RF Output Block

This topic describes the parameters of the RF Output block.

Tab	N5186A N5185A
Amplitude	RF Out (All) Enable RF Output Power Mode Power (Total RMS) Power Increment Impedance Fast Power Fast Frequency and Power Peak Envelope Power User Power Limit On/Off User Power Limit Attenuation Hold Mode Attenuation Auto (Attenuation Hold) Power Meter Servo Channel Device Name Increment User Power Maximum Limit Settling Error Initial Power Until Delta Perform Spot Correction Spot Correction Termination Channel Gain Overview Channel Gain Power Headroom Channel Gain Power Headroom Auto Channel Gain Power Reference Channel Gain Power Reference Auto Amplitude Offset Amplitude Reference On/Off Amplitude Reference Value Set Reference to Current Amplitude Power Search
Frequency and Phase	RF Output Block Frequency (CW) Frequency Increment Fast Frequency Phase Transition Mode Phase Phase Reference Frequency Offset Frequency Offset State Frequency Multiplier Frequency Reference On/Off Frequency Reference Value Set Reference to Current Frequency
Corrections/De-embedding - This link opens a separate topic.
Optimizations - This link opens a separate topic.
List/Step Sweep - This link opens a separate topic.
Frequency List/Sweep	Frequency Center (Remote command only) Frequency Span (Remote command only) Frequency Start Frequency Stop

RF Out (All)

For multi-channel capability only.

Turns the RF outputs on or off for all the channels in the instrument. This is a master control that gates the individual states. If this control is off, no RF power is emitted from any of the channels; however, the individual channels retain the state of their setting. If this control is on, the RF outputs are on if their individual state is on. To enable or disable individual channels see RF Out.

GUI Location	RF Out (All)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:RFALl:OUTPut[:STATe] ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce]:RFALl:OUTPut[:STATe]?
SCPI Example	RFAL:OUTP OFF RFAL:OUTP?
Preset	ON
State Saved	Yes
Choices	OFF \| ON

Amplitude

Enable RF Output

Enables or disables the RF output of the indicated channel. To enable or disable all channels, see RF Out (All).

The state of RF Out (All) does not change the RF Out state of a specific channel. For example, if RF Out for Channel 1 is set to on and RF Out (All) is set to off, no power is emitted from the RF Output connector of Channel 1. Likewise, if RF Out for Channel 1 is set to off and RF Out (All) is set to on, no power is emitted from the RF Output connector of Channel 1.

GUI Location	RF Out
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:OUTPut[:STATe] ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:OUTPut[:STATe]?
SCPI Example	OUTP ON OUTP?
Notes	The state of Global RF does not change the state of the per-channel RF; e.g. if SOUR:RF1:OUTP is ON and SOUR:RFAL:OUTP is OFF, no power is emitted from the RF Output connector of Channel 1; and if SOUR:RF1:OUTP is OFF and SOUR:RFAL:OUTP is set to ON, no power is emitted from the RF Output connector of Channel 1.
Preset	OFF
State Saved	Yes
Choices	OFF \| ON

Power Mode

Remote command only.

Sets the power mode of the indicated channel.

Fixed: RF output power is controlled by Power (Total RMS).
List : RF output power is controlled by List/Step Sweep settings.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:MODE FIXed\|LIST [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:MODE?
SCPI Example	POW:MODE LIST POW:MODE?
Couplings	When List/Step Sweep State is ON and Power Sweep State is set to OFF, Power Mode is set to Fixed. When List/Step Sweep State is ON and Power Sweep State is set to ON, Power Mode is set to List. When List/Step Sweep State is OFF, Power Mode is set to Fixed.
Preset	FIX
State Saved	Yes
Choices	Fixed \| List
Backward Compatibility SCPI	N5182B: [:SOURce]:POWer:MODE
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:MODE SWEep to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer :MODE LIST Alias [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:MODE SWEep to [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer :MODE LIST

Power (Total RMS)

Controls the RF output power of the indicated channel.

This is the value that the instrument attempts to output. The actual value might be different from the specified value due to the hardware limitations. For example, the output power is different when a high power value is specified with Attenuation Auto off (that is, Attenuation Hold on).

