Column Control DTX

Tips for Preventing Instrument Damage

Technical Overviews

Ensure proper grounding

  • Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with the instrument.
  • Proper grounding of the instrument will prevent a build-up of electrostatic charge which may be harmful to the instrument and the operator.
  • Do not damage the earth-grounding protection by using an extension cable, power cable, or autotransformer without a protective ground conductor.
  • Check AC power quality and polarity; typical AC voltage required is 100, 120, 220 V ± 10% or 240 V +5%/–10%. 
  • For more information, view “Considerations for Instrument Grounding - Application Note”.

Avoid overpowering the instrument

  • Avoid front end damage by having some idea of the signal level to be measured with the instrument. Overpowering the front end can cause damage to the front end components. Typical max. RF input signal level is < 0.1 ~ 1 W and < 0.2 ~ 2 DC V.
  • Before turning on or turning off the connected equipment or the DUT, reduce the signal level to the minimum safety level. This should help to prevent unexpected voltage swell or sag affecting the input or the output of instrument.

Read the warning labels and specifications

  • Do not exceed the values provided in the specifications guide or as indicated by the yellow warning labels on the instrument.
  • Refer to the specification guide for condition to meet with the required specification. Note information regarding stabilization time, instrument settings and calibration/ alignment requirements.

Protect the RF input connector

  • Be careful not to bend, bump or flex any device under test (DUT) connected to the input of the instrument (such as filters, attenuators, or large cables). This will reduce the amount of strain placed on the input connector and the mounted hardware.
  • Insure externally connected items are properly supported (not freely suspended) from the input.
  • Always use torque wrench and gauge tools for connecting RF connectors.
  • Do not mix using 50 Ω and 75 Ω connectors and cables.

Follow proper RF/Optical cable and connector care

  • Avoid repeated bending of cables. A single sharp bend can damage a cable instantly.
  • Limit the number of connections and disconnections to reduce wear.
  • Inspect the connectors prior to use, look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly.
  • For Seven Practices to Prevent Damaging Power Meters and Power Sensors view application note.

Follow electrostatic discharge precautions

  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. Whenever possible, conduct testing at a static-safe workstation. Keep electrostatic-generating materials at least one meter away from all components. Before connecting any coaxial cable to an instrument, momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the cable together to ground.
  • Install ESD protective covers on all RF and optical connectors prior to shipping and moving equipment.
  • For more information, visit the Electrostatic Discharge Association

Check for proper ventilation and humidity

  • Periodically check and clean the cooling vents of the instrument. Inadequate airflow can result in excessive operating temperatures which can lead to instrument failures. Optimal operating temperature is 23 °C ± 5 °C, always keep instrument ambient temperature at < 35 °C.
  • When installing the product in a cabinet, the convection air currents in and out of the instrument must not be restricted. The ambient temperature must be less than the maximum operating temperature of the product by 4 °C for every 100 W dissipated in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 W, then forced convection must be used.

Use proper lifting techniques

  • Lift the instrument by the handles when transporting.
  • Avoid picking up the instrument with your hand over the front panel. If the instrument slips, damage may occur to the keypad, knob, or input connectors.
  • Use a cart or two persons to help move any heavy instrument.

Use proper packing for transport

  • Instrument damage can result from using packaging materials other than those specified. Never use styrene pellets in any shape as packaging materials. They do not adequately cushion the equipment and can cause equipment damage by generating electrostatics. If possible, retain the original packaging for re-use when shipping the instrument.

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Column Control DTX