Keysight Technologies

Spectrum Analysis Basics

Application Note

Keysight Technologies. Inc. dedicates this application note to Blake Peterson.

Blakes outstanding service in technical support reached customers in all corners of
the world during and after his 45-year career with Hewlett-Packard and Keysight.
For many years, Blake trained new marketing and sales engineers in the ABCs of
spectrum analyzer technology, which provided the basis for understanding more
advanced technology. He is warmly regarded as a mentor and technical contributor
in spectrum analysis.
Blakes many accomplishments include:
Authored the original edition of the Spectrum Analysis Basics application note
and contributed to subsequent editions
Helped launch the 8566/68 spectrum analyzers, marking the beginning of
modern spectrum analysis, and the PSA Series spectrum analyzers that set
new performance benchmarks in the industry when they were introduced
Inspired the creation of Blake Peterson Universityrequired training for all
engineering hires at Keysight
As a testament to his accomplishments and contributions, Blake was honored with
Microwaves & RF magazines first Living Legend Award in 2013.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 5
Frequency domain versus time domain ....................................................................................... 5
What is a spectrum? ....................................................................................................................... 6
Why measure spectra? ................................................................................................................... 6
Types of signal analyzers ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 2 Spectrum Analyzer Fundamentals ........................................................................... 9
RF attenuator..................................................................................................................................10
Low-pass filter or preselector.......................................................................................................10
Tuning the analyzer .......................................................................................................................11
IF gain..............................................................................................................................................12
Resolving signals............................................................................................................................13
Residual FM....................................................................................................................................15
Phase noise.....................................................................................................................................16
Sweep time.....................................................................................................................................18
Envelope detector .........................................................................................................................20
Displays...........................................................................................................................................21
Detector types................................................................................................................................22
Sample detection...........................................................................................................................23
Peak (positive) detection...............................................................................................................24
Negative peak detection...............................................................................................................24
Normal detection...........................................................................................................................24
Average detection..........................................................................................................................27
EMI detectors: average and quasi-peak detection....................................................................27
Averaging processes......................................................................................................................28
Time gating.....................................................................................................................................31
Chapter 3 Digital IF Overview ...................................................................................................36
Digital filters....................................................................................................................................36
All-digital IF....................................................................................................................................37
Custom digital signal processing.................................................................................................38
Additional video processing features ..........................................................................................38
Frequency counting ......................................................................................................................38
More advantages of all-digital IF..................................................................................................39
Chapter 4 Amplitude and Frequency Accuracy.......................................................................40
Relative uncertainty ......................................................................................................................42
Absolute amplitude accuracy.......................................................................................................42
Improving overall uncertainty.......................................................................................................43
Specifications, typical performance and nominal values..........................................................43
Digital IF architecture and uncertainties.....................................................................................43
Amplitude uncertainty examples..................................................................................................44
Frequency accuracy.......................................................................................................................44

Table of Contents
continued
Chapter 5 Sensitivity and Noise................................................................................................46
Sensitivity........................................................................................................................................46
Noise floor extension.....................................................................................................................48
Noise figure.....................................................................................................................................49
Preamplifiers...................................................................................................................................50
Noise as a signal............................................................................................................................53
Preamplifier for noise measurements..........................................................................................54
Chapter 6 Dynamic Range.........................................................................................................55
Dynamic range versus internal distortion ...................................................................................55
Attenuator test................................................................................................................................56
Noise................................................................................................................................................57
Dynamic range versus measurement uncertainty......................................................................58
Gain compression..........................................................................................................................60
Display range and measurement range.......................................................................................60
Adjacent channel power measurements.....................................................................................61
Chapter 7 Extending the Frequency Range.............................................................................62
Internal harmonic mixing..............................................................................................................62
Preselection....................................................................................................................................66
Amplitude calibration....................................................................................................................68
Phase noise ....................................................................................................................................68
Improved dynamic range..............................................................................................................69
Pluses and minuses of preselection............................................................................................70
External harmonic mixing..............................................................................................................71
Signal identification.......................................................................................................................73
Chapter 8 Modern Signal Analyzers.........................................................................................76
Application-specific measurements............................................................................................76
The need for phase information.................................................................................................. 77
Digital modulation analysis...........................................................................................................79
Real-time spectrum analysis........................................................................................................80
Chapter 9 Control and Data Transfer........................................................................................81
Saving and printing data...............................................................................................................81
Data transfer and remote instrument control ............................................................................81
Firmware updates..........................................................................................................................82
Calibration, troubleshooting, diagnostics and repair.................................................................82
Summary.........................................................................................................................................82
Glossary of Terms...........................................................................................................................83

Chapter 1. Introduction
This application note explains the
fundamentals of swept-tuned,
superheterodyne spectrum analyzers
and discusses the latest advances in
spectrum analyzer capabilities.
At the most basic level, a spectrum
analyzer can be described as a
frequency-selective, peak-responding
voltmeter calibrated to display the rms
value of a sine wave. It is important to
understand that the spectrum analyzer
is not a power meter, even though it can
be used to display power directly. As
long as we know some value of a sine
wave (for example, peak or average) and
know the resistance across which we
measure this value, we can calibrate our
voltmeter to indicate power. With the
advent of digital technology, modern
spectrum analyzers have been given
many more capabilities. In this note, we
describe the basic spectrum analyzer
as well as additional capabilities made
possible using digital technology and
digital signal processing.

Fourier1 theory tells us any timedomain electrical phenomenon is

made up of one or more sine waves
of appropriate frequency, amplitude,
and phase. In other words, we can
transform a time-domain signal into
its frequency-domain equivalent.
Measurements in the frequency domain
tell us how much energy is present
at each particular frequency. With
proper filtering, a waveform such as
the one shown in Figure 1-1 can be
decomposed into separate sinusoidal
waves, or spectral components, which
we can then evaluate independently.
Each sine wave is characterized by
its amplitude and phase. If the signal
we wish to analyze is periodic, as in
our case here, Fourier says that the
constituent sine waves are separated in
the frequency domain by 1/T, where T
is the period of the signal 2.

Some measurements require that we

preserve complete information about
the signal frequency, amplitude and
phase. However, another large group
of measurements can be made without
knowing the phase relationships among
the sinusoidal components. This type
of signal analysis is called spectrum
analysis. Because spectrum analysis is
simpler to understand, yet extremely
useful, we begin by looking first at how
spectrum analyzers perform spectrum
analysis measurements, starting in
Chapter 2.
Theoretically, to make the
transformation from the time domain
to the frequency domain, the signal
must be evaluated over all time, that is,
over infinity. However, in practice, we
always use a finite time period when
making a measurement. You also can
make Fourier transformations from

Frequency domain versus

time domain
Before we get into the details of
describing a spectrum analyzer, we
might first ask ourselves: Just what is
a spectrum and why would we want
to analyze it? Our normal frame
of reference is time. We note when
certain events occur. This includes
electrical events. We can use an
oscilloscope to view the instantaneous
value of a particular electrical event (or
some other event converted to volts
through an appropriate transducer)
as a function of time. In other words,
we use the oscilloscope to view
the waveform of a signal in the time
domain.
Figure 1-1. Complex time-domain signal

1. Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier, 1768-1830. A French mathematician and physicist who discovered that periodic functions can be expanded into a
series of sines and cosines.
2. If the time signal occurs only once, then T is infinite, and the frequency representation is a continuum of sine waves.

the frequency to the time domain. This

case also theoretically requires the
evaluation of all spectral components
over frequencies to infinity. In reality,
making measurements in a finite
bandwidth that captures most of the
signal energy produces acceptable
results. When you perform a Fourier
transformation on frequency domain
data, the phase of the individual
components is indeed critical. For
example, a square wave transformed to
the frequency domain and back again
could turn into a sawtooth wave if you
do not preserve phase.

What is a spectrum?
So what is a spectrum in the context
of this discussion? A spectrum is a
collection of sine waves that, when
combined properly, produce the timedomain signal under examination.
Figure 1-1 shows the waveform of a
complex signal. Suppose that we were
hoping to see a sine wave. Although
the waveform certainly shows us that
the signal is not a pure sinusoid, it does

not give us a definitive indication of

the reason why. Figure 1-2 shows our
complex signal in both the time and
frequency domains. The frequencydomain display plots the amplitude
versus the frequency of each sine
wave in the spectrum. As shown, the
spectrum in this case comprises just
two sine waves. We now know why our
original waveform was not a pure sine
wave. It contained a second sine wave,
the second harmonic in this case. Does
this mean we have no need to perform
time-domain measurements? Not at
all. The time domain is better for many
measurements, and some can be made
only in the time domain. For example,
pure time-domain measurements
include pulse rise and fall times,
overshoot and ringing.

Why measure spectra?

The frequency domain also has its
measurement strengths. We have
already seen in Figures 1-1 and 1-2
that the frequency domain is better
for determining the harmonic content

Frequency domain
measurements

Time domain
measurements
Figure 1-2. Relationship between time and frequency domain

Figure 1-2.

of a signal. People involved in wireless

communications are extremely
interested in out-of-band and spurious
emissions. For example, cellular
radio systems must be checked for
harmonics of the carrier signal that
might interfere with other systems
operating at the same frequencies
as the harmonics. Engineers and
technicians are also very concerned
about distortion of the message
modulated onto a carrier.
Third-order intermodulation (two tones
of a complex signal modulating each
other) can be particularly troublesome
because the distortion components can
fall within the band of interest, which
means they cannot be filtered away.
Spectrum monitoring is another
important frequency-domain
measurement activity. Government
regulatory agencies allocate different
frequencies for various radio services,
such as broadcast television and
radio, mobile phone systems, police
and emergency communications,
and a host of other applications. It
is critical that each of these services
operates at the assigned frequency
and stays within the allocated channel
bandwidth. Transmitters and other
intentional radiators often must
operate at closely spaced adjacent
frequencies. A key performance
measure for the power amplifiers
and other components used in these
systems is the amount of signal energy
that spills over into adjacent channels
and causes interference.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is
a term applied to unwanted emissions
from both intentional and unintentional
radiators. These unwanted emissions,
either radiated or conducted
(through the power lines or other
interconnecting wires), might impair
the operation of other systems. Almost
anyone designing or manufacturing
electrical or electronic products
must test for emission levels versus
frequency according to regulations
set by various government agencies or
industry-standard bodies.

Figure 1-3. Harmonic distortion test of a transmitter

Figure 1-4. GSM radio signal and spectral mask showing limits of
unwanted emissions

Figure 1- 5. Two-tone test on an RF power amplifier

Figure 1-6. Radiated emissions plotted against CISPR11 limits as part of an

EMI test

Noise is often the signal you want to

measure. Any active circuit or device
will generate excess noise. Tests such
as noise figure and signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) are important for characterizing
the performance of a device and
its contribution to overall system
performance.
Figures 1-3 through 1-6 show some of
these measurements on an X-Series
signal analyzer.

Types of signal analyzers

The first swept-tuned superheterodyne
analyzers measured only amplitude.
However, as technology advanced
and communication systems grew
more complex, phase became a more
important part of the measurement.
Spectrum analyzers, now often labeled
signal analyzers, have kept pace. By
digitizing the signal, after one or more
stages of frequency conversion, phase
as well as amplitude is preserved
and can be included as part of the
information displayed. So todays signal
analyzers such as the Keysight X-Series
combine the attributes of analog,
vector and FFT (fast Fourier transform)
analyzers. To further improve
capabilities, Keysights X-Series signal
analyzers incorporate a computer,
complete with a removable disk drive
that allows sensitive data to remain in a
controlled area should the analyzer be
removed.

grade bench-top spectrum analyzers

within 10ths of a dB.
In this application note, we concentrate
on swept amplitude measurements,
only briefly touching on measurements
involving phasesee Chapter 8.
Note: When computers became
Hewlett-Packards dominant business,
it created and spun off Keysight
Technologies in the late 1990s to
continue the test and measurement
business. Many older spectrum
analyzers carry the Hewlett-Packard
name but are supported by Keysight.
This application note will give you
insight into your particular spectrum or
signal analyzer and help you use this
versatile instrument to its maximum
potential.

Advanced technology also has allowed

circuits to be miniaturized. As a result,
rugged portable spectrum analyzers
such as the Keysight FieldFox simplify
tasks such as characterizing sites
for transmitters or antenna farms.
Zero warm-up time eliminates delays
in situations involving brief stops
for quick measurements. Due to
advanced calibration techniques,
field measurements made with these
handheld analyzers correlate with lab-

More information
For additional information on
vector measurements, see Vector
Signal Analysis BasicsApplication Note,
literature number 5989-1121EN. For
information on FFT analyzers that
tune to 0 Hz, see the Web page for
the Keysight 35670A at
www.keysight.com/find/35670A.

Chapter 2. Spectrum Analyzer Fundamentals

This chapter focuses on the
fundamental theory of how a spectrum
analyzer works. While todays
technology makes it possible to replace
many analog circuits with modern
digital implementations, it is useful to
understand classic spectrum analyzer
architecture as a starting point in our
discussion.
In later chapters, we will look at the
capabilities and advantages that
digital circuitry brings to spectrum
analysis. Chapter 3 discusses digital
architectures used in spectrum
analyzers available today.
Figure 2-1 is a simplified block diagram
of a superheterodyne spectrum
analyzer. Heterodyne means to mix;
that is, to translate frequency. And
super refers to superaudio frequencies,
or frequencies above the audio range.
In the Figure 2-1 block diagram,
we see that an input signal passes
through an attenuator, then through
a low-pass filter (later we will see why
the filter is here) to a mixer, where

RF input
attenuator

it mixes with a signal from the local

oscillator (LO). Because the mixer is a
non-linear device, its output includes
not only the two original signals, but
also their harmonics and the sums and
differences of the original frequencies
and their harmonics. If any of the mixed
signals falls within the pass band of
the intermediate-frequency (IF) filter,
it is further processed (amplified and
perhaps compressed on a logarithmic
scale). It is essentially rectified by the
envelope detector, filtered through
the low-pass filter and displayed. A
ramp generator creates the horizontal
movement across the display from left
to right. The ramp also tunes the LO so
its frequency change is in proportion to
the ramp voltage.
If you are familiar with superheterodyne
AM radios, the type that receive
ordinary AM broadcast signals, you will
note a strong similarity between them
and the block diagram shown in Figure
2-1. The differences are that the output
of a spectrum analyzer is a display
instead of a speaker, and the local

Mixer

IF filter

IF gain

oscillator is tuned electronically rather

than by a front-panel knob.
The output of a spectrum analyzer is
an X-Y trace on a display, so lets see
what information we get from it. The
display is mapped on a grid (graticule)
with 10 major horizontal divisions and
generally 10 major vertical divisions.
The horizontal axis is linearly calibrated
in frequency that increases from left
to right. Setting the frequency is a
two-step process. First we adjust
the frequency at the centerline of the
graticule with the center frequency
control. Then we 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. Alternatively,
we can set the start and stop
frequencies instead of setting center
frequency and span. In either case, we
can determine the absolute frequency
of any signal displayed and the relative
frequency difference between any two
signals.

Log
amp

Envelope
detector

Input
signal
Pre-selector, or
low-pass filter

Video
filter
Local
oscillator

Reference
oscillator

Sweep
generator

Display

Figure 2-1. Block diagram of a classic superheterodyne spectrum analyzer

The vertical axis is calibrated

in amplitude. You can choose a
linear scale calibrated in volts or a
logarithmic scale calibrated in dB. The
log scale is used far more often than
the linear scale because it has a much
wider usable range. The log scale
allows signals as far apart in amplitude
as 70 to 100 dB (voltage ratios of
3200 to 100,000 and power ratios
of 10,000,000 to 10,000,000,000) to
be displayed simultaneously. On the
other hand, the linear scale is usable
for signals differing by no more than
20 to 30 dB (voltage ratios of 10 to
32). In either case, we give the top line
of the graticule, the reference level,
an absolute value through calibration
techniques1 and use the scaling per
division to assign values to other
locations on the graticule. Therefore,
we can measure either the absolute
value of a signal or the relative
amplitude difference between any two
signals.

being damaged by a DC signal or a

DC offset of the signal being viewed.
Unfortunately, it also attenuates lowfrequency signals and increases the
minimum useable start frequency of
the analyzer to 9kHz, 100 kHz or 10
MHz, depending on the analyzer.
In some analyzers, an amplitude
reference signal can be connected
as shown in Figure2-3. It provides
a precise frequency and amplitude
signal, used by the analyzer to
periodically self-calibrate.

Low-pass filter or preselector

The low-pass filter blocks highfrequency signals from reaching the
mixer. This filtering prevents out-ofband signals from mixing with the
local oscillator and creating unwanted
responses on the display. Microwave
spectrum analyzers replace the
low-pass filter with a preselector,
which is a tunable filter that rejects all
frequencies except those we currently
wish to view. In Chapter 7, we go into
more detail about the operation and
purpose of the preselector.

Scale calibration, both frequency and

amplitude, is shown by annotations
written onto the display. Figure 2-2
shows the display of a typical analyzer.
Now, lets turn our attention back to
the spectrum analyzer components
diagramed in Figure 2-1.

RF attenuator
The first part of our analyzer is the
RF input attenuator. Its purpose is to
ensure the signal enters the mixer at
the optimum level to prevent overload,
gain compression and distortion.
Because attenuation is a protective
circuit for the analyzer, it is usually set
automatically, based on the reference
level. However, manual selection of
attenuation is also available in steps
of 10, 5, 2, or even 1 dB. The diagram
in Figure2-3 is an example of an
attenuator circuit with a maximum
attenuation of 70 dB in increments
of 2 dB. The blocking capacitor is
used to prevent the analyzer from

Figure 2-2. Typical spectrum analyzer display with control settings

0 to 70 dB, 2 dB steps
RF input

Amplitude
reference
signal
Figure 2-3. RF input attenuator circuitry

figure 2-3

1. See Chapter 4, Amplitude and Frequency Accuracy.

10

Tuning the analyzer

We need to know how to tune our
spectrum analyzer to the desired
frequency range. Tuning is a function
of the center frequency of the IF filter,
the frequency range of the LO and
the range of frequencies allowed to
reach the mixer from the outside world
(allowed to pass through the lowpass filter). Of all the mixing products
emerging from the mixer, the two with
the greatest amplitudes, and therefore
the most desirable, are those created
from the sum of the LO and input signal
and from the difference between the
LO and input signal. If we can arrange
things so that the signal we wish to
examine is either above or below the
LO frequency by the IF, then only one
of the desired mixing products will fall
within the pass-band of the IF filter and
be detected to create an amplitude
response on the display.
We need to pick an LO frequency and
an IF that will create an analyzer with
the desired tuning range. Lets assume
that we want a tuning range from 0 to
3.6 GHz. We then need to choose the
IF. Lets try a 1-GHz IF. Because this
frequency is within our desired tuning
range, we could have an input signal
at 1 GHz. The output of a mixer also
includes the original input signals, so
an input signal at 1 GHz would give
us a constant output from the mixer
at the IF. The 1-GHz signal would thus
pass through the system and give us
a constant amplitude response on
the display regardless of the tuning
of the LO. The result would be a hole
in the frequency range at which we
could not properly examine signals
because the amplitude response would
be independent of the LO frequency.
Therefore, a 1-GHz IF will not work.
Instead, we choose an IF that is above
the highest frequency to which we wish
to tune. In the Keysight X-Series signal
analyzers that can tune to 3.6 GHz,
the first LO frequency range is 3.8 to
8.7 GHz, and the IF chosen is about
5.1 GHz. Remember that we want to

tune from 0 Hz to 3.6 GHz (actually

from some low frequency because we
cannot view a 0-Hz signal with this
architecture).
If we start the LO at the IF (LO minus IF
= 0Hz) and tune it upward from there
to 3.6GHz above the IF, we can cover
the tuning range with the LO minus IF
mixing product. Using this information,
we can generate a tuning equation:
fsig = f LO - f IF
where f sig = signal frequency
f LO = local oscillator frequency,
and
f IF = intermediate frequency (IF)
If we wanted to determine the LO
frequency needed to tune the analyzer
to a low-, mid-, or high-frequency
signal (say, 1kHz, 1.5 GHz, or 3
GHz), we would first restate the tuning
equation in terms of f LO:
f LO = fsig + f IF
Then we would apply the numbers
for the signal and IF in the tuning
equation2:
f LO = 1 kHz + 5.1 GHz = 5.100001 GHz
f LO = 1.5 GHz + 5.1 GHz = 6.6 GHz or
f LO = 3 GHz + 5.1 GHz = 8.1 GHz.

