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Operating Concepts
Source Attenuator Switch Protection
Source Attenuator Switch Protection
The programmable step attenuator of the source can be switched between port 1 and port 2 when the test
port power is uncoupled, or between channel 1 and channel 2 when the channel power is uncoupled. To
avoid premature wear of the attenuator, measurement configurations requiring continuous switching
between different power ranges are not allowed.
For example, continuous switching would be required if channels 1 and 2 of the analyzer are decoupled,
power levels in two different ranges are selected for each channel, and dual channel display is engaged. To
prevent continuous switching between the two power ranges, the analyzer automatically engages the test
set hold mode after measuring both channels once. The active channel continues to be updated each sweep
while the inactive channel is placed in the hold mode. (The status annotation tsH appears on the left side of
the display.) If averaging is on, the test set hold mode does not engage until the specified number of sweeps
is completed. The
and softkeys can override this
protection feature.
Allowing Repetitive Switching of the Attenuator
The and softkeys allow measurements which
demand repetitive switching of the step attenuator. Use these softkeys with caution; repetitive switching
can cause premature wearing of the attenuator.
• causes one measurement to occur before activating the test set hold mode.
• causes a specified number of measurements to occur before activating
the test set hold mode.