Reducing Input Attenuation - Keysight X Series Measurement Manual

Measuring a Low−Level Signal

Reducing Input Attenuation

Reducing Input Attenuation
The ability to measure a low-level signal is limited by internally generated noise in
the signal analyzer. The measurement setup can be changed in several ways to
improve the analyzer sensitivity.
The input attenuator affects the level of a signal passing through the instrument. If a
signal is very close to the noise floor, reducing input attenuation can bring the signal
out of the noise.
CAUTION
Ensure that the total power of all input signals at the analyzer RF input does not
exceed +30 dBm (1 watt).
Step
1 Set up the signal generator.
2 Connect the source RF
OUTPUT to the analyzer
RF INPUT as shown.
3 Select the mode.
4 Preset the mode.
5 Set the center frequency,
span and reference level.
6 Move the peak to the center
of the display.
Action
a. Set the frequency to 300 MHz.
b. Set the amplitude to −80 dBm.
• Press Mode, Spectrum Analyzer.
• Press Mode Preset.
a. Press FREQ Channel, Center
Freq, 300, MHz.
b. Press SPAN X Scale, Span, 5,
MHz.
c. Press AMPTD Y Scale, Ref Level,
40, −dBm.
• Press Peak Search, Marker −>,
Mkr −> CF.
44
Notes