Error Codes comes up on R&S SMPD Signal generator

[Cheslyn]

Hi,I'm working on a 5kHz-2.7GHz signal generator,upon switch on the display shows 1EC... I'm guesing that it does it's Power On Self Test but as I'm operating the generator comes up with a number 6 in the frequency display at the last digit.This number disapears once I press any key.The unit works normaly except for this problem,I don't know if this is an internal error code.If anyone can help me with this problem it would be much appreciated.

 

[shrtrnd]

Do you have a manual for the instrument? Even an operator's manual should give
you the description of the error code.
We can't help you without the model number of your instrument.

 

[Cheslyn]

The model number is SMPD 376.8011.52

The model numer is SMPD 376.8011.52.I only have part of the manual,witch is Volume .The manual in total consist of 3 volumes,the site where I downloaded this manual(Volume 3) had volume 2 also but it was a broken file so it could not be downloaded. Anyway volume 3 does not say much about the error codes,it only gives you a description,schematics and a troubleshooting guide of each stage of the signal generation trough the different modules.But when I investigated further I noticed that when I removed the units internal reference standard the error code comes up and the same conditions results on the spectrum analyzer witch is that the level of the CW signal of the generator drops and then completely disappears.When I try to analyzer the units internal reference standard on a oscilloscope there is nothing which is strange.I hope u can help me with this since I'm new to this field.

 

[shrtrnd]

I'd keep looking for someplace that explains your error codes, maybe the manufacturer,
or their website would have a free operators manual.
Sounds to me like you've already isolated one fault though, no reference oscillator output frequency.

 

[Cheslyn]

Summary of what I've done so far

Upon writing my last E-mail me and my boss came up with the conclusion that if output level is not correct at different frequencies and when it is changed from one level to the next.We assumed that the programmable step attenuator was the cause of the error 6 code with all of it's associated problems.So we took the front panel and some modules near the attenuator out.Once we've taken the attenuator out and opened it up we had a look at the switching pads to see if there were any signs of fatigue or damage and there seemed to be none wee cleaned it with a bit of alcohol.Once again we assumed that if the level is low upon switch on and during when error 6 appeared that the attenuator did not switch to th 0 dB pad and switch to the next or higher attenuation pad.So we bend the switching pads of each attenuation just a little bit so that it can make right contact with the pads at switching. After putting every thing back together,the unit came up with a error 4 and 6 code only when it is switched on but not during operation.I checked the Level linearity and it's frequency response it all was with in reasonable levels.So I proceeded to calibrate the unit to see if those error codes will cause the unit to fail it's calibration and which parameters it fails.

 

[Cheslyn]

As I was completing the calibration it's last test was functionally testing it's interface and sweep functions.When you want the signal generator to sweep between a certain frequency range it does not allow you to set that thus you can't switch the sweep on.The Sweep on Key only lit once the frequency is at 5kHz.The sweep output port which outputs a 5V dc only when the CW frequency is at 5kHz.So in conclusion I need that manual to find out what the error codes means