13/02/15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Analizador  de  Espectro    
MS2720T  
Spectrum  Master  
 

Interferencia  

1  
 13/02/15  

Interferencia  

• Es  una  caracterís2ca  detectada  en  el  Receptor.  

• Cuando  una  señal  NO  deseada  se  encuentra  dentro  o  cercano  al  ancho  de  
banda  de  la  señal  permi2da  
• Se  afecta  la  sensibilidad  del  receptor.  
• Si  la  señal  interferente  es  lo  suficientemente  fuerte,  NO  necesita  estar  
dentro  del  ancho  de  banda  de  la  señal  interferida.  
• En  caso  extremos,  se  puede  perder  la  señal  deseada.  

Síntomas  de  interferencia  

• Enlaces  con  Ruido  para  sistemas  analógicos,  zumbidos,  siseos  o  incluso  

voces  son  escuchados.  

• Para  sistemas  digitales  (telefonia  celular,  troncalizado,  HDTV)  la  

interferencia  puede  manifestarse  como  llamadas  caídas,  baja  tasa  de  
transmisión.    

• Alto  nivel  de  Piso  de  ruido  

2  
 signal. This will produc
The unwanted, or interfering, signal does not
of harmonics across th
need to be on the receive channel. If strong
enough, it only needs to be within the radios’ In other cases, legal h
Rx duplexer or pre-selector frequencies. issue. 13/02/15  
For instance, th
United States UHF TV
In extreme cases, receiver blocking occurs through 41 will be in t
and the desired signal is lost entirely. the UHF station is phy
band cellular receiver,
Types of Interference may be de-sensed or b
Self Interference is common within cellular signal.
Tipos  
systems. Common sources ofdself-
e  interferencia  
Intermodulation Disto
interference include:
two or more strong sig
• Auto-­‐interferencia.-­‐  
• ECoverage
s  un  caso  Tpico   en  sistemas  
issues duede  
tocomunicación  
power celular,   devic
las  causas  comunes  de  este  2po  de  interferencia  son:  
settings, mast height, or antenna tilt. diode
– Problemas  de  cobertura  debido  a  parámetros  de  potencia,  altura  y/o  
Enhanced RF propagation over water.
inclinación  de  •antenas   diode
– Propagación  de  RF  sobre  el  agua   corro
• Errors in the PN Offset or Scrambling stron
– Configuración  de  códigos  de  mezclado  en  sistemas  WCDMA  
Code settings for CDMA and W-CDMA
– Mul2trayectoria,  cuando  el  número  de  trayectorias  excede  el  número  de   stron
systems.
“fingers”,  en  el  receptor  rake   to ma
• Aliasing of PN Offset or scrambling device switch. IM is o
codes. Bolt” effect. More accu
• Multipath, when the number of paths Passive Intermodulatio
exceed the number of receiver fingers. for the most common
• 2f1 – f2
Impulse noise is a common source of
interference. It is mostly a problem at lower • 2f2 – f1
frequencies, save for arcing base station RF Where f1 and f2 repre
components, which cause problems centered strong suspect source
on the carrier frequency. Impulse noise Here’s an example of p
shows up as an intermittent rise in the PCS 1900 MHz band tr
spectrum analyzer’s noise floor, or if in a wide on the new AWS-1 211
span, in a shape similar to the illustration.
Sources include: Tipos  de  interferencia  
• Lightning arrestors
• Auto-­‐interferencia.-­‐  Es  un  problema  mayor  a  bajas  frecuencias,  suele  
manifestarse  como  
• un   Arcing
aumento   antennas
intermitente  en  el  piso  de  ruido  
• Los  causantes  d•
e  este  Arcing
2po  de  interferencia.  
duplexers
– Supresores  de  picos  de  voltaje  
– • Electric motors
Motores  eléctricos.  
– • Bakery ovens
Hornos  de  Microondas  
– Soldadoras  
–
•
Rejas  eléctricas  
Welders
• Electric fences

