We have noticed that when using EMC32 software to measure conducted emissions the pulse limiter for RF input port 2 is always controlled on by the software. We have not found a way to disable the pulse limiter for conducted measurements on input 2 with the EMC32 test software. We also noticed that sometimes the pulse limiter blocks some signals.
ESW has an integrated 'Pulse Limiter', which is part of the "pulse-protected" RF Input 2 (frequencies up to max. 1 GHz).
The 'Pulse Limiter' results in a RF attenuation of 10 dB, if active.
In EMC32 EMI Scan templates, there is no parameter to activate/deactivate 'Pulse Limiter'. The state of the 'Pulse Limiter' is permanently related to the 'Input Coupling':
RF Input 1
Input Coupling AC
no Pulse Limiter available
RF Attenuation 0 - 79 dB
Input Coupling DC
no Pulse Limiter available
RF Attenuation 0 - 79 dB
RF Input 2
Input Coupling AC
Pulse Limiter is set to OFF
RF Attenuation 0 - 79 dB
Input Coupling DC
Pulse Limiter is set to ON
RF Attenuation 10 - 79 dB
The combination 'RF Input 2' with 'Pulse Limiter' off and 'Input Coupling' DC is not available with EMC32.
The is a reason for this: Especially when ESW is used with LISN models without interated Pulse Limiter, the use of the Pulse Limiter in ESW is strongly recommended to use, in order not to damage the Test Receiver.
The conclusion that you have less signals/more noise, if the 'Pulse Limiter' is active is only true, if the measured level (without Pulse Limiter) is just 10 dB above noise or even lower.