Figure 2-4 illustrates analyzer tuning.

In this figure, f LO is not quite high
enough to cause the f LO fsig mixing
product to fall in the IF pass band, so
there is no response on the display. If
we adjust the ramp generator to tune
the LO higher, however, this mixing
product will fall in the IF pass band at
some point on the ramp (sweep), and
we will see a response on the display.
The ramp generator controls both the
horizontal position of the trace on the
display and the LO frequency, so we
can now calibrate the horizontal axis of
the display in terms of the input signal
frequency.
We are not quite through with the
tuning yet. What happens if the
frequency of the input signal is 9.0
GHz? As the LO tunes through its
3.8- to 8.7-GHz range, it reaches a
frequency (3.9 GHz) at which it is the
IF away from the 9.0-GHz input signal.
At this frequency we have a mixing
product that is equal to the IF, creating
a response on the display. In other
words, the tuning equation could just
as easily have been:
f sig = f LO + f IF
This equation says that the architecture
of Figure 2-1 could also result in a

Freq range
of analyzer

fsig

IF

fLO f sig
Freq range
of analyzer

Freq range of LO

fLO

Figure 2-4. The LO must be tuned to f IF + f sig to produce a response on the display

2. In the text, we round off some of the frequency values for simplicity, although the exact values are shown in the figures.

11

fLO

f
fLO + f sig

tuning range from 8.9 to 13.8 GHz,

but only if we allow signals in that
range to reach the mixer. The job of
the input low-pass filter in Figure2-1
is to prevent these higher frequencies
from getting to the mixer. We also want
to keep signals at the intermediate
frequency itself from reaching the
mixer, as previously described, so the
low-pass filter must do a good job of
attenuating signals at 5.1 GHz as well
as in the range from 8.9 to 13.8 GHz.
In summary, we can say that for a
single-band RF spectrum analyzer, we
would choose an IF above the highest
frequency of the tuning range. We
would make the LO tunable from the
IF to the IF plus the upper limit of the
tuning range and include a low-pass
filter in front of the mixer that cuts off
below the IF.
To separate closely spaced signals
(see Resolving signals later in this
chapter), some spectrum analyzers
have IF bandwidths as narrow as 1 kHz;
others, 10 Hz; still others, 1 Hz. Such
narrow filters are difficult to achieve
at a center frequency of 5.1 GHz, so
we must add additional mixing stages,
typically two to four stages, to downconvert from the first to the final IF.
Figure 2-5 shows a possible IF chain

3.6 GHz

based on the architecture of a typical

spectrum analyzer. The full tuning
equation for this analyzer is:
fsig = f LO1 (f LO2 + f LO3 + f final IF)

response on the display, as if it were an

input signal at 0 Hz. This response, the
LO feedthrough, can mask very lowfrequency signals, so not all analyzers
allow the display range to include 0 Hz.

However,

IF gain

f LO2 + f LO3 + f final IF

Referring back to Figure 2-1, we see

the next component of the block
diagram is a variable gain amplifier.
It is used to adjust the vertical
position of signals on the display
without affecting the signal level at
the input mixer. When the IF gain is
changed, the value of the reference
level is changed accordingly to retain
the correct indicated value for the
displayed signals. Generally, we do not
want the reference level to change
when we change the input attenuator,
so the settings of the input attenuator
and the IF gain are coupled together.

= 4.8GHz + 300 MHz + 22.5 MHz

= 5.1225 GHz, the first IF.
Simplifying the tuning equation by
using just the first IF leads us to the
same answers. Although only passive
filters
are shown in figure 2-5, the actual
implementation includes amplification
in the narrower IF stages. The
final IF section contains additional
components, such as logarithmic
amplifiers or analog -to-digital
converters, depending on the design of
the particular analyzer.
Most RF spectrum analyzers allow
an LO frequency as low as, and even
below, the first IF. Because there is
finite isolation between the LO and IF
ports of the mixer, the LO appears at
the mixer output. When the LO equals
the IF, the LO signal itself is processed
by the system and appears as a

5.1225 GHz

322.5 MHz

A change in input attenuation will

automatically change the IF gain to
offset the effect of the change in input
attenuation, thereby keeping the signal
at a constant position on the display.

22.5 MHz

Envelope
detector

3.8 to 8.7 GHz

4.8 GHz

300 MHz

Sweep
generator

Display

Figure 2-5. Most spectrum analyzers use two to four mixing steps to reach the final IF.

12

Resolving signals
After the IF gain amplifier, we find the
IF section, which consists of the analog
or digital resolution bandwidth (RBW)
filters, or both.

Analog filters
Frequency resolution is the ability of
a spectrum analyzer to separate two
input sinusoids into distinct responses.
Fourier tells us that a sine-wave signal
only has energy at one frequency, so
we should not have any resolution
problems. Two signals, no matter how
close in frequency, should appear
as two lines on the display. But a
closer look at our superheterodyne
receiver shows why signal responses

have a definite width on the display.

The output of a mixer includes the
sum and difference products plus
the two original signals (input and
LO). A bandpass filter determines the
intermediate frequency, and this filter
selects the desired mixing product
and rejects all other signals. Because
the input signal is fixed and the local
oscillator is swept, the products from
the mixer are also swept. If a mixing
product happens to sweep past the
IF, the characteristic shape of the
bandpass filter is traced on the display.
See Figure 2-6. The narrowest filter
in the chain determines the overall
displayed bandwidth, and in the
architecture of Figure 2-5, this filter is
in the 22.5- MHz IF.

Two signals must be far enough apart

or the traces they make will fall on
top of each other and look like only
one response. Fortunately, spectrum
analyzers have selectable resolution
(IF) filters, so it is usually possible to
select one narrow enough to resolve
closely spaced signals.
Keysight data sheets describe the
ability to resolve signals by listing the
3-dB bandwidths of the available IF
filters. This number tells us how close
together equal-amplitude sinusoids can
be and still be resolved. In this case,
there will be about a 3-dB dip between
the two peaks traced out by these
signals. See Figure 2-7. The signals
can be closer together before their

Figure 2-6. As a mixing product sweeps past the IF filter, the filter shape is traced on the display

Figure 2-7. Two equal-amplitude sinusoids separated by the 3-dB BW of the selected IF filter
can be resolved.

13

3. If you experiment with resolution on a spectrum analyzer using

the normal (rosenfell) detector
mode (See Detector types later
in this chapter) use enough video
filtering to create a smooth trace.
Otherwise, you will see smearing as
the two signals interact. While the
smeared trace certainly indicates
the presence of more than one
signal, it is difficult to determine the
amplitudes of the individual signals.
Spectrum analyzers with positive
peak as their default detector mode
may not show the smearing effect.
You can observe the smearing
by selecting the sample detector
mode.

traces merge completely, but the 3-dB

bandwidth is a good rule of thumb for
resolution of equal-amplitude signals 3.
More often than not, we are dealing
with sinusoids that are not equal in
amplitude. The smaller sinusoid can
actually be lost under the skirt of the
response traced out by the larger. This
effect is illustrated in Figure 2-8. The
top trace looks like a single signal, but
in fact represents two signals: one
at 300 MHz (0 dBm) and another at
300.005MHz (30 dBm). The lower
trace shows the display after the 300MHz signal is removed.
Another specification is listed for the
resolution filters: bandwidth selectivity
(or selectivity or shape factor).
Bandwidth selectivity helps determine
the resolving power for unequal
sinusoids. For Keysight analyzers,
bandwidth selectivity is generally
specified as the ratio of the 60-dB
bandwidth to the 3-dB bandwidth, as
shown in Figure 2-9. The analog filters
in Keysight analyzers are a four-pole,
synchronously tuned design, with a
nearly Gaussian shape4. This type of
filter exhibits a bandwidth selectivity of
about 12.7:1.

Figure 2-8. A low-level signal can be lost under the skirt of the response to a larger signal

For example, what resolution

bandwidth must we choose to resolve

Figure 2-9. Bandwidth selectivity, ratio of 60-dB to 3-dB bandwidths

4. Some older spectrum analyzer models used five-pole filters for the narrowest resolution bandwidths to provide improved selectivity of about 10:1.
Modern designs achieve even better bandwidth selectivity using digital IF filters.

14

signals that differ by 4 kHz and 30 dB,

assuming 12.7:1 bandwidth selectivity?
Because we are concerned with
rejection of the larger signal when
the analyzer is tuned to the smaller
signal, we need to consider not the
full bandwidth, but the frequency
difference from the filter center
frequency to the skirt. To determine
how far down the filter skirt is at a
given offset, we use the following
equation:
H(f) = 10(N) log10 [(f/f 0)2 + 1]
Where
H(f) is the filter skirt rejection in dB,
N is the number of filter poles,
f is the frequency offset from the
center in Hz, and
f 0 is given by

RBW
2 21/N 1

For our example, N=4 and f = 4000.

Lets begin by trying the 3-kHz RBW
filter.
First, we compute f 0:
3000
f 0 = 2 2 1 = 3448.44
Now we can determine the filter
rejection at a 4-kHz offset:
H(4000) = 10(4) log10 [(4000/3448.44)2 + 1]
= 14.8 dB
This is not enough to allow us to see
the smaller signal. Lets determine
H(f) again using a 1-kHz filter:
f0 =

1000
= 1149.48
2 2 1

This allows us to calculate the filter

rejection:
H(4000) = 10(4) log10[(4000/1149.48)2 + 1]
= 44.7 dB
Thus, the 1-kHz resolution bandwidth
filter does resolve the smaller signal, as
illustrated in Figure 2-10.

Figure 2-10. The 3-kHz filter (top trace) does not resolve the smaller signal; reducing the resolution bandwidth to 1 kHz (bottom trace) does

Digital filters
Some spectrum analyzers use digital
techniques to realize their resolution
bandwidth filters. Digital filters can
provide important benefits, such as
dramatically improved bandwidth
selectivity. The Keysight PSA and
X-Series signal analyzers implement all
resolution bandwidths digitally. Other
analyzers, such as the Keysight ESA-E
Series, take a hybrid approach, using
analog filters for the wider bandwidths
and digital filters for bandwidths of 300
Hz and below. Refer to Chapter 3 for
more information on digital filters.

Residual FM
The instability and residual FM of the
LOs in an analyzer, particularly the
first LO, often determine the minimum
usable resolution bandwidth. The
unstable YIG (yttrium iron garnet)
oscillator used in early analyzers
typically had a residual FM of about
1 kHz. Because this instability was

15

transferred to any mixing product

involving the LO, there was no point
in having resolution bandwidths
narrower than 1 kHz because it was
impossible to determine the cause of
any instability on the display.
However, modern analyzers have
dramatically improved residual FM. For
example, residual FM in Keysight PXA
Series analyzers is nominally 0.25 Hz;
in PSA Series analyzers, 1 to 4 Hz; and
in ESA Series analyzers, 2 to 8 Hz. This
allows bandwidths as low as 1Hz in
many analyzers, and any instability we
see on a spectrum analyzer today is
due to the incoming signal.

Phase noise
No oscillator is perfectly stable.
Even though we may not be able to
see the actual frequency jitter of a
spectrum analyzer LO system, there
is still a manifestation of the LO
frequency or phase instability that can
be observed. This is known as phase
noise (sometimes called sideband
noise).
All are frequency or phase modulated
by random noise to some extent. As
previously noted, any instability in
the LO is transferred to any mixing
products resulting from the LO and
input signals. So the LO phase noise
modulation sidebands appear around
any spectral component on the display
that is far enough above the broadband
noise floor of the system (Figure 2-11).
The amplitude difference between a
displayed spectral component and the
phase noise is a function of the stability
of the LO. The more stable the LO, the
lower the phase noise. The amplitude
difference is also a function of the
resolution bandwidth. If we reduce the
resolution bandwidth by a factor of 10,
the level of the displayed phase noise
decreases by 10 dB5.
The shape of the phase noise spectrum
is a function of analyzer design, in
particular, the sophistication of the
phase-lock loops employed to stabilize
the LO. In some analyzers, the phase
noise is a relatively flat pedestal out
to the bandwidth of the stabilizing
loop. In others, the phase noise may
fall away as a function of frequency
offset from the signal. Phase noise is
specified in terms of dBc (dB relative
to a carrier) and normalized to a 1-Hz
noise power bandwidth. It is sometimes
specified at specific frequency offsets.
At other times, a curve is given to show
the phase noise characteristics over a
range of offsets.

Figure 2-11. Phase noise is displayed only when a signal is displayed far enough above the system noise floor

Generally, we can see the inherent

phase noise of a spectrum analyzer
only in the narrower resolution filters,
when it obscures the lower skirts of
these filters. The use of the digital
filters previously described does not
change this effect. For wider filters, the
phase noise is hidden under the filter
skirt, just as in the case of two unequal
sinusoids discussed earlier.
Todays spectrum or signal analyzers,
such as Keysights X-Series, allow
you to select different LO stabilization
modes to optimize the phase noise for
different measurement conditions. For
example, the PXA signal analyzer offers
three different modes:

Optimize phase noise for

frequency offsets > 160 kHz from
the carrier This mode optimizes
phase noise for offsets above 160
kHz away from the carrier.
Optimize LO for fast tuning
When this mode is selected, LO
behavior compromises phase noise
at all offsets from the carrier below
approximately 2MHz. This mode
minimizes measurement time and
allows the maximum measurement
throughput when changing the
center frequency or span.

Optimize phase noise for

frequency offsets < 140 kHz from
the carrier In this mode, the LO
phase noise is optimized for the
area close in to the carrier at the
expense of phase noise beyond
140-kHz offset.

5. The effect is the same for the broadband noise floor (or any broadband noise signal). See Chapter 5, Sensitivity and Noise.

16

Figure 2-12a. Phase noise performance can be optimized for different measurement conditions

The PXA signal analyzers phase noise

optimization can also be set to auto
mode, which automatically sets the
instruments behavior to optimize
speed or dynamic range for various
operating conditions. When the span is
> 44.44 MHz or the RBW is > 1.9 MHz,
the PXA selects Fast Tuning mode.
Otherwise, the PXA automatically
chooses Best Close-In Phase Noise
when center frequency <195kHz, or
when center frequency 1MHz and
span 1.3 MHz and RBW 75kHz. If
these conditions are not met, the PXA
automatically chooses Best WideOffset Phase Noise.

Figure 2-12b. Detail of the 140-kHz carrier offset region

Figure 2-13. Phase noise can prevent resolution of unequal signals

In any case, phase noise becomes the

ultimate limitation in an analyzers
ability to resolve signals of unequal
amplitude. As shown in Figure 2-13,
we may have determined that we can
resolve two signals based on the 3-dB
bandwidth and selectivity, only to find
that the phase noise covers up the
smaller signal.

17

Sweep time
Analog resolution filters
If resolution were the only criterion on
which we judged a spectrum analyzer,
we might design our analyzer with the
narrowest possible resolution (IF) filter
and let it go at that. But resolution
affects sweep time, and we care very
much about sweep time. Sweep time
directly affects how long it takes to
complete a measurement.
Resolution comes into play because
the IF filters are band-limited circuits
that require finite times to charge and
discharge. If the mixing products are
swept through them too quickly, there
will be a loss of displayed amplitude, as
shown in Figure 2-14. (See Envelope
detector, later in this chapter, for
another approach to IF response time.)
If we think about how long a mixing
product stays in the pass band of the IF
filter, that time is directly proportional to
bandwidth and inversely proportional to
the sweep in Hz per unit time, or:
Time in pass band =
RBW
= (RBW)(ST)
Span/ST
Span
Where
RBW = resolution bandwidth and
ST = sweep time.
On the other hand, the rise time of
a filter is inversely proportional to its
bandwidth, and if we include a constant
of proportionality, k, then:
Rise time =

k
RBW

If we make the terms equal and solve for

sweep time, we have:
(RBW)(ST)
k
RBW =
Span
or ST =

k (Span)
RBW2

Figure 2-14. Sweeping an analyzer too fast causes a drop in displayed amplitude and a shift in indicated
frequency

The important message here is that

a change in resolution has a dramatic
effect on sweep time. Older analog
analyzers typically provided values in a
1, 3, 10 sequence or in ratios roughly
equaling the square root of 10. So
sweep time was affected by a factor of
about 10 with each step in resolution.
Keysight X-Series s igna l analyzers
offer bandwidth steps of just 10% for an
even better compromise among span,
resolution and sweep time.
Spectrum analyzers automatically couple
sweep time to the span and resolution
bandwidth settings. Sweep time is
adjusted to maintain a calibrated display.
If the need arises, we can override
the automatic setting and set sweep
time manually. If you set a sweep time
shorter than the maximum available,
the analyzer indicates that the display
is uncalibrated with a Meas Uncal
message in the upper-right part of the
graticule.

For the synchronously-tuned, nearGaussian filters used in many analog

analyzers, the value of k is in the 2 to 3
range .

18

Digital resolution filters

The digital resolution filters used in
Keysight spectrum analyzers have an
effect on sweep time that is different
from the effects weve just discussed
for analog filters. For swept analysis,
the speed of digitally implemented
filters, with no further processing, can
show a two to four times improvement.
However, the X-Series signal analyzers
with Option FS1 are programmed to
correct for the effect of sweeping too
fast for resolution bandwidths between
about 3 kHz and 100 kHz. As a result,
sweep times that would otherwise
be many seconds may be reduced
to milliseconds, depending upon the
particular settings. See Figure 2-14a.
The sweep time without the correction
would be 79.8seconds. Figure 2-14b
shows a sweep time of 1.506 s with
Option FS1 installed. For the widest
resolution bandwidths, sweep times are
already very short. For example, using
the formula with k = 2 on a span of
1GHz and a RBW of 1 MHz, the sweep
time calculates to just 2 msec.
For narrower resolution bandwidths,
analyzers such as the Keysight
X-Series use fast Fourier transforms
(FFTs) to process the data, also
producing shorter sweep times than
the formula predicts. The difference
occurs because the signal being
analyzed is processed in frequency
blocks, depending upon the particular
analyzer. For example, if the frequency
block was 1 kHz, then when we select
a 10-Hz resolution bandwidth, the
analyzer is in effect simultaneously
processing the data in each 1-kHz
block through 100 contiguous 10-Hz
filters. If the digital processing were
instantaneous, we would expect sweep
time to be reduced by a factor of 100.
In practice, the reduction factor is
less, but is still significant. For more
information on the advantages of
digital processing, refer to Chapter 3.

Figure 2-14a. Full span sweep speed, RBW of 20 kHz, without Option FS1

Figure 2-14b. Full span sweep speed, RBW of 20 kHz, with Option FS1

More information
A more detailed discussion about fast sweep measurements can be found in
Using Fast-Sweep Techniques to Accelerate Spur Searches Application Note, literature number 5991-3739EN

19

Envelope detector6
Older analyzers typically converted
the IF signal to video with an envelope
detector7. In its simplest form, an
envelope detector consists of a diode,
resistive load and low-pass filter, as
shown in Figure 2-15. The output of the
IF chain in this example, an amplitude
modulated sine wave, is applied to the
detector. The response of the detector
follows the changes in the envelope of
the IF signal, but not the instantaneous
value of the IF sine wave itself.
For most measurements, we choose a
resolution bandwidth narrow enough
to resolve the individual spectral
components of the input signal. If we
fix the frequency of the LO so that our
analyzer is tuned to one of the spectral
components of the signal, the output
of the IF is a steady sine wave with a
constant peak value. The output of
the envelope detector will then be a
constant (DC) voltage, and there is no
variation for the detector to follow.
However, there are times when we
deliberately choose a resolution
bandwidth wide enough to include
two or more spectral components.
At other times, we have no choice.
The spectral components are closer
in frequency than our narrowest
bandwidth. Assuming only two spectral
components within the pass band,
we have two sine waves interacting to
create a beat note, and the envelope of
the IF signal varies, as shown in Figure
2-16, as the phase between the two
sine waves varies.

