Keysight E4990A 

Impedance Analyzer

Troubleshooting
Guide
Impedance Analyzer 1
Notices
© Keysight Technologies 2014 - 2015 Warranty duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Keysight Technologies’
No part of this manual may be repro- The material contained in this doc- standard commercial license terms,
duced in any form or by any means
ument is provided “as is,” and is and non-DOD Departments and Agen-
(including electronic storage and
subject to being changed, without cies of the U.S. Government will
retrieval or translation into a foreign
notice, in future editions. Further, receive no greater than Restricted
language) without prior agreement and
to the maximum extent permitted Rights as defined in FAR
written consent from Keysight Tech-
by applicable law, Keysight dis- 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S.
nologies as governed by United States
Government users will receive no
and international copyright laws. claims all warranties, either
greater than Limited Rights as defined
express or implied, with regard to
in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR
Manual Printing History this manual and any information 252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995),
contained herein, including but not as applicable in any technical data.
The manual’s printing date and part limited to the implied warranties of
number indicate its current edition.
merchantability and fitness for a
The printing date changes when a new
edition is printed (minor corrections
particular purpose. Keysight shall Safety Notices
and updates that are incorporated at not be liable for errors or for inci-
reprint do not cause the date to dental or consequential damages
in connection with the furnishing, CAUTION
change). The manual part number
changes when extensive technical use, or performance of this docu- A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
changes are incorporated. ment or of any information con- calls attention to an operating proce-
tained herein. Should Keysight and dure, practice, or the like that, if not
Manual Part Number the user have a separate written correctly performed or adhered to,
agreement with warranty terms could result in damage to the product
E4990-90100 or loss of important data. Do not pro-
covering the material in this docu-
ment that conflict with these ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
Edition terms, the warranty terms in the the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
November 2014, First edition separate agreement shall control.
July 2015, Second edition
Technology Licenses
Printed in Malaysia
WA RNING
The hardware and/or software
Keysight Technologies A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
described in this document are
 It calls attention to an operating proce-
furnished under a license and may be
dure, practice, or the like that, if not
used or copied only in accordance with
correctly performed or adhered to,
the terms of such license
could result in personal injury or death.
. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
Restricted Rights Legend notice until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
If software is for use in the perfor-
mance of a U.S. Government prime
contract or subcontract, Software is
delivered and licensed as “Commercial NOT E
computer software” as defined in DFAR
252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a A NOTE notice denotes important
“commercial item” as defined in FAR information. It calls attention to a
2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer procedure, practice, or condition that
is essential for the user to understand.
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19
(June 1987) or any equivalent agency
regulation or contract clause. Use,
Caution

Do not exceed the operating input power, voltage, and

current level and signal type appropriate for the instrument
being used, refer to your instrument's Function Reference.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the highly

sensitive microcircuits in your instrument. ESD damage is
most likely to occur as the test fixtures are being connected or
disconnected. Protect them from ESD damage by wearing a
grounding strap that provides a high resistance path to ground.
Alternatively, ground yourself to discharge any static charge
built-up by touching the outer shell of any grounded instrument
chassis before touching the test port connectors.

Impedance Analyzer 3
Safety Summary
When you notice any of the unusual conditions listed below,
immediately terminate operation and disconnect the power cable.
Contact your local Keysight Technologies sales representative or
authorized service company for repair of the instrument. If you
continue to operate without repairing the instrument, there is a
potential fire or shock hazard to the operator.
• Instrument operates abnormally.
• Instrument emits abnormal noise, smell, smoke or a spark-like
light during operation.
• Instrument generates high temperature or electrical shock
during operation.
• Power cable, plug, or receptacle on instrument is damaged.
• Foreign substance or liquid has fallen into the instrument.

