Using the RF OUT Loss field

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The RF OUT Loss field is used when it is necessary to test the receiver sensitivity of a typical base station. The test set's source will typically go down to -90 dBm. In order to reach -113 dBm for sensitivity testing, you must use an external attenuator. The measured value of the attenuator and connecting cables are entered into this field. This value is then used when this field is set to On. When this field is set to On, the test set will set the RF generator level to the correct level offset by the external attenuator/cabling. When you set the RF Generator to -113 dBm (with the RF OUT Loss field turned On and the external attenuator/cabling loss value entered) the output at the end of the RF test cabling is -113 dBm.
Example: If you want to set the signal generator to -113 dBm, the attenuator and RF cabling measures 42.51 dB (measured with the 2 port insertion loss measurement screen prior to this test), the RF OUT Loss field is turned On (with the 42.51 dB loss value entered). The actual RF output of the signal generator is -70.49 dBm, the attenuator and RF cabling attenuated the signal to the desired level; so the RF signal at the end of the test cable/attenuator is -113 dBm. This also points out the importance of accurately measuring the loss of the attenuator and connecting cables.