More information
Additional information on envelope
detectors can be found in Spectrum
and Signal Analyzer Measurements and
NoiseApplication Note, literature
number 5966-4008E.

IF signal

Figure 2-15. Envelope detector

Figure 2-16. Output of the envelope detector follows the peaks of the IF signal

The width of the resolution (IF) filter

determines the maximum rate at
which the envelope of the IF signal can
change. This bandwidth determines
how far apart two input sinusoids can
be so that after the mixing process
they will both be within the filter at the
same time. Lets assume a 22.5-MHz
final IF and a 100-kHz bandwidth. Two
input signals separated by 100 kHz
would produce mixing products of 22.45
and 22.55MHz and would meet the
criterion. See Figure 2-16. The detector
must be able to follow the changes
in the envelope created by these two
signals but not the 22.5-MHz IF signal
itself.
The envelope detector is what makes
the spectrum analyzer a voltmeter.
Lets duplicate the situation above and
have two equal-amplitude signals in
the pass band of the IF at the same
time. A power meter would indicate a
power level 3 dB above either signal,
that is, the total power of the two.
Assume that the two signals are close

enough so that, with the analyzer

tuned half-way between them, there
is negligible attenuation due to the
roll-off of the filter 8. The analyzer
display will vary between a value that
is twice the voltage of either (6dB
greater) and zero (minus infinity on the
log scale). We must remember that the
two signals are sine waves (vectors)
at different frequencies, and so they
continually change in phase with
respect to each other. At some time
they add exactly in phase; at another,
exactly out of phase.
So the envelope detector follows the
changing amplitude values of the peaks
of the signal from the IF chain but not
the instantaneous values, resulting
in the loss of phase information.
This gives the analyzer its voltmeter
characteristics.
Digitally implemented resolution
bandwidths do not have an analog
envelope detector. Instead, the digital
processing computes the root sum
of the squares of the I and Q data,

6. The envelope detector should not be confused with the display detectors. See Detector types later in this chapter.
7. A signal whose frequency range extends from zero (DC) to some upper frequency determined by the circuit elements. Historically, spectrum analyzers with analog displays used this signal to drive the vertical deflection plates of the CRT directly. Hence it was known as the video signal.
8. For this discussion, we assume the filter is perfectly rectangular.

20

which is mathematically equivalent

to an envelope detector. For more
information on digital architecture,
refer to Chapter 3.

Displays
Up until the mid-1970s, spectrum
analyzers were purely analog. The
displayed trace presented a continuous
indication of the signal envelope, and
no information was lost. However,
analog displays had drawbacks. The
major problem was in handling the
long sweep times required for narrow
resolution bandwidths. In the extreme
case, the display became a spot that

moved slowly across the cathode ray

tube (CRT), with no real trace on the
display. So a meaningful display was
not possible with the longer sweep
times.
Keysight (part of Hewlett-Packard
at the time) pioneered a variablepersistence storage CRT in which
we could adjust the fade rate of the
display. When properly adjusted,
the old trace would just fade out at
the point where the new trace was
updating the display. This display was
continuous, had no flicker and avoided
confusing overwrites. It worked quite
well, but the intensity and the fade

Figure 2-17. When digitizing an analog signal, what value should be displayed at each point?

21

rate had to be readjusted for each

new measurement situation. When
digital circuitry became affordable
in the mid-1970s, it was quickly put
to use in spectrum analyzers. Once a
trace had been digitized and put into
memory, it was permanently available
for display. It became an easy matter
to update the display at a flicker-free
rate without blooming or fading. The
data in memory was updated at the
sweep rate, and since the contents of
memory were written to the display at
a flicker-free rate, we could follow the
updating as the analyzer swept through
its selected frequency span just as we
could with analog systems.

Detector types
With digital displays, we had to decide
what value should be displayed for
each display data point. No matter
how many data points we use across
the display, each point must represent
what has occurred over some
frequency range and time interval
(although we usually do not think in
terms of time when dealing with a
spectrum analyzer).
It is as if the data for each interval is
thrown into a bucket and we apply
whatever math is necessary to extract
the desired bit of information from our
input signal. This datum is put into
memory and written to the display. This
process provides great flexibility.
Here we will discuss six different
detector types.

Figure 2-18. Each of the 1001 trace points (buckets) covers a 100-kHz frequency span and a 0.01-millisecond time span

In Figure 2-18, each bucket contains

data from a span and timeframe that
is determined by these equations:

One bucket

Frequency:
bucket width = span/(trace points 1)
Time:
bucket width = sweep time/(trace points 1)
The sampling rates are different for
various instruments, but greater
accuracy is obtained from decreasing
the span or increasing the sweep time
because the number of samples per
bucket will increase in either case. Even
in analyzers with digital IFs, sample
rates and interpolation behaviors
are designed to be the equivalent of
continuous-time processing.
The bucket concept is important,
as it will help us differentiate the six
detector types:
Sample
Positive peak (also simply called
peak)
Negative peak
Normal
Average
Quasipeak

Positive peak

Sample

Negative peak

Figure 2-19. The trace point saved in memory is based on the detector type algorithm

The first three detectors, sample,

peak, and negative peak are easy to
understand and are visually represented
in Figure 2-19. Normal, average, and
quasipeak are more complex and will be
discussed later.

22

Lets return to the question of how to

display an analog system as faithfully
as possible using digital techniques.
Lets imagine the situation illustrated
in Figure2-17. We have a display that
contains only noise and a single CW
signal.

Sample detection
As a first method, let us simply select
the data point as the instantaneous
level at the center of each bucket
(see Figure 2-19). This is the sample
detection mode. To give the trace a
continuous look, we design a system
that draws vectors between the points.
Comparing Figure 2-17 with 2-20, it
appears that we get a fairly reasonable
display. Of course, the more points
there are in the trace, the better the
replication of the analog signal will be.
The number of available display points
can vary for different analyzers. On
X-Series signal analyzers, the number
of display points for frequency domain
traces can be set from a minimum of 1
point to a maximum of 40,001 points.
As shown in Figure 2-21, more points
do indeed get us closer to the analog
signal.
While the sample detection mode
does a good job of indicating the
randomness of noise, it is not a good
mode for analyzing sinusoidal signals.
If we were to look at a 100-MHz comb
on a Keysight PXA, we might set it to
span from 0 to 26.5 GHz. Even with
1,001 display points, each display
point represents a span (bucket) of
26.5 MHz. This is far wider than the
maximum 8-MHz resolution bandwidth.

Figure 2-20. Sample display mode using 10 points

to display the signal shown in Figure 2-17

Figure 2-21. More points produce a display closer

to an analog display

Figure 2-22a. A 10-MHz span of a 250-kHz comb in the sample display mode

As a result, the true amplitude of a

comb tooth is shown only if its mixing
product happens to fall at the center
of the IF when the sample is taken.
Figure 2-22a shows a 10-MHz span
with a 750-Hz bandwidth using sample
detection. The comb teeth should
be relatively equal in amplitude, as
shown in Figure 2-22b (using peak
detection). Therefore, sample detection
does not catch all the signals, nor
does it necessarily reflect the true
peak values of the displayed signals.
When resolution bandwidth is more
narrow than the sample interval (the
bucket width), sample mode can give
erroneous results.

Figure 2-22b. The actual comb over a 10-MHz span using peak (positive) detection

23

Peak (positive) detection

Negative peak detection

Normal detection

One way to insure that all sinusoids

are reported at their true amplitudes
is to display the maximum value
encountered in each bucket. This is
the positive peak detection mode,
or peak. This mode is illustrated in
Figure 2-22b. Peak is the default mode
offered on many spectrum analyzers
because it ensures that no sinusoid is
missed, regardless of the ratio between
resolution bandwidth and bucket width.
However, unlike sample mode, peak
does not give a good representation of
random noise because it only displays
the maximum value in each bucket and
ignores the true randomness of the
noise. So spectrum analyzers that use
peak detection as their primary mode
generally also offer sample mode as an
alternative.

Negative peak detection displays the

minimum value encountered in each
bucket. It is generally available in
most spectrum analyzers, though it
is not used as often as other types of
detection. Differentiating CW from
impulsive signals in EMC testing is
one application where negative peak
detection is valuable. Later in this
application note, we will see how
negative peak detection is also used in
signal identification routines when you
use external mixers for high-frequency
measurements.

To provide a better visual display of

random noise than offered by peak
mode and yet avoid the missed-signal
problem of the sample mode, the
normal detection mode (informally
known as rosenfell 9 mode) is offered on
many spectrum analyzers. Should the
signal both rise and fall, as determined
by the positive peak and negative peak
detectors, the algorithm classifies the
signal as noise.

Figure 2-23a. Normal mode

In that case, an odd-numbered data

point displays the maximum value
encountered during its bucket. And an
even-numbered data point displays the
minimum value encountered during its
bucket. See Figure 2-25. Normal and
sample modes are compared in Figures
2-23a and 2-23b.10

Figure 2-23b. Sample mode

9. Rosenfell is not a persons name but rather a description of the algorithm that tests to see if the signal rose and fell within the bucket represented
by a given data point. It is also sometimes written as rosenfell.
10. Because of its usefulness in measuring noise, the sample detector is usually used in noise marker applications. Similarly, the measurement of
channel power and adjacent-channel power requires a detector type that gives results unbiased by peak detection. For analyzers without
averaging detectors, sample detection is the best choice.

24

What happens when a sinusoidal

signal is encountered? We know that
as a mixing product is swept past
the IF filter, an analyzer traces out
the shape of the filter on the display.
If the filter shape is spread over
many display points, we encounter
a situation in which the displayed
signal only rises as the mixing product
approaches the center frequency of
the filter and only falls as the mixing
product moves away from the filter
center frequency. In either of these
cases, the positive-peak and negativepeak detectors sense an amplitude
change in only one direction, and,
according to the normal detection
algorithm, the maximum value in each
bucket is displayed. See Figure 2-24.
What happens when the resolution
bandwidth is narrow, relative to a
bucket? The signal will both rise and
fall during the bucket. If the bucket
happens to be an odd-numbered
one, all is well. The maximum
value encountered in the bucket
is simply plotted as the next data
point. However, if the bucket is evennumbered, then the minimum value
in the bucket is plotted. Depending
on the ratio of resolution bandwidth
to bucket width, the minimum value
can differ from the true peak value
(the one we want displayed) by a
little or a lot. In the extreme, when
the bucket is much wider than the
resolution bandwidth, the difference
between the maximum and minimum
values encountered in the bucket is
the full difference between the peak
signal value and the noise. This is
true for the example in Figure 2-25.
See bucket 6. The peak value of the
previous bucket is always compared
to that of the current bucket. The
greater of the two values is displayed
if the bucket number is odd, as
depicted in bucket 7. The signal peak
actually occurs in bucket 6 but is not
displayed until bucket 7.

Figure 2-24. Normal detection displays maximum values in buckets where the signal only rises or only falls

25

The normal detection

algorithm:
If the signal rises and falls within a
bucket:
Even-numbered buckets display the
minimum (negative peak) value in the
bucket. The maximum is remembered.
Odd-numbered buckets display the
maxi(positive peak) value determined
by comparing the current bucket peak
with the previous (remembered) bucket
peak. If the signal only rises or only falls
within a bucket, the peak is displayed.
See Figure 2-25.
This process may cause a maximum
value to be displayed one data point
too far to the right, but the offset is
usually only a small percentage of the
span. Some spectrum analyzers, such
as the Keysight PXA signal analyzer,
compensate for this potential effect
by moving the LO start and stop
frequencies.

Figure 2-25. Trace points selected by the normal detection algorithm

Another type of error occurs when two

peaks are displayed when only one
actually exists. Figure 2-26 shows this
error. The outline of the two peaks is
displayed using peak detection with a
wider RBW.
So peak detection is best for locating
CW signals well out of the noise.
Sample is best for looking at noise, and
normal is best for viewing signals and
noise.

Figure 2-26. Normal detection can show two peaks when only one peak actually exists

26

Average detection
Although modern digital modulation
schemes have noise-like
characteristics, sample detection
does not always provide us with the
information we need. For instance,
when taking a channel power
measurement on a W-CDMA signal,
integration of the rms values is
required. This measurement involves
summing power across a range of
analyzer frequency buckets. Sample
detection does not provide this
capability.
While spectrum analyzers typically
collect amplitude data many times in
each bucket, sample detection keeps
only one of those values and throws
away the rest. On the other hand, an
averaging detector uses all the data
values collected within the time (and
frequency) interval of a bucket. Once we
have digitized the data, and knowing the
circumstances under which they were
digitized, we can manipulate the data in
a variety of ways to achieve the desired
results.
Some spectrum analyzers refer to the
averaging detector as an rms detector
when it averages power (based on the
root mean square of voltage). Keysight
X-Series signal analyzers have an
average detector that can average the
power, voltage or log of the signal by
including a separate control to select
the averaging type:
Power (rms) averaging computes
rms levels, by taking the square
root of the average of the squares of
the voltage data measured during
the bucket interval. This computed
voltage is squared and divided by
the characteristic input impedance
of the spectrum analyzer, normally
50 ohms. Power averaging calculates

the true average power, and is best

for measuring the power of complex
signals.
Voltage averaging averages the linear
voltage data of the envelope signal
measured during the bucket interval.
It is often used in EMI testing for
measuring narrowband signals (this
topic will be discussed further in the
next section). Voltage averaging is
also useful for observing rise and fall
behavior of AM or pulse-modulated
signals such as radar and TDMA
transmitters.
Log-power (video) averaging averages
the logarithmic amplitude values
(dB) of the envelope signal measured
during the bucket interval. Log
power averaging is best for observing
sinusoidal signals, especially those
near noise.11
Thus, using the average detector
with the averaging type set to power
provides true average power based
upon rms voltage, while the average
detector with the averaging type set
to voltage acts as a general-purpose
average detector. The average detector
with the averaging type set to log has
no other equivalent.
Average detection is an improvement
over using sample detection for the
determination of power. Sample
detection requires multiple sweeps to
collect enough data points to give us
accurate average power information.
Average detection changes channel
power measurements from being a
summation over a range of buckets
into integration over the time interval
representing a range of frequencies
in a swept analyzer. In a fast Fourier
transfer (FFT) analyzer 12, the
summation used for channel power

11. See Chapter 5, Sensitivity and Noise.

12. Refer to Chapter 3 for more information on the FFT analyzers. They perform math computations on many buckets simultaneously, which improves measurement speed.
13. CISPR, the International Special Committee on Radio Interference, was established in 1934
by a group of international organizations to address radio interference. CISPR is a nongovernmental group composed of National Committees of the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC), as well as numerous international organizations. CISPRs recommended
standards generally form the basis for statutory EMC requirements adopted by governmental
regulatory agencies around the world.

27

measurements changes from being

a summation over display buckets
to being a summation over FFT bins.
In both swept and FFT cases, the
integration captures all the power
information available, rather than just
that which is sampled by the sample
detector. As a result, the average
detector has a lower variance result for
the same measurement time. In swept
analysis, it also allows the convenience
of reducing variance simply by
extending the sweep time.

EMI detectors: average and

quasipeak detection
An important application of average
detection is for characterizing devices
for electromagnetic interference
(EMI). In this case, voltage averaging,
as described in the previous section,
is used for measuring narrowband
signals that might be masked by the
presence of broadband impulsive
noise. The average detection used in
EMI instruments takes an envelopedetected signal and passes it through a
low-pass filter with a bandwidth much
less than the RBW. The filter integrates
(averages) the higher-frequency
components such as noise. To perform
this type of detection in an older
spectrum analyzer that doesnt have
a built-in voltage averaging detector
function, set the analyzer in linear
mode and select a video filter with a
cut-off frequency below the lowest PRF
of the measured signal.
Quasipeak detectors (QPD) are
also used in EMI testing. QPD is a
weighted form of peak detection. The
measured value of the QPD drops as
the repetition rate of the measured
signal decreases. Thus, an impulsive
signal with a given peak amplitude
and a 10-Hz pulse repetition rate will
have a lower quasipeak value than a
signal with the same peak amplitude
but having a 1-kHz repetition rate. This
signal weighting is accomplished by
circuitry with specific charge, discharge
and display time constants defined by
CISPR13.

QPD is a way of measuring and

quantifying the annoyance factor
of a signal. Imagine listening to a radio
station suffering from interference. If you
hear an occasional pop caused by noise
once every few seconds, you can still
listen to the program without too much
trouble. However, if that same amplitude
pop occurs 60 times per second, it
becomes extremely annoying, making
the radio program intolerable to listen to.

Averaging processes
There are several processes in a
spectrum analyzer that smooth the
variations in envelope-detected
amplitude. The first method, average
detection, was discussed previously.
Two other methods, video filtering and
trace averaging, are discussed next.14

Figure 2-27. Spectrum analyzers display signal plus noise

Video filtering
Discerning signals close to the noise
is not just a problem when performing
EMC tests. Spectrum analyzers display
signals plus their own internal noise,
as shown in Figure 2-27. To reduce the
effect of noise on the displayed signal
amplitude, we often smooth or average
the display, as shown in Figure 2-28.
Spectrum analyzers include a variable
video filter for this purpose. The video
filter is a low-pass filter that comes after
the envelope detector and determines
the bandwidth of the video signal that
will later be digitized to yield amplitude
data. The cutoff frequency of the video
filter can be reduced to the point where
it becomes smaller than the bandwidth
of the selected resolution bandwidth
(IF) filter. When this occurs, the video
system can no longer follow the more
rapid variations of the envelope of the

Figure 2-28. Display of Figure 2-27 after full smoothing

More information
A more detailed discussion about
noise markers can be found in
Spectrum and Signal Analyzer Measurements and Noise Application Note,
literature number 5966-4008E
14. A fourth method, called a noise marker,
is discussed in Chapter 5, Sensitivity and
Noise.

Figure 2-29. Smoothing effect of VBW-to-RBW ratios of 3:1, 1:10, and 1:100

28

signal(s) passing through the IF chain.

The result is an averaging or smoothing
of the displayed signal.
The effect is most noticeable in
measuring noise, particularly when you
use a wide-resolution bandwidth. As
we reduce the video bandwidth, the
peak-to-peak variations of the noise
are reduced. As Figure 2-29 shows,
the degree of reduction (degree of
averaging or smoothing) is a function
of the ratio of the video to resolution
bandwidths. At ratios of 0.01 or less,
the smoothing is very good. At higher
ratios, the smoothing is not as good.
The video filter does not affect any part
of the trace that is already smooth (for
example, a sinusoid displayed well out
of the noise).
If we set the analyzer to positive peak
detection mode, we notice two things:
First, if VBW > RBW, then changing
the resolution bandwidth does not
make much difference in the peakto-peak fluctuations of the noise.
Second, if VBW < RBW, changing the
video bandwidth seems to affect the
noise level. The fluctuations do not
change much because the analyzer is
displaying only the peak values of the
noise. However, the noise level appears
to change with video bandwidth
because the averaging (smoothing)
changes, thereby changing the peak
values of the smoothed noise envelope.
See Figure 2-30a. When we select
average detection, we see the average
noise level remains constant. See
Figure 2-30b.
Because the video filter has its
own response time, the sweep time
increases approximately inversely with
video bandwidth when the VBW is
less than the resolution bandwidth.
The sweep time (ST) can therefore be
described by this equation:

Figure 2-30a. Positive peak detection mode: reducing video bandwidth lowers peak noise but not
average noise

Figure 2-30b. Average detection mode: noise level remains constant, regardless of VBW-to-RBW ratios
(3:1, 1:10 and 1:100)

k(Span)
ST (RBW)(VBW)
The analyzer sets the sweep time
automatically to account for video
bandwidth as well as span and
resolution bandwidth.

