Measurement Accuracy and Speed

 

Configure the power meter as follows:

 

 

Note

The example shows the key labels for a single channel power meter.

 

Dual channel meters are similar, adding channel identification to the

 

softkey labels.

 

 

System

1. Press Inputs , Input Settings . The current setting is displayed under the Range softkey.

2.To change this press Range . A pop up window appears. Use or

to highlight your choice.

To confirm your choice press Enter .

The section “Setting the Range, Resolution and Accuracy” in the Agilent EPM series power meters Programming Guide shows you how to configure these parameters using the remote interface

Measurement Considerations

While autoranging is a good starting point, it is not ideal for all measurements. Signal conditions such as crest factor or duty cycle may cause the power meter to select a range which is not the optimum configuration for your specific measurement needs. Signals with average power levels close to the range switch point require you to consider your needs for measurement accuracy and speed. For example, using an Agilent E9300/1/4A sensor, where the range switch point is -10 ± 0.5 dBm in a pulsed signal configured as follows:

Characteristic

Value

Peak Amplitude

-6 dBm

Duty Cycle

25 %

the calculated average power is -12 dBm.

Accuracy

The value of -12 dBm lies in the lower range of the Agilent E-series E9300 power sensor. In autoranging mode (“AUTO”) the Agilent EPM series power meter determines the average power level is below -10 dBm and selects the low power path. However, the peak amplitude of -6 dBm is beyond the specified, square law response range of the low power path diodes.The high

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Agilent Technologies E9300 manual Measurement Considerations, Accuracy