Rear Panel Overview (N5166B, N5171B, N5172B, N5181B, & N5182B)

Front Panel Overview

1.       Host USB Connector Type A

USB Protocol2.0

Use this universal serial bus (USB) to connect a USB Flash Drive (UFD) for data transfer. You can connect or disconnect a USB device without shutting down or restarting the signal generator. The instrument also has a rear panel device USB connector (see page 32) used to remotely control the instrument.

2.       Display

The LCD screen provides information on the current function. Information can include status indicators, frequency and amplitude settings, and error messages. Labels for the softkeys are located on the right hand side of the display.

3.       Softkeys

A softkey activates the function indicated by the displayed label to the left of the key.

4.       Numeric Keypad

The numeric keypad comprises the 0 through 9 hardkeys, a decimal point hardkey, a minus sign hardkey, and a backspace hardkey. 

5.       Arrows and Select

The Select and arrow hardkeys enable you to select items on the signal generator's display for editing.

6.       Page Up

In a table editor, use this hardkey to display a previous page.

7.       MENUS

These hardkeys open softkey menus that enable you to configure instrument functions or access information.

8.       Trigger

When trigger mode is set to Trigger Key, this hardkey initiates an immediate trigger event for a function such as a list or step sweep.

9.       Local Cancel/(Esc)

This hardkey deactivates remote operation and returns the signal generator to front panel control, cancels an active function entry, and cancels long operations (such an IQ calibration).

10. Help

Use this key to display a description of any hardkey or softkey.

11. Preset and User Preset

These hardkeys set the signal generator to a known state (factory or user-defined

12. RF Output (N5166B, N5171B, N5172B, N5181B, N5182B) 

13. RF On/Off and LED

This hardkey toggles the operating state of the RF signal present at the RF OUTPUT connector. The RF On/Off LED lights when RF output is enabled.

14. Mod On/Off and LED

This hardkey enables or disables the modulation of the output carrier signal by an active modulation format. This hardkey does not set up or activate a format

The MOD ON/OFF LED lights when modulation of the output is enabled.

15. Page Down

In a table editor, use this hardkey to display the next page.

16. I Input (vector models only)

17. Q Input (vector models only)

18. Knob

Rotating the knob increases or decreases a numeric value, or moves the highlight to the next digit,character, or item in a list.

19.Incr Set

This hardkey enables you to set the increment value of the currently active function. The increment value also affects how much each turn of the knob changes an active function’s value, according to the knob’s current ratio setting.

20. Return

This hardkey enables you to retrace key presses. In a menu with more than one level, the Return key returns to the prior menu page.

21. More and LED

When a menu contains more softkey labels than can be displayed, the More LED lights and a more message displays below the labels. To display the next group of labels, press the more hardkey.

22. Power Switch and LEDs

This switch selects the standby mode or the power on mode. In the standby position, the yellow LED lights and all signal generator functions deactivate. The signal generator remains connected to the line power, and some power is consumed by some internal circuits. In the on position, the green LED lights and the signal generator functions activate.

Rear Panel Overview

1. AC Power Receptacle

The AC power cord receptacle accepts a three–pronged AC power cord that is supplied with the signal generator.

2. EXT 1 & EXT 2

3. LF OUT

4. SWEEP OUT

5. PULSE

6. TRIG 1 & 2

7. REF IN

In its factory default mode, the signal generator can detect a valid reference signal at this connector and automatically switch from internal to external reference operation. With Option 1ER (flexible reference input), you must explicitly tell the signal generator the external reference frequency you wish to use; enter the information through the front panel or over the remote interface.

8. 10 MHz OUT

9. GPIB

This connector enables communication with compatible devices such as external controllers, and is one of three connectors available to remotely control the signal generator.

10. LAN

The signal generator supports local area network (LAN) based communication through this connector, which enables a LAN–connected computer to remotely program the signal generator.

The LAN interface supports auto–MDIX. The signal generator is limited to 100 meters on a single cable (100Base–T).

12. Host USB

Use this universal serial bus (USB) to connect a USB Flash Drive (UFD) for data transfer. You can connect or disconnect a USB device without shutting down or restarting the signal generator.

13. SD Card

Holds the Secure Digital (SD) nonvolatile memory card.