RF Output Block

This topic describes the parameters of the RF Output block.

Tab

N5186A

N5185A

General

RF Out (All)

RF Out

RF Output Block

Frequency (CW)

Frequency Increment

Fast Frequency

Phase Transition Mode

Phase

Power Mode

Power (Total RMS)

Fast Power

Fast Frequency and Power

Peak Envelope Power

User Power Limit On/Off

User Power Limit

Attenuation Hold Mode

RF Output Block

Attenuation - Hold [Auto]

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

Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment

Frequency Offset

Frequency Offset State

Frequency Multiplier

Frequency Reference On/Off

Frequency Reference Value

Set Reference to Current Frequency

Amplitude Offset

Amplitude Reference On/Off

Amplitude Reference Value

Set Reference to Current Amplitude

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

General

RF Out

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?

Preset

OFF

State Saved

Yes

Choices

OFF | ON

Frequency Mode

Remote command only.

Sets the frequency mode of the indicated channel to CW (Fixed) or List (sweep).

CW and FIXed: CW is queried when CW or FIXed is set. These choices are synonymous with one another and stops a frequency sweep, allowing the instrument to operate at a set frequency.

LIST and SWEep: LIST is queried when LIST or SWEep is set. These choices are synonymous with one another and selects the swept frequency mode. If sweep triggering is set to immediate along with continuous sweep mode, executing the command starts the LIST or STEP frequency sweep.

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE FIXed|CW|LIST|SWEep

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:MODE?

SCPI Example

FREQ:MODE FIX

FREQ:MODE?

Notes

SCPI only

CW and FIXed:

CW is queried when CW or FIXed is set.

These choices are synonymous with one another and stops a frequency sweep, allowing the instrument to operate at a set frequency.

LIST and SWEep:

LIST is queried when LIST or SWEep is set.

These choices are synonymous with one another and selects the swept frequency mode. If sweep triggering is set to immediate along with continuous sweep mode, executing the command starts the LIST or STEP frequency sweep.

Couplings

When Frequency Sweep State is set to OFF, Frequency Mode is set to CW.

When Frequency Sweep State is set to ON, Frequency Mode is set to List.

Preset

CW

State Saved

Yes

Choices

Fixed | CW | List | Sweep

Backwards Compatibility SCPI

N5182B:

[:SOURce]:FREQuency:MODE

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 > General 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

State Saved

Yes

Min

For N5185A = 9 kHz

For N5186A = 9 kHz

Max

For N5185A / N5186A

With Option 503 = 3 GHz

With Option 506 = 6 GHz

With Option 508 = 8.5 GHz

Resolution

For N5185A: 0.00001 Hz

For N5186A: 0.00001 Hz

Backwards Compatibility SCPI

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:FIXed

!alias command

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?

Dependencies

Default value of 100 kHz is set by Restore System Defaults

Preset

Not changed by Preset

State Saved

No

Min

For N5185A/N5186A: 0.00001 Hz

Max

99 GHz

Range

0.01 Hz to 99 GHz

Resolution

For N5185A/N5186A: 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

For N5185A/N5186A: 900000000

Max

For N5185A/N5186A

  • With Option 503 = 300000000000000

  • With Option 506 = 600000000000000

  • With Option 508 = 850000000000000

Resolution

10 uHz

Phase Transition Mode

Applies to the N5186A only.

Phase Transition pertains to the N5186A MXG with Option PCH.

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

GUI Location

RF Output > 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 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.

For N5186A with Option PCH, the default value changes with instrument configuration:

  • For Independent, default is Coherent

  • For Tx Coherent, default is Continuous

Preset

For N5186A with Option PCH: Coherent

For /N5186A 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 and N5186A 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 > General tab > Phase

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:PHASe[:OFFSet] <real>

[: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

Preset

0 deg

State Saved

Yes

Range

-180 to 180 deg

Resolution

0.001 deg

Power Mode

Remote command only.

Sets the amplitude mode of the indicated channel to Fixed or List (sweep). Dynamic power value update during Sweep is not supported.

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:MODE FIXed|LIST|SWEep

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:MODE?

