PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
3-2
Introduction
This chapter is specifically for use by the experienced signal generator user and therefore the
operation of the instrument is not explained in detail. Since the instrument has been designed to
be easy to use, the experienced user may need to refer to this chapter only, to use the instrument
efficiently.
The operation of the instrument is based on using the main screen and using the menus. The main
screen is used in association with six function keys while menu operation is entered using the
[MENU] key. Four of the function keys [CARR FREQ], [RF LEVEL], [MOD] and
[MOD SOURCE] enable you to set the basic parameters of a signal. The remaining two function
keys [STO] and [RCL] control memory store and recall operations. The blue [MENU] key
enables you to select utility menu operation, which provides access to a wide range of utilities.
Main screen operation
The main screen is displayed at switch-on and after one of the dark gray function keys has been
pressed. Pressing a function key highlights the area of the screen appropriate to that key and the
instrument awaits either parameter entry or menu operation.
Both the [MOD] and [MOD SOURCE] function keys operate in a cyclic fashion as shown by the
arrows marked on the keys. Repeated pressing of the [MOD] key steps through each modulation
of the currently selected modulation mode, together with full source information for that mode.
As each modulation mode is displayed, the signal source for that modulation can be selected. For
internal sources, repeated pressing of the [MOD SOURCE] key steps through and selects each of
the available waveforms. If the displayed modulation mode is external, repeated pressing of the
key displays and selects each of the external types of coupling.
Utility menu operation
The instrument provides a range of utilities for such applications as setting the GPIB address,
adjusting the LCD contrast, poking the latches and selecting the modulation mode. Utility menu
operation is summarized in Fig. 3-1, which uses a modulation selection example. This is intended
t
o be opened out and used in conjunction with the explanatory text that follows.
The function keys are closely connected with the utility menus for greater efficiency of operation.
This means that when you press a function key followed by the [MENU] key, those utilities
associated with that function are called up for immediate use. Thus pressing [MOD][MENU]
takes you to the modulation group of menus.
Within the menus, pressing [SELECT] takes you down the menu chain, pressing [MENU] takes
you back up.
Move between items on a menu by means of the [NEXT] and [PREV] keys.
Once you are familiar with the use of the utility menus, you can immediately call up commonly
used menus by using the sequence:
[MENU] Utility number [ENTER]
To return to the main screen, press any one of the function keys.
With the main screen displayed, pressing [SELECT] either displays your last selected utility or, if
you have just switched on, displays the software status of the instrument.
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