29

Trace averaging
Digital displays offer another choice for
smoothing the display: trace averaging.
Trace averaging uses a completely
different process from the smoothing
performed using the average detector.
In this case, averaging is accomplished
over two or more sweeps on a pointby-point basis. At each display point,
the new value is averaged in with the
previously averaged data:
n 1
1
A prior avg +
A avg = n
n An

( )

( )

where
A avg = new average value
A prior avg = average from prior sweep
A n= measured value on current sweep
n = number of current sweep
Thus, the display gradually converges
to an average over a number of sweeps.
As with video filtering, we can select
the degree of averaging or smoothing.
We do this by setting the number of
sweeps over which the averaging occurs.
Figure 2-31 shows trace averaging for
different numbers of sweeps. While
trace averaging has no effect on sweep
time, the time to reach a given degree
of averaging is about the same as with
video filtering because of the number of
sweeps required.
In many cases, it does not matter
which form of display smoothing we
pick. If the signal is noise or a low-level
sinusoid very close to the noise, we
get the same results with either video

Figure 2-31. Trace averaging for 1, 5, 20 and 100 sweeps, top to bottom (trace position offset for each
set of sweeps

filtering or trace averaging. However,

there is a distinct difference between
the two. Video filtering performs
averaging in real time. That is, we
see the full effect of the averaging or
smoothing at each point on the display
as the sweep progresses. Each point is
averaged only once, for a time of about
1/VBW on each sweep. Trace averaging,
on the other hand, requires multiple
sweeps to achieve the full degree of
averaging, and the averaging at each
point takes place over the full time
period needed to complete the multiple
sweeps.

Figure 2-32a. Video filtering

As a result, we can get significantly

different results from the two averaging
methods on certain signals. For
example, a signal with a spectrum that
changes with time can yield a different
average on each sweep when we use
video filtering. However, if we choose
trace averaging over many sweeps, we
will get a value much closer to the true
average. See Figures 2-32a and 2-32b.
Figures 2-32a and 2-32b show how
video filtering and trace averaging yield
different results on an FM broadcast
signal.

Figure 2-32b. Trace averaging

30

Time gating
Time-gated spectrum analysis allows
you to obtain spectral information
about signals occupying the same part
of the frequency spectrum that are
separated in the time domain. Using
an external trigger signal to coordinate
the separation of these signals, you can
perform the following operations:
Measure any one of several signals
separated in time (For example,
you can separate the spectra of
two radios time-sharing a single
frequency.)
Measure the spectrum of a signal
in one time slot of a TDMA system
Exclude the spectrum of interfering
signals, such as periodic pulse
edge transients that exist for only a
limited time

Why time gating is needed

Measuring time division

duplex signals
To illustrate using time-gating
capability to perform difficult
measurements, consider Figure 2-33a,
which shows a simplified digital
mobile-radio signal in which two
radios, #1 and #2, are time-sharing
a single frequency channel. Each
radio transmits a single 1-ms burst,
then shuts off while the other radio
transmits for 1 ms. The challenge
is to measure the unique frequency
spectrum of each transmitter.
Unfortunately, a traditional spectrum
analyzer cannot do that. It simply
shows the combined spectrum, as seen
in Figure 2-33b. Using the time-gating
capability and an external trigger
signal, you can see the spectrum of just
radio #1 (or radio #2 if you wish) and
identify it as the source of the spurious

signal shown, as in Figure 2-33c.

Time gating can be achieved using
three different methods we will discuss
below. However, there are certain basic
concepts of time gating that apply
to any implementation. In particular,
you must have, or be able to set, the
following four items:
An externally supplied gate trigger
signal
The gate control or trigger mode
(edge or level) (The X-Series signal
analyzers can be set to gatetrigger holdoff to ignore potential
false triggers.)
The gate delay setting, which
determines how long after the
trigger signal the gate actually
becomes active and the signal is
observed
The gate length setting, which
determines how long the gate is on
and the signal is observed

Traditional frequency-domain spectrum

analysis provides only limited
information for certain difficult-toanalyze signals. Examples include the
following signal types:
Pulsed RF
Time multiplexed
Time domain multiple access
(TDMA)
Interleaved or intermittent
Burst modulated
In some cases, time-gating capability
enables you to perform measurements
that would otherwise be very difficult,
if not impossible to make.

Figure 2-33b. Frequency spectrum of combined

signals. Which radio produces the spurious emissions?

Figure 2-33a. Simplified digital mobile-radio signal in the time domain

Figure 2-33c. The time-gated spectrum of signal

#1 identifies it as the source of spurious emission

31

Figure 2-33d. The time-gated spectrum of signal

#2 shows it is free of spurious emissions

Controlling these parameters will allow

us to look at the spectrum of the signal
during a desired portion of the time.
If you are fortunate enough to have a
gating signal that is only true during
the period of interest, you can use
level gating, as shown in Figure2-34.
However, in many cases the gating
signal will not perfectly coincide with
the time we want to measure the
spectrum. Therefore, a more flexible
approach is to use edge triggering in
conjunction with a specified gate delay
and gate length to precisely define the
time period in which to measure the
signal.
Consider the GSM signal with eight
time slots in Figure 2-35. Each burst is
0.577 ms and the full frame is 4.615 ms.
We may be interested in the spectrum
of the signal during a specific time slot.
For the purposes of this example, lets
assume we are using only two of the
eight available time slots (time slots 1
and 3), as shown in Figure2-36. When
we look at this signal in the frequency
domain in Figure2-37, we observe an
unwanted spurious signal present in
the spectrum. In order to troubleshoot
the problem and find the source of
this interfering signal, we need to
determine the time slot in which it is
occurring. If we wish to look at time
slot 3, we set up the gate to trigger
on the rising edge of the burst in time
slot 3, and, then specify a gate delay of
1.4577ms and a gate length of 461.60
s, as shown in Figure 2-38. The gate
delay assures that we only measure the
spectrum of time slot 3 while the burst
is fully on. Note that the gate start
and stop value is carefully selected to
avoid the rising and falling edge of the
burst, as we want to allow time for the
RBW filtered signal to settle out before
we make a measurement. Figure 2-39
shows the spectrum of time slot 3,
which reveals that the spurious signal is
not caused by this burst.

Figure 2-34. Level triggering: the spectrum analyzer only measures the frequency spectrum when the
gate trigger signal is above a certain level

Figure 2-35. A TDMA format signal (in this case, GSM) with 8 time slots, time slot zero is off.

Three methods are commonly used to

perform time gating:
Gated FFT
Gated LO
Gated video

32

Figure 2-36. A zero span (time domain) view of the GSM signal with only time
slots 1 and 3 on.

Figure 2-37. Frequency domain view of the GSM signal with 2 time slots on
showing an unwanted spurious signal present in the spectrum.

Figure 2-38. Time gating is used to look at the spectrum of the GSM time
slot 3.

Figure 2-39. Spectrum of time slot 3 reveals that the spurious signal is not
caused by this burst.

33

RF
step
attenuator

Mixer

IF resolution
bandwidth IF log
filter
amplifier

Envelope
detector
(IF to video)

Video
bandwidth
filter

Peak/sample
detector

Analog-digital
converter

RF
input

Display logic
Local
oscillator

Scan generator
Gate
control
Display

Figure 2-40. In gated LO mode, the LO sweeps only during gate interval

Gated FFT

Gated LO

The Keysight X-Series signal analyzers

have built-in FFT capabilities. In this
mode, the data is acquired for an FFT
starting at a chosen delay following
a trigger. The IF signal is digitized
and captured for a time period of
1.83 divided by resolution bandwidth.
An FFT is computed based on this
data acquisition and the results are
displayed as the spectrum. Thus, the
spectrum is that which existed at a
particular time of known duration. This
is the fastest gating technique when
the span is not wider than the FFT
maximum width.

LO gating, sometimes referred to as

gated sweep, is another technique
for performing time gating. With this
method, we control the voltage ramp
produced by the scan generator to
sweep the LO, as shown in Figure
2-40. When the gate is active, the
LO ramps up in frequency like any
spectrum analyzer. When the gate is
blocked, the voltage out of the scan
generator is frozen, and the LO stops
rising in frequency. This technique
can be much faster than gated video
because multiple buckets can be
measured during each burst. As an
example, lets use the same GSM signal

To get the maximum possible

frequency resolution, choose the
narrowest available RBW with a
capture time that fits within the time
period of interest. You may not always
need that much resolution, however,
and you could choose a wider RBW
with a corresponding narrower gate
length. The minimum usable RBW in
gated FFT applications is always lower
than the minimum usable RBW in other
gating techniques, because the IF must
fully settle during the burst in other
techniques, which takes longer than
1.83 divided by RBW.

Figure 2-41. Spectrum of the GSM signal

34

described earlier in this chapter. Using

an X-Series signal analyzer, a standard,
non-gated, spectrum sweep over a
1-MHz span takes 14.6 ms, as shown
in Figure 2-41. With a gate length of
0.3 ms, the spectrum analyzer sweep
must be built up in 49 gate intervals
(14.6 divided by 0.3). Or, if the full
frame of the GSM signal is 4.615 ms,
the total measurement time is 49
intervals times 4.615 ms = 226 ms. This
represents a significant improvement
in speed compared to the gated video
technique, which will be described
in the following section. LO gating is
available on X-Series signal analyzers
and PSA Series spectrum analyzers.

Gated video
Gated video is the analysis technique
used in a number of spectrum
analyzers, including the Keysight 8560,
8590 and ESA Series. In this case,
the video voltage is switched off, or
to negative infinity decibels, during
the time the gate is supposed to be
in its blocked mode. The detector
is set to peak detection. The sweep
time must be set so that the gates
occur at least once per display point,

RF
step
attenuator

Mixer

or bucket, so the peak detector is

able to see real data during that time
interval. Otherwise, there will be trace
points with no data, resulting in an
incomplete spectrum. Therefore, the
minimum sweep time is N display
buckets times burst cycle time. For
example, in GSM measurements, the
full frame lasts 4.615 ms. For an ESA
spectrum analyzer set to its default
value of 401 display points, the
minimum sweep time for GSM gated
video measurements would be 401

IF resolution
bandwidth IF log
filter
amplifier

RF
input

Envelope
detector
(IF to video)

dB

times 4.615 ms or 1.85 s. Some TDMA

formats have cycle times as large as 90
ms, resulting in long sweep times using
the gated video technique.
Now that youve seen how a classic
analog spectrum analyzer works and
how to use some of the important
features and capabilities, lets take
a look at how replacing some analog
circuits with digital technology
improves spectrum analyzer
performance.

Video
bandwidth
filter

Peak/sample
detector

Reset

Gate control
Display logic
Local
oscillator

Scan generator

Display
Figure 2-42. Block diagram of a spectrum analyzer with gated video

35

Analog-digital
converter

Chapter 3. Digital IF Overview

Since the 1980s, one of the most
profound changes in spectrum analysis
has been the application of digital
technology to replace portions of
spectrum analyzers that had been
implemented previously as analog
circuits. With the availability of
high-performance analog-to-digital
converters, the latest spectrum
analyzers digitize incoming signals
much earlier in the signal path
compared to spectrum analyzer
designs of just a few years ago. The
change has been most dramatic in the
IF section of the spectrum analyzer.
Digital IFs1 have had a great impact on
spectrum analyzer performance, with
significant improvements in speed,
accuracy and the ability to measure
complex signals using advanced DSP
techniques.

Digital filters
You will find a partial implementation
of digital IF circuitry in the Keysight
ESA-E Series spectrum analyzers.
While the 1-kHz and wider RBWs are
implemented with traditional analog
LC and crystal filters, the narrowest

21.4 MHz

bandwidths (1 Hz to 300 Hz) are

realized using digital techniques. As
shown in Figure 3-1, the linear analog
signal is mixed down to an 8.5-kHz
IF and passed through a bandpass
filter only 1 kHz wide. This IF signal is
amplified, then sampled at an 11.3-kHz
rate and digitized.
Once in digital form, the signal is
put through a fast Fourier transform
algorithm. To transform the appropriate
signal, the analyzer must be fixedtuned (not sweeping). That is, the
transform must be done on a timedomain signal. Thus the ESA-E Series
analyzers step in 900-Hz increments,
instead of sweeping continuously, when
we select one of the digital resolution
bandwidths. This stepped tuning
can be seen on the display, which is
updated in 900-Hz increments as the
digital processing is completed.
As you will see in a moment, other
spectrum and signal analyzers, such
as the Keysight X-Series analyzers,
use an all-digital IF, implementing all
resolution bandwidth filters digitally.

A key benefit of the digital processing

done in these analyzers is a bandwidth
selectivity of about 4:1. This selectivity
is available on the narrowest filters, the
ones we would choose to separate the
most closely spaced signals.
In Chapter 2, we did a filter skirt
selectivity calculation for two
signals spaced 4 kHz apart, using a
3-kHz analog filter. Lets repeat that
calculation using digital filters. A good
model of the selectivity of digital filters
is a near-Gaussian model:
H(f) = 3.01 dB x

f
[ RBW/2
]

where H(f) is the filter skirt rejection in dB.

f is the frequency offset from the
center in Hz, and is a parameter that
controls selectivity. = 2 for an ideal
Gaussian filter. The swept RBW filters
used in Keysight spectrum analyzers
are based on a near-Gaussian model
with an value equal to 2.12, resulting
in a selectivity ratio of 4.1:1.

Log
Video

ADC

Linear

Sample and hold

at 11.3 kHz

3rd LO

8.5 kHz CF
1 kHz BW

Figure 3-1. Digital implementation of 1-, 3-, 10-, 30-, 100- and 300-Hz resolution filters in ESA-E Series spectrum analyzers

1. Strictly speaking, once a signal has been digitized, it is no longer at an intermediate frequency, or IF. At that point, the signal is represented by digital data values. However, we use the term digital IF to describe the digital processing that replaces the analog IF processing found in traditional
spectrum analyzers.

36

Entering the values from our example

into the equation, we get:
4000 2.12
H(4 kHz) = 3.01 dB x
3000/2
= 24.1 dB

At an offset of 4 kHz, the 3-kHz digital

filter is down 24.1 dB compared to the
analog filter which was only down 14.8
dB. Because of its superior selectivity,
the digital filter can resolve more
closely spaced signals.

All-digital IF
Analyzers such as the Keysight
X-Series combine several digital
techniques to achieve the all-digital IF.
The all-digital IF offers users a wealth
of advantages. The combination of FFT
analysis for narrow spans and swept
analysis for wider spans optimizes
sweeps for the fastest possible
measurements. Architecturally, the
ADC is moved closer to the input
port, a move made possible by
improvements to the A-to-D converters
and other digital hardware. Lets begin
by taking a look at the block diagram of

the all-digital IF in the X-Series signal

analyzer, as shown in Figure 3-2.
In this case, all 160 resolution
bandwidths are digitally implemented.
However, there is some analog circuitry
prior to the ADC, starting with several
stages of down conversion, followed
by a pair of single-pole prefilters (one
an LC filter, the other crystal-based).
A prefilter helps prevent succeeding
stages from contributing third-order
distortion in the same way a prefilter
would in an analog IF. In addition, it
enables dynamic range extension via
autoranging. The output of the singlepole prefilter is routed to the autorange
detector and the anti-alias filter.

three cycles of the ADC clock (30

MHz) through the anti-alias filter. The
delay allows time for an impending
large signal to be recognized before it
overloads the ADC. The logic circuitry
controlling the autorange detector
will decrease the gain in front of the
ADC before a large signal reaches it,
thus preventing clipping. If the signal
envelope remains small for a long time,
the autoranging circuit increases the
gain, reducing the effective noise at the
input. The digital gain after the ADC
is also changed to compensate for the
analog gain in front of it. The result is
a floating point ADC with very wide
dynamic range when autoranging is
enabled in swept mode.

As with any FFT-based IF architecture,

the anti-alias filter is required to
prevent aliasing (the folding of outof-band signals into the ADC sampled
data). This filter has many poles and
thus has substantial group delay.
Even a very fast-rising RF burst,
downconverted to the IF frequency,
will experience a delay of more than

Custom IC
Anti-alias
filter

Analog
gain

Digital
gain
ADC

Prefilter

Ranging
rules

Counter

I, Q

r,

log (r)
log
log
log

Hilbert
transform

Display
det

VBW
pwr
v
log

pwr
v
log

log
log
log

Autoranging ADC system

Processor
FFT

Display
Processing
log/lin

Figure 3-2. Block diagram of the all-digital IF in the Keysight X-Series signal analyzers

37

dB/div

Display

Figure 3-3 illustrates the sweeping

behavior of the X-Series analyzers. The
single-pole prefilter allows the gain to
be turned up high when the analyzer
is tuned far from the carrier. As the
carrier gets closer, the gain falls and
the ADC quantization noise rises. The
noise level will depend on the signal
level frequency separation from the
carrier, so it looks like a step-shaped
phase noise. However, phase noise
is different from this autoranging
noise. Phase noise cannot be avoided
in a spectrum analyzer. However,
reducing the prefilter width can reduce
autoranging noise at most frequency
offsets from the carrier. Since the
prefilter width is approximately 2.5
times the RBW, reducing the RBW
reduces the autoranging noise.

Custom digital signal

processing
Turning back to the block diagram of
the digital IF (Figure 3-2), after the ADC
gain has been set with analog gain and
corrected with digital gain, a custom
IC begins processing the samples.
First, it splits the 30-MHz IF samples
into I and Q pairs at half the rate (15
Mpairs/s). The I and Q pairs are given
a high-frequency boost with a singlestage digital filter that has gain and
phase approximately opposite to that of
the single-pole analog prefilter. Next,
I and Q signals are low-pass filtered
with a linear-phase filter with nearly
ideal Gaussian response. Gaussian
filters have always been used for
swept spectrum analysis, because of
their optimum compromise between
frequency domain performance (shape
factor) and time-domain performance
(response to rapid sweeps). With the
signal bandwidth now reduced, the I
and Q pairs may be decimated and sent
to the processor for FFT processing
or demodulation. Although FFTs can
be performed to cover a segment of
frequency span up to the 10-MHz
bandwidth of the anti-alias filter, even
a narrower FFT span, such as 1 kHz,
with a narrow RBW, such as 1 Hz, would
require FFTs with 20 million data points.
Using decimation for narrower spans,
the number of data points needed to

Amplitude
(log)

ADC
clipping threshold
Prefilter gain
Typical
analog IF
response

Digital IF RBW response

Noise floor after autoranging
Typical LO phase noise

Frequency or time
Figure 3-3. Autoranging keeps ADC noise close to the carrier and lower than LO noise or RBW filter response

compute the FFT is greatly reduced,

speeding up computations.
For swept analysis, the filtered I and
Q pairs are converted to magnitude
and phase pairs. For traditional swept
analysis, the magnitude signal is videobandwidth (VBW) filtered and samples
are taken through the display detector
circuit. The log/linear display selection
and dB/division scaling occur in the
processor, so a trace can be displayed
on any scale without remeasuring.

Additional video processing

features
The VBW filter normally smoothes the
log of the magnitude of the signal, but
it has many additional features. It can
convert the log magnitude to a voltage
envelope before filtering and convert
it back for consistent behavior before
display detection.
Filtering the magnitude on a linear
voltage scale is desirable for observing
pulsed-RF envelope shapes in zero
span. The log-magnitude signal
also can be converted to a power
(magnitude squared) signal before
filtering, and then it can be converted
back. Filtering the power allows the
analyzer to give the same average
response to signals with noiselike characteristics, such as digital
communications signals, as to CW
signals with the same rms voltage. An
increasingly common measurement
38

need is total power in a channel

or across a frequency range. In a
measurement such as this, the display
points might represent the average
power during the time the LO sweeps
through that point. The VBW filter can
be reconfigured into an accumulator
to perform averaging on either a log,
voltage or power scale.

Frequency counting
Swept spectrum analyzers usually
have a frequency counter. This counter
counts the zero crossings in the IF
signal and offsets that count by the
known frequency offsets from LOs in
the rest of the conversion chain. If the
count is allowed to run for a second,
you can achieve a resolution of 1Hz.
Because of its digitally synthesized
LOs and all-digital RBWs, the native
frequency accuracy of the X-Series
signal analyzer is very good (0.1% of
span). In addition, the X-Series signal
analyzer includes a frequency counter
that observes not just zero crossings,
but also the change in phase. Thus, it
can resolve frequency to the tens-ofmillihertz level in 0.1 second. With this
design, the ability to resolve frequency
changes is not limited by the spectrum
analyzer, but rather is determined
by the noisiness of the signal being
counted.

