Signal Analysis Fundamental

January 2017
Agenda

• Introduction

• Overview:
• What is Spectrum and Signal Analysis?
• What Measurements are available?
• Theory of Operation

• Specifications

• Modern Signal Analyzer Designs & Capabilities

• Real Time Spectrum Analysis
• Millimeter Wave Measurements
• Wide Bandwidth Vector Measurements
• Wrap-up

Page 2
 Overview
What is Spectrum Analysis?

•Passive Receiver
•Display and measure amplitude versus frequency for RF & MW signals
•Separate or demodulate complex signals into their base components (sine waves)

Page 3
 Overview
Frequency versus Time Domain
Amplitude
(power)

Time domain Frequency Domain

Measurements Measurements
(Oscilloscope) (Spectrum Analyzer)

Page 4
 Overview
Types of Measurements Available
– Frequency, power, modulation,
distortion, and noise
Modulation Noise
• Spectrum monitoring
• Spurious emissions
• Scalar network analysis
• Noise figure & phase noise
• Harmonic & intermodulation
distortion
• Analog, digital, burst, & pulsed RF
modulation
• Wide bandwidth vector analysis
• Electromagnetic interference

– Measurement range: -172 dBm to +30

dBm
Spur Search ACP
– Frequency range: 3 Hz to 1.1 THz

Page 5
Overview
Different Types of Analyzers
FFT Analyzer

Parallel filters measured

simultaneously
A
LCD shows full
spectral display

f1 f2 f

Page 6
Overview
Different Types of Analyzers
Swept Analyzer
Filter 'sweeps' over range
of interest
A
LCD shows full
spectral display

f1 f2 f

Page 7
Analyzer Definitions

Spectrum Analyzer: A spectrum analyzer measures the

magnitude of an input signal versus frequency within the full
frequency range of the instrument. The primary use is to display
and measure Amplitude vs. Frequency of known and unknown RF
and Microwave signals.

Page 8
Analyzer Definitions

Vector Signal Analyzer: A vector signal analyzer measures the

magnitude and phase of an input signal at a single frequency
within the IF bandwidth of the instrument. The primary use is to
make in-channel measurements, such as error vector magnitude,
code domain power, and spectral flatness, on known signals.

Page 9
Analyzer Definitions

Signal Analyzer: A signal analyzer provides the functions of a spectrum

analyzer and a vector signal analyzer.

Page 10
Agenda
• Introduction

• Overview

• Theory of Operation
• Swept Spectrum Analyzer Hardware

• Specifications

• Modern Signal Analyzer Designs & Capabilities

• Real Time Spectrum Analysis
• Millimeter Wave Measurements
• Wide Bandwidth Vector Measurements
• Wrap-up

Page 11
 Theory of Operation
Swept Spectrum Analyzer Block Diagram
RF input
IF filter
attenuator IF gain envelope
Input (RBW)
signal mixer detector

Log
Pre-Selector Amp
Or Low Pass video
Input Filter
filter
local
oscillator
sweep
generator
Crystal
Reference ADC, Display &
Oscillator
Video
Processing

Page 12
Theory of Operation
Mixer MIXER

f LO- f sig f LO+ f sig

RF IF
f sig LO
f sig f LO
1.5 GHz

3.6 GHz f LO 6.5 GHz

Page 13
 IF Filter
Theory of Operation
IF Filter (Resolution
Bandwidth – RBW)

Input
Spectrum

IF Bandwidth
(RBW)

Display

A B C

Page 14
Theory of Operation
Envelope Detector
Before detector After detector

Envelope
Detector

Page 15
 Envelope
Detector
Theory of Operation
Envelope Detector and Detection Types
ADC, Display
& Video
Processing

Digitally Implemented Detection Types

Positive detection: largest value

bins/buckets in bin displayed
* Negative detection: smallest value
in bin displayed
Sample detection: middle value in
bin displayed
Other Detectors: Normal
(Rosenfell), Average (RMS Power)

*Sweep points

Page 16
 Envelope
Detector
Theory of Operation
Average Detector Type

ADC, Display &

Video
Processing
Volts
Pos Peak bin
detection x

x
Neg Peak
Sample
x detection
detection Time
Power Average Detection (rms) = Square root of the sum of the
squares of ALL of the voltage data values in the bin /50Ω

Page 17
Theory of Operation
Video Filter (Video Bandwidth – VBW) Video
Filter

Page 18
 Theory of Operation
Video Filter vs. Trace/Video averaging Video
Filter

ADC, Display &

Video Processing
• Video Filter operates as the sweep
progresses, sweep time may be
required to slow down by the transient
response of the VBW filter.

• Trace/Video Average takes multiple

sweeps, sweep time for each sweep is
not affected

• Many signals give the same results

Trace averaging for 1, 5, 20, and 100 sweeps, top to with either video filtering or trace
bottom (trace position offset for each set of sweeps)
averaging

Page 19
 Theory of Operation
Other Components

LO
SWEEP
GEN
LCD Display, ADC
& Video
RF INPUT processing
ATTENUATOR IF GAIN

Page 20
Theory of Operation
How it All Works Together - 3 GHz spectrum analyzer
fs Signal Range LO Range
f LO- f s f LO
0 1 2 3 (GHz) f LO+ f s
fs
IF filter
mixer 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 detector
3.6 6.5
input

3.6
GHz
f IF
sweep generator A

LO

f LO
0 1 2 3 (GHz) f
3 4 5 6 (GHz) LCD display
3.6 6.5

Page 21
 Theory of Operation
Display Terminology
Reference
Amplitude Level

Stop
Frequency
Start
Frequency

Center Frequency
Frequency
Span
Page 22
Agenda
• Overview

• Theory of Operation

• Specifications:
• Which are important and why?

