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Chapter 7  Tutorial
Frequency Sweep
4
7
Frequency Sweep
Frequency sweeping is similar to FM but no modulating waveform is use
d. 
Instead, the function generator sets the output frequency based on either 
a linear or logarithmic function. In a linear sweep, the output frequency 
changes in a constant “hertz per second” manner. In a 
logarithmic
 sweep
, 
the output frequency changes in a constant “octaves per second” or 
“decades per second” manner. Logarithmic sweeps are useful for covering 
wide frequency ranges where resolution at low frequencies could be lost 
with a linear sweep.
You can generate a sweep using an internal trigger source or an external 
hardware trigger source. When this source is selected, the function 
generator outputs a continuous sweep at a rate determined by the 
sweep time specified. When the external source is selected, the function 
generator will accept a hardware trigger applied to the rear-panel 
Trig In connector. The function generator initiates one sweep each time 
Trig In receives a TTL pulse.
A sweep consists of a finite number of small frequency steps. Since each 
step takes the same amount of time, longer sweep times result in smaller 
steps and therefore better resolution. 
The number of discrete frequency 
points in the sweep is automatically
 calculated by the function generator 
and is based on the sweep time you select.
Frequency Sweep
For triggered sweeps, the trigger source can be an external signal, 
the key, or a command received from the remote interface. The 
input for external trigger signals is the rear-panel Trig In connector. 
Sync Output
Main Output
33210A users guide.book  Page 329  Wednesday, July 16, 2008  11:16 AM