Abstract: Systems and methods for partitioning the frequency spectrum for use in a plurality of function circuits, including step attenuation, phase modulation, and gain amplification functional circuits. A system may include a programmable step attenuator including selection circuitry and functional circuitry. First selection circuitry may include a plurality of outputs and may receive a signal and selectively provide the signal to an output based on the signal's frequency. First circuitry may be coupled to one of the outputs and may operate as a first step attenuator for signals in a first portion of the frequency spectrum. Second circuitry may be coupled to another output and operate as a second step attenuator for signals in a second portion of the frequency spectrum. Second selection circuitry may be coupled to the first and second circuitry and may provide a step attenuated signal from the first or second portion of the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A connector launch configured for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB). The connector launch may include a first attachment member that is configured for surface mount attachment over at least one trace of the PCB. The at least one trace of the PCB may be configured for coupling to the connector launch. The first attachment member may include a connector receptacle that is configured to receive a first connector of a plurality of possible connectors. The connector launch may further include a connector launch pin that is configured to couple to the at least one trace of the PCB within the first attachment member and extend into the connector receptacle. The connector launch pin may couple to a connector pin of the first connector when the first connector is connected to the connector receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for partitioning the frequency spectrum for use in a plurality of function circuits, including step attenuation, phase modulation, and gain amplification functional circuits. A system may include a programmable step attenuator including selection circuitry and functional circuitry. First selection circuitry may include a plurality of outputs and may receive a signal and selectively provide the signal to an output based on the signal's frequency. First circuitry may be coupled to one of the outputs and may operate as a first step attenuator for signals in a first portion of the frequency spectrum. Second circuitry may be coupled to another output and operate as a second step attenuator for signals in a second portion of the frequency spectrum. Second selection circuitry may be coupled to the first and second circuitry and may provide a step attenuated signal from the first or second portion of the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A user obtains a set of modules, inserts them into slots of a chassis, and interconnects the modules to form a modular instrument. A signal path extends through the modules. To support calibration of the signal path, a first of the modules (or the chassis or a calibration module) includes a calibration signal generator. A computer directs the first module to apply the calibration signal from the generator to the signal path, and measures the power (or amplitude) of the output of the signal path. The computer reads a factory-measured value A of the calibration signal amplitude from a memory of the first module (or the chassis or the calibration module). The value A and the measured output power of the signal path are used to determine a gain of the signal path. The system compensates for that gain when the signal path is used to measure live operational signals.

Abstract: A user obtains a set of modules, inserts them into slots of a chassis, and interconnects the modules to form a modular instrument. A signal path extends through the modules. To support calibration of the signal path, a first of the modules (or the chassis or a calibration module) includes a calibration signal generator. A computer directs the first module to apply the calibration signal from the generator to the signal path, and measures the power (or amplitude) of the output of the signal path. The computer reads a factory-measured value A of the calibration signal amplitude from a memory of the first module (or the chassis or the calibration module). The value A and the measured output power of the signal path are used to determine a gain of the signal path. The system compensates for that gain when the signal path is used to measure live operational signals.

Abstract: A user obtains a set of modules, inserts them into slots of a chassis, and interconnects the modules to form a modular instrument. A signal path extends through the modules. To support calibration of the signal path, a first of the modules (or the chassis or a calibration module) includes a calibration signal generator. A computer directs the first module to apply the calibration signal from the generator to the signal path, and measures the power (or amplitude) of the output of the signal path. The computer reads a factory-measured value A of the calibration signal amplitude from a memory of the first module (or the chassis or the calibration module). The value A and the measured output power of the signal path are used to determine a gain of the signal path. The system compensates for that gain when the signal path is used to measure live operational signals.