• Modern spectrum analyzer designs & capabilities

• Wrap-up

• Appendix

Page 23
Key Specifications

• Safe spectrum analysis

• Frequency Range
• Accuracy: Frequency & Amplitude
• Resolution
• Sensitivity
• Distortion
• Dynamic Range

Page 24
Specifications?
A Definition

• Specifications describe the performance of parameters covered by

the product warranty (temperature = 0 to 55°C, unless otherwise
noted).

• Typical values describe additional product performance information

that is not covered by the product warranty. It is performance beyond
specification that 80 % of the units exhibit with a 95 % confidence level
over the temperature range 20 to 30° C. Typical performance does not
include measurement uncertainty.

• Nominal values indicate expected performance, or describe product

performance that is useful in the application of the product, but is not
covered by the product warranty.

Page 25
Specifications
Practicing safe spectrum analysis - Safe Hookups to RF Input

•Use best practices to eliminate static discharge to the RF input!

•Do not exceed the Damage Level on the RF Input!
•Do not input signals with DC bias exceeding what the analyzer can tolerate
while DC coupled!

!
0 V DC MAX
+30dBm (1W) MAX

Page 26
Specifications
Accuracy: Frequency & amplitude

Components which contribute to uncertainty are:

• Input mismatch (VSWR)

• RF Input attenuator (Atten. switching uncertainty)

• Mixer and input filter (frequency response)
• IF gain/attenuation (reference level accuracy)
• RBW filters (RBW switching uncertainty)
• Log amp (display scale fidelity)
• Reference oscillator (frequency accuracy)
• Calibrator (amplitude accuracy)

Page 27
Specifications
Absolute and Relative Accuracy: Frequency & Amplitude

Absolute Relative
Amplitude Amplitude
in dBm in dB

Absolute
Frequency
Amplitude

Frequency
Relative
Frequency
Note: Absolute accuracy is also “relative” to the calibrator reference point

Page 28
Specifications
Accuracy: Frequency Readout Accuracy Determined by
Reference Accuracy
• From the PXA Data Sheet:
± (marker frequency x freq reference accuracy +
0.1%*span + 5% of RBW + 2Hz + 0.5 x Horiz. Res.*)

RBW Error
IF filter center
frequency error Residual Error
Span Accuracy

*Horizontal resolution is
span/(sweep points – 1)

Page 29
Specifications
Accuracy: Frequency Readout Accuracy Example
Frequency: 1 GHz
Span: 400 kHz
RBW: 3 kHz
Sweep points: 1000

Calculation： (1x109Hz) x (±1.55x10–7/Year ref. Error) = 155Hz

400kHz Span x 0.1% = 400Hz
3kHz RBW x 5% = 150Hz
2Hz + 0.5 x 400kHz/(1000-1) = 202Hz
Total uncertainty = ±907Hz

*Utilizing internal frequency counter improves accuracy to ±155Hz

** The Maximum # of sweep points for the X-Series is 40,001 which helps to
achieve the best frequency readout accuracy

Page 30
Specifications
Accuracy: Key Amplitude Uncertainty Contributions

Relative and absolute: PXA

Uncertainties
• Input impedance mismatch (±0.13 dB)
• Input attenuator switching uncertainty (±0.14 dB)
• Frequency response (±0.35 dB)
• Reference level accuracy (0 dB)
• RBW switching uncertainty (±0.03 dB)
• Display scale fidelity (±0.07 dB)
Absolute only:
• Calibrator accuracy (±0.24 dB)

Page 31
Specifications
Accuracy: Frequency Response

Signals in the Same Harmonic Band

+1 dB

- 1 dB
BAND 1

Absolute amplitude accuracy – Specification: ± 1 dB

Relative amplitude accuracy – Specification: ± 2 dB

Page 32
Specifications
Accuracy: Display Fidelity
– Display Fidelity includes:
• Log Amp Fidelity
• Envelope Detector Linearity
• Digitizing Circuit Linearity

– Display fidelity error applies when signals

Display Fidelity

are not at the same reference level

amplitude when measured

– In the past, technique for best accuracy

was to move each measured signal to the
reference line, eliminating display fidelity
error.

– Display Scale Fidelity of analyzers with

digital IF are superior to those with analog
IF i.e. X-series analyzers have +/- 0.1 db
vs. ESA, 856xEC +/- 1.0 db

Page 33
Specifications
Amplitude Accuracy: Reference Level Switching
– Uncertainty applies when changing the
Ref. Level

– Also called IF Gain Uncertainty

– Decision: Do I change the reference

level or live with the display fidelity
uncertainty in my measurements?

– However with today’s X-series

analyzers, provided the attenuation
remains unchanged, the signal no
longer needs to be at the reference
level for the most accurate
measurement.

Page 34
Specifications
Amplitude Accuracy - Summary
Optimize measurement setup & techniques for best accuracy

 Minimize changes to uncertainty contributors

– Or change contributor with least error impact
– Or stay within the optimum accuracy envelope parameters that
modern auto-alignment calibration techniques provide

 Traditionally, one technique for best accuracy was to move each

measured signal to the reference line, eliminating display fidelity error.
However, in today’s designs, display fidelity has improved to the point
where there is generally less error just to leave the signals where they
occur on the display.

 Except for freq. response, uncertainty contributors that impact both

signals equally in a relative measurement can be ignored.

