Keysight E6680A - Mech Atten Step; Range (Non-Attenuator Models)

3 IQ Analyzer (Basic) Mode
3.1 Complex Spectrum Measurement
are used. Those odd-decibel steps are less accurately calibrated than the even-
decibel steps, so one tradeoff for this superior relative accuracy is reduced absolute
amplitude accuracy.
Another disadvantage of the electronic attenuator is that the spectrum analyzer
loses its “Auto” setting, making operation less convenient.
Also, the relationship between the dynamic range specifications (TOI, SHI,
compression, and noise) and instrument performance are less well-known with the
electrical attenuator. With the mechanical attenuator, TOI, SHI, and compression
threshold levels increase dB-for-dB with increasing attenuation, and the noise floor
does as well. With the electronic attenuator, there is an excess attenuation of about
1 to 3dB between 0 and 3.6GHz, making the effective TOI, SHI, and so forth, less
well known. Excess attenuation is the actual attenuation relative to stated
attenuation. Excess attenuation is accounted for in the instrument calibration.
Mech Atten Step
Controls the step size used when making adjustments to the input attenuation.
Labeled Mech Atten Step in Dual-Attenuator models and Atten Step in Single-
Attenuator models. In the Dual-Attenuator configuration, only affects the step size
of the mechanical attenuator.
Remote Command
[:SENSe]:POWer[:RF]:ATTenuation:STEP[:INCRement] 10 dB | 2 dB
[:SENSe]:POWer[:RF]:ATTenuation:STEP[:INCRement]?
Example
:POW:ATT:STEP 2
:POW:ATT:STEP?
Notes Has a toggle control on the front panel, but takes a specific value (in dB) when used remotely. The only
valid values are 2 and 10
Dependencies Blanked in EXA, CXA and CXA-m if option FSA (2dB steps) is not present. If blanked, attempts to set it
via SCPI yield an error
Couplings When the attenuation step size changes, the current mechanical attenuation value is adjusted (if
necessary) to be quantized to the new step size. That is, if step is set to 10dB, mech atten is increased
if necessary so it is a multiple of 10dB
Preset EXA, CXA and CXA-m: 10dB (2dB with option FSA)
All other models: 2dB
State Saved Saved in instrument state
3.1.3.3 Range (Non-attenuator models)
Only available for Keysight’s modular signal analyzers and certain other Keysight
products, such as VXT and M941xE.
IQ Analyzer Mode User's &Programmer's Reference 160