R&S ESCI External Generator Control - Configuration
1166.6004.12 4.287 E-1
Option External Generator Control - R&S FSP-B10
The external generator control option permits to operate a number of commercially available generators
as tracking generator on the R&S ESCI. Thus, scalar network analysis with the R&S ESCI is also
possible outside the frequency range of the internal tracking generator when the appropriate generators
are used.
The R&S ESCI also permits to set a frequency offset for frequency-converting measurements when
external generators are used. For harmonics measurements or frequency-converting measurements, it
is also possible to enter a factor, by which the generator frequency is increased or reduced compared
with the receive frequency of the R&S ESCI. Only make sure that the resulting generator frequencies do
not exceed the allowed setting range of the generator.
The settable level range also depends on the generator used.
The generator is controlled via the – optional – second IECBUS interface of the R&S ESCI (= IEC2,
supplied with the option) and, with some Rohde & Schwarz generators, additionally via the TTL
synchronization interface included in the AUX interface of the R&S ESCI.
Note: The use of the TTL interface enables considerably higher measurement rates as pure
IECBUS control, because the frequency stepping of the R&S ESCI is directly coupled with
the frequency stepping of the generator.
Therefore, the frequency sweep differs according to the capabilities of the generator used:
• In the case of generators without TTL interface, the generator frequency is first set for each
frequency point via IECBUS, then the setting procedure has to be completed before recording of
measured values is possible.
• In the case of generators with TTL interface, a list of the frequencies to be set is entered into the
generator before the beginning of the first sweep. Then the sweep is started and the next frequency
point selected by means of the TTL handshake line TRIGGER. The recording of measured values is
only enabled when the generator signals the end of the setting procedure via the BLANK signal. This
method is considerably faster than pure IECBUS control.
With the "SELECT GENERATOR" softkey, a list of the supported generators with the frequency and
level range as well as the capabilities used is included.
The external generator can be used in all operating modes. Recording of test setup calibration values
(SOURCE CAL) and normalization with the correction values (NORMALIZE) are only possible in the
NETWORK mode.
Note: In order to enhance measurement accuracy a common reference frequency should be
used for both the R&S ESCI and the generator. If no independent 10 MHz reference
frequency is available, it is recommended to connect the reference output of the
generator with the reference input of the R&S ESCI and to enable usage of the external
Reference on the R&S ESCI via SETUP – REFERENCE EXT.
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