 In the absence of specified relative freq. response, the relative

response uncertainty is assumed to be 2x specified absolute error.

Page 35
Specifications
Resolution

What Determines Resolution?

Resolution
Bandwidth

RBW Type and

Selectivity Noise Sidebands

Page 36
Specifications
Resolution: Resolution Bandwidth
Envelope
Mixer 3 dB Detector
3 dB BW
Input
Spectrum
IF Filter/
Resolution Bandwidth Filter
LO (RBW)

Sweep

RBW

Display

Page 37
Specifications
Resolution: Resolution BW
10 kHz RBW

3 dB

10 kHz

Determines resolvability of equal amplitude signals

Page 38
Specifications
Resolution BW Selectivity or Shape Factor

3 dB
3 dB BW

60 dB

60 dB
BW

Selectivity = 60 dB BW
3 dB BW

Determines resolvability of unequal

amplitude signals

Page 39
Specifications
Resolution BW Selectivity or Shape Factor

RBW = 1 kHz RBW = 10 kHz

Selectivity 15:1

3 dB

distortion
products
7.5 kHz

60 dB
60 dB BW
= 15 kHz

10 kHz 10 kHz

Page 40
Specifications
Resolution: RBW Type and Selectivity

Typical Selectivity
Analog 15:1
Digital ≤5:1
ANALOG FILTER

DIGITAL FILTER

RES BW 100 Hz SPAN 3 kHz

* The X-series RBW shape factor is 4.1:1

Page 41
Specifications
Resolution: Noise Sidebands

Phase Noise

Noise Sidebands can prevent

resolution of unequal signals
Page 42
Question:
What is the minimum phase noise specification required to
measure a signal 50 dB down from a 1 GHz carrier at a 10 kHz
offset in a 1 kHz RBW?

Answer:
50 dBc in a 1 kHz RBW can be normalized to a 1 Hz RBW using the following
equation. (-50 dBc - [10*log(1kHz/1Hz)]) = (-50 - [30]) = -80 dBc/Hz

Page 43
Specifications
Resolution: RBW Determines Sweep Time

Meas Uncal

Swept too fast

Penalty For Sweeping Too Fast

Is An Uncalibrated Display

Page 44
Specifications
Resolution: RBW Type Determines Sweep Time
8563E Analog RBW
MXA FFT RBW
MXA Swept RBW (w/ FS1*)

280 sec
33.55 sec
*: FS1 is “fast sweep capability” comes standard for MXA if the
MXA has option DP2, MPB, or 40 MHz BW option and wider 1.9 sec
BW. It improves the sweep speed by ~50x

Page 45
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL

Mixer Detector
RF
Input
Res BW Filter

LO

Sweep

A Spectrum Analyzer Generates and Amplifies Noise

Just Like Any Active Circuit

Page 46
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL

Sensitivity is the Smallest Signal That

Can Be Measured

2.2 dB
Signal
Equals
Noise

Page 47
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL

Effective Level of Displayed Noise is a Function of

RF Input Attenuation

signal level

10 dB

Attenuation = 10 dB Attenuation = 20 dB

Signal To Noise Ratio Decreases as

RF Input Attenuation is Increased

Page 48
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL: IF Filter(RBW)

Displayed Noise is a Function of IF Filter

Bandwidth

100 kHz RBW

10 dB 10 kHz RBW
10 dB 1 kHz RBW

Decreased BW = Decreased Noise

Page 49
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL: Video BW filter (or Trace Averaging)

Video BW or Trace Averaging Smoothes Noise for

Easier Identification of Low Level Signals

Page 50
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Can Be Graphed
0
.

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO, dBc

-20
Displayed Noise in
-40 a 1 kHz RBW

-60

-80

-100
-60 -30 0 +30

Displayed Noise in POWER AT MIXER =

INPUT - ATTENUATOR SETTING dBm
a 100 Hz RBW

Page 51
Standard feature that improves DANL for the PXA & UXA
Noise Floor Extension (optional on MXA and EXA)

• Standard
• Standard
• With LNP
• With NFE
• With NFE

• The PXA and the UXA combines real-time measurement processing with an unprecedented
characterization of the analyzer’s own noise to allow that noise to be accurately removed from
measurements.
• The improvement from noise floor extension varies from RF to millimeter wave. At RF, from about
3.5 dB for CW and pulsed signals to approximately 8 dB for noise-like signals, and up to 12 dB or
more in some applications.
• DANL at 2 GHz is –161 dBm without a preamp and –172 dBm with the preamp.

Page 52
Hardware Option that improves DANL for the PXA & UXA
Low Noise Path

• At microwave frequencies any sort of signal routing or switching results in signal path loss.
• Preamplifiers can compensate for this loss and improve signal/noise for small signals, but
they can cause distortion in the presence of larger signals
• LNP allows the “lossy” elements normally found in the RF input chain to be completely
bypassed for highest sensitivity without a preamplifier
• LNP allows measurements of small spurs w/o speed penalty imposed by narrow RBW that
would otherwise be needed for adequate noise level

Page 53
Low Noise Path Block Diagram (LNP)

Page 54
Specifications
Sensitivity/DANL: Summary

For Best Sensitivity Use:

• Narrowest Resolution BW

• Minimum RF Input Attenuation

• Sufficient Averaging (video or trace)

• Using the Preamp also improves sensitivity

• Low Noise Path (PXA/UXA only)

• Noise Floor Extension (UXA, PXA, MXA, EXA)

