Why must my instrument firmware be A.05.03.12 (or newer)?

During February 2009, a hardware change was made to the N4010A Link Sub-System (LSS) Assembly.

This hardware change is not backwards-compatible with firmware older than A.05.03.12. This is therefore the minimum firmware revision that can be used if the LSS in your instrument is replaced after that date.

The LSS hardware revision can be checked by pressing the front panel keys SYSTEM, SERVICE, HARDWARE INFO. If the LSS description contains the string "2008T4", then the February 2009 hardware change is present.

If the LSS description does not contain the string "2008T4", then the hardware change is not present, and the firmware can be downgraded below A.05.03.12.