4 Impedance Analyzer
Manufacturer’s Declaration
Herstellerbescheinigung
GERA­ USCHEMISSION
LpA < 70 dB
am Arbeitsplatz
normaler Betrieb
nach DIN 45635 T. 19

Manufacturer's Declaration
ACOUSTIC NOISE EMISSION
LpA < 70 dB
operator position
normal operation
per ISO 7779

Impedance Analyzer 5
Regulatory Compliance Information
This product complies with the essential requirements of the
following applicable European Directives, and carries the CE
marking accordingly:
• The Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
• The EMC Directive 2004/108/EEC
To obtain Declaration of Conformity, please contact your local
Keysight Technologies sales office, agent or distributor.

6 Impedance Analyzer
Safety Notice Supplement
• This equipment complies with EN/IEC61010-1:2001.
• This equipment is of MEASUREMENT CATEGORY I (CAT I). Do
not use for CAT II, III, or IV.
• Do not connect the measuring terminals to mains.
• This equipment is a POLLUTION DEGREE 2, INDOOR USE
product.
• This equipment is tested in stand-alone condition and in
combination with the accessories supplied by Keysight
Technologies against the requirement of the standards
described in the Declaration of Conformity. If it is used as a
system component, compliance of related regulations and
safety requirements are to be confirmed by the builder of the
system.

Impedance Analyzer 7
General Safety Precautions
The following general safety precautions must be observed during
all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific
WARNINGS elsewhere in this manual may impair the protection
provided by the equipment. Such noncompliance would also
violate safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use
of the instrument. Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for
the customer’s failure to comply with these precautions.

The E4990A complies with INSTALLATION CATEGORY II as well as

NOT E POLLUTION DEGREE 2 in IEC61010-1. The E4990A is an INDOOR USE
product.

The LEDs in the E4990A are Class 1 in accordance with IEC60825-1,

NOT E CLASS 1 LED PRODUCT.

• Ground the Instrument

To avoid electric shock, the instrument chassis and cabinet
must be grounded with the supplied power cable’s grounding
prong.
• DO NOT Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of inflammable
gasses or fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such
an environment clearly constitutes a safety hazard.
• Keep Away from Live Circuits
Operators must not remove instrument covers. Component
replacement and internal adjustments must be made by
qualified maintenance personnel. Do not replace components
with the power cable connected. Under certain conditions,
dangerous voltage levels may remain even after the power cable
has been disconnected. To avoid injuries, always disconnect the
power and discharge circuits before touching them.
• DO NOT Service or Adjust the Instrument Alone
Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another
person, capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation, is
present.
• DO NOT Substitute Parts or Modify the Instrument
To avoid the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not
install substitute parts or perform unauthorized modifications to
the instrument. Return the instrument to an Keysight
Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to

8 Impedance Analyzer
 ensure that safety features are maintained in operational
condition.
• Dangerous Procedure Warnings
Warnings, such as the example below, precede potentially
dangerous procedures throughout this manual. Instructions
contained in the warnings must be followed.

Dangerous voltage levels, capable of causing death, are present in this

WA RNING instrument. Use extreme caution when handling, testing, and adjusting
this instrument.

Impedance Analyzer 9
Safety Symbols
General definitions of safety symbols used on the instrument or in
manuals are listed below.

Instruction Manual symbol: the product is marked with

this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to
the instrument manual.
Alternating current.

Direct current.

On (Supply).

Off (Supply).

In-position of push-button switch.

Out-position of push-button switch.

A chassis terminal; a connection to the instrument’s

chassis, which includes all exposed metal structure.
Standby.

10 Impedance Analyzer
 Certification
Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Keysight
Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are
traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and
Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institution’s calibration
facility or by the calibration facilities of other International
Standards Organization members.

Documentation Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided "as is," and is
subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law,
Keysight disclaims all warranties, either express or implied with
regard to this manual and any information contained herein,
including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Keysight shall
not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages
in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this
document or any information contained herein. Should Keysight
and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty
terms covering the material in this document that conflict with
these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement will
control.