Page 55
Specifications
Distortion
Mixers Generate Distortion

Frequency Translated
Signals
Resultant
Signal to Be
Measured

Mixer Generated
Distortion

Page 56
Specifications
Distortion

Most Influential Distortion is the Second and

Third Order

< -50 dBc < -40 dBc < -50 dBc

Two-Tone Intermod Harmonic Distortion

Page 57
Specifications
Distortion
Distortion Products Increase as a Function of
Fundamental's Power

3 3
Third-order distortion
Power
in dB Second-order
2f1- f f1 f2 2f2- f 1 distortion
2

Two-Tone Intermod
2 3
Power
Third Order: △3 dB/dB of Fundamental in dB
Second Order: △2 dB/dB of Fundamental
f 2f 3f
Harmonic Distortion
Page 58
Specifications
Distortion
Distortion is a Function of
Mixer Level
0

-20
DISTORTION, dBc

Second
-40 Order

-60

-80
Third
-100
Order
-60 -30 0 +30

POWER AT MIXER = TOI SHI

INPUT - ATTENUATOR SETTING dBm

Page 59
Specifications
Distortion – Internal or External?
Original distortion signal
Attenuator Test: Signal with 10dB input attenuation
Change power to the mixer
1 Change input attenuator
by 10 dB
2 Watch distortion amplitude
on screen

No change in amplitude:
distortion is part of input
signal (external)
Change in amplitude:
at least some of the distortion is
being generated inside the
analyzer (internal)

Page 60
Specifications
Spectrum Analyzer Dynamic Range

Dynamic
Range

The ratio, expressed in dB, of the largest to the smallest

signals simultaneously present at the input of the spectrum
analyzer that allows measurement of the smaller signal to a
given degree of uncertainty.

Page 61
Specifications
Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range Can Be Presented Graphically
Maximum 2nd Order .
.

Dynamic Range
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO, dBc

-20
Maximum 3rd Order
Dynamic Range
-40

-60

-80

-100
-60 -30 0 +30
TOI SOI
POWER AT MIXER =
INPUT - ATTENUATOR SETTING dBm
Optimum Mixer
Levels

Page 62
Specifications
Dynamic Range

Dynamic Range for Spur Search Depends on

Closeness to Carrier

Dynamic Range Dynamic Range

Limited By Noise Sidebands Limited By
dBc/Hz Compression/Noise

Noise Sidebands Displayed Average

Noise Level

100 kHz
to
1 MHz

Page 63
Specifications
Dynamic Range – Distortion, Noise Floor, LO phase noise

Dynamic Range is actually:

Maximum dynamic range calculation

Calculated from distortion products and sensitivity/DANL

bounded by

-dBc/Hz Phase Noise sidebands @ close-in offset

frequencies

Determined by the phase noise specifications of the SA

Page 64
Specifications
Dynamic Range vs. Measurement Range
+30 dBm MAXIMUM POWER LEVEL

+3 dBm MIXER COMPRESSION

(Dynamic Range)
-40 dBm THIRD-ORDER DISTORTION
MEASUREMENT
DISPLAY RANGE RANGE
(Dynamic Range)
100 dB @ 10 dB/Div 195 dB -50 dBm SECOND-ORDER DISTORTION
(200 dB @ 20dB/Div)
SIGNAL/NOISE
RANGE
158 dB 0 dBc NOISE SIDEBANDS
SIGNAL /3rd ORDER
DISTORTION (Dynamic Range)
115 dB range
SIGNAL/ 2nd ORDER SIGNAL/NOISE
DISTORTION SIDEBANDS
INCREASING 105 dB RANGE -129 dBc @ 10kHz
OFFSET
RBW OR
ATTENUATION
-155 dBm (1 Hz BW & 0 dB ATTENUATION) MINIMUM NOISE FLOOR (DANL)
-165 dBm with preamp

Page 65
Specifications
Summary: Optimizing Dynamic Range

•What settings provide the best sensitivity?

•Narrowest resolution bandwidth
•Minimal input attenuation
•Sufficient averaging

•How do you test for analyzer distortion?

•Increase the input attenuation and look for signal amplitude changes
•Then set the attenuator at the lowest setting without amplitude change

•What determines dynamic range?

•Analyzer distortion, noise level, and sideband/phase noise

Page 66
 How do you maintain your signal analyzer’s measurement
integrity over time?
Why test equipment calibration matters

 As the components in the electronic test equipment

age, its performance could drift.

 Sometimes test equipment could be in need of

adjustment or even repair, possibly impacting the
reliability of your measurement.

Periodic performance verification of the equipment can help catch any failures or failure trend
in early stages and reduce your operational risk.

Keysight’s One-Stop Calibration Services, for your Keysight and non-Keysight electronic
instruments, as well as physical, dimensional and optical instruments,
is designed to ensure you can rely on your test equipment’s measurement integrity over time.

Page 65
Example on Importance of Phase Noise Accuracy: Doppler Radar

Clutter
Signal
Transmitter Reflection
Signal, f0 from Target
Water
Phase Noise

Mountains

f0 f0+fD

Radar systems detect target velocity(speed and direction) by measuring Doppler shift in frequency
 Slow-moving targets exhibit very small frequency shift
 Return pulses are very low in amplitude & masked by clutter

Excerpt from UXA signal analyzer calibration report

Page 66
Choose the standard of test equipment calibration
suitable for your measurement needs

Page 67
Agenda
• Introduction

• Overview:
• What is Spectrum and Signal Analysis?
• What Measurements are available?
• Theory of Operation

• Specifications

• Modern Signal Analyzer Designs & Capabilities

• Real Time Spectrum Analysis
• Millimeter Wave Measurements
• Wide Bandwidth Vector Measurements
• Wrap-up