When Power Sweep State is ON, changing the power sets the Power Sweep State to OFF.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Power (Total RMS)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?
SCPI Example	POW -50 POW?
Notes	The maximum value of this setting is a settable maximum and the datasheet describes actual specified max power that the instruments are capable of.
Dependencies	When the power is clipped to the User Power Limit the error message "Clipped to User Power Limit" is displayed on the GUI or -222; "Data out of range; Clipped to User Power Limit" to SCPI.
Preset	-100 dBm When SCPI Backward Compatibility Mode is N51xxB: For Channel 1: Min
State Saved	Yes
Min	-135 dBm
Max	For N5185A/N5186A: With Option 1EA: 30 dBm Otherwise: 20 dBm
Resolution	0.01 dBm

Power List / Step Sweep

Refer to the sections Power Start and Power Stop in Step Sweep Configuration.

Power Increment

Remote command only.

Controls the incremental step value of the RF output power for the specified channel.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]:STEP[:INCRement] <ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]:STEP[:INCRement]? [MAXimum\|MINimum]
SCPI Example	POW:STEP 10 POW:STEP?
Preset	1 dBm
Notes
State Saved	Persistent, survives preset and power cycle but not saved in the instrument state.
Min	0.01 dBm
Max	100 dBm
Resolution	0.01 dBm

Impedance

Remote command only.

Query only. Provided to allow programmatic compatibility with SMA100x signal generators.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:OUTPut:IMPedance?
SCPI Example	:OUTP:IMP?

Fast Power

Remote command only.

Sets the instrument’s power with the maximum throughput. As the purpose of this command is for speed, there is no limit checking, no coupling, and no update of the value on the front panel. When using this command, there is no inclusion of amplitude offset or amplitude reference. The value is a floating point number in dBm. No error message is raised if the value is clipped.

SCPI Command	FAST<channel>:POWer <double>
SCPI Example	FAST:POW -50
Notes	This command performs no coupling, does not support UP, DOWN, MIN, MAX, DEF. The value is floating point value in dBm; no DB or DBM units are allowed.
State Saved	No
Min	-135.0
Max	For N5185A/N5186A: With Option 1EA: 30.0 Otherwise: 20.0
Resolution	0.01

Fast Frequency and Power

Remote command only.

Sets the instrument’s frequency and power with the maximum throughput. As the purpose of this command is for speed, there is no limit checking, no coupling, and no update of the value on the front panel. When using this command, there is no inclusion of frequency offset, multiplier, frequency reference, amplitude offset, or amplitude reference. The value is an integer frequency in 10 uHz resolution. No error message is raised if the value is clipped.

SCPI Command	FAST<channel>:FP <integer>,<double>
SCPI Example	FAST:FP 300000000000000,-50
Notes	This command performs no coupling, does not support UP, DOWN, MIN, MAX, DEF. The frequency value is an integer in 10 uHz, power value is a double in dBm; no HZ, KHZ, MHZ, GHZ, DB, DBM units are allowed. See Fast Frequency section for details of the frequency setting and Fast Powersection for details of the power setting.
State Saved	No

Peak Envelope Power

Displays or returns the peak envelope power.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Peak Envelope Power
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:PEPower?
SCPI Example	POW:PEP?

User Power Limit On/Off

Enables the maximum output power limit set by User Power Limit of the indicated channel.

The value set with this command is not affected by *RST or a power cycle. It is reset to default value with Restore System Defaults.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > User Power Limit
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:USER:ENABle ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:USER:ENABle?
SCPI Example	POW:USER:ENAB ON POW:USER:ENAB?
Preset	This is unaffected by a Preset but is set to OFF on a "Restore System Settings to Default Values."
State Saved	Persistent, survives preset and power cycle but not saved in the instrument state.

User Power Limit

Sets the maximum output power level for the indicated channel that is lower than the instrument’s normal maximum output power. This affects all modes of power operation. This affects the Amplitude value, but features such as AM may allow the power to exceed the Amplitude value. In other words, this is not a hardware power clamp.

The value is not affected by recall, *RST, Preset or a power-cycle. It is reset to the default value with Restore System Defaults.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > User Power Limit
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:USER:MAXimum <ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:USER:MAXimum?
SCPI Example	POW:USER:MAX 10 POW:USER:MAX?
Dependencies	Default value of 0 dBm is set by Restore System Defaults
Preset	0 dBm
State Saved	No
Min	-135 dBm
Max	30 dBm
Resolution	0.01 dBm

Attenuation Hold Mode

Enabling attenuation hold (Hold checkbox is marked in the GUI) turns off automatic attenuation and allows you to select one of the following possible RF Output behaviors in the Attenuation Hold Mode drop-down menu.

