7-13
Operating Concepts
Source Attenuator Switch Protection
Source Attenuator Switch Protection
The programmable step attenuator of the source can be switched between port 1 and port 2
when the test port power is uncoupled, or between channel 1 and channel 2 when the
channel power is uncoupled. To avoid premature wear of the attenuator, measurement
configurations requiring continuous switching between different power ranges are not
allowed.
For example, continuous switching would be required if channels 1 and 2 of the analyzer
are decoupled, power levels in two different ranges are selected for each channel, and dual
channel display is engaged. To prevent continuous switching between the two power
ranges, the analyzer automatically engages the test set hold mode after measuring both
channels once. The active channel continues to be updated each sweep while the inactive
channel is placed in the hold mode. (The status annotation tsH appears on the left side of
the display.) If averaging is on, the test set hold mode does not engage until the specified
number of sweeps is completed. The and
softkeys can override this protection feature.

Allowing Repetitive Switching of the Attenuator

The and softkeys allow measurements
which demand repetitive switching of the step attenuator. Use these softkeys with caution;
repetitive switching can cause premature wearing of the attenuator.
causes one measurement to occur before activating the test set
hold mode.
causes a specified number of measurements to occur before
activating the test set hold mode.
MEASURE RESTART
NUMBER OF GROUPS
MEASURE RESTART
NUMBER OF GROUPS
MEASURE RESTART
NUMBER OF GROUPS