Page 70
Modern Spectrum Analyzer Block Diagram
Digital IF Digital Detectors
Analog IF Filter
Pre-amp
Filter
FFT

Attenuation Swept vs. FFT

Digital Log Amp
YIG
ADC
Replaced
by

Page 71
Modern Spectrum Analyzer Block Diagram

Auto Alignment
• Temp & time calibration Digital IF Filters Digital Detectors
• 160 RBW filters • 4.1:1 Shape factor •Normal •RMS
• 1 Hz to 8 MHz • Fast sweep •Peak •Avg
3 to 50 GHz Pre-amp • ±0.03 dB • EMI RBW’s (Opt. •Min
Analog •QPD (Opt. EMC)
Improve 1 GHz switching error EMC) •Sample
Pre-Filter
DANL -155dBm
to -165dBm (Single Pole)

FFT

Attenuation FFT vs Swept RBW Digital Log Amp

• Faster Sweep
2 dB step • ±0.07 dB Scale Fidelity
w/Max DR
to 50 GHz • >100 dB Dynamic range
• ±0.0 dB reference level error
Digitally Synthesized LO 16 bit ADC
• Fast tuning • Wider dynamic range Frequency Counter
Digital Video Filters
• Close-in phase noise with autoranging • Power, voltage, • Fast (0.1s)
• Far-out phase noise • Dither on/off log filtering • High resolution (mHz)

Page 72
Modern Spectrum Analyzer - Specifications
Digital IF provides improved accuracy

Parameter PXA Traditional

• Input impedance mismatch ±0.13 .v. ±0.29 dB
• Input attenuator switching uncertainty ±0.14 .v. ±0.6 dB
• Frequency response ±0.35 .v. ±1.8 dB
• Reference level accuracy ±0.0 .v. ±1.8 dB
• RBW switching uncertainty ±0.03 .v. ±0.5 dB
• Display scale fidelity ±0.07 .v. ±0.85 dB
• Calibrator accuracy ±0.24 .v. ±0.34 dB

Total accuracy (up to 3 GHz) ±0.59 dB .v. ±1.8 dB

95% Confidence ±0.19 dB

Page 73
Modern Spectrum Analyzer Features
Built-in One-Button Power Measurements

Format Setups include:

Power Measurements:

Occupied Bandwidth
Channel Power
ACP
Multi-carrier ACP
CCDF
Harmonic Distortion
Burst Power
TOI
Spurious Emissions
Spectral Emissions Mask

Page 74
Modern Spectrum Analyzer Features
Application Focused Internal Software (one-button measurements)
Phase noise ACPR, Multi-carrier Power
General Ext. source control Occupied Bandwidth (OBW)
purpose Noise figure
Spectral Emissions Mask
applications Code compatibility suite
Phase and Freq. (PFER)
EMI pre-compliance
Analog demod Mod Accuracy (Rho)
Flexible digital Flexible demod Code Domain Power
modulation LTE FDD, TDD
ORFS (GSM/EDGE)
analysis W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ Spurious Emissions
GSM/EDGE/EDGE Evo Power vs Time
Power & digital
cdma2000 & 1xEV-DO Channel power
modulation
cdmaOne
measurements IM distortion
DVB-T/H/C/T2
for wireless CCDF
TD-SCDMA/HSPA
comms formats
WLAN (802.11a/b/g/p/j) ACPR

802.16 OFDMA EVM

Bluetooth SEM

Page 75
X-Series Measurement Applications
… unravel more signals with the industry’s broadest set of applications and
demodulation capabilities

Broad application coverage Fast, easy-to-use Flexible licensing

…over 25 measurement apps … one-button embedded apps …choice of fixed or transportable

UXA/PXA/MXA/EXA/CXA • One-button test with standard • Fixed license – application

shares common algorithms, based pass/fail limit fixed to a specific instrument
programming commands and • Hardkey/softkey manual user • Transportable license* - share
applications library: interface applications between
• General purpose • Ready for automation with UXA,PXA,MXA and EXA
• Cellular communications SCPI programming • License pre-installed with
• Wireless connectivity • Built-in context sensitive help initial HW purchase or
purchased as a stand-alone
• Digital video upgrade item
• 30-day free trial license!

…plus run 89600 VSA and MATLAB inside X-Series Analyzers!

Page 76
89600B Vector Signal Analysis Software
Premier frequency, time & modulation analysis for Wireless R&D
Over 75 signal standards and
modulation types, including
– Cellular communications:
LTE- Advanced, LTE, W-CDMA
HSPA+, GSM/EDGE Evolution,
cdma2000®, TD-SCDMA
– Wireless connectivity:
WLAN 802.11ac, 802.11n,
802.11a/b/g, WiMAX™, Bluetooth
®, ZigBee, RFID
– Aerospace, defense and satellite:
AM, FM, PM, BPSK, QPSK,
QAM, APSK, FSK, VSB,
SOQPSK, APCO 25
– Custom modulation:
Evaluate your non-standard or proprietary
OFDM and APSK signals
– Also supports up to 8 channels
for MIMO and multi-channel

Page 77
 Keysight Vector Signal Analysis Software
 FFT-based spectrum, time-domain & bit-level modulation analysis
 Support for more than 75 signal standards and modulation types
 Unlimited trace/marker capability and arbitrary window
arrangement
 Digital persistence and cumulative history displays

 Wireless networking: 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.16 OFDMA, WiMAX,

802.11ac, DOCSIS 3.1
 Cellular: LTE (FDD/TDD), W-CDMA HSPA+, LTE Advanced
 Custom OFDM modulation analysis for proprietary signals

