HP 5968-4545E free download

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Agilent AN 1315 Optimizing RF and Microwave Spectrum Analyzer Dynamic Range Application Note Table of Contents 3 1. Introduction 3 What is dynamic range? 3 Why is dynamic range important? 4 2. Dynamic Range Interpretations 4 Measurement range 4 Display range 5 Mixer compression 6 Internal distortion 7 Noise 7 Sensitivity 7 Phase noise 7 Second- and third-order dynamic range 9 Summary 10 3. Making Harmonic or Intermodulation Distortion Measurements 10 Measurement uncertainty 11 Optimizing measurements 11 Preamplifier 12 Atttenuator 12 External filter 13 RBW filter 13 Measuring other signals 14 4. Summary 15 5. References 2 1. Introduction What is dynamic range? the presence of large signals and therefore is one The dynamic range of a spectrum analyzer is tradi- of the most important performance figures for a tionally defined as the ratio, in dB, of the largest spectrum analyzer. It is often misunderstood and to the smallest signals simultaneously present at misinterpreted, since the display range, measure- the input of the spectrum analyzer that allows ment range, noise floor, phase noise, and spurious measurement of the smaller to a given degree of response of the instrument all play important roles uncertainty. The signals of interest can either be in determining dynamic range. By understanding harmonically or nonharmonically related. which dynamic range interpretation applies to a specific measurement, you can make more accu- rate, reliable, and repeatable spectrum analyzer Why is dynamic range important? measurements. The dynamic range specification determines whether or not low-level signals will be visible in +30 dBm Maximum power level 0 dBm Mixer compression