Attenuation Hold Mode	Description	Summary
Output	Holds only the output attenuators but allows non-output attenuators to change. Output attenuators are defined as those that, when changed, affect the source match and have the potential to introduce some discontinuity on power changes when not held. They are also distinct in that they are selected based on mode, requested power and frequency only and have no dependency on signal level coming from the DAC. Changing non-output attenuation can result in small discontinuities.	Power Reference Auto is overridden to off Changing RF Power may change non-output attenuators Changing Power Reference will change attenuators Changing the Power Headroom will not change output attenuators Note: depending on the hardware, holding output attenuators can be enough to avoid any power discontinuities, but only with ALC or some other form of power correction on.
All	Holds all attenuators, avoiding all attenuation-based discontinuities at the cost of dynamic range.	Power Reference Auto is overridden to off Changing RF Power will not change any attenuators Changing Power Reference will change attenuators RF Power adjustment range is "excess" headroom for higher power, as it is consuming the digital scale. Changing the Power Headroom can change attenuators

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Attenuation Hold Mode
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ATTenuation:HOLD:MODE OUTPut\|ALL [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ATTenuation:HOLD:MODE?
SCPI Example	POW:ATT:HOLD:MODE ALL POW:ATT:HOLD:MODE?
Preset	OUTPut
Range	Output\|All
State Saved	Y

Attenuation Auto (Attenuation Hold)

Turns the output Attenuator Hold function off or on. When Hold is off (checkbox cleared), auto attenuation is on; when Hold is on, auto attenuation is off. The GUI enables or disables the Hold function, while the SCPI command enables or disables the Auto function. In other words, the GUI and SCPI selections achieve the same result with opposite settings, as outlined in the table below.

GUI	SCPI	Description
	POW:ATT:AUTO ON	The attenuator setting is automatically changed as needed to maintain the RF output power level. Attenuation Hold is Off Attenuation Auto is On Power Reference Auto is under user control See Attenuation Hold Mode for details
	POW:ATT:AUTO OFF	The attenuator remains at its current setting. Attenuation Hold is On Attenuation Auto is Off Channel Gain Power Reference Auto to is overridden to Off. See Attenuation Hold Mode for details.

GUI

SCPI

Description

POW:ATT:AUTO ON

The attenuator setting is automatically changed as needed to maintain the RF output power level.

Attenuation Hold is Off
Attenuation Auto is On
Power Reference Auto is under user control
See Attenuation Hold Mode for details

POW:ATT:AUTO OFF

The attenuator remains at its current setting.

Attenuation Hold is On
Attenuation Auto is Off
Channel Gain Power Reference Auto to is overridden to Off.
See Attenuation Hold Mode for details.

You can use the Attenuation Hold function to eliminate power level transients that can occur with attenuator switching.

When Attenuation Hold is turned on with User Power Limit on, the output power may exceed the specified power limit because the specified attenuation may not be high enough to achieve the power limit.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Attenuation [or Attenuation Hold Mode] > Hold
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ATTenuation:AUTO?
SCPI Example	POW:ATT:AUTO OFF POW:ATT:AUTO?
Notes	For N5185A/N5186A: Attenuation Auto is On and is not changeable (however, sending the SCPI command does not generate an error.)
Preset (SCPI)	ON (Attenuation Auto)
Preset (GUI)	OFF (Attenuation Hold)
State Saved	Yes
Choices	OFF \| ON

Power Meter Servo

Uses power meter readings to adjust the output power of the source, maintaining a constant DUT output power. The servo loop measures the output power of the DUT, compares it to the user-provided reference power, and adjusts the output of the source to achieve the user-provided power level within the Settling Error.

This feature is activated through N51xxB backwards compatible commands only. See RF Output Block.

Channel

Remote command only

Sets the power meter channel used for servo leveling.

A: Channel A of the power meter is used.
B: Channel B of the power meter is used.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:CHANnel A\|B [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:CHANnel?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:CHAN B POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:CHAN?
Preset	A
Range	A\|B
State Saved	Yes
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:CHANnel
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:CHANnel to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:CHANnel.

