Tips for Preventing Damage to Signal Generators

Technical Overviews

Ensure proper grounding

  • Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with the signal generator.
  • 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 V, 120 V, 220 V ± 10% or 240 V +5%/10%.

 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 signal generator.
  • Refer to the specification guide for conditions required to meet with the listed specification. Note information regarding stabilization time, instrument settings and calibration/alignment requirements.

Avoid overpowering the signal generator

  • Avoid front end damage by having some idea of the signal generator level output configuration. 
  • Before turning on or turning off the connected equipment or the DUT, reduce the signal level to the minimum safety level.
  • Avoid test system designs that allow DC voltage or RF power to be applied to RF output or I/Q output connections.
  • Properly apply a DC block, limiter or external attenuator as needed

Protect the RF output connector

  • Be careful not to bend, bump or flex any device under test (DUT) connected to the signal generator (such as filters, attenuators, or large cables). 
  • Ensure externally connected items are properly supported (not freely suspended) from the input.
  • Always use torque wrench and gauge tools to connect RF connector.
  • Do not mix using 50 and 75 Ω connectors and cables.

Follow proper RF 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. 

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 analyzer, momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the cable together.
  • Install ESD protective covers on all RF connectors prior to shipping and moving equipment.

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 20 to 30 °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. 

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.