Exclusive Remedies
The remedies provided herein are Buyer’s sole and exclusive
remedies. KeysightTechnologies shall not be liable for any direct,
indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether
based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance
agreements are available for Keysight Technologies products.
For any assistance, contact your nearest KeysightTechnologies
Sales and Service Office. Addresses are provided at the back of this
manual.

Impedance Analyzer 11
Manuals for E4990A
Keysight provides the following three manuals for E4990A. The
latest version of all documentations can be downloaded from
http://www.keysight.com/find/e4990a-manual.

Installation Guide
The installation guide provides start up setup information when you
use the E4990A for the first time, system recovery procedures and
troubleshooting information when Windows cannot boot up. See
this manual first when you use the E4990A for the first time.

Troubleshooting Guide
The troubleshooting guide (this manual) provides troubleshooting
information when operational problems are encountered on the
E4990A. See this manual when you need to troubleshoot the
E4990A.

Online Help
The online help provides the information about the quick start,
measurement operation, programming, built-in VBA, I/O interface
and error messages. This is pre-installed in the E4990A. Press the
[Help] hard key on the front panel to open. Quick Start helps in
understanding the E4990A operation quickly.
The latest version of online help is available at:
http://ena.support.keysight.com/e4990a/manuals/webhelp/eng/
The online help has context sensitive help, which is a great feature
of the E4990A help. It allows you to get information about the
selected softkey by pressing the Help key in the E4990A or by
pressing F1 in a keyboard attached to the E4990A or by clicking the
help button in a dialog box. With context sensitive help, users can
receive information quickly about the area the user is working in
the firmware of the E4990A. It provides information relevant to the
task that needs to be accomplished and reduces the time to search
relevant information required to complete a task.

12 Impedance Analyzer
In This Guide...
The following shows the contents of this manual.

Chapter 1, "Troubleshooting"
This chapter provides the procedure to isolate a faulty assembly in
the E4990A.

Chapter 2, "Post Repair Procedure"

This chapter lists the procedures required to verify the E4990A
operation after an assembly is replaced with a new one.

Impedance Analyzer 13
14 Impedance Analyzer
Contents
Regulatory Compliance Information 6
Safety Notice Supplement 7

1 Troubleshooting
Introduction 18
How to exit from the E4990A Measurement View 19
To Troubleshoot the Instrument 20
Primary Trouble Isolation 20
No Display Troubleshooting 22
Booting Process Troubleshooting 27
Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic Test 32
Diagnostic Test 32
Function Specific Troubleshooting 34
To Check the Front Panel 35
To Check the Touch Panel 35
To Check the LCD 36
To Check the External Keyboard 36
To Check the Mouse 36
To Check the External Monitor Output Port 37
To Check the External Trigger Input 37
To Check the GPIB 37
To Check the USB 37
Performance Test failure Troubleshooting 39
Recommended Adjustment for Performance Test failure 39
Performance failure Troubleshooting 40
Adjustment failure Troubleshooting 40

2 Post Repair Procedure

Post Repair Procedures 44
License file 44

Network Analyzer 15
16 Network Analyzer
Impedance Analyzer
Troubleshooting Guide

1
Troubleshooting
Introduction 18
How to exit from the E4990A Measurement View 19
To Troubleshoot the Instrument 20
No Display Troubleshooting 22
Booting Process Troubleshooting 27
Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic Test 32
Function Specific Troubleshooting 34
Performance Test failure Troubleshooting 39

This chapter provides the procedure to isolate a faulty assembly in

the E4990A.
1 Troubleshooting

Introduction

These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To

WA RNING avoid possible electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you
are qualified to do so.

The opening of covers or removal of parts are likely to expose dangerous

WA RNING voltages. Disconnect the instrument from its power supply beforehand.

Many of the assemblies in the instrument are very susceptible to damage

CAUTION from ESD (electrostatic discharge). Perform the following procedures only
at a static-safe workstation and wear a grounding strap.

DO NOT operate without following instructions. Program or files in the

CAUTION instrument may be broken.