More advantages of all-digital IF

We have already discussed a number
of advantages of signal analyzers with
all-digital IF: power/voltage/log video
filtering, high-resolution frequency
counting, log/linear switching of
stored traces, excellent shape factors,
an average-across-the display-point
detector mode, 160 RBWs, and of
course, FFT or swept processing. In
spectrum analysis, the filtering action of
RBW filters causes errors in frequency
and amplitude measurements that are
a function of the sweep rate. For a fixed
level of these errors, the all-digital
IFs linear phase RBW filters allow
faster sweep rates than analog filters
permit. The digital implementation
also allows well-known compensations
to frequency and amplitude readout,
permitting sweep rates typically twice
as fast as older analyzers and excellent
performance at even four times the
sweep speed. Keysight X-Series signal
analyzers can achieve over 50 times
faster sweep speeds (see Chapter 2 Digital resolution filters).
Digitally implemented logarithmic
amplification is very accurate. Typical
errors of the entire analyzer are
much smaller than the measurement
uncertainty with which the
manufacturer proves the log fidelity.
The log fidelity on all digital IF

implementations is specified at 0.07

dB for any level up to 20 dBm at the
input mixer of the analyzer. The range
of the log amp does not limit the log
fidelity at low levels, as it would be in
an analog IF; the range is only limited
by noise around 155 dBm at the
input mixer. Because of single-tone
compression in upstream circuits at
higher powers, the fidelity specification
degrades to 0.13 dB for signal levels
down to 10 dBm at the input mixer.
By comparison, analog log amps are
usually specified with tolerances in the
1 dB region.
Other IF-related accuracies are
improved as well. The IF prefilter is
analog and must be aligned like an
analog filter, so it is subject to alignment
errors, but it is much better than most
analog filters. With only one stage to
manufacture, that stage can be made
much more stable than the 4- and
5-stage filters of analog IF-based
spectrum analyzers. As a result, the
gain variations between RBW filters
is held to a specification of 0.03 dB
for general digital IF implementations,
which is ten times better than all-analog
designs.
The accuracy of the IF bandwidth is
determined by settability limitations
in the digital part of the filtering and
calibration uncertainties in the analog

39

prefilter. Again, the prefilter is highly

stable and contributes only 20 percent
of the error that would exist with an
RBW made of five such stages. As a
result, most RBWs are within 2 percent
of their stated bandwidth, compared
to 10 to 20 percent specifications in
analog-IF analyzers.
Bandwidth accuracy is important
for minimizing the inaccuracy of
channel power measurements and
similar measurements. The noise
bandwidth of the RBW filters is known
to much better specifications than
the 2 percent setting tolerance, and
noise markers and channel-power
measurements are corrected to a
tolerance of 0.5percent. Therefore,
bandwidth uncertainties contribute
only 0.022 dB to the amplitude error
of noise density and channel-power
measurements.
Finally, with no analog reference-leveldependent gain stages, there is no IF
gain error at all. The sum of all these
improvements means that the all-digital
IF makes a quantum improvement
in spectrum analyzer accuracy. It
also allows you to change analyzer
settings without significantly impacting
measurement uncertainty. We will cover
this topic in more detail in the next
chapter.

Chapter 4. Amplitude and Frequency Accuracy

Now lets look at amplitude accuracy,
or perhaps better, amplitude
uncertainty. Most spectrum analyzers
are specified in terms of both absolute
and relative accuracy. However, relative
performance affects both, so lets
look first at factors affecting relative
measurement uncertainty.
Before we discuss these uncertainties,
lets look again at the block diagram
of an analog swept-tuned spectrum
analyzer, shown in Figure 4-1, and see
which components contribute to the
uncertainties. Later in this chapter, we
will see how a digital IF and various
correction and calibration techniques
can substantially reduce measurement
uncertainty.
Components that contribute to
uncertainty:
Input connector (mismatch)
RF input attenuator
Mixer and input filter (flatness)
IF gain/attenuation (reference level)
RBW filters
Display scale fidelity
Calibrator (not shown)
RF input
attenuator

Mixer

Impedance mismatch is an important

factor in measurement uncertainty
that is often overlooked. Analyzers do
not have perfect input impedances,
and signal sources do not have ideal
output impedances. When a mismatch
exists, the incident and reflected signal
vectors may add constructively or
destructively. Thus the signal received
by the analyzer can be larger or
smaller than the original signal. In most
cases, uncertainty due to mismatch is
relatively small. However, as spectrum
analyzer amplitude accuracy has
improved dramatically in recent
years, mismatch uncertainty now
constitutes a more significant part of
total measurement uncertainty. In any
case, improving the match of either the
source or analyzer reduces uncertainty.
The general expression used to calculate
the maximum mismatch error in dB is:
Error (dB) = 20 log[1 |(analyzer)(source)|]
where is the reflection coefficient.

IF filter

IF gain

Spectrum analyzer data sheets

typically specify the input voltage
standing wave ratio (VSWR). Knowing
the VSWR, we can calculate with the
following equation:
=

(VSWR1)
(VSWR+1)

As an example, consider a spectrum

analyzer with an input VSWR of 1.2 and
a device under test (DUT) with a VSWR
of 1.4 at its output port. The resulting
mismatch error would be 0.13 dB.

More information
For more information about how
improving the match of either
the source or analyzer reduces
uncertainty, see the Keysight
PSA Performance Spectrum Analyzer
Series Amplitude Accuracy Technical
Overview literature number 59803080EN.

Log
amp

Envelope
detector

Input
signal
Pre-selector, or
low-pass filter

Video
filter

Local
oscillator
Reference
oscillator

Sweep
generator

Display

Figure 4-1. Spectrum analyzer block diagram

40

Since the analyzers worst-case match

occurs when its input attenuator is
set to 0 dB, we should avoid the 0
dB setting if we can. Alternatively,
we can attach a well-matched pad
(attenuator) to the analyzer input and
greatly reduce mismatch as a factor.
Adding attenuation is a technique that
works well to reduce measurement
uncertainty when the signal we wish
to measure is well above the noise.
However, in cases where the signalto-noise ratio is small (typically 7
dB), adding attenuation will increase
measurement error because the
noise power adds to the signal power,
resulting in an erroneously high
reading.
Lets turn our attention to the
input attenuator. Some relative
measurements are made with different
attenuator settings. In these cases, we
must consider the input attenuation
switching uncertainty. Because an RF
input attenuator must operate over the
entire frequency range of the analyzer,
its step accuracy varies with frequency.
The attenuator also contributes to the
overall frequency response. At 1 GHz,
we expect the attenuator performance
to be quite good; at 26 GHz, not as
good.
The next component in the signal path
is the input filter. Spectrum analyzers
use a fixed low-pass filter in the low
band and a tunable bandpass filter
called a preselector (we will discuss the
preselector in more detail in Chapter
7) in the higher frequency bands. The
low-pass filter has a better frequency
response than the preselector and
adds a small amount of uncertainty
to the frequency response error. A
preselector, usually a YIG-tuned
filter, has a larger frequency response
variation, ranging from 1.5 dB to 3 dB
at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Following the input filter are the
mixer and the local oscillator, both of
which add to the frequency response

uncertainty. Figure4-2 illustrates what

the frequency response might look
like in one frequency band. Frequency
response is usually specified as x dB
relative to the midpoint between the
extremes. The frequency response of
a spectrum analyzer represents the
overall system performance resulting
from the flatness characteristics and
interactions of individual components
in the signal path up to and including
the first mixer. Microwave spectrum
analyzers use more than one frequency
band to go above 3.6 GHz. This is done
by using a higher harmonic of the local
oscillator, which will be discussed
in detail in Chapter 7. When making
relative measurements between signals
in different frequency bands, you must
add the frequency response of each
band to determine the overall frequency
response uncertainty. In addition,
some spectrum analyzers have a band
switching uncertainty which must be
added to the overall measurement
uncertainty.
After the input signal is converted to
an IF, it passes through the IF gain
amplifier and IF attenuator, which are
adjusted to compensate for changes
in the RF attenuator setting and
mixer conversion loss. Input signal
amplitudes are thus referenced to the
top line of the graticule on the display,
known as the reference level. The IF
amplifier and attenuator work only at

one frequency and, therefore, do not

contribute to frequency response.
However, some amplitude uncertainty
is always introduced and it depends
on how accurately the IF amplifier and
attenuator can be set to a desired
value. This uncertainty is known as
reference level accuracy.
Another parameter we might change
during the course of a measurement
is resolution bandwidth. Different
filters have different insertion losses.
Generally, we see the greatest
difference when switching between
LC filters (typically used for the wider
resolution bandwidths) and crystal
filters (used for narrow bandwidths).
This results in resolution bandwidth
switching uncertainty.
The most common way to display
signals on a spectrum analyzer is to use
a logarithmic amplitude scale, such as
10 dB per div or 1dB per div. Therefore,
the IF signal usually passes through a
log amplifier. The gain characteristic
of the log amplifier approximates a
logarithmic curve. So any deviation
from a perfect logarithmic response
adds to the amplitude uncertainty.
Similarly, when the spectrum analyzer
is in linear mode, the linear amplifiers
do not have a perfect linear response.
This type of uncertainty is called
display scale fidelity.

Frequency response
Signals in the same harmonic band
+0.5 dB

- 0.5 dB

BAND 1
Specification: 0.5 dB

Figure 4-2. Relative frequency response in a single band

41

Relative uncertainty

Absolute amplitude accuracy

When we make relative measurements

on an incoming signal, we use either
some part of the same signal or a
different signal as a reference. For
example, when we make second
harmonic distortion measurements, we
use the fundamental of the signal as
our reference. Absolute values do not
come into play; we are interested only
in how the second harmonic differs in
amplitude from the fundamental.

Almost all spectrum analyzers have a

built-in calibration source that provides
a known reference signal of specified
amplitude and frequency. We rely on
the relative accuracy of the analyzer
to translate the absolute calibration of
the reference to other frequencies and
amplitudes. Spectrum analyzers often
have an absolute frequency response
specification, where the zero point
on the flatness curve is referenced to
this calibration signal. Many Keysight
spectrum analyzers use a 50-MHz
reference signal. At this frequency, the
specified absolute amplitude accuracy
is extremely good: 0.24 dB for the
X-Series PXA signal analyzer.

In a worst-case relative measurement

scenario, the fundamental of the
signal may occur at a point where
the frequency response is highest,
while the harmonic we wish to
measure occurs at the point where
the frequency response is the lowest.
The opposite scenario is equally likely.
Therefore, if our relative frequency
response specification is 0.5 dB, as
shown in Figure 4-2, then the total
uncertainty would be twice that value,
or 1.0 dB.
Perhaps the two signals under test
are in different frequency bands of
the spectrum analyzer. In that case,
a rigorous analysis of the overall
uncertainty must include the sum of
the flatness uncertainties of the two
frequency bands.

It is best to consider all known

uncertainties and then determine
which ones can be ignored when
making a certain type of measurement.
The range of values shown in Table
4-1 represents the specifications of a
variety of spectrum analyzers.
Some of the specifications, such as
frequency response, are frequencyrange dependent. A 3-GHz RF analyzer
might have a frequency response of
0.38 dB, while a microwave spectrum
analyzer tuning in the 26-GHz range
could have a frequency response of
2.5 dB or higher. On the other hand,
other sources of uncertainty, such as
changing resolution bandwidths, apply
equally to all frequencies.

Table 4-1. Representative values of amplitude uncertainty for common spectrum analyzers

Amplitude uncertainties (dB)

Relative
RF attenuator switching uncertainty

0.18 to 0.7

Frequency response

0.38 to 2.5

Reference level accuracy (IF attenuator/gain change)

0.0 to 0.7

Resolution bandwidth switching uncertainty

0.03 to 1.0

Display scale fidelity

0.07 to 1.15

Absolute
Calibrator accuracy

0.24 to 0.34

Other uncertainties might be irrelevant

in a relative measurement, like RBW
switching uncertainty or reference level
accuracy, which apply to both signals at
the same time.

42

Improving overall uncertainty

When we look at total measurement
uncertainty for the first time, we may
well be concerned as we add up the
uncertainty figures. The worst-case view
assumes each source of uncertainty
for your spectrum analyzer is at the
maximum specified value, and all are
biased in the same direction at the same
time. The sources of uncertainty can be
considered independent variables, so it
is likely that some errors will be positive
while others will be negative. Therefore,
a common practice is to calculate the
root sum of squares (RSS) error.
Regardless of whether we calculate the
worst-case or RSS error, we can take
steps to improve the situation. First of
all, we should know the specifications
for our particular spectrum analyzer.
These specifications may be good
enough over the range in which we are
making our measurement. If not, Table
4-1 suggests some opportunities to
improve accuracy.
Before taking any data, we can step
through a measurement to see if any
controls can be left unchanged. We
might find that the measurement
can be made without changing the
RF attenuator setting, resolution
bandwidth or reference level. If so,
all uncertainties associated with
changing these controls drop out. We
may be able to trade off reference
level accuracy against display fidelity,
using whichever is more accurate and
eliminating the other as an uncertainty
factor. We can even get around
frequency response if we are willing
to go to the trouble of characterizing
our particular analyzer 2. You can
accomplish this by using a power
meter and comparing the reading of
the spectrum analyzer at the desired
frequencies with the reading of the
power meter.
The same applies to the calibrator. If we
have a more accurate calibrator, or one
closer to the frequency of interest, we
may wish to use that in lieu of the built-

in calibrator. Finally, many analyzers

available today have self-calibration
routines. These routines generate error
coefficients (for example, amplitude
changes versus resolution bandwidth)
that the analyzer later uses to correct
measured data. As a result, these selfcalibration routines allow us to make
good amplitude measurements with a
spectrum analyzer and give us more
freedom to change controls during the
course of a measurement.

During manufacture, all instruments

are tested for typical performance
parameters.

Specifications, typical
performance and nominal
values

Digital IF architecture and

uncertainties

When evaluating spectrum analyzer

accuracy, it is important to have a clear
understanding of the many different
values found on an analyzer data sheet.
Keysight defines three classes of
instrument performance data:
Specifications describe the
performance of parameters covered
by the product warranty over a
temperature range of 0 to 55 C (unless
otherwise noted). Each instrument
is tested to verify it meets the
specification and takes into account
the measurement uncertainty of the
equipment used to test the instrument.
All of the units tested will meet the
specification.
Some test equipment manufacturers
use a 2 sigma or 95% confidence
value for certain instrument
specifications. When evaluating data
sheet specifications for instruments
from different manufacturers, it
is important to make sure you are
comparing like numbers in order to
make an accurate comparison.
Typical performance describes
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 30C. Typical performance does
not include measurement uncertainty.

2. Should we do so, then mismatch may become a more significant error.

43

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.
Nominal parameters generally are
not tested during the manufacturing
process.

As described in the previous chapter,

a digital IF architecture eliminates or
minimizes many of the uncertainties
experienced in analog spectrum
analyzers. These include:

Reference level accuracy (IF

gain uncertainty)
Spectrum analyzers with an all-digital
IF, such as the Keysight X-Series, do
not have IF gain that changes with
reference level. Therefore, there is no
IF gain uncertainty.

Display scale fidelity

A digital IF architecture does not
include a log amplifier. Instead, the log
function is performed mathematically,
and traditional log fidelity uncertainty
does not exist. However, other factors,
such as RF compression (especially
for input signals above 20 dBm),
ADC range gain alignment accuracy
and ADC linearity (or quantization
error) contribute to display scale
uncertainty. The quantization error
can be improved by the addition of
noise, which smoothes the average of
the ADC transfer function. This added
noise is called dither. While the dither
improves linearity, it does slightly
degrade the displayed average noise
level. In the X-Series signal analyzers,
we generally recommend you use
dither when the measured signal has
a signal-to-noise ratio of greater than
or equal to 10 dB. When the signalto-noise ratio is less than 10 dB, the
degradations to accuracy of any single

measurement (in other words, without

averaging) that come from a higher
noise floor are worse than the linearity
problems solved by adding dither, so
dither is best turned off.

RBW switching uncertainty

The digital IF in the X-Series signal
analyzers includes an analog prefilter
set to 2.5 times the desired resolution
bandwidth. This prefilter has some
uncertainty in bandwidth, gain and
center frequency as a function of the
RBW setting. The rest of the RBW
filtering is done digitally in an ASIC in
the digital IF section. Though the digital
filters are not perfect, they are very
repeatable, and some compensation
is applied to minimize the error.
This results in a tremendous overall
improvement to the RBW switching
uncertainty compared to analog
implementations.

Amplitude uncertainty
examples
Lets look at some amplitude
uncertainty examples for various
measurements. Suppose we want to
measure a 1-GHz RF signal with an
amplitude of 20 dBm. If we use a
Keysight PXA X-Series signal analyzer
with Atten = 10 dB, RBW = 1 kHz, VBW
= 1 kHz, Span = 20 kHz, Ref level =
20dBm, log scale, and coupled sweep
time, and an ambient temperature of
20 to 30 C, the specifications tell us
that the absolute uncertainty equals
0.24 dB plus the absolute frequency
response. The MXA X-Series signal
analyzer measuring the same signal
using the same settings would have a
specified uncertainty of 0.33 plus the
absolute frequency response. These
values are summarized in Table 4-2.
At higher frequencies, the uncertainties
get larger. In this example, we want
to measure a 10-GHz signal with an
amplitude of 10dBm. In addition,
we also want to measure its second
harmonic at 20 GHz. Assume the
following measurement conditions:
0 to 55C, RBW = 300 kHz, Atten =
10 dB, Ref level = 10 dBm. In Table

Table 4-2. Amplitude uncertainties when measuring a 1-GHz signal

Source of uncertainty

Absolute uncertainty of 1-GHz, 20-dBm signal

N9030A PXA

N9020A MXA

N9010A EXA

Absolute amplitude accuracy

0.24 dB

0.33 dB

0.40 dB

Frequency response

0.35 dB

0.45 dB

0.60 dB

Total worst-case uncertainty

0.59 dB

0.78 dB

1.00 dB

Total RSS uncertainty

0.42 dB

0.56 dB

0.72 dB

Table 4-3. Absolute and relative amplitude accuracy comparison (8563EC and N9030A PXA)

Source of uncertainty

Measurement of a 10-GHz signal at 10 dBm

Absolute uncertainty of
fundamental at 10 GHz

Relative uncertainty of second

harmonic at 20 GHz

8563EC

N9030A PXA

8563EC

N9030A PXA

Calibrator

0.3 dB

N/A

N/A

N/A

Absolute amplitude
accuracy

N/A

0.24 dB

N/A

N/A

Attenuator

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Frequency response

2.9 dB

2.0 dB

(2.2 + 2.5) dB

(2.0 + 2.0) dB

Band switching uncertainty

N/A

N/A

1.0 dB

N/A

IF gain

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

RBW switching

N/A

0.03 dB

N/A

N/A

Display scale fidelity

N/A

0.07 dB

0.85 dB

0.07 dB

Total worst-case
uncertainty

3.20 dB

2.34 dB

6.55 dB

4.07 dB

Total RSS uncertainty

2.91 dB

2.02 dB

3.17 dB

2.83 dB

4-3, we compare the absolute and

relative amplitude uncertainty of two
different Keysight spectrum and signal
analyzers, an 8563EC (with analog IF)
and N9030A PXA (with digital IF).

