PXIe VNA Help
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PXI Attenuator Module Control

When you use the PXIe VNAs, you can control the several PXI Programmable Step Attenuator Modules through the VNA firmware if the attenuator modules are included at launcher.

The attenuation can be set independently for each channel. The independent settings for sweep segment are not possible. In the Noise Figure measurement, the attenuation is controlled automatically between S Parameter and Noise Figure measurement.

Supported PXI attenuator

Note: M9169E is not supported.

Prerequisites

How to Control RF Amplifier Module

 

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Press Setup > Internal Hardware > PXI Device...

  2. Click M9168 Atten Setup..  to control the PXI attenuator .

  1. Click Instrument

  2. Select Setup

  3. Select Internal Hardware

  4. Select PXI Device..

  5. Select  M9168 Atten Setup

 

PXI Attenuator Setup dialog box help

Enable Atten control for Channel n: The settings are applied for the selected channel. The setting of Atten is independent for each channel.

Name: Module number.

Chassis: Chassis number where the module is located.

Slot: Slot number where the module is located.

Standard Atten Attenuation setting

 

When Noise Figure Cold Source is selected as Meas Class, Noise Swp Atten and Path column are available.

Noise Atten Attenuation setting for Noise Figure measurement.

Path

  • NF Receiver When the attenuator module is inserted in the receiver path (between VNA input and DUT output) in Noise Figure measurement.

  • NF Source When the attenuator module is inserted in the source path (between VNA output and DUT input) in Noise Figure measurement.

  • Any Set the fixed attenuator value in the NF channel for any sweep type.

Note: The attenuation is selected automatically while the Noise Figure calibration if NF Receiver or NF Source is selected.