The RF IN signal path chooses gain and attenuation settings based on the requested reference level.

The gain definition measured in calibration is adjusted and applied according to the following equation:

RF Input Gain (dB) = Complex PowerADC(dB) - Real PowerRF IN Terminal(dB)

The resulting gain scales the acquired data to reference back to the RF IN front panel connector. The reported gain scales both I and Q evenly. If you compute power by reading I/Q data and running a power spectrum or Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), scale the gain by a gain compensation value of 0.5 or reduce the power result by 3 dB. If you use Spectrum Mode, NI-RFSA scales the power for you.