18 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

How to exit from the E4990A Measurement View

Some troubleshooting procedures require you to exit from the
E4990A Measurement View. The following procedure describes the
steps to to exit from the E4990A Measurement View.

Step 1. Connect a mouse to the connectors on the E4990A rear

panel.

Step 2. Turn the instrument on.

Step 3. Press key.

Step 4. Click Service.

Step 5. Click Exit.

Figure 1 Exit dialog box

Step 6. Click Yes in Exit menu. The E4990A exits from

Measurement View to Windows desktop.

If you want to return to the Measurement View, double-click the” E4990A”

NOT E icon on the desktop.

if you need to shut down the E4990A, press the standby switch on the
NOT E front panel.

Impedance Analyzer 19
1 Troubleshooting

To Troubleshoot the Instrument

This section describes the basic troubleshooting procedural flow
when servicing the E4990A. The primary procedural tool in this
section is the flowchart. The flowchart contains the entire
troubleshooting path from the failure symptom to the isolation of
faulty assembly, and will direct you through the repair in an orderly
manner through the possible failure symptoms. Reference letters
(Yes/No) on the flowchart point to procedural steps that briefly
explain the next troubleshooting method to be performed.

Primary Trouble Isolation

The primary trouble isolation procedure can be performed without
disassembling the E4990A. Figure 2 shows the trouble isolation
flow chart.

Step 1. Turn the instrument power on.

A few minutes after the E4990A is turned on, the measurement
view is displayed on the screen. The display screen should be
similar to Figure 10, “E4990A Application view,” on page 31.

Step 2. Check the display.

• If no display appears on the LCD after the E4990A is turned on,
go to “No Display Troubleshooting" on page 22.
• If the E4990A stops during booting process despite something
being displayed on the LCD, go to “Booting Process
Troubleshooting" on page 27.

Step 3. Check the basic function.

If the front-panel/keyboard/mouse controls, LCD display, data
storage, remote interface or other function (except the
measurement function) does not work correctly, go to “Function
Specific Troubleshooting" on page 34.

Step 4. Check the measurement function.

If the instrument fails performance test, go to “Performance Test
failure Troubleshooting" on page 39.
If the measurement function does not work correctly, perform the
diagnostic tests provided in the E4990A’s service function. If the
diagnostic tests fail, go to “Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic
Test" on page 32.

20 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Figure 2 Primary trouble isolation flowchart

Impedance Analyzer 21
1 Troubleshooting

No Display Troubleshooting
If the E4990A displays nothing despite being powered from proper
ac power line, isolate the failure in accordance with the procedure
shown in Figure 3.
Connect the keyboard to the E4990A rear panel connector and
start trouble isolation. The methods of trouble isolation are
described in the procedural step 1 to 6.

22 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Figure 3 No display trouble isolation procedure

Impedance Analyzer 23
1 Troubleshooting

Step 1. Check fan operation and DC monitor LED.

If the rear panel fan (blower) doesn’t run, a failure in power supply
is assumed. Remove the E4990A outer cover and check if the
following LEDs light:
• +3.3 V and +5 V DC monitor LEDs on A60 CPU module as shown
in Figure 4.
• LEDs on A51 DSP module as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 4 LEDs on CPU module

Figure 5 LEDs on DSP module

24 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Step 2. Check system fan inside.

If the system fan, located on the left side of the chassis inside the
E4990A, does not run, the problem seems to be in the A51 DSP
board or the flat cable between the A51 DSP board and A60 CPU
module. In this case, remove the E4990A outer cover and
determine if the fan runs or not.
If a beep and power shutdown occurs immediately after the power
is turned on, there is a possibility that the fan would not run. The
power shutdown occurs the moment the system fan stops by any
anomaly. In this case, check the fan.
If the power shutdown occurs without a beep, the problem seems
to be with the A51 DSP board or the A60 CPU module.

Step 3. Check LED of “Num Lock” key.

Press the Num Lock key on the keyboard. If the LED on the
keyboard does not light as shown in Figure 6, a problem seems to
be in the A60 CPU module.

