Sweep generators ("wobulators") usually operate at frequencies above 10MHz, or at least no lower than 1MHz. This makes analysis of low frequency networks difficult at low frequencies. The 310A has a facility that allows easy in-circuit analysis.
Operation is straightforward. Set the Bandwidth to 200Hz and the mode to Normal. The Voltage and Range controls should be set to provide an appropriate maximum voltage, depending on the signal source. Don't overload the meter! The Absolute/Relative switch shoujld be set at Relative and the fine tune knob on the Voltage control should be adjusted to obtain a suitable value on the meter.
Feed the Output from the 310A into the network under test. Feed the output of the network into the 310A's input.
With the tuning control at minimum range, tune slowly upwards taking note of the reading on the meter. Readings can be graphed at regular or critical points. This is essentially the same procedure that a spectrum analyser performs in a fraction of a second and is referred to, mathematically, as a Fast Fourier Transformation (not so fast in your case, it should take about twenty minutes), transforming from the time domain to the frequency domain.
HP 310A Specifications Controls Maintenance Receiver Spectrum analysis Distortion Networks
Copyright John Alexander Faulkner VK2DVW 28 October 2004
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