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E4418/19 Writing Cal Factor Block

Question asked by ktonine on Jan 4, 2012
Latest reply on Jun 17, 2013 by rftech3000

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Is there a reference on how to write/update E-Series sensor EEPROM data using the E4418/19 power meters?

I've read through the material on how the Cal Factor Blocks are structured and can decipher the frequency tables and correction values. I've located the Date, Serial Number, Tracking number, and Calibration Place - but any changes I make result in sensor EEPROM errors that I assume are related to the checksum.

I see that the N1913/14 power meters have a command (SERV:SENS:CALF) to write the Cal Factor data and update the checksum. Unfortunately, though I can read and write the EEPROM data using the E4419 power meter, I can't find any reference on the range of values in the checksum and where the checksum is stored.

Any help would be appreciated.

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lynchdavidb Jan 4, 2012 4:04 PM
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The power sensor EEPROM data format for the cal factor and other data with the E4418/9A power meter is very complicated to Read and Write. This is an old power meter. Agilent does not recommend that the user try to read or write this data. We do not support user's trying to do this manually. That is why there is no SCPI command to do this. In fact if the cal factor/etc. data is not written corrently back into the sensor's EEPROM the entire data format structure can be damaged. The only way to fix this problem is to have the sensor sent back to the factory for a fresh load. It can not be done in the field or Service Center.

This issue was fixed in the N1913/4A power meters which is why you see a SCPI command to do this. Review the N1913/4A Programming Guide for information on this command and the data format. This format and SCPI command DOES NOT APPLY to the E4418/9B.

It is possible to Read and Write the cal factor information using a E4418/9B power meter using a speciall written software specifically for this purpose. You can get a copy of this software by contacting the Agilent Response Center at 1-800-829-4444. Tell them you want the E4418/9B Cal Factor Read/Write Runtime VEE software. This software is freeware and is not supported by Agilent. Be sure and read the ReadMe text before using.
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- rftech3000 @ lynchdavidb on Jun 17, 2013 8:46 AM
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  i have a .net application that i wrote which extracts the EEPROM content and dislays the cal factors and frequency info in a grid , im using the DIAG:DET:EEPR ? command to read this , there is also another command i got "INIT CONT OFF" which i been told needs to be send before a read or write operation but im not sure what this command does, can you elaborate on the purpose of this command ? also anytime im changing any bit i get a sensor error so i asume there is a checksum stored somewhere since the error goes away as soon as i change the bit back , do you know the location of the checksum and what algorithm is used to calculate it ? my asumption is adding and two s complement but im not sure so any help would be appreciated , we are trying to create a calibration Software for those sensors since the commercial SW like surecal is just too expensive and we cant justify buying it just to calibrate sensors
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Vinod87 Jun 9, 2012 5:10 PM
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Hi lychdavidb,
As you recommended I got this E4418/9B Cal Factor Read/Write Runtime VEE software, from Agilent Bangalore, India and I was able to carry out Read/Write operations to the Sensor's EEPROM successfully. But, for 2 No's of E4412A Sensors an error occurred during the Write operation, wherein a Cal Factor field was left blank which rendered the Power Sensor's Cal Factor Data unreadable with an error displaying in the Power Meter E4418B -231 as Sensor Error, and the Meter hangs disabling the Front Panel Softkeys.
On going through the Programming Manual of N1912A Power Meter, I understand that a Status Register Bit #3in the EEPROM is set (Byte location not mentioned), hence disabling the Power Meter to read the Sensor's data. I couldn't find any Status Set Commands in the Manual.
So I request you to kindly help me out in enabling the Status Bit by specifying the Byte loaction so that the EEPROM is enabled again for the Write operation.

With Best Regards,
Vinod

Edited by: Vinod87 on Jun 9, 2012 6:10 PM
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onins Jun 13, 2013 2:19 AM
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Good day ktonine,

We've been looking for any topic regarding how to locate the date on the EEPROM and you just mention you did. Can you please help us sir do it. We already locate the serial number and calfactors but not the date. Thanks!
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E4418/19 Writing Cal Factor Block

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