Spectrum Analyzer Basics

Learn swept-tuned, superheterodyne spectrum analyzer fundamentals, including frequency-domain analysis, analyzer architecture, tuning, local oscillators, IF filters, resolution, display settings, and common RF applications such as spectrum monitoring, EMI testing, telecommunications analysis, noise, distortion, and interference troubleshooting.

The Essential Signal Generator Guide Building a solid foundation in RF — Part 2

Navigating the numerous specifications and features of signal generators can be challenging. This white paper series helps by explaining various modulation schemes, the importance of spectral purity, and the impact of distortion. Additionally, it explores how application software can enhance productivity. Signal generators are essential for meeting customer requirements for robust and reliable high-speed wireless connections, which are crucial for business success. To address market demands, selecting the right signal generator is vital. Complex modulation schemes, necessary for increasing spectral efficiency and achieving higher data rates, rely on accurate and stable signal generators. Signal generators can be either digital (vector) or analog. Vector signal generators produce complex, digitally modulated signals, while analog signal generators produce continuous wave signals with basic modulation. The choice depends on the specific application and testing requirements. Generating an RF signal requires a metrology-grade signal generator with excellent distortion and spurious characteristics to ensure high spectral purity. The frequency accuracy of a signal generator depends on the stability of the reference oscillator and the time since the last calibration. Overall, signal generators are indispensable for evaluating applications that rely on radio frequencies, such as GNSS, 5G, avionics, and radar, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.

The Essential Signal Generator Guide Building a Solid Foundation in RF – Part 1

Choosing the right signal generator is essential for obtaining trustworthy test results and accelerating time-to-market. This paper covers the basic functionalities, types, and key specifications of signal generators in detail. Signal generators are crucial in eliminating uncertainties in test results for engineers working on consumer electronics, wireless communications, or radar devices. They provide precise and stable test signals necessary for characterizing devices, even in bandwidth-limited and interference-heavy environments. By allowing engineers to apply impairments, signal generators help test designs within and beyond their limits, ensuring reliability and robustness. RF signal generators, including analog and vector types, create necessary waveforms for testing RF applications. Engineers use them to generate repeated or non-repeated waveforms for designing, testing, and manufacturing systems and components. Signal generators simulate real-world signals, enabling comprehensive evaluation of electronic systems’ performance and behavior.

6G: A New Approach to Increasing Data Throughput

This whitepaper discusses a new approach for 6G to go beyond 100 Gbps to 1 Tbps. An over-the-air transmission of 285 GHz across 8 meters (26.5 feet) with 200 Gbps data throughput is demonstrated and discussed.

Race to 448 Gbps

This white paper explores the path to 448 Gbps signaling, comparing PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 modulation formats, and highlights test innovations required to overcome signal integrity, SNR, and bandwidth challenges for next-generation AI, data center, and networking performance.

Scale AI: Engineering the Next Leap in LPDDR6 Low-Power Memory

Explore how JEDEC LPDDR6 reshapes low power memory for AI, boosting per-pin speed, widening to dual 12-bit sub-channels, and cutting energy through DVFS and Enhanced Write DBI. Learn key architectural, reliability, and validation shifts, plus Keysight enablement workflow and insights.

Navigating Wi-Fi 7

Explore the new functionalities that Wi-Fi 7 brings to the forefront and delve into Keysight solutions for Wi-Fi 7 testing, such as Octobox testbeds and Octobox software.

Modernize Your Grid Security: Accelerate CIP-015-1 with Strong Network Visibility

The electric grid has never been more connected, more complicated, or more exposed. While firewalls, access controls, and perimeter defenses remain critical, attackers have proven time and again that if they can’t break through the walls, they’ll find a way to walk through the door. Once inside, they move quietly, blending into normal network traffic and often going undetected until it’s too late.