3  
 Interference Troubleshooting Guide – utilizing Anritsu’s Handheld BTS Master
13/02/15  
™, Cell Master™

What is Interference? Types of Interference Types of Interference

Interference is a receiver issue. Receiver de- Harmonics are signals that occur at multiples
Transmitter back feed can cre
sense occurs when an un-desired signal of a radios’ carrier frequency. Often, the shown below. If the antenna a
enters the receivers’ front end and causes a worst harmonic is the third. For example, if a freque
Interference Troubleshooting Guide
reduction in sensitivity. This reduced carrier–isutilizing
at 300 MHz, Anritsu’s Handheld
the harmonic at 3 x BTS Master™, Cell Master allow,™
sensitivity, in turn, lowers the apparent 300, or 900 MHz, would be the strongest. antenn
carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I) of the
Tipos  de  interferencia   poor, o
transm
What is Interference?
desired signal.
Types of Interference Types of Interference can re
Interference is a receiver issue. Receiver de- Harmonics are signals that occur at multiples Transmitter back feed cantransis
cre
sense occurs when Armónicos.-­‐  
• an un-desiredSon   señales  que  o
signal ofcurren  
a radios’ en  múl2plos  
carrier de  la  frecuencia  
frequency. Often,cthe
entral.   transm
shown below. If the antenna a
worst harmonic is the third. For example, if a stage, creating IM. freque
enters the receivers’ Frecuentemente   el  peor  
front end and causes a armónico  es  el  tercero.  Si  una  portadora  se  
reduction in sensitivity. transmi2endo  en  3carrier
This reduced
encuentra   iseat
00MHz,   300 MHz,
l  tercer   the harmonic
armónico   at 3 exn  
se  encuentra   allow,I
Shared antennas can create
sensitivity, in turn, lowers the apparent 300, or 900 MHz, would be
Sometimes harmonics become much worse the strongest. antenna or antenna cableantenn
run i
900MHz   poor,cao
carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I) of the than the legal limit. For instance, a Environmental diodes also
desired signal. transmitter with a class B output stage may transm
Rusty roofs, rusty fences, corro
lose a transistor, only amplifying half of the and corroded connectors can
all rea
ca
transis
signal. This will produce a “Picket Fence” array rust needed for intermodulatio
The unwanted, or interfering, signal does not
of harmonics across the spectrum. transm
need to be on the receive channel. If strong Near Far problems may occur
enough, it only needs to be within the radios’ In other cases, legal harmonics may be an stage, creating IM.
of a metro area, or near microc
Rx duplexer or pre-selector frequencies. issue. For instance, the third harmonics of a Shared antennas can create networ IM
United States UHF TV station on channel 38 better
In extreme cases, receiver blocking occurs Sometimes harmonics become much worse antenna or antenna cable run i
through 41 will be in the PCS uplink bands. If anothe
and the desired signal is lost entirely. than thethe legal limit. is
UHF station For instance,
physically closea to the PCS Environmental diodes also can
phone
transmitter with a receiver,
band cellular class B output the cellular stagereceiver
may Rusty roofs, rusty fences,from corro
Types of Interference lose a maytransistor, only amplifying
be de-sensed or blocked half by this of the
legal
it
and corroded connectors be all tran
can
Self Interference is common within cellularsignal.signal. This will produce a “Picket Fence” array rust needed for intermodulation high p
The unwanted, or interfering,
systems. Common sources signalofdoes self-not of harmonics across the
Intermodulation spectrum.
Distortion (IM) is caused by same t
need to be on the receive
interference include: channel. If strong Near Far problems may occur anothe
enough, it only needs to be within the radios’ In othertwocases,
or more strong
legal signals and
harmonics maya be nonan linear
of a metro area, or near microc tower,
• Coverage issues due to power issue. For instance, device
the third such as a transistor,
harmonics of a
Rx duplexer or pre-selector frequencies. networ
hand off to, it may be transmit
settings, mast height, or antenna tilt. diode,
United States UHF TV station on channel 38 or an environmental
In extreme cases, receiverRFblocking occurs diode created by rust or better
other base station’s pre-selecto
• Enhanced propagation over water. through 41 will be in the PCS uplink bands. If anothec
and the desired signal is lost entirely. corrosion. The two or more de-sense. Near Far problems