Device Name

Remote command only

Sets the Device List name of the power meter to use for Power Meter Servo leveling.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:PMServo:DEVice <string> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:PMServo:DEVice?
SCPI Example	POW:PMS:DEV "MyPowerMeter" POW:PMS:DEV?
Preset	""
State Saved	Yes

Increment

Remote command only

Sets the percentage of the measured power error applied per iteration in Power Meter Servo mode. The default of 100% applies the full measured error each cycle. Reducing this value prevents overshoot at the cost of additional measurement/adjustment cycles. Works in conjunction with Initial Power and Until Delta.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:INCRement <real> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:INCRement?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:INCR 75 POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:INCR?
Preset	100
Min	10
Max	100
Resolution	0.01
Step Increment	0.01
State Saved	Yes
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:INCRement
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:INCRement to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:INCRement.

User Power Maximum Limit

Remote command only

Sets an RF output power protection limit during Power Meter Servo mode. The instrument restricts the output power to this value and shows UNLEVELED if the desired output power exceeds it.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:MAXimum <ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:MAXimum?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:MAX 10 dBm POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:MAX?
Preset	30 dBm
Min	Option dependent. See N5186A Data Sheet
Max	Option dependent. See N5186A Data Sheet
Resolution	0.01 dBm
Step Increment	0.01 dBm
State Saved	Yes
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:MAXimum
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:MAXimum to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:MAXimum.

Settling Error

Remote command only

Sets the convergence threshold for Power Meter Servo mode. Measurement/adjustment cycles continue until the measured power error falls within this value.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:SERRor <rel_ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:SERRor?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:SERR 0.2 dB POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:SERR?
Preset	0.2 dB
Min	0.02 dB
Max	10 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB
Step Increment	0.01 dB
State Saved	Yes
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:SERRor
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:SERRor to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:SERRor.

Initial Power

Remote command only

Sets a relative power offset below the target at which Power Meter Servo mode begins its measurement/adjustment cycles. The default of 0 dB starts from the instrument’s best power estimate; a negative value provides a safe-margin to prevent device overshoot when the configured offset is incorrect. Works in conjunction with Increment and Until Delta.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STARt <rel_ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STARt?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:STAR -3 dB POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:STAR?
Preset	0 dB
Min	-50 dB
Max	0 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB
Step Increment	0.01 dB
State Saved	Yes
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STARt
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STARt to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STARt.

Until Delta

Remote command only

Sets the power error below which the servo bypasses the Increment percentage and applies the full remaining correction in a single step. While the measured error exceeds Until Delta, each cycle applies only the configured Increment fraction of the remaining error. Works in conjunction with Initial Power and Increment.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STOP <rel_ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STOP?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:STOP 3 dB POW:ALC:SOUR:PMS:STOP?
Preset	1 dB
Min	0 dB
Max	50 dB
Resolution	0.1 dB
Step Increment	0.1 dB
State Saved	Yes
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STOP
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STOP to [:SOURce]:RF1:POWer:ALC:SOURce:PMServo:STOP.

Perform Spot Correction

For N5185A/N5186A, a correction can be performed to obtain the highest accuracy for the power delivered from the instrument. The correction occurs for the currently selected settings of the instrument, e.g. frequency, power, etc. Thus, a spot correction should be performed whenever the settings of the instrument are changed. This is an immediate action, pressing the button or sending the SCPI command invokes the correction immediately. You do not need to change the cabling between the instrument and your device, or connect a 50 ohm load, prior to invoking the correction.

Click the icon displayed with the Perform Spot Correction button to see the allowed frequencies and power levels for which spot correction is available on your instrument. The allowed frequencies and power levels for spot correction is based on the firmware with which your instrument is calibrated. Refer to Notes row below for details.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Perform Spot Correction
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:SCORrection
SCPI Example	POW:SCOR
State Saved	No
Notes	Spot correction is available within particular frequency and amplitude ranges. For instruments calibrated with A.13.xx firmware, the ranges are: 800 MHz to 6 GHz: -30.0 dBm to +24.0 dBm 6 GHz to 7 GHz: -20.0 dBm to +24.0 dBm Over 7 GHz: -10.0 dBm to +24.0 dBm For instruments calibrated with A.14.xx or above firmware, the ranges are: 10 MHz to 6 GHz: -30.0 dBm to +24.0 dBm 6 GHz to 7 GHz: -20.0 dBm to +24.0 dBm Over 7 GHz: -10.0 dBm to +24.0 dBm
Modified S/W Revision	A.14.00, Updated ranges of frequency based on calibration.

