04-28-2015 05:07 PM
Hi,
Newbie to labview enviornment! I am trying to write a VI to calibrate Agilent N5183 to a specific output. For e.g. if I want to have -4.5 dBm output from my setup (as displayed on my power meter) I will have to set the sig gen to say 7dBm taking into account my losses etc.
Any pointers how do I start tacking this? I think I will have to create a while loop to check power levels, however I do not know how to increment and decrement the sig gen amplitude and stop at the desired level!
Thanks in advance for any help.
PS: Using Labview 2013, on win XP machine!
Solved! Go to Solution.
04-28-2015 07:17 PM
@ksharma31 wrote:
Hi,
Newbie to labview enviornment! I am trying to write a VI to calibrate Agilent N5183 to a specific output. For e.g. if I want to have -4.5 dBm output from my setup (as displayed on my power meter) I will have to set the sig gen to say 7dBm taking into account my losses etc.
Any pointers how do I start tacking this? I think I will have to create a while loop to check power levels, however I do not know how to increment and decrement the sig gen amplitude and stop at the desired level!
Thanks in advance for any help.
PS: Using Labview 2013, on win XP machine!
Do you even know how to this manually by pushing the buttons on the signal generator?
If you don't, you have no hope of automating the procedure.
If you do, please describe the steps you take.
04-28-2015 08:23 PM
04-28-2015 08:25 PM
Start by downloading and installing the instrument driver that is available: Agilent PSG MXG Series Signal Generator
In the driver should be an example of how to do the job.
04-28-2015 10:51 PM
I have done this manually thousands of times and yes I have downloaded drivers etc..I have even semi automate this by incrementing and decrementing this..all you so called experts out there don't treat someone that they are stupid..if u cannot help don't pass non judgemental comments..here are steps for everyone's benefit.
1. Power on DUT
2. Select free and set power level to DUT
3. Adjust pout to sign Gen to desired level while monitoring power on power meter
4. Stop adjusting sign Gen power
5. Continue next step..
04-29-2015 12:23 AM
3. Adjust pout to sign Gen to desired level while monitoring power on power meter
Why do you need that step at all ? Its not clear from your description what makes the difference between the readout of the power meter and the output level setting of the sigGen.
04-29-2015 01:00 AM
04-29-2015 06:21 AM
@mkossmann wrote:
3. Adjust pout to sign Gen to desired level while monitoring power on power meter
Why do you need that step at all ? Its not clear from your description what makes the difference between the readout of the power meter and the output level setting of the sigGen.
I have had to do this plenty of times. Especially in the RF realm, you want your tests to have a certain power level AT THE UUT. So you have to adjust your signal generator to overcome the losses in the couplers, cables, etc.
For this, all you need to do is set your signal generator to the level you want. Then measure with the power meter. Subtract the measured from the desired and add that much more to the set output. Repeat as needed. I would recommend using a conditional FOR loop so you can easily set a limit to how many times you adjust (I have been in endless loops due to weird situations here).
04-29-2015 08:23 AM
mKossmann, Thank you for your help I will try it out and thank you for your understanding!