when measuring the gain transfer function of an amplifier with internal alc there are main requirements that an analog signal generator has to fulfill. first, a wide level range must be provided. this is more or less a common requirement met by most signal sources. secondly – and this is more important – the required level sweep for measuring the gain transfer function must be glitch or blank free.
the r&s®sma100b together with the option “high dynamic uninterrupted level sweep” (r&s®smab-k724) can be ideally used for measuring the gain transfer characteristic of e.g. a twta (traveling-wave tube amplifier). with its glitch free dynamic range of more than 70 db, it surpasses the 40 db or more needed for testing twtas by far.