Text preview for : 5968-4545E.pdf part of HP 5968-4545E HP Publikacje 5968-4545E.pdf
Back to : 5968-4545E.pdf | Home
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