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Chapter 5
Procedures
5-1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents some common procedures for use with the
ML2430A Series Power Meter. These procedures refer to the ML2430A
Series front and rear panel connectors and front panel keys and menus
as explained in Chapter 3, Connections, and Chapter 4, Front Panel Op
-
eration. The operator should be familiar with the front and rear panel lay
-
outs and with the use of the keys and menus before
attempting these procedures.
5-2
POWER
MEASUREMENT
To perform a power measurement, follow these steps:
q
Connect the sensor(s) as described in Chapter 3, Connections.
q
Configure the meter for the application. Refer to Chapter 4, Front
Panel Operation, for specific configuration options. The simplest op-
eration is obtained with SENSOR|SETUP|MODE set to DEFAULT.
Power readings are continuous with the default setting.
q Zero the sensor(s) as described in Section 5-3 (optional).
q
Calibrate the sensor(s) as described in Section 5-4 (optional).
q
Measure power.
5-3
ZEROING THE
SENSOR
Zero the sensor before making power measurements, particularly when
operating within the lower 20 dB dynamic range of the power sensor. If
frequent low level measurements are being made, it is advisable to check
the sensor zeroing often and repeat as necessary.
To zero the sensor, connect it to the UUT (Unit Under Test) test port, and
remove RF power from the connection to a level 20 dB below the tangen
-
tial noise floor of the power sensor. For –70 to +20dB dual-diode power
sensors, this level is less than –100 dBm.
It is preferable to leave the sensor connected to the UUT test port so that
ground noise and thermal EMF are zeroed out of the measurement. Alter
-
nately, in order of preference, the sensor can be connected to:
q
A grounded connector on the UUT,
q
the ML2430A Series Calibrator connector,
q
disconnected from any signal source.
When a new sensor is attached, the message SENSOR x NOT ZEROED
(where
x
= A or B as appropriate) is displayed. If a sensor is removed and
then reconnected, the message is not displayed.
The sensor can either be zeroed, or zeroed and calibrated in the same
operation.
ML2430A OM 5-1