 Links to over 40 hardware platforms including: X-

series signal analyzers, 16800 logic analyzers,
90000 X-series scopes, Infiniium scopes, PXI,
N7109A Multi Channel Signal Analyzer
 Runs on external PC linked to hardware or
embedded operation on instruments with Windows

Page 78
MATLAB with Keysight Signal Generation and Analysis Hardware

Signal Generation Hardware Signal Analysis Hardware

 RF/MW signal generators  RF/MW signal analyzers
 Arbitrary waveform generators  Oscilloscopes

Signal Generation Software Signal Analysis Software

 Embedded software (firmware)  89601B VSA
 Signal Studio software  Measurement Apps
 Standard-specific  VXA
 Pulse Building, etc.
 Standard-/task-specific

N6171A MATLAB - from Keysight

 Works with signal generation and analysis hardware
 Extends the capabilities of Keysight instruments
 Enables customized measurement and analysis routines
 Option includes modifiable application examples

Page 79
What is Real Time Spectrum Analysis? (RTSA)
General Definition of Real-Time
• Measurement Operations where all signal samples are used in
calculating measurement results of some kind (usually spectrum)

Real-Time Bandwidth (RTBW)

• The widest analysis bandwidth where an analyzer can maintain
real time operation
• Duration of maintaining real time operation is not specified; it may
be may be assumed to be short term or long term or unlimited

Current usage for Signal Analyzers

• A spectrum or FFT analyzer having a signal processing path
where most or all of the samples, even at wide bandwidths, are
used to create a spectral display or to trigger signal
measurement or acquisition (sometimes both)

Page 80
Swept vs. Real Time Spectrum Analysis

From this… ...to this

Page 81
Real-time Spectrum Analysis with the Keysight X-series

Best-in class RTSA and Dynamic Range

Scan 510 MHz Real Time BW and up to 75dB (PXA)/72 dB
(MXA) Spur Free Dynamic Range
Frequency Mask Trigger
Combine FMT and low noise floor to detect signals as short
as 3.57μs with 100% POI

Analysis of Complex signals

Seamless integration with 89600 VSA software
Retain Full Swept-Tuned Performance
Eliminate the need for dedicated instrument, PXA/MXA
license key upgradable

Page 82
The Swept Analysis Mode
Swept LO
• A swept LO w/ an assigned
RBW.

• Covers much wider span. Freq

Lost Information
• Good for events that are
stable in the freq domain.

• Magnitude ONLY, no phase Lost Information

information (scalar info).

• Captures only events that

occur at right time and right Lost Information
frequency point.

• Data (info) loss when LO is

“not there”.

Time

Page 83
IQ Analyzer (Basic) Mode – Complex Spectrum and Waveform
Measurements
Parked LO
• A parked LO w/ a given IF
BW
• Collects IQ data over an Freq
interval of time.
Meas Time
• Performs FFT for time- or
FFT
freq-domain conversion Window
Length
• Captures both magnitude
and phase information Lost Information
(vector info).
Meas Time
• Data is collected in bursts or
with data loss between FFT
acquisitions. Window
Length

Analysis BW

Time

Page 84
Real–Time Spectrum Analysis

• A parked LO w/ a given IF Parked LO

BW
• Collects IQ data over an
interval of time. Freq

• Data is corrected and

FFT’d in parallel
Acquisition or
• Vector information is lost slice time

• Advanced displays for

large amounts of FFT’s Acquisition or
slice time

Real-time BW

Time

Page 85
The FFT
At first glance
Window Window

Samples

Page 86
Simplified Block Diagram of Real-Time system
ADC
(400 MSA/s, 14-bit)

Real-time corrections and decimation

Time Domain Overlap

Processor Memory

FFT Engine
(292,968 FFT’s/s)

Power vs Time Spectrum Density trace Frequency

trace memory trace memory memory Mask Trigger

Display processor

Page 87
88
Real-Time Displays Type

Density Spectrum Spectrogram Power vs

• Also know as • Accumulate all • Real Time Time
Histogram FFT’s to a Spectrum slices • PvT over
Persistence single trace – no gaps configurable range
• Color indicates • Apply detector • 10,000 • Gapless time data
number of hits • Superimposed spectrogram transformed to
• Screen typically on the density traces available frequency domain
updates every display • Scroll through • Different displays
30ms • Used for stored traces available
• Persistence marker • Use markers on • Level based
can be manual operations and between trigger available
or infinite traces

Page 88
F REQUENCY M ASK T RIGGER
Frequency
W H A T I SMask
F M TTrigger
? (FMT) What is it?
•Build Mask from trace and add
offsets if required

•Edit table or use mouse to drag

the mask points to the desired
location

•Various criteria for Trigger: Enter,

Leave, Inside, Outside, Enter →
Leave, Leave → Enter
•Upper, Lower or Both masks
available

•Import or Export masks as

required

Frequency Mask Violation •FMT Combined with 89600B

VSA software for further analysis

89 Page 89
P ROBABILITY OF I NTERCEPT
Probability
D E T E C TofL Intercept
OW L EVEL S IGNALS W ITH P RECISION
Detect Low Level Signals With Precision

CHALLENGE
• Short burst comms, LPI radar systems make it
very difficult to analyze jamming & interference
• Communication jamming needs to be done
very quickly for adaptive threats

KEYSIGHT SOLUTION
• POI of 3.57μs for 100% POI with full amplitude
accuracy to catch the most elusive signals
• Excellent noise performance at X-band further
improves POI

Page 90
N9040B, N9030A & N9020A -RTR Real-time
Spectrum Recorder and Analyzer Application Example
Option Overview
 An advanced application example for
Keysight’s real-time spectrum analyzers
(RTSA), including its PXA and MXA series
analyzers upgraded for RTSA capability
(-RT1 or –RT2).
 Record, analyze, and visualize spectrum
density data in order for you detect and
analyze signal anomalies.
 Scroll through the evolution of spectrum
density data.
 Identify the highest power signal received
during a period interest by you placing
density and density envelope cursors.
 Record the acquired density data for later
analysis in MATLAB directly on the
instrument or on a remote PC.

