User`s guide

118 Agilent N5161A/62A/81A/82A/83A MXG Signal Generators User’s Guide
Optimizing Performance
Using Free Run, Step Dwell, and Timer Trigger
Timer Trigger instead of Free Run (Figure 5- 27 on page 119) the signal generator generates equally
spaced triggers, and it moves to the next point at each trigger. This has the advantage that the time
between points is consistent and the overall sweep time is consistent. But, if the trigger is too fast,
the signal may not have time to settle before jumping to the next point.
Understanding Free Run, Step Dwell, and Timer Trigger Setup
If the signal is to be settled for a minimum specific time at each point and it is not important if the
point to point time is consistent, use Free Run and Set Dwell time.
If the signal’s point to point time requires consistency but the specific settling time at each point can
vary, then use the Timer Trigger. Avoid using too fast of a sweep which does not allow the signal
generator to settle.
If the signal needs to be settled for a specific minimum time and consistent point to point time is
required, then you should set the Timer Trigger to be the sum of the switching time (900 us or 5 ms,
depending on options) plus the minimum settled time that is needed to make the measurement.
If the measurement requires external equipment synchronization, consider using hardware triggers.