6 Input/Output
6.6 Freq Ref Input
6.6.2 Ext Ref Freq
This key tells the instrument the frequency of the external reference. When the
external reference is in use (either because the reference has been switched to
External or because the Reference has been switched to Sense and there is a valid
external reference present) this information is used by the instrument to determine
the internal settings needed to lock to that particular external reference signal.
For the instrument to stay locked, the value entered must be within 5 ppm of the
actual external reference frequency. So, it is important to get it close, or you risk an
unlock condition.
Note that this value only affects the instrument’s ability to lock. It does not affect
any calculations or measurement results. See "Freq Offset" in the Frequency section
for information on how to offset frequency values.
Remote Command
[:SENSe]:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency <freq>
[:SENSe]:ROSCillator:EXTernal:FREQuency?
Example Set the external reference frequency to 20MHz, but does not select the external reference:
:ROSC:EXT:FREQ 20 MHz
Select the external reference:
:ROSC:SOUR:TYPE EXT
Dependencies Still available with Internal or Pulse selected, to allow setup for when External is in use. However, the
setting has no effect if the Internal Reference is in use (Freq Ref In set to Internal, Pulse, or SENSE:INT
or SENSE:PULSE)
Not available in UXM
For VXT models M9420A/10A/11A/15A/16A and M9410E/11E/15E/16E: only 100 MHz is available
Preset Unaffected by Mode Preset, Input/Output Preset, or Restore Defaults, Input/Output, but set to
100MHz for VXT models and 10MHz for other models, by Restore Defaults, Misc, or Restore Defaults,
All, or Default External Ref Freq
State Saved Power On Persistent (survives power cycle)
Min/Max See "Minimum & Maximum Values" on page 2242
Minimum & Maximum Values
Model Min Max
CXA, N897xB, E7760B, M8920A/20B, CXA-m 10MHz 10MHz
EXA without option R13 10MHz 10MHz
EXA with option R13 10MHz 20MHz
MXA, PXA, EXM 10MHz 50MHz
Vector Modulation Analyzer Mode User's &Programmer's Reference 2242