Page 91
Millimeter-wave Signal Analysis
Unprecedented signal insight
• Unmatched sensitivity to 50 GHz
• Highest third-order dynamic range
• Superior close-in phase noise
performance
• The industry’s most accurate
analyzer

Ideally suited for

• Advanced radar
• Standard performance • Satellite communications
• With low noise path
• With preamplifier • Surveillance
•
•
With preamplifier and NFE
Military communications

Page 92
Extend Unmatched Performance with External Mixing to
up to 1.1 THz
• Supported measurements
• Spectrum analysis
Better close-in phase noise
performance than internally- • PowerSuite one-button
mixed 67 GHz analyzers! power measurements
• N9068A phase noise
measurement application
• 89600A VSA
• Supported external
mixers
• M1970V/E/W
• 11970 Series
• OML Inc.
• VDI

Page 93
 M1970 Series Waveguide Harmonic Mixers
New mixer family
• M1970V Option 001 (50 to 75 GHz)
• M1970V Option 002 band (50 to 80 GHz) Waveguide input
• M1971E (55/60 to 90 GHz) (2GHz BW)
• M1970E (60 to 90 GHz)
• M1970W (75 to 110 GHz)

Mixer smart features

• Automatic amplitude correction and transfer of conversion loss data
through USB plug and play features
• Automatic LO amplitude adjustment to compensate the cable loss (up
to 3 m or 10 dB loss)
• Auto detect mixer model/serial number when used with X-series SA
• Automatic setting of default frequency range and LO harmonic numbers
• Automatic LO alignment at start up
• Automatic run calibration when time and temperature changes

Improved DANL and TOI USB connector

• Excellent conversion loss of 27 dB maximum and excellent LO/IF SMA connector
amplitude calibration accuracy of 2.2 dB

Page 94
94
 X-Series Signal Analyzers
New capability to help design, test and deliver your next breakthrough

UXA
Wide-open performance
3 Hz to 50 GHz, 1 GHz BW
3 Hz to 110 GHz, 1GHz BW
(5GHz with Scope)
X-Series applications Real-time spectrum analysis
Phase noise, noise figure, analog demodulation
Pulse PXA 255 MHz real-time streaming
LTE/LTE-Advanced FDD & TDD Benchmark for demanding apps
W-CDMA/HSPA+ 3 Hz to 50 GHz, 510 MHz BW
Etc… Real-time spectrum analysis
255 MHz real-time streaming
MXA Enhanced phase noise (DDS LO)
Optimum choice for wireless
10 Hz to 26.5 GHz, 160 MHz BW
Real-time spectrum analysis

EXA
Maximum value up to mmWave
10 Hz to 44 GHz, 40 MHz BW
Enhanced phase noise
CXA
Leading low-cost tool NFA
9 kHz to 26.5 GHz, 25 MHz BW Up to 40 GHz
Enhanced phase noise

Page 95
 Keysight Modular Signal Analyzer Portfolio
M9393A VSA
Mm-wave in PXI
3.6 kHz to 50 GHz, 160 MHz BW
Speed & Performance

M9393A VSA UXA

The performance edge in PXI See the real performance
9 kHz to 27 GHz, 160 MHz BW 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz, 510 MHz BW
PXA Real-time spectrum analysis

Drive your evolution

Performance

M9391A VSA 3 Hz to 50 GHz, 160 MHz BW

Optimized for speed Real-time spectrum analysis
10 Hz to 6G GHz, 160 MHz
MXA
Accelerate in wireless
10 Hz to 26.5 GHz, 160 MHz BW
Real-time spectrum analysis

EXA
M9420A VXT
Balance the challenges
Dedicated to wireless mfg
10 Hz to 44
60GHz,
MHz 40 MHz
to 6G BW160 MHz BW
GHz,
M9290A CXA-m SA
CXA Measurement continuity
Smaller foot-print
Master
10 Hz to 26.5 the
GHz, 25 essentials
MHz BW
9 kHz to 26.5 GHz, 25 MHz BW
Price
Page 96
 Platform Positioning
Benchtop and Modular
Benchtop PXI/AXIe
Instruments Modules
“Optimized for Analysis” “Optimized for Test”

Integrated CPU Upgradable Flexible

Power Supply & Display

Extensive Front-panel Compact Multi-

Specs Operation Footprint channel

Optimized Optimized for ATE

Portable
For R&D Solutions Development

Page 97
Migration Opportunities
PXA
X-Series
High-performance
3 Hz to 50 GHz

MXA
X-Series
Mid-performance
10 Hz to 26.5 GHz
PSA
Market leading
performance
3 Hz to 50 GHz
EXA
X-Series
Economy-class
10 Hz to 44 GHz 8560EC
Mid- performance

CXA
Low-cost
9 kHz to 26.5 GHz
ESA
World’s most popular X-Series Code Compatible
100 Hz to 26 GHz
 Backward CC with legacy
 Inherent X-Series CC
CSA
Low cost portable
100 Hz to 7 GHz