Spot Correction Termination

Requires Option V08.

The spot correction provides capability to perform the correction for termination to an ideal 50 ohm load or to your measurement setup impedance match (incident to current load).

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Spot Correction Termination
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:SCORrection:TERMination NORMal\|CLOad [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:SCORrection:TERMination?
SCPI Example	POW:SCOR:TERM CLO POW:SCOR:TERM?
Preset	NORM
State Saved	Yes

Channel Gain Overview

The Channel Gain is the instrument’s digital and analog setup to achieve a particular power with an input, such as a waveform. There are two settings for the Channel Gain: Power Headroom and Power Reference. See Figure: Determining Instrument’s Channel Gain Setup. When Channel Gain Power Headroom Auto is on, the Channel Gain Power Headroom is automatically set to the crest factor (after runtime scaling) of the waveform(s) being played. When Channel Gain Power Reference Auto is on, the Channel Gain Power Reference is the RF Power.

Adjusting the power headroom or power reference allows for selecting a particular setup across a range of powers or for optimizations when the instrument does not know the best optimization point. These settings accomplish the same function as Attenuator Hold in other Keysight Technologies signal generators.

The channel gain power headroom must be at or above the total crest factor of all combined signals, including AWGN and CW interferers, to avoid a DAC overflow. When Auto is on, the system will set this value to the combined crest factors (after runtime scaling). The larger this value is, the less likely that summed signals will run out of power or have an arithmetic overflow, but less dynamic range will be available.

Diagram

Description automatically generated

Figure: Determining Instrument’s Channel Gain Setup

See Figure: Power Gain vs Signal Power to understand how a particular signal’s power relates to the static instrument setup set by the channel gain power settings. The headroom sets the amount of digital back-off from full-scale CW. The channel gain reference power Pref sets the optimized gain. These two values determine the maximum peak power. Digital Scale is the dynamic power control applied in the instrument’s DSP to get the appropriate power given the requested power of the signal to play and its crest factors. The crest factors are determined implicitly for internally generated waveforms, or explicitly using the rms of the waveform(s).

Diagram, schematic

Description automatically generated

Figure: Power Gain vs Signal Power

Channel Gain Power Headroom

The reference headroom sets the amount of digital back-off from full-scale CW. This value must be at or above the total crest factor of all combined signals to avoid overflow. The larger this value is, the less likely that summed signals will run out of power or have an arithmetic overflow, but less dynamic range will be available. See Channel Gain Overview.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Channel Gain Headroom
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:HEADroom <rel_ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:HEADroom?
SCPI Example	POW:CGA:HEAD 10DB POW:CGA:HEAD?
Notes	For values larger than 20 dB, the system may not be capable of delivering maximum specified power.
Dependencies	When this value is set, Channel Gain Power Headroom Auto is set to off.
Preset	0 dB
State Saved	Y
Min	0 dB
Max	100 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB

Channel Gain Power Headroom Auto

When in auto mode, the Power Headroom is the crest factor of the waveform(s) being played, if known. When in CW mode (no modulation), the headroom is 0 dB. See Channel Gain Overview.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Channel Gain Headroom Auto
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:HEADroom:AUTO ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:HEADroom:AUTO?
SCPI Example	POW:CGA:HEAD:AUTO ON POW:CGA:HEAD:AUTO?
Notes	When this feature is turned off, the automatic values are retained.
Preset	ON
State Saved	Yes

Channel Gain Power Reference

This value is the optimized power level for purposes of power control. This follows RF Power when Auto is on. See Channel Gain Overview.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Channel Gain Power Reference
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:REFerence <ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:REFerence?
SCPI Example	POW:CGA:REF 0DBM POW:CGA:REF?
Notes	The maximum value of this setting is a settable maximum and the datasheet describes actual specified max power that the instruments are capable of.
Dependencies	When the power is clipped to the User Power Limit the error message "Clipped to User Power Limit" is displayed on the GUI or -222;"Data out of range;Clipped to User Power Limit" to SCPI. When this value is set, Channel Gain Power Reference Auto is set to off.
Preset	-100 dBm
State Saved	Yes
Min	-135 dBm
Max	For N5185A and N5186A: With Option 1EA: 30 dBm Otherwise: 20 dBm
Resolution	0.01 dBm