SCPI Example

POW:MODE LIST

POW:MODE?

Notes

FIXed:

This choice stops an amplitude (power) sweep, allowing the instrument to operate at a set amplitude.

LIST and SWEep:

LIST is queried when LIST or SWEep is set.

These choices are synonymous with one another and selects the amplitude (power) sweep mode. If sweep triggering is set to immediate along with continuous sweep mode, executing the command starts the LIST or STEP amplitude sweep.

Couplings

When Power Sweep State is set to OFF, Power Mode is set to Fixed.

When Power Sweep State is set to ON, Power Mode is set to List.

Preset

FIX

State Saved

Yes

Choices Fixed | List | Sweep
Backward Compatibility SCPI

N5182B:

[:SOURce]:POWer:MODE

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 > General 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

State Saved

Yes

Min

For N5185A/N5186A: -135 dBm

Max

For N5185A/N5186A: 20 dBm for all frequencies not covered by these options:

  • With Option 1EA: 30 dBm

Resolution

0.01 dBm

Power List / Step Sweep

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

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

For N5185A/N5186A

-135.0

Max

For N5185A/N5186A

20 dBm in all frequencies not covered by the options:

With Option 1EA: 30.0

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 > General tab > Peak Envelope Power

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:PEPower?

SCPI Example

POW:PEP?

User Power Limit On/Off

Controls the maximum output 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 the default value with Restore System Defaults.

GUI Location

RF Output > General 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?

Dependencies

Default value of OFF is set by Restore System Defaults

Preset

OFF

State Saved

No

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 > General 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

For N5185A/N5186A: -135 dBm

Max

For N5185A/N5186A: 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 two possible RF Output behaviors in the Attenuation Hold Mode drop-down menu: Output and All.

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 > General 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?

Dependencies

 

Preset

OUTPut

Range

Output|All

State Saved

Y

GUI Location

RF Output > General tab > Attenuation > Hold

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ATTenuation <rel_ampl>

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:ATTenuation?

SCPI Example

POW:ATT 50 dB

POW:ATT?

Dependencies

Attenuation occurs in fixed values such as 0 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB, 30 dB, etc. Setting a value in between steps will result in the floor of the value. For example, setting an attenuation level of 45 dB will result in 40 dB of attenuation.

The minimum attenuation value becomes larger than zero when User Power Limit is turned on and User Power Limit value is lower than 0 dBm. This is because the instrument cannot limit the output power without some amount of attenuation. Even when the attenuation is automatically set by the firmware, the specified power limit might not be achieved.

Notes

For N5185A/N5186A:

Attenuation has a fixed value of 70. Sending the SCPI command has no effect, but it does not generate an error.

Preset

70

State Saved

Yes

Range

0 to 70

Resolution 10

Attenuation - Hold [Auto]

Turns the output Attenuation Hold function off or on. Because this function and automatic attenuation are coupled, enabling one function disables the other. When Hold is off (checkbox cleared), Auto is on; when Hold is on, Auto 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

  • Power Reference Auto 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 > General 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

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 > General 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 > General 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 > General 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 > General 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

Y

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 > General 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

Y

Min

-135 dBm

Max

For N5185A and N5186A: 20 dBm in all frequencies not covered by the options:

With Option 1EA: 30 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 > General 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. This value cannot be set to on when Attenuation Auto is off (that is, Attenuation Hold is on).

Preset

ON

State Saved

Y

Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment

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 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 Amplitude Adjustment > 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

0.001 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 Amplitude Adjustment > 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 Amplitude Adjustment > 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 Amplitude Adjustment > 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 Amplitude Adjustment > Set Reference to Current Frequency

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:FREQuency:REFerence:SET

SCPI Example

FREQ:REF:SET

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 > Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment > 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 > Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment > 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 > Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment > 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 > Frequency and Amplitude Adjustment > Set Reference to Current Amplitude

SCPI Command

[:SOURce][:RF<channel>]:POWer:REFerence:SET

SCPI Example

POW: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.

Corrections/De-embedding

RF Optimizations

List/Step Sweep