Errors in the PN Offset or Scrambling the UHF station is physically close to the PCS by co-location. phone
• strong signals need to be
Code settings for CDMA and W-CDMA band cellular receiver,stronger the cellular receiver
Types of Interference
systems. may be de-sensed or blocked
than +7 dBm, or so, Unintentional interference
by this legal
fromocc it
to make the non-linear operators are unaware they be tranar
Self Interference is common
Aliasing of PNwithin Offset cellular or scrambling signal.device switch. IM is often called the “Rusty high po
• in another’s band. This is usua
systems. Common sources of self-
codes. Bolt” effect. Distortion
Intermodulation More accurately, (IM) isitcaused is calledby corrected. same t
interference include:
• Multipath, when the number of paths two orPassive Intermodulation
Tipos  de  interferencia  
more strong signals and (PIM).a non The formula
linear anothe
Intentional interference does
• Coverageexceed
issuesthe duenumber to power of receiver fingers. for the mostdevice common IM products are:
such as a transistor, tower,
with the best of intentions. Em
settings, mast height, or antenna tilt. • 2f1 – f2
diode, or an environmental hand
to
off to,
keep
it may
their
be transmit
employees off the
Impulse noise is a common source of other
Enhanced RF propagation over water. 2f2 – diode
f1 created by rust or wantbase
other station’s pre-selecto
drivers to keep thei
• • Distorsión  por  intermodulación.-­‐  Causado  por  dcorrosion.
interference. It is mostly a problem at lower •
os  o  mas  sThe
eñales  
two
de   fuerte  
or more of de-sense.
road, andNear FarA problems
so on. web searchc
frequencies, save for arcing
• Errors in the intensidad  
PN Offset or n  base
y  uScrambling station RF
disposi2vo   no  lineal  Where f1 and f2 represent
(diodo,   transistor),  
strong o  por  the
signals lneed frequency
a  creación  
to be bydifferent
co-location.
types of cell phone ja
components, which cause problems centered strong suspect source signals.
Code settingsde   for
un  CDMA
diodo  and W-CDMA
ambiental   mediante  corrosión  y/o  strongeroxidación   than +7 dBm, or so, Unintentional
on the carrier frequency.
systems.
Impulse noise Here’s an example of potential IM between a Repeaters interference
can cause occ
interfere
shows up• asLas  
an sintermittent riseqin
ue  the to make the non-linear
eñales  2enen   ser  mayores  PCS 1900 MHz band transmitter and a cell site operators are unaware they
a  +7dBm.   waysare
• Aliasing
spectrumof analyzer’s
PN Offset noise or scrambling floor, or if in a wide deviceon switch. IM is often called the “Rusty
the new AWS-1 2110 MHz band: in another’s band. This is usual spect
Este  2
span, in •a shape
codes. po  de  to
similar interferencia  
the illustration. se  cBolt”
onoce   como  “More
effect. Rusty  accurately,
Bolt”  effect.   it is called corrected. a sm
Sources •include:
Passive   I nterModula2on   ( Passive
PIM)   Intermodulation (PIM). The formula repea
• Multipath, when the number of paths Intentional interference does
exceed• theLightning
number arrestors
of receiver fingers. for the most common IM products are: insta
• La  fórmula  para  el  PIM  más  común  es:   with the best of intentions.insuf Em
• Arcing antennas • 2f1 – f2 to keep their employees offbetw the
Impulse noise is a common – 2f1  –  source
f2     of
Arcing duplexers
interference. • It is mostly 2f2 – f1 want other drivers to keepanten thei
– 2fa problem at lower •
2  –  f1   created
road, and anso oscillation.
on. A web search
• Electric motors
frequencies, save for arcing base station RF Where f1 and f2 represent the frequency of
components, •which PCS  ovens
• cause
Bakery
1900  
problems y  AWS2110  centered strong suspect source signals. different types
A different of cellissue
repeater phone jam
come
– 2f1  Impulse
on the carrier• frequency. –  f2     noise network operator
Repeaters installs
can cause a larg
interferen
Welders Here’s an example of potential IM between a that unintentionally amplifies o
shows up as an intermittent (2  X  1rise
– fences 940)  in–  2the
130  =1750   PCS 1900 MHz band transmitter and a cell site ways
spectrum analyzer’s
• Electric
noise floor, or if in a wide signals. This can lead to unexp
on the new AWS-1 2110 MHz band: spect
coverage problems and frequen
span, in a shape similar to the illustration. a sm
issues.
Sources include: repea
• Lightning arrestors insta
insuf
• Arcing antennas
betw
• Arcing duplexers anten
• Electric motors created an oscillation.

