In the process of fixing 9 pcs E5071C, I have noted that at least three of them have low output power on both channels (-26 dBm on two, -31 dBm on the third).? I confirmed that the faulty component was the Vernier Leveler and then took this apart to take a look.? It seems like it's always the expensive components that burn out, so I decided to remove IGC1-4213 and bridge the contacts on either side of the component.? Sure enough, the output power went up from -26 dBm to about -9 dBm.? Some limited information about this part is available on the Keysight.? Looks like it's a 11 dB gain power amplifier, so the numbers check out and it looks like this is the failed component.? ?Assuming that they drive it at 9 dBm gain, that would give me the right power at my port (0 dBm nominally).?
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Replacements components appear to be hard to find and expensive (around $500), which is a pretty good indication that failures on this component are common place.? The Keysight page indicates that they sell parts (1GC1-8213) in lots of 10 pcs, so I've put in an inquiry.
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My questions:
1)? Is it possible to get a IGC1-4213 data sheet?
2)? There are some similar component numbers (IGC1-4214, IGC1-8213).? How does one tell which components are compatible and which are not?? Data sheets seem to be unavailable and every time I ask Keysight a question they respond that they're happy to fix it for me, just send them a check for 6K USD.
3)? Of the 9 units, there are two components that have failed and knocked out about 6 of the units.? In other words, two failure mechanisms keep repeating themselves.? Keysight has got to know this.? Why don't they have a service bulletin or something?? Why don't they offer a reasonable repair service for these components which appear to have been designed to fail?? Just a rant I suppose, but I'm not too impressed.? On the plus side, it makes my job easier because once I figure out the failure I just have to apply the same solution over and over again.