Frequency accuracy
So far, we have focused almost
exclusively on amplitude
measurements. What about frequency
measurements? Again, we can classify
two broad categories, absolute and
relative frequency measurements.
Absolute measurements are used to
measure the frequencies of specific
signals. For example, we might want
to measure a radio broadcast signal
to verify it is operating at its assigned
frequency. Absolute measurements are
also used to analyze undesired signals,
such as when you search for spurs.
Relative measurements, on the other
44

hand, are useful for discovering the

distance between spectral components
or the modulation frequency.
Up until the late 1970s, absolute
frequency uncertainty was measured
in megahertz because the first LO was
a high-frequency oscillator operating
above the RF range of the analyzer, and
there was no attempt to tie the LO to
a more accurate reference oscillator.
Todays LOs are synthesized to provide
better accuracy. Absolute frequency
uncertainty is often described under
the frequency readout accuracy
specification and refers to center
frequency, start, stop and marker
frequencies.
With the introduction of the Keysight
8568A in 1977, counter-like frequency
accuracy became available in a general-

purpose spectrum analyzer, and

ovenized oscillators were used to reduce
drift. Over the years, crystal reference
oscillators with various forms of indirect
synthesis have been added to analyzers
in all cost ranges. The broadest
definition of indirect synthesis is that the
frequency of the oscillator in question is
in some way determined by a reference
oscillator. This includes techniques such
as phase lock, frequency discrimination
and counter lock.
What we care about is the effect
these changes have had on frequency
accuracy (and drift). A typical readout
accuracy might be stated:
[(freq readout x freq ref error) + A% of
span + B% of RBW + C Hz]
Note that we cannot determine an
exact frequency error unless we
know something about the frequency
reference. In most cases, we are
given an annual aging rate, such as
1 x 10 7 per year, though sometimes
aging is given over a shorter period
(for example, 5 x 10 10 per day).
In addition, we need to know when
the oscillator was last adjusted and
how close it was set to its nominal
frequency (usually 10 MHz). Other
factors that we often overlook when we
think about frequency accuracy include
how long the reference oscillator has
been operating. Many oscillators take
24 to 72hours to reach their specified
drift rate. To minimize this effect, some
spectrum analyzers continue to provide
power to the reference oscillator as
long as the instrument is plugged
into the AC power line. In this case,
the instrument is not really turned
off. It is more accurate to say it is on
standby. We also need to consider
the temperature stability, as it can be
worse than the drift rate. In short, there

are a number of factors to consider

before we can determine frequency
uncertainty.
In a factory setting, there is often an
in-house frequency standard available
that is traceable to a national standard.
Most analyzers with internal reference
oscillators allow you to use an external
reference. The frequency reference
error in the foregoing expression then
becomes the error of the in-house
standard.
When you make relative
measurements, span accuracy comes
into play. For Keysight analyzers,
span accuracy generally means the
uncertainty in the indicated separation
of any two spectral components on the
display. For example, suppose span
accuracy is 0.5% of span and we have
two signals separated by two divisions
in a 1-MHz span (100 kHz per division).
The uncertainty of the signal separation
would be 5 kHz. The uncertainty would
be the same if we used delta markers
and the delta reading was 200 kHz. So
we would measure 200 kHz 5 kHz.
When making measurements in the
field, we typically want to turn our
analyzer on, complete our task, and
move on as quickly as possible. It is
helpful to know how the reference
in our analyzer behaves under short
warm-up conditions. For example,
the Keysight ESA-E Series portable
spectrum analyzers will meet published
specifications after a 5-minute warm
up.
Most analyzers offer markers you can
put on a signal to see amplitude and
absolute frequency. However, the
indicated frequency of the marker is a
function of the frequency calibration of
the display, the location of the marker

45

on the display and the number of

display points selected. Also, to get the
best frequency accuracy, we must be
careful to place the marker exactly at
the peak of the response to a spectral
component. If we place the marker at
some other point on the response, we
will get a different frequency reading.
For the best accuracy, we may narrow
the span and resolution bandwidth to
minimize their effects and to make it
easier to place the marker at the peak
of the response.
Many analyzers have marker modes
that include internal counter schemes
to eliminate the effects of span and
resolution bandwidth on frequency
accuracy. The counter does not count
the input signal directly, but instead
counts the IF signal and perhaps one
or more of the LOs, and the processor
computes the frequency of the input
signal. A minimum signal-to-noise
ratio is required to eliminate noise as
a factor in the count. Counting the
signal in the IF also eliminates the need
to place the marker at the exact peak
of the signal response on the display.
If you are using this marker counter
function, placement anywhere near the
peak of the signal sufficiently out of the
noise will do. Marker count accuracy
might be stated as:
[(marker freq x freq ref error)
+ counter resolution]
We must still deal with the frequency
reference error, as we previously
discussed. Counter resolution refers to
the least-significant digit in the counter
readout, a factor here just as with any
simple digital counter. Some analyzers
allow you to use the counter mode with
delta markers. In that case, the effects
of counter resolution and the fixed
frequency would be doubled.

Chapter 5. Sensitivity and Noise

Sensitivity
One of the primary ways engineers use
spectrum analyzers is for searching
out and measuring low-level signals.
The limitation in these measurements
is the noise generated within the
spectrum analyzer itself. This noise,
generated by the random electron
motion in various circuit elements, is
amplified by multiple gain stages in the
analyzer and appears on the display as
a noise signal. On a spectrum analyzer,
this noise is commonly referred to as
the displayed average noise level, or
DANL1. The noise power observed in
the DANL is a combination of thermal
noise and the noise figure of the
spectrum analyzer. While there are
techniques to measure signals slightly
below the DANL, this noise power
ultimately limits our ability to make
measurements of low-level signals.
Lets assume a 50-ohm termination
is attached to the spectrum analyzer
input to prevent any unwanted signals
from entering the analyzer. This passive
termination generates a small amount
of noise energy equal to kTB, where:
k = Boltzmanns constant
(1.38 x 10 23 joule/K)
T = temperature, in Kelvin
B = bandwidth in which the noise is
measured, in Hertz
The total noise power is a function
of measurement bandwidth, so the
value is typically normalized to a
1-Hz bandwidth. Therefore, at room
temperature, the noise power density is
174 dBm/Hz. When this noise reaches
the first gain stage in the analyzer, the
amplifier boosts the noise, plus adds
some of its own. As the noise signal
passes on through the system, it is

typically high enough in amplitude that

the noise generated in subsequent
gain stages adds only a small amount
to the total noise power. The input
attenuator and one or more mixers may
be between the input connector of a
spectrum analyzer and the first stage
of gain, and all of these components
generate noise. However, the noise
they generate is at or near the absolute
minimum of 174dBm/Hz, so they do
not significantly affect the noise level
input to the first gain stage, and its
amplification is typically insignificant.
While the input attenuator, mixer
and other circuit elements between
the input connector and first gain
stage have little effect on the actual
system noise, they do have a marked
effect on the ability of an analyzer to
display low-level signals because they
attenuate the input signal. That is, they
reduce the signal-to-noise ratio and so
degrade sensitivity.
We can determine the DANL simply by
noting the noise level indicated on the
display when the spectrum analyzer
input is terminated with a 50-ohm load.
This level is the spectrum analyzers
own noise floor. Signals below this
level are masked by the noise and
cannot be seen. However, the DANL is
not the actual noise level at the input,
but rather the effective noise level. An
analyzer display is calibrated to reflect
the level of a signal at the analyzer
input, so the displayed noise floor
represents a fictitious or effective noise
floor at the input.

when it is well above the effective

(displayed) noise floor. The effective
input noise floor includes the losses
caused by the input attenuator, mixer
conversion loss, and other circuit
elements prior to the first gain stage.
We cannot do anything about the
conversion loss of the mixers, but we
can change the RF input attenuator.
This enables us to control the input
signal power to the first mixer and thus
change the displayed signal-to-noise
floor ratio. Clearly, we get the lowest
DANL by selecting minimum (zero) RF
attenuation.
Because the input attenuator has no
effect on the actual noise generated
in the system, some early spectrum
analyzers simply left the displayed
noise at the same position on the
display regardless of the input
attenuator setting. That is, the IF gain
remained constant. In this case, the
input attenuator affected the location
of a true input signal on the display.
As input attenuation was increased,
further attenuating the input signal,
the location of the signal on the display
went down while the noise remained
stationary.

The actual noise level at the input is

a function of the input signal. Indeed,
noise is sometimes the signal of
interest. Like any discrete signal, a
noise signal is much easier to measure

1. Displayed average noise level is sometimes confused with the term sensitivity. While related, these terms have different meanings. Sensitivity is a
measure of the minimum signal level that yields a defined signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or bit error rate (BER). It is a common metric of radio receiver
performance. Spectrum analyzer specifications are always given in terms of the DANL.

46

Beginning in the late 1970s, spectrum

analyzer designers took a different
approach. In newer analyzers, an
internal microprocessor changes the
IF gain to offset changes in the input
attenuator. Thus, signals present at
the analyzers input remain stationary
on the display as we change the input
attenuator, while the displayed noise
moves up and down. In this case, the
reference level remains unchanged, as
shown in Figure 5-1. As the attenuation
increases from 5 to 15 to 25 dB, the
displayed noise rises while the 30dBm signal remains constant. In either
case, we get the best signal-to-noise
ratio by selecting minimum input
attenuation.
Resolution bandwidth also affects
signal-to-noise ratio, or sensitivity.
The noise generated in the analyzer is
random and has a constant amplitude
over a wide frequency range. Since
the resolution, or IF, bandwidth filters
come after the first gain stage, the
total noise power that passes through
the filters is determined by the width of
the filters. This noise signal is detected
and ultimately reaches the display.
The random nature of the noise signal
causes the displayed level to vary as:

Figure 5-1. In modern signal analyzers, reference levels remain constant when you change input attenuation

10 log (BW2 /BW1)

where
BW1 = starting resolution bandwidth
BW = ending resolution bandwidth
2

So if we change the resolution

bandwidth by a factor of 10, the
displayed noise level changes by 10 dB,
as shown in Figure 5-2. For continuous
wave (CW) signals, we get best signalto-noise ratio, or best sensitivity, using
the minimum resolution bandwidth
available in our spectrum analyzer 2.

Figure 5-2. Displayed noise level changes as 10 log (BW2 /BW1 )

2. Broadband, pulsed signals can exhibit the opposite behavior, where the SNR increases as the bandwidth gets larger.

47

A spectrum analyzer displays signal

plus noise, and a low signal-to-noise
ratio makes the signal difficult to
distinguish. We noted previously that
the video filter can be used to reduce
the amplitude fluctuations of noisy
signals without affecting constant
signals. Figure 5-3 shows how the
video filter can improve our ability to
discern low-level signals. The video
filter does not affect the average
noise level and so does not, by this
definition, affect the sensitivity of an
analyzer.
In summary, we get best sensitivity for
narrowband signals by selecting the
minimum resolution bandwidth and
minimum input attenuation. These
settings give us the best signal-to-noise
ratio. We can also select minimum video
bandwidth to help us see a signal at
or close to the noise level3. Of course,
selecting narrow resolution and video
bandwidths does lengthen the sweep
time.

Noise floor extension

While lowering an analyzers inherent
noise floor through hardware design
and component choices is obviously
beneficial for dynamic range, there are
practical limits, and another approach
offers significant improvement.
With sufficient processing and other
technical innovations, the noise power
in a signal analyzer can be modeled
and subtracted from measurement
results to reduce the effective noise
level. In the Keysight PXA signal
analyzer this operation is called noise
floor extension (NFE).
Generally, if you can accurately
identify the noise power contribution
of an analyzer, you can subtract this
power from various kinds of spectrum
measurements. Examples include
signal power or band power, ACPR,
spurious, phase noise, harmonic and
intermodulation distortion. Noise
subtraction techniques do not improve
the performance of vector analysis
operations such as demodulation or

Figure 5-3. Video filtering makes low-level signals more discernible

time-domain displays of signals.

Keysight has been demonstrating
noise subtraction capability for some
time, using trace math in vector
signal analyzers to remove analyzer
noise from spectrum and band power
measurements. (Similar trace math is

available in the Keysight X-Series signal

analyzers.) This capability is effective,
though somewhat inconvenient. It
involves disconnecting the signal from
the analyzer, measuring analyzer noise
level with a large amount of averaging,
reconnecting the signal and using trace
math to display a corrected result. It is

3. For the effect of noise on accuracy, see Dynamic range versus measurement uncertainty in Chapter 6.

48

necessary to re-measure the analyzer

noise power every time the analyzer
configuration (frequency center/span,
attenuator/input range, resolution
bandwidth) changed.
The Keysight PXA analyzers
dramatically improve this measurement
technique for many measurement
situations. Critical parameters that
determine the analyzers noise floor
are measured when it is calibrated,
and these parameters are used (with
current measurement information such
as analyzer temperature) to fully model
the analyzers noise floor, including
changes in analyzer configuration
and operating conditions. The
analyzers noise power contribution
is then automatically subtracted from
spectrum and power measurements.
This process in the PXA is called noise
floor extension and is enabled with a
keystroke in the Mode Setup menu. An
example is shown in Figure 5-4.
The effectiveness of NFE can be
expressed in several ways. Average
noise power in the display (DANL) is
usually reduced by 10 to 12 dB in the
analyzers low band (below 3.6GHz)
and about 8 dB in its high band
(above 3.6 GHz). While the apparent
noise level will be reduced, only
the analyzers noise power is being
subtracted. Therefore, the apparent
power of signals in the display will be
reduced if the analyzers noise power
is a significant part of their power, and
not otherwise.
Thus measurements of both discrete
signals and the noise floor of signal
sources connected to the PXA are
more accurately measured with NFE
enabled. NFE works with all spectrum
measurements regardless of RBW or

More information
For more information on using
noise floor extension, please refer
to, Using Noise Floor Extension in the
PXA Signal Analyzer Application
Note, literature number 59905340EN.

Figure 5-4. Noise floor extension view of harmonics

VBW, and it also works with any type of

detector or averaging.

Noise figure
Many receiver manufacturers specify
the performance of their receivers
in terms of noise figure, rather than
sensitivity. We will show you how
the two can be equated. A spectrum
analyzer is a receiver, and we will
examine noise figure on the basis of a
sinusoidal input.
Noise figure can be defined as the
degradation of signal-to-noise ratio
as a signal passes through a device, a
spectrum analyzer in our case. We can
express noise figure as:
F =

Si /Ni

the gain of the analyzer. Second, the

gain of our analyzer is unity because
the signal level at the output (indicated
on the display) is the same as the
level at the input (input connector).
So our expression, after substitution,
cancellation and rearrangement,
becomes:
F = No/Ni
This expression tells us that all we need
to do to determine the noise figure is
compare the noise level as read on the
display to the true (not the effective)
noise level at the input connector.
Noise figure is usually expressed in
terms of dB, or:
NF = 10 log(F) = 10 log(No) 10 log(Ni).

So/No

where
F = noise figure as power ratio (also
known as noise factor)
Si = input signal power
Ni = true input noise power
So = output signal power
No = output noise power

We use the true noise level at the input,

rather than the effective noise level,
because our input signal-to-noise ratio
was based on the true noise. As we saw
earlier, when the input is terminated in
50 ohms, the kTB noise level at room
temperature in a 1-Hz bandwidth is
174 dBm.

We can simplify this expression for

our spectrum analyzer. First of all, the
output signal is the input signal times

We know the displayed level of noise on

the analyzer changes with bandwidth.
So all we need to do to determine the

49

noise figure of our spectrum analyzer

is to measure the noise power in some
bandwidth, calculate the noise power
that we would have measured in a 1-Hz
bandwidth using 10 log(BW2 /BW1), and
compare that to 174dBm.
For example, if we measured 110 dBm
in a 10-kHz resolution bandwidth, we
would get:
NF = [measured noise in dBm]

10 log(RBW/1) kTBB=1 Hz
110 dBm 10 log(10,000/1) (174dBm)
110 40 + 174
= 24 dB
Noise figure is independent of
bandwidth4. Had we selected a
different resolution bandwidth, our
results would have been exactly the
same. For example, had we chosen
a 1-kHz resolution bandwidth, the
measured noise would have been 120
dBm and 10 log(RBW/1) would have
been 30. Combining all terms would
have given 120 30 + 174 = 24 dB, the
same noise figure as above.
The 24- dB noise figure in our example
tells us that a sinusoidal signal must
be 24 dB above kTB to be equal to the
displayed average noise level on this
particular analyzer. Thus we can use
noise figure to determine the DANL
for a given bandwidth or to compare
DANLs of different analyzers with the
same bandwidth.5

Preamplifiers
One reason for introducing noise figure
is that it helps us determine how much
benefit we can derive from the use of
a preamplifier. A 24-dB noise figure,
while good for a spectrum analyzer, is
not so good for a dedicated receiver.
However, by placing an appropriate
preamplifier in front of the spectrum
analyzer, we can obtain a system
(preamplifier/spectrum analyzer) noise
figure lower than that of the spectrum
analyzer alone. To the extent that we

lower the noise figure, we also improve

the system sensitivity.
When we introduced noise figure in the
previous discussion, we did so on
the basis of a sinusoidal input signal.
We can examine the benefits of
a preamplifier on the same basis.
However, a preamplifier also amplifies
noise, and this output noise can be
higher than the effective input noise of
the analyzer. In the Noise as a signal
section later in this chapter, you will
see how a spectrum analyzer using log
power averaging displays a random
noise signal 2.5 dB below its actual
value. As we explore preamplifiers,
we shall account for this 2.5dB factor
where appropriate.
Rather than develop a lot of formulas
to see what benefit we get from a
preamplifier, let us look at two extreme
cases and see when each might apply.
First, if the noise power out of the
preamplifier (in a bandwidth equal to
that of the spectrum analyzer) is at
least 15 dB higher than the DANL of the
spectrum analyzer, then the sensitivity
of the system is approximately that
of the preamplifier, less 2.5 dB. How
can we tell if this is the case? Simply
connect the preamplifier to the
analyzer and note what happens to
the noise on the display. If it goes up
15 dB or more, we have fulfilled this
requirement.
On the other hand, if the noise power
out of the preamplifier (again, in
the same bandwidth as that of the
spectrum analyzer) is 10dB or more
lower than the displayed average
noise level on the analyzer, the noise
figure of the system is that of the
spectrum analyzer less the gain of
the preamplifier. Again we can test by
inspection. Connect the preamplifier
to the analyzer; if the displayed noise
does not change, we have fulfilled the
requirement.

Testing by experiment means we must

have the equipment at hand. We do
not need to worry about numbers. We
simply connect the preamplifier to the
analyzer, note the average displayed
noise level and subtract the gain of
the preamplifier. Then we have the
sensitivity of the system.
However, we really want to know ahead
of time what a preamplifier will do for
us. We can state the two cases above
as follows:
If NFpre + Gpre NFSA + 15 dB,
Then NFsys = NFpre 2.5 dB
And
If NFpre + Gpre NFSA 10 dB,
Then NFsys
= NFSA Gpre
Using these expressions, well see how
a preamplifier affects our sensitivity.
Assume that our spectrum analyzer
has a noise figure of 24 dB and the
preamplifier has a gain of 36 dB and a
noise figure of 8 dB. All we need to do
is to compare the gain plus noise figure
of the preamplifier to the noise figure
of the spectrum analyzer. The gain plus
noise figure of the preamplifier is 44
dB, more than 15 dB higher than the
noise figure of the spectrum analyzer,
so the sensitivity of the preamplifier/
spectrum-analyzer combination is
that of the preamplifier, less 2.5 dB.
In a 10 kHz resolution bandwidth, our
preamplifier/analyzer system has a
sensitivity (displayed average noise
level, DANL) of:
kTBB=1 + 10log(NBW/1Hz) + NFSYS +
LogCorrectionFactor
In this expression, kTB = 174 dBm/
Hz, so kTBB=1 is 174 dBm. The
noise bandwidth (NBW) for typical
digital RBWs is 0.2 dB wider than
the RBW, thus 40.2 dB. The noise
figure of the system is 8 dB. The
LogCorrectionFactor is 2.5 dB. So the
sensitivity is 128.3 dBm.

4. This may not always be precisely true for a given analyzer because of the way resolution bandwidth filter sections and gain are distributed in the
IF chain.
5. The noise figure computed in this manner cannot be directly compared to that of a receiver because the measured noise term in the equation
understates the actual noise by 2.5 dB. See the section titled Noise as a signal later in this chapter.