TDECQ Part 1: Making Accurate and Repeatable Compliance Measurements

TDECQ is the acronym used to describe “transmitter dispersion and eye closure quaternary”. This is a power penalty metric that describes how much extra power is required from a transmitter, relative to an ideal transmitter, to compensate for both non-ideal transmitter waveforms and the impact of chromatic dispersion. It is similar to the transmitter dispersion penalty (TDP) metric used in NRZ optical communications standards. It was developed in the IEEE 802.3bs standard and improved in the IEEE 802.3cd standard. It is a convenient way to specify the performance of a PAM4 transmitter, as it aggregates many transmitter attributes into a single metric, and the metric directly indicates the impact a transmitter’s imperfections will have on overall system-level performance.

Electronic Load Fundamentals | Keysight

Download this white paper to understand the fundamentals of an electronic load and how to select an electronic load that best fits your test requirements.

Accelerate your Digital Transformation with ADS Python Automation

Keysight ADS Python APIs transform modern RF and high-speed designs and unlock a new generation of personal productivity, enterprise workflows, and AI/ML exploration.

Electronic Warfare: Vying for Control of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

New, advanced threats dominate the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to developments in analyzing electronic countermeasures and highlighting the benefits of an open architecture approach.

The Essential Noise Figure Measurement Guide - Measuring Noise Figure with Signal Analyzers - Part 2

Learn how to make your own noise figure measurements on your device under test (DUT) using a signal analyzer, noise source, and dedicated noise figure application.

Understanding Noise and Sensitivity in Spectrum Analyzers

Understand your analyzer’s sensitivity capability to determine if it will adequately measure your low-level signals.

Signal Integrity Fundamentals

Data centers depend on channels in transmit and receive systems to accurately and efficiently deliver valuable information. A poorly performing device in a channel can cause signal integrity issues and jeopardize the delivery of intelligible data. That makes developing channel devices and interconnects with high signal integrity critical.

Basics of Vector Signal Generators Part 1: Real-time waveform generation mode

Many system tests require vector signal generators, driven by the popularity of digital modulation schemes in today’s wireless communications systems. Testing your wireless devices via vector signal simulation is critical to making accurate and consistent tests. Knowing the basics of vector signal generators is the first step.

Instrument Automation with Python

This paper explains the fundamentals of remote instrument control, including the VISA and SCPI standards, and walks through a Python script that automates a simple trace capture on an oscilloscope.

Jitter Analysis: The Dual-Dirac Model, RJ/DJ, and Q-scale

The dual-Dirac model is a tool for quickly estimating total jitter defined at a low bit error ratio, TJ(BER). The total jitter of a system is then estimated from RJ and DJ(δδ).

Signal Integrity Measurement Analysis

Learn how to address signal integrity problems early, to ensure optical circuit design and development that works reliably at a reasonable cost.

The Ins and Outs of Satellite Communications

Getting a refresh on the fundamental aspects impacting satellite communications (SATCOM) is more critical than ever, as new market opportunities fuel the commercialization of space. Much of this activity focuses on the low Earth orbit (LEO) because of decreasing launch costs and the increased functionality of smaller, lighter satellites. These satellites support various use cases, including fifth-generation (5G) and eventually sixth-generation (6G) cellular non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Examples include communications coverage over vast distances and enhanced situational awareness on the ground for military and critical communications. Rapid development creates unique challenges when designing and building these complex systems, including the orbits involved, link budgets, antennas, modulation standards, and the need to thoroughly test these systems. By understanding the various factors and their impact on design, satellite developers can optimize performance throughout the satellite development life cycle, regardless of orbit and application. To ensure optimized performance throughout the satellite life cycle, manufacturers and network operators must account for unique variables such as Doppler shift, ionosphere distortion, and atmospheric losses. They also need to ensure that satellite systems can navigate the crowded electromagnetic spectrum — a landscape that will only grow more congested as commercialization continues. Testing for situational awareness will be a significant part of effectively managing space traffic as new systems go into orbit. By modernizing your strategies to account for these and other challenges, you can play a pioneering role in the next phase of the space gold rush.