Channel Gain Power Reference Auto

When in auto mode, the Power Reference is the RF Power. See Channel Gain Overview.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Channel Gain Power Reference Auto
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:REFerence:AUTO ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:CGAin:REFerence:AUTO?
SCPI Example	POW:CGA:REF:AUTO ON POW:CGA:REF:AUTO?
Notes	When this feature is turned off, the automatic values are retained.
Dependencies	Can only be set to ON when Attenuation Auto is ON.
Preset	ON
State Saved	Yes

Amplitude Offset

Provides a power offset (in dB) to the actual RF output of the indicated channel. This simulates a power level at a test point beyond the RF OUTPUT connector without changing the actual RF output power. The offset value only affects the displayed amplitude setting. You can enter an offset at any time in either normal operation or amplitude reference mode.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Amplitude Offset
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:OFFSet <rel_ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:OFFSet? [MAXimum\|MINimum]
SCPI Example	POW:OFFS 10 dB POW:OFFS?
Preset	0 dB
State Saved	Yes
Range	-200 to 200 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB

Amplitude Reference On/Off

Enables or disables the amplitude reference mode for the indicated channel. When the amplitude reference mode is on, subsequent amplitude parameters are set relative to the reference value.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Amplitude Reference
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:REFerence:STATe ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:REFerence:STATe?
SCPI Example	POW:REF:STAT ON POW:REF:STAT?
Preset	OFF
State Saved	Yes
Choices	OFF \| ON

Amplitude Reference Value

Provides an amplitude reference value for the indicated channel.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Amplitude Reference
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:REFerence <ampl> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:REFerence? [MAXimum\|MINimum]
SCPI Example	POW:REF -20 POW:REF?
Preset	0 dBm
State Saved	Yes
Range	-330 to 220 dBm
Resolution	0.01 dBm

Set Reference to Current Amplitude

This immediate action sets the current output amplitude, along with any offset, as a 0 dBm reference value to the indicated channel.

GUI Location	RF Output > Amplitude tab > Set Reference to Current Amplitude
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:REFerence:SET
SCPI Example	POW:REF:SET

Power Search

Other Keysight Technologies signal generators provided the ability to adjust the internal attenuators and amplifiers for coarse tuning and modulation scaling for fine tuning. The Power Search SCPI commands are provided to allow programmatic compatibility with those instruments.

Power Search Mode

Remote command only.

Provided to allow programmatic compatibility with other Keysight Technologies signal generators. This command is accepted but does nothing.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SEARch ON\|OFF\|1\|0\|ONCE [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ALC:SEARch?
SCPI Example	POW:ALC:SEAR OFF POW:ALC:SEAR?
Notes	For N5185A/N5186A: Unless Preference is set to Suppress SCPI Compatibility Errors, attempting to change to a value raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Power Search unavailable on this instrument". See Suppress SCPI Compatibility Errors.
Preset	OFF
State Saved	Yes
Choices	ON \| OFF \| ONCE

Frequency and Phase

Tap or click within this area of the GUI to access the Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment Setup screen, where you can configure these parameters. Once you complete your configuration, click or tap Back and this area updates to reflect your custom configuration.

Frequency Mode

Remote command only.

Sets the frequency mode of the indicated channel.

CW: RF Output frequency is fixed to Frequency (CW).

LIST: RF Output frequency is controlled by List / Step Sweep settings.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE CW\|LIST [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE?
SCPI Example	FREQ:MODE CW FREQ:MODE?
Couplings	When Frequency Sweep State is set to OFF, and List/Step Sweep State is ON, Frequency Mode is set to CW. When Frequency Sweep State is set to ON, and List/Step Sweep State is ON, Frequency Mode is set to List. When List/Step Sweep State is set to OFF, Frequency Mode is set to CW.
Preset	CW
State Saved	Yes
Choices	CW\|List
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:FREQuency:MODE
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:FREQuency:MODE FIXed to [:SOURce]:RF1:FREQuency:MODE CW Alias [:SOURce]: FREQuency:MODE SWEep to [:SOURce]:RF1:FREQuency:MODE LIST Alias [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE FIXed to [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE CW Alias [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE SWEep to [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE LIST

Frequency (CW)

Controls the output frequency of the indicated channel.

