What is the secret to keep your spectrum analyzer from getting sick?

agitek西安安泰

What is the secret to keep your spectrum analyzer from getting sick? [Copy link]

Are you still worried about the maintenance of your company's test instruments? I believe that many users have this worry. For device testing, accuracy, repeatability and reliability are crucial. Xi'an Antai Test and Maintenance Center provides maintenance services for electrical test instruments such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal sources, network analyzers, digital multimeters, etc. Based on years of maintenance experience, the main fault phenomena of spectrum analyzers are summarized as follows:
1. Power failure: cannot be turned on normally
2. Input failure: abnormal impedance; no signal; abnormal signal amplitude
3. Test analysis failure: abnormal frequency and phase test
4. Display failure: flower screen; black screen
5. Key failure: no response to key; no response to adjustment knob
6. Interface failure: no recognition of storage medium; cannot be connected to the control system
7. Other usage problems, etc.
　　So how to avoid the above fault phenomena? Xi'an Antai Test shares tips on how to prevent damage to spectrum analyzers:
　　1. Read warning labels and technical indicators.
　　Please first check the technical indicator manual before using the instrument:
1. Do not exceed the parameter values provided in the technical indicator guide or the values indicated by the yellow warning label on the analyzer.
2. Refer to the Specification Guide for conditions required to achieve the listed specifications. Note the information on stabilization time, instrument setup, and calibration requirements.
　　This article uses the E4440A as an example: The yellow warning label on the front panel of the E4440APSA indicates that the maximum applicable RF input power is 30dBm (1W) and 0Vdc DC coupling voltage or 100Vdc AC coupling voltage. Therefore, the measurement range must not exceed the indicated range during use, otherwise the instrument will be damaged.
　　2. Do not input too much power to the analyzer . Taking the E4440A spectrum analyzer
　　as an example:
1. Limit the signal level to be measured using the spectrum analyzer to avoid damage to the front end. Applying too much power to the front end may cause damage to the front-end components. The typical maximum RF input signal level is 30dBm1W).
2. Turn off the DUT/signal source or reduce the power of the DUT/signal source before turning on or off the connected device or DUT. This helps prevent unexpected voltage increases or decreases that affect the input or output of the analyzer.
3. Use DC blockers, limiters or external attenuators as needed. 3.
　　Ensure proper grounding
　　Ensure proper grounding when using the instrument
1. Always use the three-phase AC power cord that comes with the analyzer.
2. Ground the instrument properly to prevent the accumulation of static charge. The accumulation of a large amount of static charge may cause damage to the instrument and personal injury to the operator.
3. Do not use extension cables, power cords or autotransformers without protective grounding conductors to avoid damaging the grounding protection. 4.
Check the quality and polarity of the AC power supply; the AC voltage usually required is 100V, 120V, 220V±10% or 240V+5%/-10%. The expected ground wire resistance is usually <1Ω, and the voltage between the neutral wire and the ground wire is <1V. If necessary, install an uninterruptible power supply [UPS].
　　4. Pay attention to electrostatic protection , especially the electrostatic protection of each exposed interface.
1. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) may damage or destroy electronic components. Therefore, it is best to test at an anti-static workstation. Keep all components at least 1 meter away from materials that may generate static electricity. Before connecting the coaxial cable to the analyzer, short-circuit the center and outer conductors of the cable together to ground momentarily.
2. Install ESD protective covers on all RF connectors before transporting and moving the equipment.
　　5. Be careful to avoid hot plugging of interfaces : connect the interface first, then add the signal; disconnect the signal first, then disconnect the interface connection;
1. Avoid bending the cable repeatedly. Excessive bending angles may damage the cable immediately.
2. Limit the number of connections and disconnections to reduce wear.
3. Inspect the connector before using it; check for dirt, cracks, and other signs of damage or wear. A problematic connector may cause problems with an intact connector soon.
4. Always use a torque wrench and gauge tools to connect RF connectors.
5. Clean the connector that is contaminated with dirt to avoid affecting the electrical performance of the connection or damaging the connection.
　　6. Ensure that the instrument works in a suitable environment:
1. Maintain proper ventilation and humidity conditions.
　　Generally, the instrument should work in a suitable environment: temperature: 5℃-40℃?, relative humidity: 20%-80%, and avoid strong electric/magnetic fields, dusty environments and direct sunlight, and stay away from earthquake sources, water sources and corrosive gases. For some special instruments
　　used in special environments (such as aviation
/mining/deep water, etc.), there are special requirements such as waterproof/high temperature resistance. 2. When installing the product in the chassis, the air convection channel in and out of the instrument must not be blocked. For every 100W power consumed by the chassis, the ambient temperature must be 4°C lower than the maximum operating temperature of the product. If the total power consumption of the chassis is greater than 800W, a forced ventilation device must be used.
　　Of course, the above points are to prevent problems before they happen and reduce the chance of your spectrum analyzer "getting sick". If your instrument has already failed, it is recommended that you find a regular maintenance center to "check the pulse" and "treat" it as soon as possible. Antai Testing has 11 years of maintenance experience and specializes in the maintenance and technical support of various test and measurement instruments and test systems. It has the technical ability to perform chip-level maintenance on high-end instruments at home and abroad. It is also regarded as an "old Chinese doctor" in the instrument maintenance industry. It can detect instrument failures for you free of charge. It also has free training courses to teach everyone how to operate the instrument correctly.