Figure 6 LED of the Num Lock key

Check the following before replacing the A60 CPU module.

• Connections to the A60 CPU Module are normal
• There are no disconnections or loose connections

Impedance Analyzer 25
1 Troubleshooting

Step 4. Check the external monitor

Connect an external VGA monitor to the External Monitor Output
Port on the E4990A rear panel.
• If something is displayed on the external monitor, the
problem seems to be related to the LCD display. Also, check
the A52 Front Panel I/F board because the ON/OFF setting of
the LCD backlight is controlled by the A52 Front Panel I/F
board.
• If nothing is displayed even on the external monitor, the
problems seems to be in the A60 CPU module.

Step 5. Check the flat cable

Check the flat cable between the A60 CPU Module and A52 Front
Panel I/F board.

Step 6. Check around the backlight

Check the inverter board and the cable between the inverter board
and A52 Front Panel I/F board. Also check the cables between the
LCD and A52 Front Panel I/F board. If the cables are normal, check
the LCD display.

26 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Booting Process Troubleshooting

Figure 7 represents the booting process flow in the E4990A. If the
E4990A stops in the booting process, troubleshoot using the
following step-by-step procedure.

Figure 7 Booting process flowchart

Impedance Analyzer 27
1 Troubleshooting

Step 1. Splash Screen.

The splash screen is displayed with Keysight logo.
If the splash screen is displayed, you can assume that the A60 CPU
Module is functioning correctly.

While the splash screen is displayed, if you want to run the BIOS setup
NOT E utility, push F2 key on the attached external keyboard as soon as you see
the splash screen. The password to enter BIOS setup utility is agt0nly (0 is
Zero).
Changing BIOS setting may cause malfunction or lower performance of
the instrument.

Step 2. Boot up Screen.

The boot up screen is displayed as shown in Figure 8.
If no selection is made, the system will continue the boot up
process after 3 seconds.

While the Boot up screen is displayed, if you want to perform system

NOT E recovery, select Keysight Recovery System as soon as the Windows Boot
Manager screen is displayed. For details of the system recovery, refer to
the Installation Guide.

Figure 8 Boot up Screen

28 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Step 3. Windows boot screen.

The Windows boot screen is displayed as shown in Figure 9. If the
Windows boot screen is displayed, it is assumed that the SSD
works and the Windows operating system is starting up

Figure 9 Windows boot screens

If you encounter the following problems, try to execute the system

recovery before replacing the SSD.
• “xxx file is missing” message is displayed on DOS screen.
• The window boot screen is not displayed after the splash
screen.
• Windows always boots up in Safe Mode.

If the E4990A was turned off without proper shutdown process, Microsoft
NOT E Scandisk runs while the windows boot screens are displayed. If a serious
problem is found during the scan, execute the system recovery. For
details on executing the system recovery, refer to the Installation Guide. If
the operating system still does not boot up properly after reinstallation,
replace the SSD.

Impedance Analyzer 29
1 Troubleshooting

The operating system automatically checks the device drivers which are
NOT E necessary for use in the E4990A and are installed in the system before the
E4990A is shipped from Keysight factory. If the operating system does not
detect them, a message box is displayed. In this case, install the device
driver.

Step 4. System Initialization Screen.

The system initialization screen is displayed. If the display whites
out, is entirely blue or a dialog box appears, a mass storage
problem is suspected. Try to perform the mass storage recovery
procedure.

If the message “Will Shut Down in Five Seconds” is displayed and

NOT E shutdown occurs, the A51 DSP board has failed to start up. The following
messages may be displayed before the shutdown occurs:
“Fatal Error: Failed to Initialize DSP Driver”
or “Fatal Error: Failed to Initialize DSP”
This message indicates that the DSP board does not work or is not
properly connected to the DSP DSP board.
“Fatal Error: Failed to Update DSP Code”
If this happens, the DSP board has failed to write the DSP program into
the flash ROM when the firmware was first installed or after being
updated to the latest version. A problem with the A51 DSP board or A60
CPU Module is suspected.

