Saluki S3101 cable and Antenna Analyzer connects optional external USB power probe, which supports precise Power Measurement. Power Measurement is a function of options. It is necessary to purchase associated measurement software and power probe if this function is required. This chapter provides a detailed description of Power Measurement function and related operation of S3101 Cable & Antenna Analyzer. The Analyzer displays power of signal tested, which is connected through power probe, with units of dBm and W or dB and %. Frequency range of Power Measurement is determined by measurement frequency range of power probe.

1. Power Meter User Interface Introduction

S3101 cable and antenna tester uses cable&antenna test mode in default. You may switch to Power Measurement mode following the steps below:

1) Press [System/Local] key and enter system menu bar;

2) Click [Measure Mode] menu and select “Power meter” in the pop-up “Measurement model” dialog box;

3) Click “Confirm” key on dialog box or press [Enter] to enter Power Measurement interface.

Connect test port on power probe and signal source. USB interface of power probe is connected to USB A type connector of Analyzer with USB cable. Please connect the power probe before selecting “Power meter” function, otherwise the Analyzer will call up a warning of “Not connected probe!”, as shown in Fig.1.

Fig.1 Power Test Interface

2. Measurement Parameters Setting

2.1 Frequency

To obtain more convenient observation, you may set corresponding frequency range according to testing requirements for more accurate observation over power value of frequency point tested. Specific steps are as follows:

1) Press [Freq/Dist] to enter menu bar of frequency software;

2) Click [FREQ] menu (selected by default as there is only one drop-down menu in the menu), then input measurement frequency of power meter using knob, [up][down] keys, and numeric keys. Press corresponding menu and select frequency unit to complete frequency setting when numeric keys are used in inputting frequency values.

2.2 Sweep

(1) Average Function

Average function covers average operation on results obtained from several continuous measurements and displays average result as measured values. Average factor setting determines continuous measurement times. The greater the average factor is, the lower the external interference of measured power will be obtained, which will lead to more accurate measured values.

(2) Offset Function

When power of source under test is beyond measurement range, it is required to attenuate or enlarge signal tested. At this time, actual power value of source under test without being attenuated or amplified could be easily obtained through offset function.

In offset function, value displayed is current measured value deducting offset value set. Offset function is in operation when signal channel is connected with power amplifier or attenuator. Therefore, offset value shall be set to negative number when connecting external attenuator; positive value when connecting external amplifier.

(3) Relative Measurement Function

When turning on relative measurement function, it will save the power value of current measurement and then display the comparative value of each value measured with respect to power value saved. At the same time, units of comparative power value displayed will be changed from dBm to dB and from Watt to %. As shown in Fig.2.

Fig.2 SWEEP/SETUP menu bar

2.3 Amplitude

To obtain more accurate observation over signal tested, you may readjust amplitude setting of Analyzer according to frequency range displayed. As shown in Fig.3.

Fig.3 Amplitude setting

There are two amplitude setting methods as shown below:

(1) Manual setting: operators set the maximum value and the minimum value on power meter dial by themselves. Detailed operation is as below:

a) Press [Ampt] key and enter amplitude menu bar;

b) Press [Max Scale] menu, input the maximum scale value of power meter using knobs,[up] [down]keys or numeric keys, and press [Enter] key to complete the maximum value setting;

c) Press [Min Scale] menu, input the minimum scale value of power meter using knobs [up] [down] keys or numeric keys, and press [Enter] key to complete the minimum value setting.

(2) Automatic setting: operators do not have to set the maximum scale or the minimum scale by themselves. By clicking [Auto Scale] or [Full Scale] menu only based on requirements, application programs will automatically adjust the maximum value and the minimum value of dial in accordance with power data measured. The operation is as below:

a) Press [Ampt] key and enter amplitude menu bar;

b) Click [Auto scale] on menu bar, application programs will automatically set the maximum values and the minimum values on dial according to power fluctuation range;

c) Click [Full Scale] on menu bar, application programs will automatically set the maximum value on dial to 30dBm, the minimum value to -70dBm.