When Vector Modulation is on, this is the center of the modulation frequency.

When Frequency List/Step Sweep is on, changing the frequency sets the Frequency List/Step Sweep off.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase tab > Frequency (CW)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency[:CW] <freq> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency[:CW]?
SCPI Example	FREQ 3 GHZ FREQ?
Preset	1 GHz When SCPI Backward Compatibility Mode is N51xxB: - For Channel 1: Max
State Saved	Yes
Min	For N5186A and N5185A= 9 kHz
Max	For N5185A /N5186A: With Option 503 = 3 GHz With Option 506 = 6 GHz With Option 508 = 8.5 GHz
Resolution	0.00001 Hz
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:FREQuency:FIXed
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Expand [:SOURce]:FREQuency:FIXed to [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:FIXed Alias [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:FIXed to [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency[:CW]

Frequency Increment

Remote command only.

Controls the incremental step value of the indicated channel for the Frequency CW or Fixed parameters. The value set with this command is not affected by *RST or a power cycle. It is reset to the default value with Restore System Defaults.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency[:CW]:STEP[:INCRement] <freq> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency[:CW]:STEP[:INCRement]? [MAXimum\|MINimum]
SCPI Example	FREQ:STEP 100 MHZ FREQ:STEP?
Preset	This is unaffected by a Preset but is set to 100 kHz on a "Restore System Settings to Default Values."
State Saved	No
Min	0.00001 Hz
Max	99 GHz
Range	0.01 Hz to 99 GHz
Resolution	0.00001 Hz

Fast Frequency

Remote command only.

Sets the instrument’s frequency with the maximum throughput. As the purpose of this command is for speed, there is no limit checking, no coupling, and no update of the value on the front panel. When using this command, there is no inclusion of frequency offset, multiplier, or frequency reference. The value is an integer frequency in 10 uHz resolution. No error message is raised if the value is clipped.

SCPI Command	FAST<channel>:FREQuency <integer>
SCPI Example	FAST:FREQ 300000000000000
Notes	This command performs no coupling, does not support UP, DOWN, MIN, MAX, DEF. The value is an integer in 10 uHz; no HZ, KHZ, MHZ, GHZ units are allowed.
State Saved	No
Min	900000000
Max	For N5185A/N5186A: With Option 503 = 300000000000000 With Option 506 = 600000000000000 With Option 508 = 850000000000000
Resolution	10 uHz

Phase Transition Mode

Requires Option PCH.

This control selects the behavior of the phase across frequency changes.

Transition Mode of Continuous attempts to minimize spectral splatter on frequency transitions by maintaining the same phase across the point of the switch.
Transition Mode of Coherent causes the instrument to act as if all frequencies were generated by independent transmitters that are pulsed on and off; resulting in the phase of any given frequency will always reflect the same phase ramp over time, even if the source has changed to other frequencies in between.
Undefined means that the phase transition has no guaranteed phase behavior.
Reset will reset the phase to the Phase Offset on any frequency change.

Behavior with PCH

Behavior without PCH

For Independent, Tx Coherent, and MIMO configurations, default is COHerent.

For Bonding configuration, default is RESet and not changeable.

Value is CONTinuos and not changeable

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase tab > Phase Transition Mode
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:PHASe:MODE CONTinuous\|COHerent\|UNDefined\|RESet\|MCOHerent [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:PHASe:MODE?
SCPI Example	PHAS:MODE CONT PHAS:MODE?
Notes	For N5185A/N5186A without Option PCH, the value is Continuous and not changeable. Error message raised if user attempts to set value to HW that doesn’t provide it.
Preset	With Option PCH: Coherent Without Option PCH: Continuous
State Saved	Yes

Phase

Controls the phase offset of the indicated channel.

With Option PCH, this parameter allows you to set the relative phase angle of each RF Channel relative to each other output.

For N5185A MXG andN5186A MXG, when in "Tx Coherent", this parameter allows you to set the relative phase angle of the channels consumed by the Group relative to one another.

GUI units are degrees. SCPI return values are always in rad.

