Added response error term type to SCPI command; added optional parameter to SENS:CORR:CSET:DATA for the response error term type
  6. During unknown thru cal, elec length confirmation window may not be shown. Fixed.
  7. Copy Channel was not clearing calibration in the destination channel. Fixed.
  8. RF Off setting of UserPreset when rebooting was ignored. now, if RF power is off at the start of a hibernate cycle, it will remain off upon start-up.
  9. "ERROR" is no longer displayed when Average hardkey is pressed.

Additions/Changes for Version A.06.03.05 . . . (released 5/18/2006)

  1. Added Equation Editor
  2. Added Socket Server
  3. Fixed all bugs listed on 6.01 Summary Page, and more.
  4. Smoothing is now saved/recalled
  5. LRL line auto characterization check box can now be selected
  6. Fixed occasional crash (or error msg) when storing Citifiles
  7. Fixed occasional crash when performing 4-port Cal
  8. Fixed false source unleveled error
  9. Fixed various FCA/SMC/VMC errors
  10. Fixed wrong marker impedance values when in CW or Power sweep

Additions/Changes for Version A.04.87.01 and A.05.26 . . . (released 9/7/2005)

  1. Improved phase lock on E8361A (4.87.01 only)
  2. Fixed crash when selecting View/Modify Cal Kits (5.26 only)
  3. Fixed: Receiver Cal in offset mode used wrong frequency cal factor
  4. Fixed: Src Pwr Cal w/Vector Cal when saved with uncoupled port power recalled improperly

Additions/Changes for Version A.04.86 and A.05.25 . . . (released 5/31 and 6/08/2005)

  1. Added dedicated 17th window capability for Cal purposes only
  2. Option H11 Verification
  3. Calibration Class Label editing
  4. Data-Based cal kits can now be modified
  5. Safely shut down the PNA without a mouse (sse help file on this important subject)
  6. TRL cal capability added for 4-port units
  7. Guided SmartCal supports ECal on one or more ports (new for 4-port units)

Additions/Changes for Version A.04.83 . . . (released 06 Jan 2005)
Note: A.04.83 is a replacement for A.04.82 that had some ALC problems with some PNA's

  1. User Preset programming commands now available
  2. Magnitude offset and slope capability
  3. The Frequency Converter Application can now make calibrated Fixed Output SMC and VMC measurements
  4. New VMC R1 and B absolute power measurements
  5. Material Handler Trigger Control changes, including new programming capabilities
  6. Global Pass/Fail Status, including new programming capabilities
  7. Several Changes to ECAL. Existing SCPI program may be impacted; see Help
  8. Sweep dialog now has Apply button
  9. New, more comprehensive, Operators Check program
  10. Fixed Power Meter Cal issue where clicking on 'Cancel' could increase power unexpectedly

Additions/Changes for Version A.04.25 . . . (released 05 Apr 2004)

  1. This is the first revision that is designed for XP (also works on Windows 2000.) See our XP introduction page.
  2. GPIB pass-through capability added
  3. Arbitrary sweep added (including reverse sweep)
  4. Distance marker added to time domain capability
  5. Added time domain toolbar and coupling of time domain parameters across measurements that share the same channel
  6. Multiple improvements to the BNC External trigger feature
    • Dialog added to allow UI control of the feature
    • Two new SCPI commands added that allow more control over external trigger feature: CONT_SIGN_TRIG:ATBA & CONT:SIGN:TRIG:OUTP
    • Two new COM commands as well: ITriggerSetup2::AcceptTriggerBeforeArmed and ITriggerSetup2::TriggerOutputEnabled
    • BNC trigger can now be configured to trigger either a point or a sweep
  7. Added MSG_ALL_SWEEPS_COMPLETED_AND_PROCESSED COM event. This event is fired when all measurements have been made and processed within a channel.
  8. Added SCPI command for setting the window size: DISP:WINDOW:SIZe MIN | MAX | NORMAL
  9. Fixed .bmp save error; increased freq resolution on saved files; improved user mode behavior of GPIB, excess temp files are no longer created; fixed COM method: ICalibrator::DoneCalConfidenceCheckECAL
  10. Added code to allow fixed output VMC measurements, although calibration is not permitted for this measurement
  11. Added waveguide calibration support for FCA
  12. Short Inductance is now properly applied to full 2-port SOLT calibration (was a problem in some cases such as on-wafer probes)
Known Issues
  1. Suggestion: If you previously used A.04.06 and manipulated cal sets frequently, large temp files could remain on the hard drive. You should first run the Windows 2000 Disk Cleanup utility to reclaim this disk space.
  2. Programming only: The SCPI command of sens:corr:coll:ckit:reset is obsolete in rev 3.xx and now returns an error. Use sens:corr:coll:ckit:init instead. However, the :ckit:init command currently has a memory leak. If you need use this more that a dozen or so times, you may have to restart the PNA application to free up the "leaked" memory.