50

This is an improvement of 18.3 dB

over the 110 dBm noise floor without
the preamplifier.
However, there might be a drawback to
using this preamplifier, depending upon
our ultimate measurement objective. If
we want the best sensitivity but no loss
of measurement range, this preamplifier
is not the right choice. Figure 5-5
illustrates this point. A spectrum
analyzer with a 24-dB noise figure will
have an average displayed noise level
of 110 dBm in a 10-kHz resolution
bandwidth. If the 1-dB compression
point 6 for that analyzer is 0 dBm, the
measurement range is 110 dB. When
we connect the preamplifier, we must
reduce the maximum input to the
system by the gain of the preamplifier
to 36dBm. However, when we connect
the preamplifier, the displayed average
noise level will rise by about 17.5 dB
because the noise power out of the
preamplifier is that much higher than

the analyzers own noise floor, even after

accounting for the 2.5 dB factor. It is
from this higher noise level that we now
subtract the gain of the preamplifier.
With the preamplifier in place, our
measurement range is 92.5 dB, 17.5 dB
less than without the preamplifier. The
loss in measurement range equals the
change in the displayed noise when the
preamplifier is connected.
Finding a preamplifier that will give us
better sensitivity without costing us
measurement range dictates that we
must meet the second of the above
criteria; that is, the sum of its gain and
noise figure must be at least 10dB less
than the noise figure of the spectrum
analyzer. In this case, the displayed
noise floor will not change noticeably
when we connect the preamplifier,
so although we shift the whole
measurement range down by the gain
of the preamplifier, we end up with the
same overall range we started with.

Interestingly enough, we can use the

input attenuator of the spectrum analyzer
to effectively degrade the noise figure
(or reduce the gain of the preamplifier,
if you prefer). For example, if we need
slightly better sensitivity but cannot
afford to give up any measurement
range, we can use the above
preamplifier with 30 dB of RF input
attenuation on the spectrum analyzer.
This attenuation increases the noise
figure of the analyzer from 24 to 54

Spectrum analyzer and preamplifier

Spectrum analyzer

0 dBm

To choose the correct preamplifier, we

must look at our measurement needs.
If we want absolutely the best
sensitivity and are not concerned about
measurement range, we would choose a
high-gain, low-noise-figure preamplifier
so that our system would take on the
noise figure of the preamplifier, less
2.5 dB. If we want better sensitivity
but cannot afford to give up any
measurement range, we must choose a
lower-gain preamplifier.

1 dB compression
Gpre
System 1 dB compression

36 dBm

110 dB spectrum
analyzer range
92.5 dB
system
range

110 dBm

DANL

DANL
System sensitivity

92.5 dBm
Gpre
128.5 dBm

Figure 5-5. If displayed noise goes up when a preamplifier is connected, measurement range is diminished by the amount the noise changes

6. See the section titled Mixer compression in Chapter 6.

51

dB. Now the gain plus noise figure of

the preamplifier (36 + 8) is 10 dB less
than the noise figure of the analyzer,
and we have met the conditions of the
second criterion above.
The noise figure of the system is now:

NFSA Gpre + 3 dB

NFpre + 3 dB

NFSA Gpre + 2 dB

NFpre + 2 dB

System noise
NFSA Gpre + 1 dB
Figure (dB)

NFpre + 1 dB

NFsys = NFSA GPRE

= 54 dB 36 dB

= 18 dB

NFpre

NFSA Gpre

NFpre 1 dB

This represents a 6-dB improvement

over the noise figure of the analyzer
alone with 0 dB of input attenuation. So
we have improved sensitivity by 6 dB
and given up virtually no measurement
range.

NFpre 2 dB
10

+5 +10
NFpre + Gpre NFSA (dB)

NFpre 2.5 dB

Figure 5-6. System noise figure for sinusoidal signals

Of course, there are preamplifiers that

fall in between the extremes. Figure
5-6 enables us to determine system
noise figure from a knowledge of the
noise figures of the spectrum analyzer
and preamplifier and the gain of the
amplifier. We enter the graph of Figure
5-6 by determining NFPRE + GPRE
NFSA . If the value is less than zero, we
find the corresponding point on the
dashed curve and read system noise
figure as the left ordinate in terms
of dB above NFSA GPRE. If NFPRE +
GPRE NFSA is a positive value, we find
the corresponding point on the solid
curve and read system noise figure as
the right ordinate in terms of dB above
NFPRE.
Lets first test the two previous extreme
cases.
As NFPRE + GPRE NFSA becomes less
than 10 dB, we find that system noise
figure asymptotically approaches
NFSA GPRE. As the value becomes
greater than +15dB, system noise
figure asymptotically approaches
NFPRE less 2.5dB.
Next, lets try two numerical examples.
Above, we determined that the noise
figure of our analyzer is 24 dB. What

would the system noise figure be if

we add a Keysight 8447D amplifier,
a preamplifier with a noise figure of
about 8 dB and a gain of 26 dB? First,
NFPRE + GPRE NFSA is +10 dB. From
the graph of Figure 5-6 we find a
system noise figure of about NFPRE
1.8 dB, or about 8 1.8 = 6.2 dB. The
graph accounts for the 2.5-dB factor.
On the other hand, if the gain of the
preamplifier is just 10 dB, then NFPRE
+ GPRE NFSA is 6 dB. This time the
graph indicates a system noise figure
of NFSA GPRE + 0.6 dB, or 24 10 +
0.6 = 14.6 dB. (We did not introduce
the 2.5-dB factor previously when
we determined the noise figure of
the analyzer alone because we read
the measured noise directly from the
display. The displayed noise included
the 2.5-dB factor.)
Many modern spectrum analyzers
have optional built-in preamplifiers
available. Compared to external
preamplifiers, built-in preamplifiers
simplify measurement setups and
eliminate the need for additional
cabling. Measuring signal amplitude is
much more convenient with a built-in
preamplifier, because the preamplifier/

52

spectrum analyzer combination is

calibrated as a system, and amplitude
values displayed on screen are already
corrected for proper readout. With
an external preamplifier, you must
correct the spectrum analyzer reading
with a reference level offset equal
to the preamp gain. Most modern
spectrum analyzers allow you to
enter the gain value of the external
preamplifier from the front panel. The
analyzer then applies this gain offset
to the displayed reference level value,
so you can directly view corrected
measurements on the display.

More information
For more details on noise
figure, see Fundamentals of
RF and Microwave Noise Figure
Measurements Application Note,
literature number
5952-8255E.

Noise as a signal

Figure 5-7.
Random noise has
a Gaussian amplitude distribution

So far, we have focused on the noise

generated within the measurement
system (analyzer or analyzer/
preamplifier). We described how the
measurement systems displayed
average noise level limits the overall
sensitivity. However, random noise
is sometimes the signal we want to
measure. Because of the nature of
noise, the superheterodyne spectrum
analyzer indicates a value that is lower
than the actual value of the noise. Lets
see why this is so and how we can
correct for it.
By random noise, we mean a signal
whose instantaneous amplitude has
a Gaussian distribution versus time,
as shown in Figure5-7. For example,
thermal or Johnson noise has this
characteristic. Such a signal has no
discrete spectral components, so
we cannot select some particular
component and measure it to get an
indication of signal strength. In fact, we
must define what we mean by signal
strength. If we sample the signal at an
arbitrary instant, we could theoretically
get any amplitude value. We need
some measure that expresses the
noise level averaged over time. Power,
which is of course proportionate to rms
voltage, satisfies that requirement.

Figure 5-8. The

envelope of bandlimited Gaussian
noise has a Rayleigh distribution

the mean value, we use video filtering or

averaging. The mean value of a Rayleigh
distribution is 1.253 .

We have already seen that both video

filtering and video averaging reduce
the peak-to-peak fluctuations of a
signal and can give us a steady value.
We must equate this value to either
power or rms voltage. The rms value
of a Gaussian distribution equals its
standard deviation, .

However, our analyzer is a peakresponding voltmeter calibrated to

indicate the rms value of a sine wave.
To convert from peak to rms, our
analyzer scales its readout by 0.707 (3
dB). The mean value of the Rayleighdistributed noise is scaled by the same
factor, giving us a reading of 0.886
(l.05 dB below ). To equate the mean
value displayed by the analyzer to the
rms voltage of the input noise signal,
we must account for the error in the
displayed value. Note, however, that
the error is not an ambiguity; it is a
constant error that we can correct for
by adding 1.05 dB to the displayed
value.

Lets start with our analyzer in the linear

display mode. The Gaussian noise at the
input is band limited as it passes through
the IF chain, and its envelope takes on
a Rayleigh distribution (Figure 5-8). The
noise we see on our analyzer display,
the output of the envelope detector, is
the Rayleigh-distributed envelope of the
input noise signal. To get a steady value,

In most spectrum analyzers, the

display scale (log or linear in voltage)
controls the scale on which the noise
distribution is averaged with either
the VBW filter or with trace averaging.
Normally, we use our analyzer in the
log display mode, and this mode adds
to the error in our noise measurement.
The gain of a log amplifier is a function

of signal amplitude, so the higher

noise values are not amplified as much
as the lower values. As a result, the
output of the envelope detector is a
skewed Rayleigh distribution, and the
mean value that we get from video
filtering or averaging is another 1.45
dB lower. In the log mode, then, the
mean or average noise is displayed 2.5
dB too low. Again, this error is not an
ambiguity, and we can correct for it 7.
This is the 2.5-dB factor we accounted
for in the previous preamplifier
discussion, when the noise power out
of the preamplifier was approximately
equal to or greater than the analyzers
own noise.
Another factor that affects noise
measurements is the bandwidth in
which the measurement is made. We
have seen how changing resolution
bandwidth affects the displayed level
of the analyzers internally generated
noise. Bandwidth affects external
noise signals in the same way. To
compare measurements made on
different analyzers, we must know the
bandwidths used in each case.

7. In X-Series analyzers, the averaging can be set to video, voltage or power (rms), independent of display scale. When using power averaging, no correction is needed, since the average rms level is determined by the square of the magnitude of the signal, not by the log or envelope of the voltage.

53

Not only does the 3-dB (or 6-dB)

bandwidth of the analyzer affect the
measured noise level, the shape of the
resolution filter also plays a role. To
make comparisons possible, we define
a standard noise-power bandwidth: the
width of a rectangular filter that passes
the same noise power as our analyzers
filter. For the near-Gaussian filters
in Keysight analyzers, the equivalent
noise-power bandwidth is about 1.05
to 1.13 times the 3-dB bandwidth,
depending on bandwidth selectivity.
For example, a 10-kHz resolution
bandwidth filter has a noise-power
bandwidth in the range of 10.5 to
11.3 kHz.
If we use 10 log(BW2 /BW1) to adjust
the displayed noise level to what we
would have measured in a noise-power
bandwidth of the same numeric value
as our 3-dB bandwidth, we find that
the adjustment varies from:
10 log(10,000/10,500) = 0.21 dB
to
10 log(10,000/11,300) = 0.53 dB
In other words, if we subtract
something between 0.21 and 0.53
dB from the indicated noise level,
we have the noise level in a noisepower bandwidth that is convenient
for computations. For the following
examples, we will use 0.5 dB as
a reasonable compromise for the
bandwidth correction8.
Lets consider the various correction
factors to calculate the total correction
for each averaging mode:
Linear (voltage) averaging:
Rayleigh distribution (linear mode): 1.05dB
3-dB/noise power bandwidths: 0.50 dB
Total correction:
0.55 dB
Log averaging:
Logged Rayleigh distribution: 2.50 dB
3-dB/noise power bandwidths: 0.50 dB
Total correction:
2.00 dB

NF SA G pre + 3 dB

NF pre + 3 dB

System noise
NF SA G pre + 2 dB
Figure (dB)

NF pre + 2 dB

NF SA G pre + 1 dB

NF pre + 1 dB

NF SA G pre

10

5
0
+5
+10
NF pre + G pre NF SA (dB)

NF pre

Figure 5-9. System noise figure for noise signals

Power (rms voltage) averaging:

Power distribution:
0.00 dB
3-dB/noise power bandwidths: 0.50 dB
Total correction:
0.50 dB
Many of todays microprocessorcontrolled analyzers allow us to activate
a noise marker. When we do so, the
microprocessor switches the analyzer
into the power (rms) averaging mode,
computes the mean value of a number
of display points about the marker 9,
normalizes and corrects the value to
a 1-Hz noise-power bandwidth and
displays the normalized value.
The analyzer does the hard part. It is
easy to convert the noise-marker value
to other bandwidths. For example, if we
want to know the total noise in a 4-MHz
communication channel, we add 10
log(4,000,000/1), or 66 dB to the noisemarker value10.

Preamplifier for noise

measurements
Noise signals are typically low-level
signals, so we often need a preamplifier
to have sufficient sensitivity to measure
them. However, we must recalculate
sensitivity of our analyzer first. We
previously defined sensitivity as the
level of a sinusoidal signal that is equal
to the displayed average noise floor.
Since the analyzer is calibrated to show
the proper amplitude of a sinusoid, no
correction for the signal was needed.

But noise is displayed 2.5 dB too low,

so an input noise signal must be 2.5 dB
above the analyzers displayed noise
floor to be at the same level by the time
it reaches the display. The input and
internal noise signals add to raise the
displayed noise by 3 dB, a factor of two
in power. So we can define the noise
figure of our analyzer for a noise signal
as:
NFSA(N) = (noise floor)dBm/RBW
10 log(RBW/1) kTBB=1 + 2.5 dB
If we use the same noise floor we used
previously, 110 dBm in a 10-kHz
resolution bandwidth, we get:
NFSA(N) = 110 dBm 10 log(10,000/1)
(174 dBm) + 2.5 dB = 26.5 dB
As was the case for a sinusoidal signal,
NFSA(N) is independent of resolution
bandwidth and tells us how far above
kTB a noise signal must be to be equal
to the noise floor of our analyzer.
When we add a preamplifier to our
analyzer, the system noise figure and
sensitivity improve. However, we have
accounted for the 2.5-dB factor in our
definition of NFSA(N), so the graph of
system noise figure becomes that of
Figure 5-9. We determine system noise
figure for noise the same way that we
did previously for a sinusoidal signal.

8. The X-Series analyzers specify noise power bandwidth accuracy to within 0.5% ( 0.022 dB).
9. For example, the X-Series analyzers compute the mean over half a division, regardless of the number of display points.
10. Most modern spectrum analyzers make this calculation even easier with the channel power function. You enter the integration bandwidth of the
channel and center the signal on the analyzer display. The channel power function then calculates the total signal power in the channel.

54

Chapter 6. Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is generally thought of
as the ability of an analyzer to measure
harmonically related signals and the
interaction of two or more signals,
for example, to measure second- or
third-harmonic distortion or third-order
intermodulation. In dealing with such
measurements, remember that the
input mixer of a spectrum analyzer is a
nonlinear device, so it always generates
distortion of its own. The mixer is
nonlinear for a reason. It must be
nonlinear to translate an input signal
to the desired IF. But the unwanted
distortion products generated in the
mixer fall at the same frequencies as
the distortion products we wish to
measure on the input signal.
So we might define dynamic range in
this way: it is 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.
Notice that accuracy of the
measurement is part of the definition.
In the following examples, you will see
how both internally generated noise
and distortion affect accuracy.

Dynamic range versus

internal distortion
To determine dynamic range versus
distortion, we must first determine just
how our input mixer behaves. Most
analyzers, particularly those using
harmonic mixing to extend their tuning
range1, use diode mixers. (Other types
of mixers would behave similarly.) The
current through an ideal diode can be
expressed as:
i = Is(eqv/kT1)
where IS = the diodes saturation current

q = electron charge (1.60 x 1019 C)

v = instantaneous voltage

k = Boltzmanns constant

(1.38 x 10 23 joule/K)

T= temperature in Kelvin

We can expand this expression into a

power series:
i = IS(k1v + k 2 v 2 + k 3 v 3 +...)
where k1 = q/kT
k 2 = k12 /2!
k 3 = k13 /3!, etc.
Lets now apply two signals to the
mixer. One will be the input signal we
wish to analyze; the other, the local
oscillator signal necessary to create
the IF:
v = VLO sin(LO t) + V1 sin(1t)
If we go through the mathematics, we
arrive at the desired mixing product
that, with the correct LO frequency,
equals the IF:
k2VLOV1 cos[(LO 1)t]
A k 2VLOV1 cos[(LO + 1)t] term is also
generated, but in our discussion of the
tuning equation, we found that we want
the LO to be above the IF, so (LO + 1)
is also always above the IF.
With a constant LO level, the mixer
output is linearly related to the input
signal level. For all practical purposes,
this is true as long as the input signal
is more than 15 to 20 dB below the
level of the LO. There are also terms
involving harmonics of the input signal:
(3k3/4)VLOV12 sin(LO 2 1)t,
(k4/8)VLOV13 sin(LO 31)t, etc.
These terms tell us that dynamic range
due to internal distortion is a function of
the input signal level at the input mixer.
Lets see how this works, using as our
definition of dynamic range, the difference
in dB between the fundamental tone and
the internally generated distortion.
The argument of the sine in the first
term includes 21, so it represents the
second harmonic of the input signal.
The level of this second harmonic is a
function of the square of the voltage of
the fundamental, V12. This fact tells us

1. See Chapter 7, Extending the Frequency Range.

55

that for every 1 dB we drop the level of

the fundamental at the input mixer, the
internally generated second harmonic
drops by 2 dB. See Figure 6-1. The
second term includes 31, the third
harmonic, and the cube of the inputsignal voltage, V13. So a 1-dB change
in the fundamental at the input mixer
changes the internally generated third
harmonic by 3 dB.
Distortion is often described by its
order. The order can be determined by
noting the coefficient associated with
the signal frequency or the exponent
associated with the signal amplitude.
Thus second-harmonic distortion
is second order and third harmonic
distortion is third order. The order
also indicates the change in internally
generated distortion relative to the
change in the fundamental tone that
created it.
Now let us add a second input signal:
v = VLO sin(LO t) + V1 sin(1t) + V2 sin(2t)
This time, when we go through the
math to find internally generated
distortion, in addition to harmonic
distortion, we get:
(k4/8)VLOV12V2cos[LO (21 2)]t,
(k4/8)VLOV1V22 cos[LO (22 1)]t, etc.
These equations represent
intermodulation distortion, the
interaction of the two input signals
with each other. The lower distortion
product, 21 2, falls below 1 by
a frequency equal to the difference
between the two fundamental tones,
2 1. The higher distortion product,
22 1, falls above 2 by the same
frequency. See Figure 6-1.
Once again, dynamic range is a
function of the level at the input mixer.
The internally generated distortion
changes as the product of V12 and
V2 in the first case, of V1 and V22 in
the second. If V1 and V2 have the

same amplitude, the usual case when

testing for distortion, we can treat
their products as cubed terms (V13
or V23). Thus, for every dB that we
simultaneously change the level of
the two input signals, there is a 3-dB
change in the distortion components,
as shown in Figure 6-1.
This is the same degree of change that
we see for third harmonic distortion
in Figure 6-1. And in fact, this too, is
third-order distortion. In this case, we
can determine the degree of distortion
by summing the coefficients of 1 and
2 (e.g., 21 12 yields 2 + 1 = 3) or
the exponents of V1 and V2.
All this says that dynamic range
depends upon the signal level at the
mixer. How do we know what level
we need at the mixer for a particular
measurement? Most analyzer data
sheets include graphs to tell us how
dynamic range varies. However, if no
graph is provided, we can draw our
own2.
We do need a starting point, and this
we must get from the data sheet.
Lets look at second-order distortion
first. Lets assume the data sheet
says second-harmonic distortion is 75
dB down for a signal 40 dBm at the
mixer. Because distortion is a relative
measurement, and, at least for the
moment, we are calling our dynamic
range the difference in dB between
fundamental tone or tones and the
internally generated distortion, we have
our starting point. Internally generated
second-order distortion is 75 dB down,
so we can measure distortion down
75 dB. We plot that point on a graph
whose axes are labeled distortion
(dBc) versus level at the mixer (level
at the input connector minus the
input-attenuator setting). See Figure
6-2. What happens if the level at the
mixer drops to 50 dBm? As noted in
Figure 6-1, for every 1 dB change in
the level of the fundamental at the
mixer there is a 2 dB change in the
internally generated second harmonic.
But for measurement purposes, we are
interested only in the relative change,
that is, in what happened to our

D dB

D dB
2D dB

D dB

3D dB
3D dB

2w

3w

2w 1 w 2

3D dB

w1

w2

2w 2 w 1

Figure 6-1. Changing the level of fundamental tones at the mixer

measurement range. In this case, for

every 1 dB the fundamental changes
at the mixer, our measurement range
also changes by 1dB. In our secondharmonic example, then, when the level
at the mixer changes from 40 to 50
dBm, the internal distortion, and thus
our measurement range, changes from
75 to 85 dBc. In fact, these points
fall on a line with a slope of 1 that
describes the dynamic range for any
input level at the mixer.

internally generated third-order

distortion would be equal to the
fundamental(s), or 0 dBc. This situation
cannot be realized in practice because
the mixer would be well into saturation.
However, from a mathematical
standpoint, TOI is a perfectly good data
point because we know the slope of
the line. So even with TOI as a starting
point, we can still determine the degree
of internally generated distortion at a
given mixer level.