Page 98
FieldFox Analyzer Portfolio

Page 99
 Most Comprehensive Measurement Capabilties
Field upgradeable, software enabled

Cable and antenna analysis Vector network analysis Spectrum analysis DC source & current monitor Time domain

Interference analysis Full-band tracking generator Vector voltmeter Channel power measurement Built-in power meter

Page 100
FieldFox Real-Time Spectrum Analysis (RTSA)
The world’s only handheld RTSA that goes up to 50 GHz

Features Specifications

Minimum signal duration 12us

with 100% POI

Minimum detectable < 1us

signal
Real time bandwidth 10MHz

Amplitude accuracy 0.8dB to 1.4dB at center frequency

SPAN:RBW 20 to 280

Record and playback Trace

Display modes Real time trace, spectrogram, density

spectrum
Number of points 561

Page 101
Find the FieldFox that Meets Your Needs

NEW!
NEW!

NEW!

NEW!

NEW!
NEW!

Page 102
Keysight Spectrum Analyzer Families (Handhelds)

N9344C Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

• Handheld SA -- 100 kHz to 20 GHz
• Fastest sweep – minimum sweep time < 2ms
• –144 dBm displayed average noise level (DANL) typical
• +15 dBm third order intercept (TOI)
• Built-in GPS receiver and GPS antenna
• Built-in tracking generator
• Light weight, rugged and portable
• four hours battery life

N9343C Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

• Handheld SA -- 100 kHz to 13.6 GHz
• 10 ms non-zero span sweep time
• –144 dBm displayed average noise level (DANL) with pre-amplifier
• +15 dBm third order intercept (TOI)
• Built-in GPS receiver and GPS antenna
• Built-in tracking generator
• Light weight, rugged and portable
• four hours battery life

Page 103
Keysight Spectrum Analyzer Families (Handhelds)

N9342C Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

• Handheld SA -- 100 kHz to 7.0 GHz
• Fastest sweep – minimum sweep time < 2ms
• –152 dBm displayed average noise level (DANL) typical
• +10 dBm third order intercept (TOI)
• Built-in GPS receiver and GPS antenna
• Built-in tracking generator
• Light weight, rugged and portable
• four hours battery life

N9340B Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

• Handheld SA -- 100 kHz to 3.0 GHz
• 10 ms non-zero span sweep time
• –144 dBm displayed average noise level (DANL) with pre-amplifier
• +10 dBm third order intercept (TOI)
• Built-in GPS receiver and GPS antenna
• Built-in tracking generator
• Light weight, rugged and portable
• four hours battery life

Page 104
 Keysight Technologies Training Services
Build new skills. Extract more value

 Enable your teams to achieve the mastery necessary to optimize the use of your Signal
Analyzers and use them to their fullest potential

 Access a comprehensive portfolio of technical training courses

 Utilize modular materials that focus on developing expertise in specific instruments,

technologies or processes

www.keysight.com/find/Training

Page 103
 Keysight Technology Refresh
Minimize capital and operating expenses

Product Purchase Alternatives: Lower cost

and flexible financing at Keysight quality
‒ Keysight Premium Used
‒ Keysight Instant Buy1
‒ Keysight Store on eBay
Integrate
Usage & & Set-Up
Optimization Consulting Services: Solve tough problems by
leveraging our expertise
‒ Start-Up Assistance
‒ Test process analysis consulting

Decommission Asset Management: Stay ahead of required

& Renewal maintenance and regulatory audits with
automated notifications
Plan &
Acquire
Technology Refresh Service: Extend, upgrade
or migrate your existing test systems
1Available in US, Canada, Germany, UK & France

Page 104
 Keysight Technology Refresh
Migrate to the new Multi-Touch X-Series Signal Analyzers
Extend the value of your current assets
Upgrade your X-Series signal analyzers
Add a multi-touch UI to your N90x0A X-Series analyzer to streamline
your measurement setup

Trade-in program
Lower your costs – up to 50% credit
‒ Use Keysight Trade-in when performance or feature set needs make it
the right time to affordably migrate to newer test technology
Reasons to migrate
‒ Get 50% Trade-in credit with a time limited introductory offer when • Simplify measurement setup
migrating from the N90x0A to a new N90x0B X-Series with multi-touch and customize views with the
new multi-touch user interface

Premium Used • Increase performance: phase

noise, dynamic range,
Cost savings alternatives to stretch your budget – at least 25% off bandwidth, real-time streaming,
and more
‒ Get 100% Keysight quality and performance for less money • Save money with a limited time
‒ Same standard 3-year warranty as new models, extendable to 10 years, 50% trade-in credit

with optional 3,5,7,or 10-year calibration plans

Page 105
Basic Spectrum Analyzer Application & Product Notes

 A.N. 150 – Spectrum Analysis Basics :5952-0292EN

 A.N. 150-15 - Vector Signal Analysis Basics :5990-7451EN
 Spectrum Analyzer & Signal Analyzer Selection Guide :5968-3413EN
 Real Time Spectrum Analyzer Technical Overview :5991-1748EN
 N9040B UXA X-Series Signal Analyzer – Brochure :5992-0089EN
 N9030A PXA Brochure :5990-3951EN
 N9020A MXA Brochure :5989-5047EN
 N9010A EXA Brochure :5989-6527EN
 N9000A CXA Brochure :5990-3927EN
 89600B VSA Brochure :5990-6553EN
 N9342,43,44C Brochure :5990-8024EN
 N9935,36,37,38A Brochure :5990-9779EN

www.keysight.com/find/sa

Page 108
 Any
Questions?