Which of the following steps is crucial for ensuring that the spectrum analyzer functions properly?

Ensuring that the spectrum analyzer functions properly involves setting the controls to their initial settings. This step is essential because a spectrum analyzer has various parameters that must be calibrated correctly before it can provide meaningful data. These controls include parameters such as frequency range, span, and amplitude settings. By returning these controls to a known state, the operator can ensure that subsequent measurements are accurate and reliable.

Setting the controls to initial settings minimizes the risk of user error that can arise from previous configurations or adjustments that may have been made for different measurement scenarios. This step also prepares the analyzer to be used effectively across a variety of applications, as it establishes a baseline configuration that the operator can modify as needed.