Output Level Settings

When using RF signal conditioning devices with an RF vector signal generator, consider the following factors when determining the RF vector signal generator output level setting.

1. The RF vector signal generator output level specifies the expected total integrated power, in dBm, of the RF vector signal generator output signal.
2. The gain specified in the ni5690 Configure Gain VI or the ni5690_configureGain function is applied after the signal is passed from the RF vector signal generator.
3. Therefore, when using an RF vector signal generator with RF signal conditioning devices, set the RF vector signal generator output level according to the following equation: expected signal power — actual gain as returned by the ni5690 Get Actual Gain VI or the ni5690_getActualGain function.

For example, to obtain an output signal with a total integrated power of +20 dBm using a gain setting of 20 dB in the signal conditioning module, the proper RF vector signal generator output level setting is 0 dBm.