Additions/Changes for Version A.04.06 . . . (released 12 Dec 2003)

  1. Fixed-IF (swept LO) conversion-loss measurements capability (part of Opt 083; Frequency Converter Application.) Controls up to two Agilent or non-Agilent signal sources.
  2. 85059A 1.00 mm data-based cal kit support.
  3. Advanced Modify Cal Kit... dialog now supports 1 port data-based cal standards.
  4. Several S2P enhancments, incl.correct units for Time Domain. Also added supporting SCPI commands.
  5. Import of a cal kit file from an 8753, 8752, 8719, 8720, or 8722.
  6. Support for external I.F. applications (antenna measurements).
  7. Pulse Measurement capability (requires Option H08).
  8. Many marker readout feature enhancements, incl. increased number visible, R+jX and G+jB, and more.
  9. Added several COM and SCPI methods to support triggering and channels.
  10. CITIFile support added (write only.)
  11. COM: ITriggerSetup interface for setting up global trigger settings.
  12. "8510 mode" Data Processing. This is only settable manually; no SCPI/COM support.
  13. Chinese language Help added.
  14. Many defects fixed, including those related to triggering, TRL Cals, importing of 8510 cal kits, ECAL, adapter removal cals, 2.92 conn cals, certain .cst recalls, etc. Improved performance in segment sweep.
Known Issues
  1. Adding or deleting cal sets could leave large temp files behind. If you regularly modify cal sets, run the Windows 2000 Disk Cleanup utility often to reclaim this disk space.
  2. Programming only: When changing cal kit values, the PNA should be placed in Local Lockout to prevent front panel keystrokes from interrupting the update process.
  3. Programming only: The SCPI command of sens:corr:coll:ckit:reset is obsolete in rev 3.xx and now returns an error. Use sens:corr:coll:ckit:init instead.

Additions/Changes for Version A.03.53 . . . (released 17 Sept 2003)

  1. Some SCPI triggering issues have been fixed.
  2. System Verification service test now working properly.
  3. Stored Cals were sometimes unavailable to non-administrators; fixed.
  4. A minor interpolation error was fixed.

Additions/Changes for Version A.03.52 . . . (released 8 Jul 2003)

  1. Frequency security feature added to System menu. Includes support for GPIB and COM. Hides frequency information on all display and printout instances (except S1P/S2P files.)
  2. Added Agilent Model 85059A 1.00 mm calibration kit to cal kit selections.
  3. Status bar is now turned on when starting up the application or by Preset.
  4. On microwave units, Preset now sets start freq to 45 MHz instead of 10MHz. 10 MHz can still be manually set.
  5. Added Local Lockout feature to SCPI (GPIB or via LAN) to lock out the "Local" key, external keyboard and mouse clicks. (Remote operation via SCPI already locked out the other front panel keys.) Also added this same feature to COM.
  6. Many Cal and Cal Kit improvements/bugs fixed, including several TRL improvements. TRL-only Cal kits no longer require dummy SOLT standards. New SCPI and COM commands introduced. Enhanced ability to remotely define/modify cal kits via SCPI and COM.
  7. Maximum settable dwell time between points increased from 10 to 100 seconds.
  8. New threading model used. This affects the entire PNA, but should be mostly transparent. Should provide faster response when large number of points are used.
  9. If application is not running (or not visible), pressing the Preset key will now start it.
  10. Up to 8 ECal modules can now be connected for use in an Electronic Calibration.
Defects Fixed
  1. Problems associated with recalling *.cal files have been resolved.
  2. Cal Wizard Help now fixed to work with the local language switch (menu item Help, Help Language).