• Bakery ovens A different repeater issue come

network operator installs a larg
• Welders that unintentionally4  amplifies o
• Electric fences signals. This can lead to unexp
coverage problems and frequen
issues.
 band cellular receiver, the cellular receiver
Types of Interference may be de-sensed or blocked by this legal
from it
be tran
Self Interference is common within cellular signal. high p
systems. Common sources of self- Intermodulation Distortion (IM) is caused by same t
interference include: anothe
two or more strong signals and a non linear
• Coverage issues due to power device such as a transistor,
13/02/15   tower,
settings, mast height, or antenna tilt. diode, or an environmental hand off to, it may be transmit
diode created by rust or other base station’s pre-selecto
• Enhanced RF propagation over water.
corrosion. The two or more de-sense. Near Far problems c
• Errors in the PN Offset or Scrambling strong signals need to be by co-location.
Code settings for CDMA and W-CDMA stronger than +7 dBm, or so,
systems.
Unintentional interference occ
to make the non-linear operators are unaware they ar
• Aliasing of PN Offset or scrambling device switch. IM is often called the “Rusty in another’s band. This is usua
codes. Bolt” effect. More accurately, it is called corrected.
Passive Intermodulation (PIM). The formula
• Multipath, when the number of paths
exceed the number of receiver fingers.
Tipos  de  interferencia  
for the most common IM products are: Intentional interference does
with the best of intentions. Em
• 2f1 – f2 to keep their employees off the
Impulse noise is a common source of
• Distorsión  
interference. It is mostly por   a iproblem
ntermodulación.-­‐  
at lower Causado   •
p2f2or  d–os  
f1
o  mas  señales  de  fuerte   want other drivers to keep thei
road, and so on. A web search
frequencies, save for arcing base station RF Where f1 and f2 represent the frequency of
intensidad  y  un  disposi2vo  no  lineal  (diodo,  transistor),  o  por  la  creación   different types of cell phone ja
components, which cause problems centered strong suspect source signals.
de  frequency.
on the carrier un  diodo  ambiental  
Impulse noise mediante  corrosión  y/o  oxidación   Repeaters can cause interfere
Here’s an example of potential IM between a
shows up• asLas  
an sintermittent
eñales  2enen   riseqin
ue  the
ser  mayores  PCS
a  +7dBm.  
1900 MHz band transmitter and a cell site ways
spectrum analyzer’s noise floor, or if in a wide on the new AWS-1 2110 MHz band: spect
• Este   2 po   d e   i nterferencia  
span, in a shape similar to the illustration. s e   conoce   como   “Rusty  Bolt”  effect.   a sm
Sources •include:
Passive  InterModula2on  (PIM)   repea
Lightning arrestors insta
La  fórmula  para  el  PIM  más  común  es:  
•
• insuf
• Arcing antennas
– 2f1  –  f2     betw
• Arcing duplexers anten
– 2f2  –  f1   created an oscillation.
• Electric motors
•
• PCS  1900  y  AWS2110  
Bakery ovens A different repeater issue come
– 2f –  f   network operator installs a larg
• Welders 1   2   that unintentionally amplifies o
•
– (2  X  1940)  –  2130  =1750  
Electric fences signals. This can lead to unexp
coverage problems and frequen
issues.

