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Lab 3a - Introduction To Spectrum Analysis

This laboratory document introduces students to using a spectrum analyzer to analyze radio frequency (RF) signals. The objectives are to understand the function of keys and knobs on the spectrum analyzer and demonstrate signal measurement parameters in the frequency domain. The equipment includes a spectrum analyzer, signal generator, cables, and software. Students will connect the devices, set signal parameters, and observe the signal on the spectrum analyzer display while varying center frequency, span, and reference level. Software will also be used to control the devices and perform remote measurements.

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NURUL SYAHIRAH ANIS BINTI ABD SAMAT STUDENT
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36 views4 pages

Lab 3a - Introduction To Spectrum Analysis

This laboratory document introduces students to using a spectrum analyzer to analyze radio frequency (RF) signals. The objectives are to understand the function of keys and knobs on the spectrum analyzer and demonstrate signal measurement parameters in the frequency domain. The equipment includes a spectrum analyzer, signal generator, cables, and software. Students will connect the devices, set signal parameters, and observe the signal on the spectrum analyzer display while varying center frequency, span, and reference level. Software will also be used to control the devices and perform remote measurements.

Uploaded by

NURUL SYAHIRAH ANIS BINTI ABD SAMAT STUDENT
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NMK 31503 RF & MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY SEM 1(2023/2024)

LABORATORY 3a
INTRODUCTION TO KEYSIGHT SPECTRUM ANALYZER

Objective
1. To introduce and understand the function of each key / knob of the test gear of spectrum
analyzers
2. To demonstrate and analyze signal measurement parameters, features and settings in
frequency domain using spectrum analyzers.

Equipment& Accessories Required


i) Spectrum Analyzer
ii) Signal Generator
iii) 1 × SMA RF coaxial m-m cable (1 m)
iv) Keysight BenchVue Software
v) Keysight N9310 Signal Generator software

1. Spectrum Analyzer Overview (notes)


1. The output of a spectrum analyzer is an X-Y trace on a display. The display is mapped
on a grid (graticule) with 10 major horizontal divisions and generally 10 major vertical
divisions.

2. The horizontal axis is the frequency setting of Spectrum Analyzer which include
following activities:
a. Adjust the frequency at the centerline of the graticule with the center frequency
control.
b. Then adjust the frequency range (span) across the full 10 divisions with the
frequency span control. (These controls are independent, so if we change the
center frequency, we do not alter the frequency span).
c. Alternatively, we can set the start and stop frequencies instead of setting center
frequency and span.

3. The vertical axis is calibrated in amplitude that include following activities:


a. Choose a linear scale calibrated in volts or a logarithmic scale calibrated in dB.
The top line of the graticule and the reference level are based on the scaling per
division.
b. Then we can measure either the absolute value of a signal or the relative
amplitude difference between any two signals.
NMK 31503 RF & MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY SEM 1(2023/2024)

4. Typical spectrum analyzer displays with control settings

5. Understand the general spectrum analyzer screen display.


NMK 31503 RF & MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY SEM 1(2023/2024)

2. Spectrum Analyzer signal analysis

Spectrum Analyzer
CW Signal Generator
RF Input
RF Output

Pout_sa
Psig_gen

SMA coaxial cable

Figure 1: Spectrum Analyzer and Signal Generator Connection

1. Connect the Signal Generator with Spectrum Analyzer as shown in Figure 1.


2. Set the Signal Generator with the following setting:
a. Frequency: 500 MHz
b. Power: -20 dBm
3. Set the following parameters in the spectrum
a. Centre frequency: 500 MHz
b. Start & Stop Frequency: 400 MHz & 600 MHz @ Span: 200 MHz
c. Reference level: -10 dBm
4. Turn on “RF on” and observe the signal produced on the Spectrum Analyzer screen
display.

Notes: Notice that at the default start-up (Preset) state of the SA, these four settings which
include RBW, VBW, Sweep time, and Atten are set as Auto: This is the way the SA should
be used when first exploring a new, unknown signal, i.e., start with these settings set as
Auto. However, you are allowed to change to Manual setting, and you will sometimes do
so for reasons which will become obvious as we go through this lab.

5. Observe the effect of each key button by changing the set value of each parameter as
follow:
a. Set 1: Change 2 different Center Frequency while maintaining Span, and
Ref. Level values.
b. Set 2: Change 2 different values of Span while maintaining Center Frequency,
and Ref. Level values.
c. Set 3: Change 2 different values of Ref. Level while maintaining Center
Frequency, Span and RBW values.
NMK 31503 RF & MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY SEM 1(2022/2023)

3. Software and Measurement Equipment Connection

6. On Keysight BenchVue Lab – Client, click on the Spectrum Analyzer icon


on the right panel to open the Spectrum Analyzer display.

7. At the desktop screen, click on Keysight N9310 Signal Generator software icon
. The window as Figure 2 will be displayed.

Figure 2: Keysight N9310 Signal Generator software displayed

8. Perform step 2 until 5 by controlling both Spectrum Analyzer in BenchVue software


and Signal Generator in Keysight N9310 Signal Generator software.

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