Agilent Technologies 11974 Series, User Manual

Page: 54 / 156

Chapter 3 53
Operation
Operating Precautions
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Operating Precautions
CAUTION
To avoid damaging your 11974 and to assure accurate measurements, be sure
to follow the recommendations in this section.
Maximum RF Input Level
The maximum RF input level, as stated in Table 1-2 on page 19, is +25 dBm CW, Peak, or
Average. However, since the 1 dB compression point at the RF input is between 0 and
+6 dBm depending on the band, meaningful measurements will end long before the
damage level is reached. Therefore, for amplitude accuracy and protection against damage,
limit the input power to the 1 dB compression point level.
Maximum LO Input Level
The maximum LO input level is +18 dBm. Care should be taken when using the 11975A
Microwave Amplifier as an LO booster for the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer or when using the
11975A for remote-location connections with the 11974 Series.
CAUTION
When using an 11975A Amplifier with an 11974, the rear-panel ALC switch
must be set to the ON position and the OUTPUT POWER LEVEL set to the
stop at +16 dBm before connecting the amplifier. If the ALC switch is left in
the OFF position, the amplifier output power is high enough to destroy the
mixer diodes.
Electrostatic Discharge
CAUTION When configuring the 11974 with a spectrum analyzer, always connect the
SMA cables to the spectrum analyzer BEFORE connecting them to the 11974.
This will minimize the danger of electrostatic discharge damaging the 11974.