Tipos  de  interferencia  

Guide – utilizing Anritsu’s Handheld BTS Master™, Cell Master™, Site Master S332/62E™, Spectrum Maste
Retroalimentación  del  Transmisor.-­‐  Si  una  antena  y  sus  filtros  de  
•
frecuencia  lo  permiten    y  si  se  2ene  un  aislamiento  de  antena  pobre;  la  
ypes of Interference Types of Interference
señal  de  un  transmisor  puede  alcanzar  los  circuitos  de  recepción  del  otro  
When to Hunt Uplink Inte
Harmonics are signals that occur attransmisor   Transmitter
multiples  creando   intermodulación   back feed can create IM, as One of the most important things
f a radios’ carrier frequency. Often, the shown below. If the antenna and filter about interference hunting is whe
worst harmonic is the third. For example, if a frequency response where, to start looking for the sig
arrier is at 300 MHz, the harmonic at 3 x allow, and if the flow chart shows, there are a num
300, or 900 MHz, would be the strongest. antenna isolation is diagnostic clues that indicate inte
poor, one The most critical step in this deci
transmitter’s signal the Rx noise floor. If it is possibl
can reach the this from the switch, this become
transistors in another monitoring tool. If the Rx noise f
transmitter’s output it is time to start looking for the i
stage, creating IM. that makes it high.
Shared antennas can create IM if the
Sometimes harmonics become much worse antenna or antenna cable run is corroded.
han the legal limit. For instance, a Environmental diodes also can create IM.
ransmitter with a class B output stage may Rusty roofs, rusty fences, corroded cables,
ose a transistor, only amplifying half of the and corroded connectors all can provide the
ignal. This will produce a “Picket Fence” array rust needed for intermodulation.
f harmonics across the spectrum.
Near Far problems may occur near the edge
n other cases, legal harmonics may be an of a metro area, or near microcells, where one 5  
ssue. For instance, the third harmonics of a network operator has
United States UHF TV station on channel 38 better coverage than
hrough 41 will be in the PCS uplink bands. If another. If a cell
he UHF station is physically close to the PCS
 13/02/15  

Monitoreo  de  Interferencia  

Técnicas  de  Monitoreo  de  Interferencia  

• Si  la  señal  interferente  no  esta  presente  en  el  momento  de  estar  en  la  
Estación  base,  se  puede  recurrir  a  diversas  técnicas  de  monitoreo.  El  
obje2vo  del  Monitoreo  es  detectar  el  momento  cuando  la  inteferencia  
ocurre  
– Espectrograma  
– Monitoreo  remoto  
– Save-­‐on-­‐event  
– Max  Hold  
– Scrambling  Codes  
– Mul2paths  
– Channel  escaner  
– Mapeo  de  interferencia  

6  
 If the interfering signal is not present
you are at the base station, interferen
Interference
monitoring can help. Troubleshootin
The goal of mon
13/02/15  

