Multiple source control is an application to independently control the internal source and receiver as well as up to four external synthesizers. Since there are no constraints on frequency linkage (other than the ranges the hardware is capable of), a wide array of mixer, multiplier, converter and other specialized measurements can be performed. Some examples include:
• Mixers (up and down conversion, many conversion stages)
• Frequency multipliers
• Dividers
• Harmonic measurements (including the ability to look at fractional harmonics)
• IMD measurements
• Very high frequency measurements where the source and LO are generated externally
Since the interface is extremely flexible, this procedure also works for broadband/mmWave measurements for applications where the broadband/mmWave interface is too limiting.
There are two modes of the multiple source interface: 'Complete' and 'Simple', where the default is 'Simple'. Most of this chapter addresses all of the functionality contained in the 'Complete' mode, and the 'Simple' mode is a subset of that. Differences will be discussed along the way. The intent of the 'Simple' mode is to reduce the interface to its most commonly-used elements to help simplify data entry and interaction.
Introduction
This section discusses the interface and how to configure the instrument and the hardware for generic measurements. The MULTIPLE SOURCE menu selections are available from the primary APPLICATION menu as shown in Figure: APPLICATION Menu—Multiple Source Selections below. The MULTIPLE SOURCE menu will vary, depending on the Control Format: Simple or Complete.
