Keysight Technologies

Using FieldFox RF and Microwave Analyzers

with Mass Storage Devices

Application Brief
Introduction

This document describes the capabilities of using FieldFox with mass storage devices. FieldFox analyzers
come equipped with sufficient internal memory for most applications, but it is convenient to be able to use
external storage devices such as USB flash drives for record keeping, transferring files, or copying limit lines,
masks or cable correction files between multiple analyzers. Industries such as the aerospace and defense
sector will often limit the use of standard USB flash drives for security reasons. This document describes in
detail the types of mass storage devices that could be used with FieldFox analyzers.

Terminology
The terms USB storage device, USB device, USB stick, thumb drive, and flash drive are used
interchangeably.

–– FAT32: File Allocation Table, 32-bit

–– ExFAT: File Allocation Table Extension
–– NTFS: New Technology File System

This document references Keysight FieldFox analyzers with the original CPU versus Keysight FieldFox
analyzers with the newer, faster CPU or CPU2. FieldFox analyzers shipped after August 2016 included a
newer, faster CPU, however older units could have been upgraded. To verify the CPU version of the FieldFox
analyzer, check the firmware using the steps listed below.

[System] {Service Diagnostics} {System Information} {BIOS Rev}

Analyzers with the original CPU will state 2.4.0.
Analyzers with the newer, faster CPU will state CPU2.
03 | Keysight | Using FieldFox RF and Microwave Analyzers with Mass Storage Devices - Application Brief

Use of USB flash drives or SD cards with FieldFox

Most USB flash drives can be used with FieldFox without any issues. Since FieldFox was
introduced, most users have been able to operate FieldFox with their choice of a USB
flash drive without encountering any problems. There are, however, some restrictions
with use of USB flash drives that users should be aware of. These are listed below.

–– NTFS is not supported on FieldFox. Windows CE does not support NTFS.

–– FieldFox with original CPU: Can use FAT32 formatted only. Cannot use ExFAT. ExFAT
may occasionally work (more likelihood if FieldFox firmware revision is A.08.xx), but
there are no guarantees.
–– FieldFox with CPU2: Can use both FAT32 and ExFAT.

ExFAT allows for more than 32 GB of storage. Please note that it is rare that more than
32 GB of storage is needed when using FieldFox.

Table 1 lists a few sample file sizes created by FieldFox, and the number of files that can
be saved in the internal memory or on an external 32 GB storage device.

Measurement settings File size Approximate number of files that can Approximate number of files that can
be saved internally in FieldFox (4 GB) be saved on a 32 GB USB flash drive
CAT mode, 401 points, DTF 20 KB 209,000 1,455,000
VNA mode, All four S-parameters, 1601 points 130 KB 32,000 223,000
SA mode, 401 points, 50 GHz sweep, one trace 137 KB 30,000 212,000
SA mode, 401 points, 50 GHz sweep, four traces 142 KB 29,000 204,000
SA mode, 1000 traces, recording (AutoSession) 1610 KB 2,000 18,000
SA mode, 1000 traces, recording (csv) 3171 KB 1,000 9,000
Channel Scanner, 20 channels 144 KB 29,000 202,000

The amount of storage space in your FieldFox can be viewed via the system menu:
[System] {Service Diagnostics} {More}. Read the Storage value.

Keysight has verified that both USB and SD storage devices with up to 64 GB of memory function with FieldFox.
04 | Keysight | Using FieldFox RF and Microwave Analyzers with Mass Storage Devices - Application Brief

Hardware Encrypted USB Drives

The following two hardware encrypted USB drive models have been tested with FieldFox
and their functionality verified.

Kingston Data Traveler 2000 Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3.0

Please note that if the 64 GB or 60 GB models are purchased (or any model with storage
greater than 32 GB), the flash drives are formatted as ExFAT and can only be used with
FieldFox’s CPU2, as mentioned previously.

The expectation is that other encrypted USB drives will also operate with FieldFox.
Both these drives, by default, come formatted as NTFS. They must be reformatted to
FAT32 or ExFAT in order to be used with FieldFox. The formatting can be done using a
personal computer.

FieldFox’s Operating System

FieldFox’s operating system is Microsoft’s Windows CE (Embedded Compact), anywhere
from 5.0 to 2013 depending on the instrument. Windows CE, as configured for FieldFox,
is essentially a closed operating system. There is no “file manager” that a user can
directly access with Windows CE. The only way to access the file system is through
FieldFox’s firmware. As such, the risk of contamination via a FieldFox is extremely low, as
no files can be executed on a FieldFox. A file can be loaded onto a FieldFox, but it cannot
be executed.

There are no plans to migrate the FieldFox platform to Windows 10.