is to find out when the interference ha

what it looks like on
Interference the spectrum ana
Monitoring
how itIfbehaves in signal
the interfering the is frequency
not present when doma
whereyouit is
arevisible.
at the base station, interference
Espectrograma  
monitoring can help. The goal of monitoring
spectrogram
The is oto  saltos  
• Es  ú2l  cuando  se  busca  señales  intermitentes  
find out when is
de  frecuencia  
thequite useful
interference whe
happens,
what it looks like on the spectrum analyzer,
looking
• Los  colores  permiten  ubicar  emisiones   que  how for
quizá   pit intermittent
odrían  
behaves or hopping
pasar   in the frequency sig
domain, and
desapercibidas.  
•
where it is visible.
Cuando  se  de2ene  la  recolección  de  los  datos,  es  posible  recorrer  cada   First, its col
uno  de  los  datos  buscando  señales  de  interés.  
The
espectrograma  o  en  el  modo  analizador  de  espectro.   allow
Es  spectrogram
spottin
posible  hacerlo  en  el   is
quite useful when
looking for intermittent or hopping signals.
signal
First, patte
its colors
might
allow spottingother
signal patterns that
unnoticed.
might otherwise go
adjusting
unnoticed. By th
adjusting the top
and bottom
and bottom colors,
these
these differe
differences
can be highlighted. Second, when paused, it
can beis highlighted. Second, when pa
possible to scroll through the data, viewing
is possible to scroll
intermittent signals through
of interest inthe
both data,
the
spectrogram mode and the conventional
intermittent signals of interest in both
Power versus Frequency mode.
spectrogram mode
Monitoreo  
Remote
and
remoto  
Monitoring
the conventio
is useful if a local area
Powernetwork
versus Frequency
(LAN) mode.
is available at the monitoring
• sight. In this case,
Si  hay  una  red  LAN  disponible,  es  posible  manipular  el  instrumento  
remotamente     Remote Monitoring is ituseful if a loca
can be very
helpful to hook the
network (LAN) is available at the mon
BTS Master up and
sight.
operate the In thi
instrument
it can be ver
remotely. This
makes it possible to monitorhelpful to ho
the site from the
BTSsetup
office, modifying the instrument Master
when u
the interference appears to get a better view
of the issue. This is a good operate
way to the
characterize an intermittentinstrument
interfering signal
without multiple trips to the site.
remotely. Th
Save-on-Event masks are a helpful way to
makes it possible to monitor the site
simplify stand-alone
office, modifying the instrument
signal monitoring. setup
It
is very useful when
the interference appears to isget
a LAN a bett
not 7  
of the issue. This is a good way
available. The to best
way to create a
characterize an intermittent interferin
 BTS Master up an
a is captured, it can be moved to a Visual Recognition by signal operate
shapetherequires
ptop for off-line analysis. experience, but is a quick way instrument
to identify
13/02/15  
apability allows replay of common signals. remotely. This
nt parts of the power versus makes
Call signsit possible
are a quick to monitor
way to identifythe sitetraditio
from
frequency captured radio office,signals. modifying Eventhe instrument
paging setup whe
signals broadcast
traces in real-time. Morse the interference code identifier. appears These to call
getsigns
a better
can vie be
of
This allows viewing found in regulatory data bases, such as the U the issue. This is a good way to
Save-­‐on-­‐event  
the trace as if you characterize
FCC’s data base an at intermittent interfering sig
were• there during
El  uso  de  máscaras  es  ú2l  para  
without multiple trips to the site.
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/se
monitorear  interferencias.  
the interfering
• Para  crear  un  Save-­‐on  Event,  shLicense.jsp.
e  usa  la  función  MAX  Hold  Regulatory
para  determinar   data bases gives
Save-on-Event masks are a helpful way to
event. By seeing
la   f orma   d e   o nda   d e   u n   espectro   “ normal”.  
information on licensed transmitters, includin
• El  Analizador  se  configura  para  guardar  la  información  sólo  en  el  caso  de   simplify stand-alo
the signal
que  un  einvento   this
ocurra   location, frequency, signal type, and contact
it is sometimes possible to signal monitoring
phone numbers.
e the interference immediately. is very useful whe
Signal identification software a LAN canisidentify
not
ogram allows correlating captured digital signals. Many digital signals, cellular
available. The bes
rength, at a frequency, to time. signals among them, do not waytransmit a easily
to create a
This helps decoded call sign.
Save-on-Even ma
characterize how Master series
is to first collect a of
the interfering spectrum
max-holdanalyzers
wavefo
signal behaves over has a Signal ID opt
of the normal spectrum. The mask (limit
time. If it shows, which takes much
lines) can then be created with a one butto
for instance, that the mystery out of
the interference click. It can then be set to capture traces
spectrum.
consistently shows only when unusual events, such as
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signals. When
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 13/02/15  