Additions/Changes for Version A.03.23 . . . (released 15 Apr 2003)

  1. Numerous changes and additions regarding FCA usage (see FCA page)
  2. Numerous bug fixes involving the Cal Kit editor, Cal process, and Cal Kits
  3. ECal characterization fixed
  4. Updated Cal kit definitions of 85058
  5. Arbitrary Impedance now works in Unguided Cal

Additions/Changes for Version A.02.62 . . . (released 24 Oct 2002)

  1. Added "Aritrary Impedance" to the existing choices of Cal standard types
  2. Fix wrong load standard Z0 in X,P,K,W and R-band Cal kits (version 2)
  3. Status bit for averaging-complete is fixed
  4. SENS:SEGM:SWE:POIN now allows 1 point per segment
  5. Several ECal issues fixed, incl. 7-16 ECal issues on 3-port boxes
  6. Status Register expanded. STATus:OPERation:DEVice added which includes the Sweep-Complete bit.
  7. Fixed various guided Cal issues, incl default Z0 and 85052B sliding load definition
  8. Log sweep graticle is now drawn in all cases
  9. Marker "float" issue after using memory trace fixed
  10. Added buffer init so that dummy Cal no longer needed when uploading error terms
  11. Improvement on Cal behavior (both guided and unguided)
  12. Fixed issues with 2-port Cal on 3-port boxes
  13. Fixed recall issues with Polar trace (actually fixed in 2.51)

Additions/Changes for Version A.02.51/2.50 . . . (released 20 Jul 2002)
Note: A.2.50 and A.02.51 are similar except for a bug that only affects phaselocking of 40 and 50 GHz units. These units should only use version 2.51. There is no need to upgrade firmware on lower frequency units if 2.50 is already installed.

  1. Added sweep type: Log Sweep (up to 401 points.)
  2. Added "Cal Kit Manager" (in Service menu) to organize and edit Version 1 Cal Kits. Also allows some importing of 8510 kits.
  3. Added user configurable AutoCheck routine to automatically and periodically check for firmware updates.
  4. Added support for "User Characterized ECal module and full 3-port support with 4-port ECal unit.
  5. Significant changes and improvements to TRL Cal including separate forward and reverse acquisition of the REFLECT standards and options for setting reference plane.
  6. Modified and simplified Calibration Wizard behavior.
  7. SCPI: New command: CALC:PAR:DEL:ALL.   "CALC:PAR:SEL" now activates both measurement and window.
  8. COM: Fixed "IMeasurement::getPairedDAta", "ITransform::State( bool )" and IChannel::GetXAxisValues2()". Current Type Library version is now 1.3.
  9. Enabled factory installation of "Fixturing" application under the [Macro/Local] key.
  10. Major update to Help documentation.
  11. Fixed defects associated with ECal's and unknown-thru selection; also fixed ECal averaging bug.
  12. Source Power Cal now works properly in Power Sweep and recognizes 438A power meter
  13. Fixed incorrect delay value in 85056K Cal Kit definition.

Additions/Changes for Version A.02.20 . . . (released 3 Apr 2002)

  1. Fixed Marker bandwidth tracking. Did not track when programmed.
  2. Fixed several Power Sweep problems. Attenuators now work in option UNL/015 units.
  3. Changed SCPI command of FPRESET to also include a Preset.
  4. Fixed several waveguide cal kit problems (guided.)
  5. Averaging now works for guided cals.
  6. Added 75 ohm capability and added cal kits for it.
  7. Fixed problem when all C values for Cal kit Open = zero
  8. Added multiple pages for Format key
  9. Memory trace color change for better visibility.
  10. Misc Cal bug fixes.

Additions/Changes for Version A.02.14 . . . (released 25 Feb 2002)

  1. Fixed several Power Sweep & CW related bugs; some involving 2-port Cals.
  2. Marker query while in Phase mode now returns degrees instead of radians
  3. 1-port Cal interpolation now works properly again.