UP/DOWN increment is always 0.01.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase tab > Phase
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:PHASe[:OFFSet] <angle> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:PHASe[:OFFSet]? [MAXimum\|MINimum]
SCPI Example	PHAS 30 deg PHAS?
Notes	GUI units are degrees. SCPI return values are always in rad. UP/DOWN increment is always 0.01 Wrap the value when it exceeds the limits.
Preset	0 deg
State Saved	Yes
Range	-180 to 180 deg
Resolution	0.001 deg
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:PHASe:REFerence
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:PHASe:REFerence to [:SOURce][:RF1]:PHASe[:OFFSet] 0

Phase Reference

Remote command only.

Resets the phase of the RF output to zero.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:PHASe:REFerence
SCPI Example	PHAS:REF
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:PHASe:REFerence
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:PHASe:REFerence to [:SOURce][:RF1]:PHASe[:OFFSet] 0

Frequency Offset

Adds an offset value to the frequency of the indicated channel. The actual RF output frequency is not changed by this setting. The offset is applied after the Frequency Multiplier is applied to the frequency. When an offset has been entered, the OFFS indicator is turned on in the Frequency area of the display (top center of the display). The frequency offset state is turned on when any non–zero value is entered; entering zero will turn it off.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase > Frequency Offset
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:OFFSet <freq> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:OFFSet?
SCPI Example	FREQ:OFFS 100 MHz FREQ:OFFS?
Preset	0 Hz
State Saved	Yes
Range	-200 to 200 GHz
Resolution	0.00001 Hz

Frequency Offset State

Remote command only.

Controls state of the Frequency Offset of the indicated channel. The state can be toggled between ON and OFF without affecting the value of the Frequency Offset.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:OFFSet:STATe ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:OFFSet:STATe?
SCPI Example	FREQ:OFFS:STAT ON FREQ:OFFS:STAT?
Couplings	Setting Frequency Offset to 0 Hz turns this parameter OFF and setting Frequency Offset to any value other than 0 Hz turns this parameter ON.
Preset	OFF
State Saved	Yes
Choices	OFF \| ON

Frequency Multiplier

Scales the frequency of the indicated channel by the specified value. The actual RF output frequency is not changed by this setting. The Frequency Multiplier is applied to the frequency prior to applying the Frequency Offset. When a Frequency Multiplier other than 1.0 has been entered, the MULT indicator is turned on in the Frequency Area (top center) of the display.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase tab > Frequency Multiplier
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MULTiplier <real> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MULTiplier?
SCPI Example	FREQ:MULT 2 FREQ:MULT?
Preset	1
State Saved	Yes
Range	-100 to -0.001 and 0.001 to 100
Min	-100
Max	100
Resolution	0.001

Frequency Reference On/Off

Enables or disables the frequency reference mode for the indicated channel. When Frequency Reference mode is on, subsequent frequency parameters are set relative to the reference value.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase > Frequency Reference On
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:REFerence:STATe ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:REFerence:STATe?
SCPI Example	FREQ:REF:STAT ON FREQ:REF:STAT?
Preset	OFF
State Saved	Yes
Choices	OFF \| ON

Frequency Reference Value

Provides a reference frequency value for the indicated channel.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase > Frequency Reference
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:REFerence <freq> [:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:REFerence?
SCPI Example	FREQ:REF 3 GHZ FREQ:REF?
Preset	0 Hz
State Saved	Yes
Range	-200 to 200 GHz
Resolution	0.001 Hz

Set Reference to Current Frequency

This immediate action sets the current CW output frequency, along with any offset, as a 0 Hz reference value to the indicated channel.

GUI Location	RF Output > Frequency and Phase > Set Reference to Current Frequency
SCPI Command	[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:REFerence:SET
SCPI Example	FREQ:REF:SET

Optimizations

Tap or click within this area of the GUI to access the RF Optimizations screen. This area also displays the status of harmonic filters.

Optimizations pertain to the RF Output of the indicated channel. Each optimization may involve a tradeoff in one aspect of instrument performance over another. Care should be taken in choosing an optimization for your measurement use case.

List/Step Sweep

Refer to the topic List/Step Sweep.

Frequency List/Sweep

Frequency Center (Remote command only)

Refer to the section Frequency Center in Step Sweep Configuration.

Frequency Span (Remote command only)

Refer to the section Frequency Span in Step Sweep Configuration.

Frequency Start

Refer to the section Frequency Start in Step Sweep Configuration.

Frequency Stop

Refer to the section Frequency Stop in Step Sweep Configuration.