RF Explorer Pro Audio Edition User Manual
page 25
PROTECTING YOUR INSTRUMENT FROM DAMAGE
The RF Explorer Pro Audio Edition is a very sensitive device. It can detect signals as low as -120dBm, which is
10E-12mW or 9nA over a 50ohm load.
This extreme sensitivity comes at the price of some fragility; your device needs care handling and protection in
order to run for many years without problems.
Most RF technicians know the RF instruments have to be protected in order to survive the high Electro Magnetic
(EM) fields that may be in the environment.
Expensive instruments like $50,000 full sized Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Analyzers come with a long list of
handling procedures the operator must observe in order to limit any chance of damage.
The first and most obvious precaution is to make sure the input RF power is not beyond the acceptable levels of
the instrument. Below are listed max tolerable input power levels, beyond these values the instrument may get
permanent damage or decreased sensitivity.
Max power input (BNC)
+30dBm using internal attenuator
+10dBm direct mode
-20dBm LNA mode
RF Explorer Pro Audio Edition is well-protected up to +30dBm (1 Watt) input power, which is plenty to operate
safely in pretty much any environment. Typically, no extra protection is needed for this model.
For best results, be sure to always use the internal attenuator function when connecting to any transmit
sources like in-ear monitors or in-ear monitor combiner systems.