Additions/Changes for Version A.02.11 . . . (released 11 Feb 2002)

  1. Fixed time delay during a cal.
  2. Fixed math error that affected Source Match Cals above ~30GHz.

Additions/Changes for Version A.02.10 . . . (released 18 Jan 2002)

  1. Support added for Microwave PNA's.
  2. Added support for saving graphic files in .png format. Use of .jpeg is not recommended.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.60 . . . (released 05 Dec 2001)

  1. Support added for EEPROM conversion between Rev 2.xx and 1.60.
  2. Added missing SCPI commands for arbitrary ratios.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.51/1.50 . . . (released 25 Sept 2001)
Note: A.1.50 and A.01.51 are identical except for a minor bug that could, under unusual circumstances, affect phase lock on 3 GHz instruments only. There is no need to upgrade firmware on 6 and 9 GHz models if 1.50 is already installed.

  1. Eliminated marker position changes when doing ECal.
  2. Fixed SENS:CORR:COLL:APPLY. Uploaded cal data now works even when interpolated.
  3. S2P files now include effects of any active port extensions and delay.
  4. Message no longer reports files were saved even though user canceled save request.
  5. Save-file routine now updates properly to show currently used file name.
  6. Correct error message now shown when attempting to save to a full floppy disk.
  7. Fixed lock-up problem with Japanese region settings and the on-screen keyboard.
  8. Modified behavior of some undocumented Aux IO lines.
  9. Improved consistency of COM preset behavior.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.40 . . . (released 17 April 2001)

  1. Support added for multi-language Help.
  2. Added hard drive revision reporting on Help-About screen.
  3. Improved Cal Wizard and Advanced/Modify Calkit screens for better comprehension.
  4. Attenuator is now set to maximum if RF power is turned off.
  5. Restricted all service adjustments to Administrators only.
  6. Marker search-right and target-search now always work properly.
  7. Limited marker search to within user range when applicable.
  8. Fixed power setting of ports in segmented sweep.
  9. Error is now reported if recall of a state file fails.
  10. Fixed averaging restart to guarantee entire trace is restarted.
  11. State filenames are now case-insensitive.
  12. Fixed *OPC problem under some conditions.
  13. Fixed dialog box bug on print-to-file when overwriting existing file.
  14. Fixed 3.5mm capability on System Verification.
  15. Fixed ECAL bug when used above 7.5GHz on some ECAL units.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.30 . . . (released 16 February 2001)

  1. Fixed problem with activating response cal after recalling .cst file.
  2. Fixed various measurement configurations which caused the application to crash.
  3. New SCPI command added: CALC:FUNC:STATistics:STATe turns the display of trace statistics on and off.
  4. Fixed a problem with the Recall active entry toolbar.
  5. Fixed a problem with limit test status bit.
  6. Fixed marker -> Delay results.
  7. Fixed cal failure when C0 <= 0.
  8. New service utility added: "View EEPROM Headers", under the System->Service->Utilities menu.
  9. Fixed output problems with system verification.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.23 . . . (released 18 January 2001)

  1. Fixed various minor SCPI and COM programming bugs.
  2. Implemented SCPI MIN/MAX limits for "CALC:MARK" block, dwell time, and source power slope.
  3. Fixed various minor preset and hibernate anomalies.
  4. Fixed various calibration state setting anomalies.
  5. Fixed various marker setting and statistics anomalies.
  6. Fixed annotation on status bar.
  7. Updated error checking and messaging.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.11 . . . (released 20 November 2000)

  1. Several operational firmware bugs in version A.01.02 were fixed.
  2. Several programming command bugs in version A.01.02 were fixed.
  3. Changed power sweep: at end of power sweep, return power to start power to keep high power amps cooler.
  4. S1P, S2P file comment lines fixed.
  5. Added SCPI command: DISPlay:ANNotation:MESSage:STATe <ON | OFF>
    This allows the popups to be turned off in the DLL.
  6. Added support for SCPI keywords MIN, MAX command and query for the Time Domain commands.
  7. Fixed the :SENSe block so that it does not depend on the current active measurement.
  8. SCPI access to the status registers has been augmented.
For more details on these SCPI programming commands, see the latest on-line help file.

Additions/Changes for Version A.01.02 . . . (released 12 October 2000)

Initial version shipped to customers.

Last Updated: Mar 28, 2008

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