Localizando  la  interferecnia  

• Seleccione  una  antena  direccional.   Select an Antenna

– Usualmente  se  usa  una  antena  2po  Yagi   Traditionally, a Yagi antenna is used for direction finding.
They have:
– Buena  direc2vidad,  lo  cual  es  ú2l  para  localizar  la  dirección  de  la  señal.   ‡antenna
*RRGGLUHFWLYLW\ZKLFKPHDQVWKDWLWLVHDV\WRILJXUHRXWZKHQWKH
is pointing at the signal
– Buena  relación  Frente-­‐atrás.     ‡*RRGIURQWWREDFNUDWLRZKLFKPHDQVWKDW\RXZLOOQRWOLNHO\EHPLV-
led by signals coming from exactly behind the antenna.
– Generalmente  lóbulos  laterales  pequeños   ‡*HQHUDOO\ORZVLGHOREHVZKLFKPHDQVWKDWLW¶VQRWWRROLNHO\\RXZLOOEH
misled by signals received from a minor lobe, which would throw off
Figure 21. A Yagi antenna and its pattern.
the direction finding.
The biggest disadvantage with a Yagi is that they tend to have a fairly narrow
frequency band. You might need one Yagi for signals between 800 and
900 MHz and a different one for signals between 900 and 1000 MHz. If you
work with a fixed set of receive frequencies, this becomes a minor issue.
A Log Periodic antenna has the broadest frequency range. A few antennas
can cover most frequencies below 6 GHz. The trade-off is that they have
less directivity. It is normally harder to establish a direction with a Log-
Setup the Spectrum Analyzer Periodic as the minor lobes of the antenna are strong enough to be
potentially confused with the main beam. One techique to deal with this
When setting up the spectrum analyzer,Figure you22.may want to consider
A Log-Periodic antenna
these items::
is to set up the spectrum analyzer with a normal and a Max-Hold trace,
which allows you to see small differences in amplitude easier. Another
‡ &HQWHUWKHVLJQDORILQWHUHVWRQWKHVFUHHQ way is to hold the Log-Perodic antenna so that it’s active elements are
vertical. On some antennas, this helps the directivity.
‡ 6SDQGRZQWRUHPRYHRWKHUVLJQDOVIURPWKHVFUHHQ
A panel antenna can be useful when hunting signals. While panels are
‡ 7XUQWKHSUHDPSRQ*HQHUDOO\WKHSUHDPSLVXVHIXOZKHQYLHZLQJZHDNHUVLJQDOVRULJLQDWLQJIURPDQDQWHQQD
not that directional, they generally have a very good front-to-back ratio.
Set the reference level so that the signal is 20 or 30 dB below the top Thisof thequick
allows screen for headroom.
elimination This
of reflections. The allows
broad beamwidth can
be dealt with by moving the antenna from side to side and seeing where
you some margin when moving around mapping the signal. the signal dips a given amount, say, 6 dB, on each side of the swing.
Halfway between these two points is where the signal source is.
‡ 6HWWKHVSDQVRWKDWWKHLQWHUIHULQJVLJQDOWDNHVXSDERXWKDOIRIWKHGLVSOD\ZLGWK7KLVDOORZV\RXWRYLHZWKH
true shape of the signal and gives you another check that you reallyOmni-directional
are viewingantennasthe same often aresignal
set up you
to be started
mounted on a car roof
by a magnetic disk. These antennas can be used when seeking the
chasing. Figure 23. A Panel antenna
strongest signal. Traditionally, signal strength is plotted as part of coverage
mapping. However, the technique can also be used for signal hunting,
‡ 6HWWKHVZHHSPRGHWR³)DVW´6RPH$QULWVXKDQGKHOGVSHFWUXPDQDO\]HUVDOORZ\RXWRVHOHFWDIDVWVZHHSPRGHZLWK
and is particularly useful when dealing with multi-path. This technique
slightly less amplitude accuracy. This will speed up the sweep time by eventually
as muchwillaslead 100youtimes, depending
to the area of strongest on your
signal, although it might
span. This is very useful when moving the antenna around or looking for a than
be slower signal thatfinding
direction is intermittent.
if multipath is not an issue.
Once the antenna is selected it’s time to set up the spectrum analyzer.
‡ 6RPHVLJQDOVZLOOEHQHILWE\ORZHULQJWKH5HVROXWLRQ%DQGZLGWK 5%: ,IWKHVLJQDOLVQRWQRLVHOLNHORZHULQJWKH
RBW will lower the spectrum analyzer’s noise floor without loweringThe theAntenna
signal,Handle
makingwith Compass,
it easier GPS,toand Preamp
spot. While
lowering the RBW generally lowers the sweep speed, the “Fast” sweep mode
Anritsu has anmentioned
antenna handle, above tendsthat
the MA2700, to contains
more a magnetic
compass and a GPS. It accepts many types of antennas with the
than make up for it. standard N-(f) connectors. It helps keep the antenna pattern constant
Configurando  el  Analizador  de  Espectro   and is a great assist when plotting data on the spectrum analyzer.
‡ 6HW7UDFH%WR0D[+ROGZKLOHOHDYLQJ7UDFH$RQ1RUPDO7KH0D[+ROGWUDFHUHFRUGV\RXUPD[LPXPVLJQDO
Figure 24. An Omnidirectional Antenna
strength while the normal trace shows the current signal level. This By allowingityou
makes a way clear
really to hold when
the antenna
your without actuallyistouching it,
antenna
the antenna pattern is preserved or at least, it is closer to the ideal than
pointing at the maximum signal, if you are hunting signals in this mode it would be if your hand was touching the antenna.
The handle also contains a magnetic compass and a GPS. These two
• Configure  la  frecuencia  central  en  el   items together, report position and direction to the spectrum analyzer,
making taking directional bearings easy. There is no need to manually
Analizador.   enter bearings on the map.
Finally, the antenna handle has a built in pre-amp, simplifying the process
• Ajuste  el  SPAN  para  solo  tener  la   of getting a sufficiently strong signal to the spectrum analyzer.