Step 5. E4990A Application view.

The E4990A application is executed after the system initialization is
completed without problem.

30 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Figure 10 E4990A Application view

Impedance Analyzer 31
1 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic Test

The E4990A has diagnostic test function to diagnose the analog
measurement section and internal dc power supply voltages. The
diagnostic tests make it possible to isolate a faulty board assembly.
The following paragraphs describe the procedure to perform the
diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic Test

To execute the diagnostic test

To isolate faulty board assembly modules, execute the diagnostic
test in accordance with the following procedure.

To perform the diagnostic test properly, the following conditions must be

NOT E met:
Environmental temperature: 23°C ±5°C
Warm up time: > 30 minutes

Do not operate front panel keys, keyboard and mouse during the
NOT E diagnostic test. Changing the instrument setting while the diagnostic test
is in progress will cause incorrect test results.

Step 1. Press key.

Step 2. Click Service Menu > Test Menu > Diagnostic Test.

32 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Figure 11 Diagnostic Test

Step 3. Select Execute All.

Follow the instruction for connection, then click OK to execute the
test.

Impedance Analyzer 33
1 Troubleshooting

Function Specific Troubleshooting

If the E4990A exhibits a failure symptom that is related to a specific
function or control such as a front panel key control, data storage,
remote control interface, external trigger, external keyboard or
mouse, isolate the trouble using the Function Specific
Troubleshooting procedures described below. The major functions
of the E4990A and the troubleshooting procedure for each function
are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Major functions and troubleshooting procedures

Function Description Troubleshooting

Front panel keys All E4990A functions can be set and controlled Refer to “To Check the Front
via the front panel keys. Panel" on page 35
Touch panel The touch screen display on the E4990A allows Refer to “To Check the Touch
all functions in the menu bars, setup windows Panel" on page 35
and dialog boxes to be set by a touch to the
screen panel.
LCD display Almost all the information including the Refer to “To Check the LCD" on
measurement value, setup state, result data page 36
processing, menu bar, softkey label and others
are indicated on the 10.4-inch color LCD
display.
External keyboard The external keyboard can be used for the entry Refer to “To Check the External
of numerical and character data when it is Keyboard" on page 36
connected to the USB connector on the front or
rear panel.
Mouse The mouse can be used to move the pointer on Refer to “To Check the
the LCD display, select functions and change Mouse" on page 36
settings, when it is connected to the USB
connected on the front or rear panel.
External monitor An external color monitor can be used to display Refer to “To Check the External
the same information as the E4990A LCD Monitor Output Port" on
display, when it is connected to the External page 37
Monitor Output Port (15-pin VGA connector) on
the rear panel.
GPIB Interface The GPIB compatibility allows the E4990A to be Refer to “To Check the
operated as a talker/listener on IEEE 488 GPIB" on page 37
interface bus.
Handler Interface The Handler Interface port can be used to Refer to “To execute the
transfer comparator decision output data and diagnostic test" on page 32
perform timing synchronization with an external and “To execute the diagnostic
handler. test" on page 32

34 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

To Check the Front Panel

Procedure

Step 1. Press key.

Step 2. Click Service Menu - Test Menu - Front Panel. This

opens the Front Panel Test window.

Step 3. Press the front panel keys. Red ticks will appear on the
Front Panel Test window whenever the corresponding key on the
front panel is pressed Turn the rotary knob clockwise or
counterclockwise. Red ticks will appear on the left of the rotary
knob on the Front Panel Test window when you turn
counterclockwise and on the right of the rotary knob when you turn
clockwise.

Step 4. To exit the front panel test, click the button.

• If multiple keys fail to work, a problem in the A52 Front Panel
I/F board or A60 CPU Module is suspected. Also, check the
flat cable between the A52 Front Panel I/F board and A60
CPU Module.
• If only a specific key fails to work, check first if the key is
subsided in the panel.
• If the rotary knob fails to work, check the A52 Front Panel I/F
board involving the RPG.

