Column Control DTX

X-Series Signal Analyzers – Demonstration Guide

Technical Overviews

Standard features include:

  • Auto-Tune
  • 12 flexible markers
  • Peak table
  • Marker Table
  • Advanced marker functions
  • Multiple traces and detectors
  • Trace math
  • Save/recall capability
  • Limit lines
  • Amplitude corrections
  • Harmonics measurement
  • Noise Floor Extension (PXA only)

Demonstration 1 

Auto-Tune 

Auto-Tune is an immediate action key. When it is pressed, it causes the analyzer to set the center frequency to the strongest signal in the tunable span of the analyzer, excluding the LO. It is designed to quickly get you to the most likely signal(s) of interest. Auto-Tune feature works for signals above –50 dBm. In this demonstration, we will perform Auto-Tune on an FM, CW, and W-CDMA signal. You will see that the Auto-Tune function adjusts the span of the analyzer based on the signal bandwidth. For a CW signal, the span is set to 25 kHz. 

Demonstration 2 

Markers, Relative/Delta Markers, Marker Table, Peak Table 

The X-Series analyzers have an extensive set of flexible frequency markers. There are a total of 12 markers which can be used in normal, delta, or fixed mode. In this demonstration, we will find the absolute values of the FM signal sidebands and then find the relative values of the FM signal sidebands. In the course of the demo, we will use both Peak Table and Marker Table features of the analyzer. 

Demonstration 3 

Advanced Marker Functions 

The 12 markers in X-Series analyzers can also be used as noise markers, band/interval power, and band/interval density. The interval refers to measurements made in zero spans. Band markers can be especially useful for making power measurements on bursted or pulsed signals. In this demonstration we will perform a noise-to-carrier power measurement. 

Demonstration 4 

Multiple Traces and Detectors 

The X-Series analyzers have a total of six traces and multiple detectors. The standard detectors are peak, average, sample, negative peak, and the normal detector. In this demonstration, we will manually change phase noise optimization of the analyzer and see the effect of phase noise optimization change using two different traces. 

Demonstration 5 

Trace Math Functions 

The math functions in the X-Series analyzers are true power calculations— the measurements are converted to power, the math function is performed, and the results are displayed in dBm. In this demonstration, we will subtract –6 dBm from 0 dBm and the result will be –1.2 dBm. In order to get the correct results, the source should be adjusted to as close to the required power as possible as shown by the analyzer marker: 0 dBm = 1 mw –6 dBm = 0.25 mw –1.2 dBm = 0.75 mw 

Demonstration 6 

Save and Recall Functions 

The X-Series analyzers let you save the state, trace data, measurement results (peak and marker table), limit lines, corrections factors and screen captures to an internal file, a USB drive, or remotely via LAN, GPIB or USB. State files and trace data can also be stored to a time-stamped internal register. Saving states to the internal registers allows quick retrieval for measurements requiring several setups (or states). Trace data can also be stored as a .csv file. The .csv files contain amplitude/ frequency pairs and X-Series setup information. These files can be used for further analysis. You can capture screen images in four different formats: 3D color, 3D monochrome, flat color, and flat monochrome. These files are in .png format. In this demonstration, we will save and recall system state/set-up files and state+trace files. 

Demonstration 7

Limit Lines 

Limit lines and associated margins allow you to quickly and easily identify signals that do not meet specified requirements. The X-Series analyzers offer up to six different limit lines that can be applied to up to six different traces at the same time. In this demonstration, we will recall an internally provided limit line and perform a limit test against it. 

Demonstration 8 

Amplitude Correction Factors 

Amplitude correction factors are pairs of frequency and amplitude values. that are applied to the measurement as the measurement trace is being taken. They are used to correct for external loss/gain in the measurement setup. The X-Series analyzers offer up to four different corrections that can be applied simultaneously. In this demonstration, we will recall a previously stored amplitude correction file, edit it and save it again. 

Demonstration 9 

Harmonics Measurements 

The X-Series analyzers provides one-button harmonic measurement capability that can measure up to 10 harmonics of the fundamental. The analyzer also provides the Total Harmonic Distortion. In this demonstration, we will generate a CW signal on the signal source and measure the harmonics generated. 

Demonstration 10 

Noise Floor Extension (PXA only) 

Based on the customer use case, there are many different measures of dynamic range in spectrum analyzers: TOI, phase noise of the analyzer, gain compression, and noise floor of the analyzer. The noise floor of the analyzer has an influence on every measure of dynamic range. Noise Floor Extension capability, an industry exclusive feature that is standard in the PXA, very accurately models the noise floor of the analyzer and subtracts it from the signal to reduce the effective noise level of a spectrum analyzer. This provides a noise floor improvement on the order of 8 to 10 dB (nominal) when analyzing noise-like or pulsed RF signals, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio (and hence measurement accuracy) for close to noise signals. The improvement is most effective for highly averaged signals. The noise floor extension technique can be used without a preamplifier, with a preamplifier, or when using the low noise path in PXA. In this demonstration, we will measure very low level signals accurately with the use of Noise Floor Extension.

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