E4412 Power Sensor Adjustment

PurelyNonsense · 08-19-2019 -- 08:18:23

Good morning everyone. I'm trying to reprogram Keysight E4412 Power Sensors and am having trouble. We use SureCal here and have had some issues with the way it seems to be programming the EEPROM. What software does everyone here use? I just downloaded the latest AF NextGen software as well to try it out but I don't believe NextGen programs them (unless I'm wrong). Thanks!

CalLabSolutions · 08-20-2019 -- 10:43:46

You will have to get a copy of PS-Cal from Tegam. Or if you are an Air Force lab PM me and I will give you the contact at AFMETCAL who can get you a licensed copy of PS-Cal.

Hopefully, that will work. If the SureCal software bricked the sensor there is no option but to send it to Keysight. PS-Cal, before it writes the data, saves a full copy of the EPROM so it can be reinstalled.

PurelyNonsense · 08-21-2019 -- 14:26:26

Quote from: CalLabSolutions on 08-20-2019 -- 10:43:46
You will have to get a copy of PS-Cal from Tegam. Or if you are an Air Force lab PM me and I will give you the contact at AFMETCAL who can get you a licensed copy of PS-Cal.

Hopefully, that will work. If the SureCal software bricked the sensor there is no option but to send it to Keysight. PS-Cal, before it writes the data, saves a full copy of the EPROM so it can be reinstalled.

We're an Army lab with limited options. I'm going to try some things and see what's going on. I'll see if we can get a copy of PS-Cal from our headquarters.

CalLabSolutions · 08-21-2019 -- 14:56:43

I am 98.5% sure the US Army already has the purchase and deployment in process.
You can PM me, I know some contacts on that front also..

Hawaii596 · 08-22-2019 -- 11:58:15

We do them with SureCal and have not had problems with rewriting the new coefficients. Could be something corrupt in your installation that just needs a reinstall.

Mr M. · 08-22-2019 -- 15:00:15

You did not state which Power Meter you are using. I think there are some meters and some firmware versions that have issues. For example the EPM-P: E4416/17A Firmware Versions A1.04.03 and A2.04.03 allowed Read/Write Cal Factor Data in E-Series Sensors. So older firmware would not work. Also some Power Meters are not recommended for use in storing Cal Factors. I found an old thread with some general comments similar to your issue at https://community.keysight.com/thread/18711

alcobia · 08-22-2019 -- 20:15:08

Hi... have worked on a few E4412s... and have found that most E4412 fails (failing specs) are due to something physical... Most times internal RF connector needs to be taken apart and cleaned. I normally use a carbon eraser (pencil type) to remove all the black "carbon" and dirty marks. Normally takes me about 15 minutes. Reassembly can be tricky, but practice helps (has helped me). There are pins and isolators that normally need cleaning; normally use a magnifier (x7) to find the dirt (or problem).
Just be careful, there some very small parts in the RF connector, especially a very small bellow next to the RF microcircuit, this bellow is about 1mm. I normally work on a bench, over a blank plain white sheet of paper.

Example, today checked 4 E4412s, one was failing at about 6 GHz (was about 6% low)... after cleaning the internal hardware (took RF connect apart). After cleaning and re-assembled, sensor was within about 1%. Other tech (I showed this to, could not believe it)... just saying... it is not always an adjustment... sometimes it needs a repair action.
Hope this helps...