señal  de  interés   Figure 25. The Anritsu MA2700 antenna handle
has an intergrated compass and GPS.
The antenna handle greatly eases the process of recording directional
bearings while reducing the need for map reading.

• Encienda  el  PRE  AMP   12

• Configure  el  2po  de  barrido  a  FAST  

• En  algunas  ocasiones  es  bueno  
disminuir  el  RBW.  
• Configure  el  Trazo  B  en  Max  Hold  y  
el  Trazo  A  en  Normal  
Figure 26. Signal centered on screen with Max-Hold enabled.

Go to Mapping Mode
At this point, it’s time to load the map and enter mapping mode. On an Anritsu handheld spectrum analyzer, this
means entering Interference Analysis mode and starting the Interference Mapping measurement mode. It’s also
time to install the MA2700 antenna handle and enable it. Now, the spectrum analyzer will show your current
location on the map and the direction that the antenna is pointing. If for some reason, the signal hunt leads you off
the map, it’s still possible to gather data points and view them. They can also be displayed by the Google Earth
application later.

9  
 13/02/15  

Mapping  Mode  

• Cargue  el  Mapa  en  el  analizador  de  Espectro.  

• Seleccione  el  Modo  Analizador  de  Interferencia.  
• Instale  la  antena  MA2700y  habilítela.  
• El  Analizador  de  Espectro  mostrará  su  ubicación  y  la  dirección  de  hacia  
donde  apunta  la  antena  
• Los  datos  recopilados  pueden  ser  desplegados  en  Google  Earth  

Map the Signal

Once setup with a Yagi, or other directional antenna of your choice, and with the signal centered in the display, it’s
Mapping  Mode  
time to go to into the Interference Hunting Mapping mode. In this mode, the signal strength is displayed as a yellow
bar with max hold and min hold lines. This takes its measurements from the center frequency of the spectrum display,
so it’s important that the signal be centered in the display before going to the mapping mode, as mentioned above.
• Las  mediciones  realizadas  se  
toman  de  la  frecuencia  central  
configurada  previamente.  
• Rote  la  antena  Yagi  para  localizar  
la  señal  mas  fuerte.  
• Una  vez  localizada,  presione  el  
ga2llo  para  almacenar  la  
medición.  
• Diríjase  a  otra  ubicación  y  realice  
el  mismo  procedimiento.  
• Ubique  el  punto  donde  
convergen  las  líneas.  
Figure 27. Plotting directions to an interference source on a map.

Once setup, rotate the Yagi around to find the direction of the strongest signal. Bear in mind that hills and buildings
look like a mirror to many RF signals, and can produce strong reflections. Once the direction of the strongest
signal is located, press the trigger on the antenna handle. This will place a record of the direction on the map.
Now, move to a new location a few blocks, or perhaps a few miles, away and repeat the direction finding process.
It helps the triangulation effort if you move at right angles to the direction last plotted. After three or more lines
have been plotted, if any lines are wildly different than the majority of the results, feel free to ignore them, as they
are likely the results of reflections.
The next step is to go to the location where the lines converge. If the uncertainty is large, it might be good to go
10  
through another direction finding exercise at closer range. If the area is small, it might work well to go to an Omni-
directional antenna and seek the strongest signal while walking around.

Direction Finding Tips and Tricks

One technique that works well at close range for screening out reflections is to step behind something that will