05 | Keysight | Using FieldFox RF and Microwave Analyzers with Mass Storage Devices - Application Brief

Disk hardening
On FieldFox analyzers, access to the hardware memory disk via the SD card slot, USB
port or LAN port cannot be limited. That is, these ports cannot be locked out. However,
as mentioned earlier, the risk of contamination because of FieldFox is very low, as
FieldFox’s firmware is the only access point to the disk, and no files can be executed on
FieldFox.

Writing to DVDs and CDs

Writing to DVDs and CDs is not supported by FieldFox.

Reading from CD-Rs

FieldFox can read data from a USB-based CD-R for loading firmware and license files
only. It should be noted that:

–– It is best to use a CD-R that is externally powered, as FieldFox’s USB port cannot
always support the inrush current needed by the CD-R drive.
–– Regular instrument states cannot be loaded from a CD-R, only firmware and license
files.
–– The CD-R session must be closed before FieldFox can read the firmware. FieldFox
cannot communicate with CD-Rs that are still open.

Spinning media
Spin-up hard drives can be used to store data. However, a single FieldFox USB port
generally cannot provide enough power to power up a spin-up hard drive. A user may
encounter this error when trying to use a spin-up drive powered through a single USB
port.

Error: [Copy All Files} to [USB] failed. Check storage path.

Alternatives are:

–– A spin-up drive that is powered independently.

–– A spin-up drive that uses two USB ports.
–– Use of a USB Y-cable, which combines 2 USB ports into 1,
so the power is doubled. Both FieldFox USB ports can be –– A solid state drive (SSD)
used to power the spin-up drive.
06 | Keysight | Using FieldFox RF and Microwave Analyzers with Mass Storage Devices - Application Brief

When no storage device is allowed

If no storage device is allowed in the facility and FieldFox cannot be placed on an
intranet, the alternative solution is to procure a PC that is dedicated to FieldFox.

Interface lockout
FieldFox’s front panel display can be turned off using the SCPI command
DISPlay:ENABle 0

FieldFox’s front panel can be locked such that none of the soft keys or hard keys func-
tion. The locking can be set using the SCPI command INSTrument:GTR

Rebooting of the analyzer will restore all front panel capabilities, but all settings will be
set to preset conditions.

FieldFox letter of volatility

The following document lists the security features and volatility information for all
FieldFox models.

http://na.support.keysight.com/fieldfox/download_files/fieldfox_lov.pdf
07 | Keysight | Using FieldFox RF and Microwave Analyzers with Mass Storage Devices - Application Brief

Evolving Since 1939 For more information on Keysight

Technologies’ products, applications or
Our unique combination of hardware, software, services, and people can help you services, please contact your local Keysight
reach your next breakthrough. We are unlocking the future of technology. office. The complete list is available at:
From Hewlett-Packard to Agilent to Keysight. www.keysight.com/find/contactus

Americas
Canada (877) 894 4414
Brazil 55 11 3351 7010
Mexico 001 800 254 2440
United States (800) 829 4444

Asia Pacific
Australia 1 800 629 485
China 800 810 0189
Hong Kong 800 938 693
India 1 800 11 2626
Japan 0120 (421) 345
myKeysight Korea 080 769 0800
www.keysight.com/find/mykeysight Malaysia 1 800 888 848
A personalized view into the information most relevant to you. Singapore 1 800 375 8100
Taiwan 0800 047 866
http://www.keysight.com/find/emt_product_registration Other AP Countries (65) 6375 8100
Register your products to get up-to-date product information and
find warranty information. Europe & Middle East
Austria 0800 001122
Keysight Services Belgium 0800 58580
www.keysight.com/find/service Finland 0800 523252
Keysight Services can help from acquisition to renewal across your France 0805 980333
instrument’s lifecycle. Our comprehensive service offerings—one- Germany 0800 6270999
stop calibration, repair, asset management, technology refresh, Ireland 1800 832700
Israel 1 809 343051
consulting, training and more—helps you improve product quality
Italy 800 599100
and lower costs. Luxembourg +32 800 58580
Netherlands 0800 0233200
Keysight Assurance Plans Russia 8800 5009286
www.keysight.com/find/AssurancePlans Spain 800 000154
Up to ten years of protection and no budgetary surprises to ensure Sweden 0200 882255
your instruments are operating to specification, so you can rely on Switzerland 0800 805353
accurate measurements. Opt. 1 (DE)
Opt. 2 (FR)
Keysight Channel Partners Opt. 3 (IT)
www.keysight.com/find/channelpartners United Kingdom 0800 0260637
Get the best of both worlds: Keysight’s measurement expertise and
product breadth, combined with channel partner convenience. For other unlisted countries:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
(BP-9-7-17)

DEKRA Certified
ISO9001 Quality Management System

www.keysight.com/go/quality
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
DEKRA Certified ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management System

This information is subject to change without notice.

© Keysight Technologies, 2017
Published in USA, December 6, 2017
5992-2408EN
www.keysight.com