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two channels vs. one channel, external trigger

Question asked by jane on May 12, 2009
Latest reply on May 26, 2009 by jane

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Hello,
I am doing a segment sweep over a list of frequencies (using the E8362B PNA), with the following trigger settings:
-Trigger source: external
-Trigger scope: Channel
-Trigger mode: point
-Trigger state: continuous
-Source: I/O (TRIG IN)BNC
-Level/Edge: Positive
And with the following frequency offset settings:
-Source: coupled, segment sweep
-Receivers: uncoupled CW time,
-My Source coupled, segment sweep.
When I have 2 traces (A/R1, B/R1) on 1 channel, the traces are swep sequentially,and in one direction. Everything seems all right- but when I put a trace on each channel (A/R1 on channel 1, B/R1 on channel 2), only the trace on channel 1 is swept. Both channels have the same settings, but Channel 2 doesn't seem to be receiving any trigger signal???
Thank you!!

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odanzy

May 12, 2009 7:07 AM

Since channels are swept sequentially, when both measurements are on channel 1 (and I would assume have the same source port), you are only having to send the number of triggers to the PNA that equals the number of points. Once you move to a 2 channel setup, this means that you will need double the number of triggers to make sure everything is measured (this also means double the time for measurement and setup since you have to configure both channels 1 and 2 for frequency information and some triggering info). If both measurements have the same settings, there is no need to use two channels, just two traces on one channel.

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jane May 12, 2009 7:18 AM

Thanks for your reply!

Unforunately, I'll be using a pre-existing program that assumes there is one trace on one channel, and another trace on a different channel.

I wonder if changing the Trigger Scope to Global would make the trigger signal be sent to each channel in turn, but I'm still unsure.

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Dr_joel

May 12, 2009 10:17 AM

Nope. Triggering globaly will mean that one trigger (and only 1 trigger) will trigger all the points on all the channels.

Is the pre-existing program for the PNA? If so, I don't think the trigger model has changed. If not, how are you using it to control the PNA?

If it is something like an 8510 or 8720, then it was possible to couple the channels so that they were effectively 2 traces on one channel. You can use CxL to mimic that behavior (code translater), if need be.

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jane May 26, 2009 12:23 PM

"

Is the pre-existing program for the PNA? If so, I don't think the trigger model has changed. If not, how are you using it to control the PNA?

"

It's to acquire and process data from the PNA as well as control it, but as I'm now using an external trigger instead of an internal, I believe the trigger model would be different??

"

If it is something like an 8510 or 8720, then it was possible to couple the channels so that they were effectively 2 traces on one channel. You can use CxL to mimic that behavior (code translater), if need be.
"

Could you tell me more about coupling the channels (so as to have the same settings, but measure different parameters)?
Thanks for your help.

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4 Replies

odanzy May 12, 2009 7:07 AM
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Correct Answer
Since channels are swept sequentially, when both measurements are on channel 1 (and I would assume have the same source port), you are only having to send the number of triggers to the PNA that equals the number of points. Once you move to a 2 channel setup, this means that you will need double the number of triggers to make sure everything is measured (this also means double the time for measurement and setup since you have to configure both channels 1 and 2 for frequency information and some triggering info). If both measurements have the same settings, there is no need to use two channels, just two traces on one channel.
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jane May 12, 2009 7:18 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Thanks for your reply!

Unforunately, I'll be using a pre-existing program that assumes there is one trace on one channel, and another trace on a different channel.

I wonder if changing the Trigger Scope to Global would make the trigger signal be sent to each channel in turn, but I'm still unsure.
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Dr_joel May 12, 2009 10:17 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Nope. Triggering globaly will mean that one trigger (and only 1 trigger) will trigger all the points on all the channels.

Is the pre-existing program for the PNA? If so, I don't think the trigger model has changed. If not, how are you using it to control the PNA?

If it is something like an 8510 or 8720, then it was possible to couple the channels so that they were effectively 2 traces on one channel. You can use CxL to mimic that behavior (code translater), if need be.
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jane May 26, 2009 12:23 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
"

Is the pre-existing program for the PNA? If so, I don't think the trigger model has changed. If not, how are you using it to control the PNA?

"

It's to acquire and process data from the PNA as well as control it, but as I'm now using an external trigger instead of an internal, I believe the trigger model would be different??
"

If it is something like an 8510 or 8720, then it was possible to couple the channels so that they were effectively 2 traces on one channel. You can use CxL to mimic that behavior (code translater), if need be.
"

Could you tell me more about coupling the channels (so as to have the same settings, but measure different parameters)?
Thanks for your help.
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two channels vs. one channel, external trigger

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