Hello,
I have several N5181A's that do not perform well at frequencies below 250kHz and at levels below -100dBm. This problem Only happens when the GPIB cable is connected. The level increases 1-2 dBm at the lower frequencies and low power levels as if I have some sort of ground loop with in GPIB. I have tried 3-4 MXG's that work fine and several that have this issue. I have also tried several GPIB cables, several different workstations and several PSA's to monitor the outputs of the N5181A's. Are there any known GPIB grounding loop issues with the N5181A's???
I have several N5181A's that do not perform well at frequencies below 250kHz and at levels below -100dBm. This problem Only happens when the GPIB cable is connected. The level increases 1-2 dBm at the lower frequencies and low power levels as if I have some sort of ground loop with in GPIB. I have tried 3-4 MXG's that work fine and several that have this issue. I have also tried several GPIB cables, several different workstations and several PSA's to monitor the outputs of the N5181A's. Are there any known GPIB grounding loop issues with the N5181A's???
The MXG and signal analyzers can create ground loops if the setup is not carefully managed. The following precautions will minimize the potential of ground loops:
1) Connect all equipment being used together to the same power strip and the same ground
2) Minimize the length of GPIB cables
3) Insure all units are well grounded
4) Connect ground wires between units in measurement system if grounds persist
5) Keep all RF cables as short as possible
6) Use toroid inductors on RF cables close to the MXG output if ground loops continue to be a problem
I hope this helps -
Relevant Products:#N5181A#