Tips for Preventing Spectrum Analyzer Damage

Technical Overviews

 Ensure proper grounding

  • Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with the analyzer.
  • 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%.
  • For more information, view “Considerations for Instrument Grounding - Application Note”.

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 analyzer.
  • 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 analyzer

  • Avoid front end damage by having some idea of the signal level to be measured with the spectrum analyzer. 
  • Before turning on or turning off the connected equipment or the DUT, turn off or reduce the DUT/source power. 
  • Properly apply a DC block, limiter or external attenuator as needed

Protect the RF input connector

  • Be careful not to bend, bump or flex any device under test (DUT) connected to the input of the analyzer (such as filters, attenuators, or large cables).
  • Ensure externally connected items are properly supported (not freely suspended) from the input.
  • 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. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly.
  • Always use torque wrench and gauge tools for connecting RF connectors.

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 to ground.
  • 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 between 20 to 30 °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. They do not adequately cushion the equipment and can cause equipment damage by generating static electricity. If possible, retain the original packaging for re-use when shipping the instrument.

Change your instrument settings

  • Review the measurement procedures and settings needed for a particular application prior to making any measurements (refer to measurement guide).
  • Depending on the type of repair, the analyzer settings may have been reset to the factory defaults.