Attenuator

The Power Flatness adjustment must be performed prior to this adjustment.

This adjustment finds the correction factors for the attenuator steps 15 through 130 dB by using a spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer makes a reference power measurement with the DUT set to +0 dBm and the step attenuator set to 10 dB. The reference power level measurement, Nominal Reference Attenuation, and the 10 dB correction factor are used to calculate the attenuator steps correction factors. For attenuation level >= 55 dB, the internal pre-amp of the spectrum analyzer, if available, is turned on. Cross calibration is taken at attenuation 50 dB with spectrum analyzer pre-amp On and Off. If a spectrum analyzer spurious signal is detected, the measurement frequency is shifted to avoid the spurious signal.

Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment	Recommended Models	Alternate Models
Spectrum Analyzer	N9030B Opt 5xx¹	N9030A Opt 5xx¹ E444xA^{2, 3}

Select any option of PXA spectrum analyzer (503, 508, 513, 526, 543, 544, 550) that has a maximum frequency greater than or equal to the maximum frequency of the unit under test.
Select any model of PSA spectrum analyzer (E4440A, E4443A, E4445A, E4446A, E4447A, E4448A) that has a maximum frequency greater than or equal to the maximum frequency of the unit under test.
Option 1DS or 110 is recommended but not required.

Connections and Setup Procedures

All test equipment requires a 30 minute warmup period to ensure accurate performance.
In the following test setup, cables are designated as solid lines and direct connections are designated as dashed lines.

Connect all test equipment as shown.
Connect GPIB cables to all GPIB-controlled test equipment.
While performing this test, follow all instructions on the controller display.

Setup for Attenuator Calibration

In Case of Difficulty

If this adjustment fails, perform the following steps in order:

Check the equipment setup (see above). If the setup is incorrect, make the necessary corrections and rerun the adjustment.
If this adjustment fails with the equipment set up properly, refer to the troubleshooting section of the signal generator's service guide. If you do not have a printed copy of the service guide (Option OBW), one is available either on the CD-ROM that came with your signal generator shipment or on the Keysight Website.
If you cannot correct the problem using the troubleshooting procedures in the Service Guide, obtain service from Keysight Technologies. Refer to Contacting Keysight Technologies.