To Check the Touch Panel

Procedure
Using the LCD display panel, select or change the setting of a
function in the softkey menu and then, perform the same operation
using the hardkeys.
• If the touch panel does not work correctly when the hardkeys
function normally, a failure seems to be in the touch screen
controller assembly or touch-panel LCD assembly. (The
touch panel is not replaceable independently of the LCD.)
• Check the cable between the touch screen controller and the
serial interface connector on the A60 CPU module.
• If no problem is found in the above checks, a failure in the
A60 CPU Module is suspected.

Impedance Analyzer 35
1 Troubleshooting

To Check the LCD

Procedure

Step 1. Press key.

Step 2. Click Service - Display Test. The whole LCD screen turns
RED.

Step 3. Tap anywhere on the LCD to go through the color test

screen of RED, GREEN, BLUE, WHITE and BLACK. You can also use
the rotary knob turned clockwise or press the ENTRY keys on the
E4990A front panel.
If the color test screen does not appear, perform Step 4.

Step 3. Connect an external VGA monitor to the External

Monitor Output Port on the E4990A rear panel.
• If the monitor screen view is the same as the LCD display, the
problem seems to be in the A60 CPU module.
• If only the LCD display has a problem, check the flat cable
between the A52 Front Panel I/F board and A60 CPU
Module.
• If the cables are normal, check the A51 LCD module.

To Check the External Keyboard

Procedure

Step 1. Connect an external keyboard to the E4990A rear panel

USB port.

Step 2. Press key.

Step 3. Press and keys on the external keyboard,

and verify that the cursor on the menu bar moves up and down. If it
doesn’t work, the external keyboard or the A60 CPU Module may
be faulty.

To Check the Mouse

Procedure

Step 1. Connect a mouse to the E4990A rear panel USB port.

36 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Step 2. Verify that the mouse buttons work normally. If any

button does not work or the mouse pointer does not move, a failure
in the mouse or the A60 CPU Module is suspected.

To Check the External Monitor Output Port

Procedure

Step 1. Connect an external VGA color monitor to the External

Monitor Output Port on the E4990A rear panel.

Step 2. Turn the external monitor on.

Step 3. Verify that the monitor screen view is the same as the
display on the LCD. If the monitor screen view is abnormal, a failure
seems to be in the A60 CPU module.

To Check the External Trigger Input

Procedure

Step 1. Press key.

Step 2. Press Trigger Mode key.

Step 3. Click External in the menu bar to set the trigger mode to
External.

Step 4. Connect a BNC Short or 50 ohm termination to the

External Trigger Input Port on the rear panel and disconnect it. A
measurement trigger should be generated and a measurement
result should be refreshed.

Step 5. If no trigger occurs, a failure in the A51 DSP board is

suspected.

To Check the GPIB

Procedure
Perform the E4990A Performance Test program. If the controller
cannot detect the E4990A, the problem seems to be in the A60
CPU module.

To Check the USB

Procedure

Impedance Analyzer 37
1 Troubleshooting

Connect a USB cable between controller PC and USB Interface

port (USBTMC) on the rear panel of the E4990A. Turn the controller
PC on. If the E4990A cannot detect the controller PC, the problems
seems to be in the CPU module. Keysight I/O Library should be
installed on the PC.

38 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Performance Test failure Troubleshooting

This section describes the adjustment and troubleshooting
procedures used when the E4990A fails the performance tests. If
the performance of the instrument is critical for the test limits and
seems adjustable, perform first the adjustment(s) related to the
failed test. When the test result are far from the tolerance of the
test or the performance is not adjustable, isolate the faulty
assembly in accordance with the “Performance Test failure
Troubleshooting procedure.

Recommended Adjustment for Performance Test failure

Table 2 shows the recommended adjustments when the
performance test fails. Select the adjustment program
corresponding to the recommended adjustment and perform the
adjustment.

