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Chapter 18
Troubleshooting
Basic Signal Generator Operations
Signal Loss While Working with Mixers
If you experience signal loss at the signal generator’s RF output during low-amplitude coupled operation
with a mixer, you can solve the problem by adding attenuation and increasing the RF output amplitude of the
signal generator.
shows a hypothetical configuration in which the signal generator provides a low
amplitude signal to a mixer.
Figure 18-1
Effects of Reverse Power on ALC
The internally leveled signal generator RF output (and ALC level) is
−
8 dBm. The mixer is driven with an
LO of +10 dBm and has an LO-to-RF isolation of 15 dB. The resulting LO feedthrough of
−
5 dBm enters
the signal generator’s RF output connector and arrives at the internal detector.
Depending on frequency, it is possible for most of this LO feedthrough energy to enter the detector. Since
the detector responds to its total input power regardless of frequency, this excess energy causes the ALC to
reduce the RF output of the signal generator. In this example, the reverse power across the detector is
actually greater than the ALC level, which may result in loss of signal at the RF output.
shows a similar configuration with the addition of a 10 dB attenuator connected
between the RF output of the signal generator and the input of the mixer. The signal generator’s ALC level is
increased to +2 dBm and transmitted through a 10 dB attenuator to achieve the required
−
8 dBm amplitude
at the mixer input.
RF LEVEL
CONTROL
SIGNAL GENERATOR
OUTPUT CONTROL
MIXER
LO
IF
ALC LEVEL
= - 8 dBm
DETECTOR
MEASURES
- 8 dBm
ALC LEVEL
DETECTOR
MEASURES
- 5 dBm
REVERSE
POWER
LO FEEDTHRU
= - 5 dBm
RF OUTPUT
= - 8 dBm
LO LEVEL
= +10 dBm
Summary of Contents for E4428C
Page 22: ...Contents xxii ...
Page 224: ...200 Chapter 4 Basic Digital Operation Creating and Using Bit Files ...
Page 228: ...204 Chapter 5 AWGN Waveform Generator Configuring the AWGN Generator ...
Page 229: ...205 6 Analog Modulation ...
Page 276: ...252 Chapter 7 Digital Signal Interface Module Operating the N5102A Module in Input Mode ...
Page 286: ...262 Chapter 8 Bluetooth Signals Turning On a Bluetooth Signal ...
Page 330: ...306 Chapter 9 BERT Verifying BERT Operation ...
Page 366: ...342 Chapter 10 CDMA Digital Modulation IS 95A Modulation ...
Page 394: ...370 Chapter 12 Multitone Waveform Generator Applying Changes to an Active Multitone Signal ...
Page 468: ...444 Chapter 15 W CDMA Digital Modulation for Component Test W CDMA Frame Structures ...
Page 667: ...643 18 Troubleshooting ...
Page 700: ...Index 676 Index ...