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Configuring the RF Signal
R&S
®
SMBV100B
375
User Manual 1178.4460.02 ─ 03
6.12
Improving Level Performance
To adapt the RF output signal to specific needs in your application, the
R&S
SMBV100B offers different functions:
●
Attenuator
Basis for a wide dynamic range is a fast, wear and tear free electronic attenuator.
It provides also the generation of a constant VSWR (uninterrupted level) signal,
highest level accuracy, noise suppression or compensation of external losses of
cables.
See
●
Automatic Level Control (ALC)
The automatic level control system ensures sable RF signals with highest absolute
level accuracy over temperature and time.
See
Chapter 6.12.2, "ALC - Automatic Level Control"
●
User correction (UCOR)
The user correction function allows you to compensate frequency responses of
external setups (e.g. losses of cables) and achieve a stable input signal over fre-
quency directly at the DUT.
See
Chapter 6.12.3, "User Correction"
●
Power sensors
The R&S NRP power sensors support RF signal level optimization by determining
the attenuation characteristics of downstream devices or cables, or by monitoring
the RF signal level at the output directly. The R&S
SMBV100B uses the readings of
a sensor for compensation of losses and thus improving the accuracy of the RF
signal level.
You can configure the measurement parameters of a power sensor directly in the
R&S
SMBV100B and monitor its readings, including calibration.
See:
–
Chapter 6.12.4, "Using Power Sensors"
–
Chapter 6.12.5, "How to Calibrate the Power Level with an R&S NRP Power
Sensor"
–
Chapter 6.12.4.2, "NRP Sensor Mapping"
–
Chapter 6.12.4.3, "NRP Power Viewer"
6.12.1
Attenuator
The R&S
SMBV100B is equipped with an electronic step attenuator for fast, wear and
tear free level settings.
About the attenuator
The attenuator is an electronic component which enables you to vary the amplitude of
the RF signal in a wide range. Basically, it is characterized by low VSWR (voltage
standing wave ratio) up to 6
GHz over the full level range.
According to the requirements of your application, you can select different attenuator
characteristics.
Improving Level Performance