Table 2 Recommended adjustment for performance test failure

Failed Performance test item Recommended Adjustment

Signal Frequency Accuracy 10MHz Reference Frequency
Signal Level Monitor Accuracy TRD Phase Track
Signal Level
Signal Level Accuracy TRD Phase Track
Signal Level
DC Bias Level Monitor Accuracy DC Bias Level
DC Bias Level Accuracy DC Bias Level
Z Measurement Accuracy TRD MODEM ADC DC Offset
TRD MUX DC Offset
VRD Mixer LO Leakage
TRD Phase Track
TRD MODEM DAC DC Offset
Signal Level
VRD ADC Linearity
TRD Compression
Z Measurement Correction

Impedance Analyzer 39
1 Troubleshooting

Performance failure Troubleshooting

Table 4 shows the recommended replacement board when the
performance test fails even after adjustment.

Table 3 Recommended replacement board for performance test 

failure

Failed Adjustment item

A11 Synthesizer

A7 LF Source

A8 VRD
A5 TRD
Signal Frequency Accuracy ** *
Signal Level Monitor Accuracy ** ** * *
Signal Level Accuracy ** *
DC Bias Level Monitor Accuracy ** *
DC Bias Level Accuracy ** *
Z Measurement Accuracy * ** *

(**: most suspicious, *: suspicious)

Adjustment failure Troubleshooting

Table 4 shows the recommended replacement board when the
adjustment fails.

Table 4 Recommended replacement board for adjustment failure

Failed Adjustment item

A11 Synthesizer

A7 LF Source

A8 VRD
A5 TRD

10MHz Reference Frequency **

Clock Level ** *
DC Bias Level **
TRD MODEM ADC DC Offset **
TRD MUX DC Offset **

40 Impedance Analyzer
 Troubleshooting 1

Table 4 Recommended replacement board for adjustment failure

VRD Mixer LO Leakage * **

TRD Phase Track **
TRD MODEM DAC DC Offset **
Signal Level ** *
VRD ADC Linearity * **
TRD Compression * ** *
Z Measurement Correction * ** *
DC-DC Converter Switching **
Frequency

(**: most suspicious, *: suspicious)

Impedance Analyzer 41
1 Troubleshooting

42 Impedance Analyzer
ImpedanceAnalyzer
Troubleshooting Guide

2
Post Repair Procedure
Post Repair Procedures 44

This chapter lists the procedures required to verify the E4990A

operation after an assembly is replaced with a new one.
2 Post Repair Procedure

Post Repair Procedures

Table 5 lists the required procedures that must be performed after
the replacement of an assembly. These are the recommended
minimum procedures to ensure that the replacement is
successfully completed.

Table 5 Post Repair Procedures

Replaced Required Adjustment Correction Verification

Assembly or Part Constants (CC)
A11 Source Perform the required adjustments Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic
Board using “A11 Source Board” in Spot Test 32
Adjustment of the program. Perform all of the Performance
Test.
A7 LF Source Perform the required adjustments Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic
using “A7 LF Source” in Spot Test 32
Adjustment of the program. Perform all of the Performance
Test.
A5 TRD Perform the required adjustments Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic
using “A5 TRD” in Spot Test 32
Adjustment of the program. Perform all of the Performance
Test.
A8 VRD Perform the required adjustments Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic
using “A8 VRD” in Spot Test 32
Adjustment of the program. Perform all of the Performance
Test.
A51 DSP Board Perform the required adjustments Troubleshooting Using Diagnostic
using “A51 DSP Board” in Spot Test 32
Adjustment of the program. Inspect the Booting Process
SSD (Solid State Perform the required adjustments Inspect the Booting Process
Drive) using “SSD” in Spot Adjustment
in the program. Copy from license
file (.lic) under E:/license

License file
The license code for the frequency option () and generation ID
(G01) must be installed in E:/license, or the error message will be
displayed.
The license code can be downloaded from the Keysight Software
Manager (KSM) or Keysight Software Licensing (KSL).

44 Impedance Analyzer