Agilent Technologies 46A, 45A Clear Display, Averaging, Let the Instrument Warm Up Before Testing

Chapter 3: Testing Performance

Test Record

You can record the results of the performance tests in the Performance Test Record provided at the end of this chapter. The Performance Test Record lists the performance tests and provides an area to mark test results. You can use the results recorded at incoming inspection for later comparisons during periodic maintenance, troubleshooting, and after repairs or adjustments.

Operating Hints

Some knowledge of operating the oscilloscope is helpful; however, these procedures are written so that little experience is necessary. The following two hints will speed progress of the testing.

Clear Display

When using many averages, it often takes awhile for a waveform display to stabilize after a change. When a control on the oscilloscope is changed, averaging automatically restarts. When just the input signal is changed, the instrument must average new data with the old so it takes longer for the waveform to stabilize.

Press the Clear Display key while changing input signals. The instrument will restart averaging and give a quick indication of the result of the signal change.

Averaging

Averaging is used to assure a stable signal for measurements. It is not necessary to wait for complete stability of the signal (averaging complete), as long as the measurement is well within the limits of the test.

Specifications

The specifications that apply to a particular test are given with the test procedure. The specification as given with the test may be abbreviated for clarity. In case of any questions, refer to the complete specifications and characteristics in chapter 1, “General Information.”

Performance Test Procedures

Performance test procedures start with the next paragraph. Procedures may be done individually and in any order.

Let the Instrument Warm Up Before Testing

Allow the instrument to warm up for at least 30 minutes prior to beginning performance tests. Failure to allow warm-up may cause the instrument to fail tests.

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