We can construct a similar line for

third-order distortion. For example,
a data sheet might say third-order
distortion is 85 dBc for a level of
30 dBm at this mixer. Again, this is
our starting point, and we would plot
the point shown in Figure 6-2. If we
now drop the level at the mixer to
40 dBm, what happens? Referring
again to Figure 6-1, we see that both
third-harmonic distortion and thirdorder intermodulation distortion
fall by 3 dB for every 1 dB that the
fundamental tone or tones fall. Again,
it is the difference that is important. If
the level at the mixer changes from 30
to 40dBm, the difference between
fundamental tone or tones and
internally generated distortion changes
by 20 dB. So the internal distortion
is 105 dBc. These two points fall on
a line with a slope of 2, giving us the
third-order performance for any level
at the mixer.

We can calculate TOI from data

sheet information. Because thirdorder dynamic range changes 2 dB
for every 1 dB change in the level of
the fundamental tone(s) at the mixer,
we get TOI by subtracting half of the
specified dynamic range in dBc from
the level of the fundamental(s):

Sometimes third-order performance

is given as TOI (third-order intercept).
This is the mixer level at which the

TOI = Afund d/2

where Afund = level of the fundamental
in dBm

d = difference in dBc (a negative
value) between fundamental and
distortion
Using the values from the previous
discussion:
TOI = 30 dBm (85 dBc)/2 = +12.5 dBm

Attenuator test
Understanding the distortion graph
is important, but we can use a simple
test to determine whether displayed
distortion components are true input

2. For more information on how to construct a dynamic range chart, see Optimizing Dynamic
Range for Distortion Measurements Keysight PSA Performance Spectrum Analyzer Series
Product Note, literature number 5980-3079EN.

56

TOI

Figure 6-3.
Reducing resolution bandwidth
improves dynamic range

3rd
2n order
do
rd
er

30
40
50 Nois
e(
10
kH
60
z

BW

70
80

Another constraint on dynamic range

is the noise floor of our spectrum
analyzer. Going back to our definition
of dynamic range as the ratio of the
largest to the smallest signal we can
measure, the average noise of our
spectrum analyzer puts the limit on
the smaller signal. So dynamic range
versus noise becomes signal-tonoise ratio in which the signal is the
fundamental whose distortion we wish
to measure.

90
100
60

Optimum
mixer levels
50

40

Maximum 2nd order

dynamic range
Maximum 3rd order
dynamic range

30 20 10
Mixer level (dBm)

+10

TOI

0
10

3rd
ord
er
do
rd
er

20

2n

30

If we ignore measurement accuracy

considerations for a moment, the
best dynamic range will occur at
the intersection of the appropriate
distortion curve and the noise curve.
Figure 6-2 tells us that our maximum
dynamic range for second-order
distortion is 72.5 dB; for third-order
distortion, 81.7 dB. In practice, the
intersection of the noise and distortion
graphs is not a sharply defined point,

SHI

20

Noise

40

(dBc)

We can easily plot noise on our

dynamic range chart. For example,
suppose the data sheet for our
spectrum analyzer specifies a displayed
average noise level of 110 dBm in a
10-kHz resolution bandwidth. If our
signal fundamental has a level of 40
dBm at the mixer, it is 70 dB above the
average noise, so we have a 70-dB
signal-to-noise ratio. For every 1 dB we
reduce the signal level at the mixer, we
lose 1 dB of signal-to-noise ratio. Our
noise curve is a straight line having a
slope of 1, as shown in Figure 6-2.

SHI

Figure 6-2.
Dynamic range
versus distortion
and noise

10

(dBc)

signals or internally generated signals.

Change the input attenuator. If the
displayed value of the distortion
components remains the same, the
components are part of the input
signal. If the displayed value changes,
the distortion components are
generated internally or are the sum
of external and internally generated
signals. We continue changing the
attenuator until the displayed distortion
does not change and then complete
the measurement.

50 No
ise
(1
0k
N
60 ois
e ( Hz B
1k
W
)
Hz
70
BW
)
80

2nd order
dynamic range improvement
3rd order
dynamic range improvement

90
60

50

40

30 20 10
Mixer level (dBm)

because noise adds to the CW-like

distortion products, reducing dynamic
range by 2 dB when you use the log
power scale with log scale averaging.
Figure 6-2 shows the dynamic range
for one resolution bandwidth. We
certainly can improve dynamic range
by narrowing the resolution bandwidth,
but there is not a one-to-one
correspondence between the lowered

57

+10

noise floor and the improvement in

dynamic range. For second-order
distortion, the improvement is one half
the change in the noise floor; for thirdorder distortion, two-thirds the change
in the noise floor. See Figure 6-3.
The final factor in dynamic range is the
phase noise on our spectrum analyzer
LO, and this affects only third-order
distortion measurements. For example,

In summary, the dynamic range of a

spectrum analyzer is limited by three
factors: the distortion performance of
the input mixer, the broadband noise
floor (sensitivity) of the system and the
phase noise of the local oscillator.

Dynamic range versus

measurement uncertainty
In our previous discussion of amplitude
accuracy, we included only those items
listed in Table 4-1, plus mismatch.
We did not cover the possibility of
an internally generated distortion
product (a sinusoid) being at the same
frequency as an external signal we
wished to measure. However, internally
generated distortion components
fall at exactly the same frequencies
as the distortion components we
wish to measure on external signals.
The problem is that we have no way
of knowing the phase relationship
between the external and internal
signals. So we can determine only a
potential range of uncertainty:

10
20
30
40
50
60

(dBc)

suppose we are making a two-tone,

third-order distortion measurement
on an amplifier, and our test tones are
separated by 10 kHz. The third-order
distortion components will also be
separated from the test tones by 10
kHz. For this measurement, we might
find ourselves using a 1-kHz resolution
bandwidth. Referring to Figure 6-3
and allowing for a 10-dB decrease
in the noise curve, we would find a
maximum dynamic range of about
88 dB. Suppose however, that our
phase noise at a 10-kHz offset is only
80 dBc. Then 80 dB becomes the
ultimate limit of dynamic range for this
measurement, as shown in Figure 6-4.

70
80
90
100
110
60

50

40

30
20
10
Mixer level (dBm)

+10

Figure 6-4. Phase noise can limit third-order intermodulation tests

30

25

20

Uncertainty (in dB) = 20 log(l 10d/20)

where d = difference in dB between
the larger and smaller sinusoid
(a negative number)

Phase noise
(10 kHz offset)

Dynamic range
reduction due
to phase noise

15

Delta (dBc)

10

6
5
4
3
2
1
0 Maximum
1 error (dB)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Figure 6-5. Uncertainty versus difference in amplitude between two sinusoids at the
same frequency

See Figure 6-5. For example, if we

set up conditions such that the
internally generated distortion is
equal in amplitude to the distortion on
the incoming signal, the error in the
58

20
30

3rd

ord

2n

er

de

r
do

40

(dBc)

50

5 dB

60
70
18 dB

80

18 dB

90
100
60

50

40

30
20
10
Mixer level (dBm)

+10

Figure 6-6. Dynamic range for 1.3-dB maximum error

Error in displayed signal level (dB)

Lets see what happened to our

dynamic range as a result of our
concern with measurement error.
As Figure 6-6 shows, second-orderdistortion dynamic range changes from
72.5 to 61 dB, a change of 11.5 dB. This
is one half the total offsets for the two
curves (18 dB for distortion; 5 dB for
noise). Third-order distortion changes
from 81.7 dB to about 72.7 dB for a
change of about 9 dB. In this case, the
change is one third of the 18-dB offset
for the distortion curve plus two thirds
of the 5-dB offset for the noise curve.

10

ise

Next, lets look at uncertainty due to

low signal-to-noise ratio. The distortion
components we wish to measure are,
we hope, low-level signals, and often
they are ator very close tothe noise
level of our spectrum analyzer. In such
cases, we often use the video filter
to make these low-level signals more
discernible. Figure 6-7 shows the error
in displayed signal level as a function of
displayed signal-to-noise for a typical
spectrum analyzer. The error is only in
one direction, so we could correct for
it. However, we usually do not. So for
our dynamic range measurement, lets
accept a 0.3-dB error due to noise and
offset the noise curve in our dynamic
range chart by 5 dB, as shown in Figure
6-6. Where the distortion and noise
curves intersect, the maximum error
possible would be less than 1.3 dB.

No

measurement could range from +6

dB (the two signals exactly in phase)
to negative infinity (the two signals
exactly out of phase and so canceling).
Such uncertainty is unacceptable
in most cases. If we put a limit of 1
dB on the measurement uncertainty,
Figure6-5 shows us that the internally
generated distortion product must
be about 18 dB below the distortion
product we wish to measure. To draw
dynamic range curves for second- and
third-order measurements with no
more than 1 dB of measurement error,
we must then offset the curves of
Figure 6-2 by 18 dB as shown in Figure
6-6.

6
5
4
3
2
1
0

3
4
5
Displayed S/N (dB)

Figure 6-7. Error in displayed signal amplitude due to noise

59

Gain compression
In our discussion of dynamic range, we
did not concern ourselves with how
accurately the larger tone is displayed,
even on a relative basis. As we raise
the level of a sinusoidal input signal,
eventually the level at the input mixer
becomes so high that the desired
output mixing product no longer
changes linearly with respect to the
input signal. The mixer is in saturation,
and the displayed signal amplitude is
too low. Saturation is gradual rather
than sudden. To help us stay away
from the saturation condition, the 1-dB
compression point is normally specified.
Typically, this gain compression occurs
at a mixer level in the range of 5 to +5
dBm. Thus we can determine what input
attenuator setting to use for accurate
measurement of high-level signals3.
Spectrum analyzers with a digital IF will
indicate that ADC is over-ranged.
Actually, there are three different
methods of evaluating compression.
A traditional method, called CW
compression, measures the change
in gain of a device (amplifier or mixer
or system) as the input signal power
is swept upward. This method is the
one just described. Note that the CW
compression point is considerably
higher than the levels for the
fundamentals indicated previously
for even moderate dynamic range.
So we were correct in not concerning
ourselves with the possibility of
compression of the larger signal(s).
A second method, called two-tone
compression, measures the change
in system gain for a small signal
while the power of a larger signal is
swept upward. Two-tone compression
applies to the measurement of multiple
CW signals, such as sidebands and
independent signals. The threshold of
compression of this method is usually
a few dB lower than that of the CW
method. This is the method used
by Keysight Technologies to specify
spectrum analyzer gain compression.

A third method, called pulse

compression, measures the change in
system gain to a narrow (broadband)
RF pulse while the power of the pulse
is swept upward. When measuring
pulses, we often use a resolution
bandwidth much narrower than the
bandwidth of the pulse, so our analyzer
displays the signal level well below
the peak pulse power. As a result, we
could be unaware of the fact that
the total signal power is above the
mixer compression threshold. A high
threshold improves signal-to-noise
ratio for high-power, ultranarrow or
widely-chirped pulses. The threshold is
about 12 dB higher than for two-tone
compression in the Keysight X-Series
signal analyzers. Nevertheless,
because different compression
mechanisms affect CW, two-tone and
pulse compression differently, any of
the compression thresholds can be
lower than any other.

Display range and

measurement range
Two additional ranges are often
confused with dynamic range: display
range and measurement range.
Display range, often called display
dynamic range, refers to the calibrated
amplitude range of the spectrum
analyzer display. For example, a
display with ten divisions would seem
to have a 100-dB display range when
we select 10dB per division. This is
certainly true for todays analyzers
with digital IF circuitry, such as the
Keysight X-Series. It is also true for the
Keysight ESA-E Series analyzers when
you use the narrow (10- to 300-Hz)
digital resolution bandwidths. However,
spectrum analyzers with analog IF
sections typically are calibrated only
for the first 85 or 90 dB below the
reference level. In this case, the bottom
line of the graticule represents
signal amplitudes of zero, so the
bottom portion of the display covers
the range from 85 or 90dB to
infinity, relative to the reference level.

The range of the log amplifier can

be another limitation for spectrum
analyzers with analog IF circuitry.
For example, ESA-L Series spectrum
analyzers use an 85-dB log amplifier.
Thus, only measurements that are
within 85 dB below the reference level
are calibrated.
The question is, can the full display
range be used? From the previous
discussion of dynamic range, we know
the answer is generally yes. In fact,
dynamic range often exceeds display
range or log amplifier range. To bring
the smaller signals into the calibrated
area of the display, we must increase
IF gain. But in so doing, we may move
the larger signals off the top of the
display, above the reference level.
Some Keysight analyzers, such as
the X-Series, allow measurements
of signals above the reference level
without affecting the accuracy with
which the smaller signals are displayed,
as shown in Figure 6-8 (see page 61).
So we can indeed take advantage of
the full dynamic range of an analyzer
even when the dynamic range exceeds
the display range. In Figure 6-8, even
though the reference level has changed
from 20 dBm to 50 dBm, driving
the signal far above the top of the
screen, the marker readout remains
unchanged.
Measurement range is the ratio of the
largest to the smallest signal that can
be measured under any circumstances.
The maximum safe input level, typically
+30dBm (1 watt) for most analyzers,
determines the upper limit. These
analyzers have input attenuators you can
set to 60 or 70 dB, so you can reduce
+30 dBm signals to levels well below the
compression point of the input mixer
and measure them accurately. The
displayed average noise level sets the
other end of the range. Depending on
the minimum resolution bandwidth of
the particular analyzer and whether or
not you are using a preamplifier, DANL
typically ranges from 115 to 170 dBm.
Measurement range, then, can vary from

3. Many analyzers internally control the combined settings of the input attenuator and IF gain so that a CW signal as high as the compression level at
the input mixer creates a response above the top line of the graticule. This feature keeps us from making incorrect measurements on CW signals
inadvertently.

60

145 to 200 dB. Of course, we cannot

view a 170-dBm signal while a +30-dBm
signal is also present at the input.

Adjacent channel power

measurements
TOI, SOI, 1- dB gain compression,
and DANL are all classic measures
of spectrum analyzer performance.
However, with the tremendous growth
of digital communication systems,
other measures of dynamic range
have become increasingly important.
For example, adjacent channel power
(ACP) measurements are often done in
CDMA-based communication systems
to determine how much signal energy
leaks or spills over into adjacent
or alternate channels located above
and below a carrier. An example ACP
measurement is shown in Figure 6-9.
Note the relative amplitude difference
between the channel power and the
adjacent and alternate channels. You
can measure up to six channels on
either side of the carrier at a time.
Typically, we are most interested in
the relative difference between the
signal power in the main channel
and the signal power in the adjacent
or alternate channel. Depending
on the particular communication
standard, these measurements are
often described as adjacent channel
power ratio (ACPR) or adjacent
channel leakage ratio (ACLR) tests.
Because digitally modulated signals
and the distortion they generate are
very noise-like in nature, the industry
standards typically define a channel
bandwidth over which the signal power
is integrated.

Figure 6-8. Display range and measurement range on the PXA spectrum analyzer

To accurately measure ACP

performance of a device under
test such as a power amplifier, the
spectrum analyzer must have better
ACP performance than the device
being tested. Therefore, spectrum
analyzer ACPR dynamic range has
become a key performance measure for
digital communication systems.
Figure 6-9. Adjacent channel power measurement using a PXA spectrum analyzer

61

Chapter 7. Extending the Frequency Range

As more wireless services continue
to be introduced and deployed, the
available spectrum has become
more and more crowded. As a result,
there has been an ongoing trend
toward developing new products
and services at higher frequencies. In
addition, new microwave technologies
continue to evolve, driving the need for
more measurement capability in the
microwave bands. Spectrum analyzer
designers have responded by developing
instruments capable of directly tuning
up to 50 GHz using a coaxial input. Even
higher frequencies can be measured
using external mixing techniques. This
chapter describes the techniques used to
enable tuning the spectrum analyzer to
such high frequencies.

Internal harmonic mixing

In Chapter 2, we described a singlerange spectrum analyzer that tunes to
3.6 GHz. Now we want to tune higher
in frequency. The most practical way
to achieve an extended range is to use
harmonic mixing.

Low
band path

But let us take one step at a time.

In developing our tuning equation in
Chapter 2, we found that we needed
the low-pass filter shown in Figure 2-1
to prevent higher-frequency signals
from reaching the mixer. The result was
a uniquely responding, single-band
analyzer that tuned to 3.6 GHz. To
observe and measure higher-frequency
signals, we must remove the low-pass
filter.
Other factors that we explored in
developing the tuning equation were
the choice of LO and intermediate
frequencies. We decided that the IF
should not be within the band of interest
because it created a hole in our tuning
range in which we could not make
measurements. So we chose 5.1 GHz,
moving the IF above the highest tuning
frequency of interest (3.6 GHz). Our new
tuning range will be above 3.6 GHz, so
it seems logical to move the new IF to a
frequency below 3.6 GHz. A typical first
IF for these higher frequency ranges in
Keysight spectrum analyzers is 322.5
MHz. We will use this frequency in our

3.6 GHz

5.1225 GHz

examples. In summary, for the low band,

up to 3.6 GHz, our first IF is 5.1 GHz. For
the upper frequency bands, we switch to
a first IF of 322.5 MHz. In Figure 7-1, the
second IF is already 322.5 MHz, so all we
need to do when we want to tune to the
higher ranges is bypass the first IF.
In Chapter 2, we used a mathematical
approach to conclude that we needed
a low-pass filter. The math becomes
more complex in the situation here, so
we will use a graphical approach to see
what is happening. The low band is the
simpler case, so well start with that.
In all of our graphs, we will plot the LO
frequency along the horizontal axis and
signal frequency along the vertical axis,
as shown in Figure7-2. We know we get
a mixing product equal to the IF (and
therefore a response on the display)
whenever the input signal differs from
the LO by the IF. Therefore, we can
determine the frequency to which the
analyzer is tuned simply by adding the
IF to, or subtracting it from, the LO
frequency. To determine our tuning
range, we start by plotting the LO

322.5 MHz

22.5 MHz

Analog or
digital IF

Input
signal

High
band path

3.8 to 8.7 GHz

To external
mixer
4.8 GHz

300 MHz

322.5 MHz
Preselector

Sweep generator

Figure 7-1. Switching arrangement for low band and high bands

62

Display

Now lets add the other fundamentalmixing band by adding the IF to the LO
line in Figure 7-2. This gives us the solid
upper line, labeled 1+, that indicates
a tuning range from 8.9 to 13.8 GHz.
Note that for a given LO frequency, the
two frequencies to which the analyzer
is tuned are separated by twice the IF.
Assuming we have a low-pass filter at
the input while measuring signals in the
low band, we will not be bothered by
signals in the 1+ frequency range.
Next lets see to what extent harmonic
mixing complicates the situation.
Harmonic mixing comes about because
the LO provides a high-level drive
signal to the mixer for efficient mixing,
and because the mixer is a non-linear
device, it generates harmonics of the
LO signal. Incoming signals can mix
against LO harmonics just as well
as the fundamental, and any mixing
product that equals the IF produces
a response on the display. In other
words, our tuning (mixing) equation
now becomes:
fsig = nf LO f IF
where n = LO harmonic

(Other parameters remain the

same as previously discussed.)

Signal frequency (GHz)

13
9

+IF

LO frequency,
GHz
1-

IF

1+

1
-3

5
6
7
LO frequency (GHz)

Figure 7-2. Tuning curves for fundamental mixing in the low band, high IF case

25
20
Signal frequency (GHz)

frequency against the signal frequency

axis, as shown by the dashed line in
Figure 7-2. Subtracting the IF from the
dashed line gives us a tuning range of
0 to 3.6 GHz, the range we developed
in Chapter 2. Note that this line in
Figure 7-2 is labeled 1 to indicate
fundamental mixing and the use of the
minus sign in the tuning equation. We
can use the graph to determine what
LO frequency is required to receive
a particular signal or to what signal
the analyzer is tuned for a given LO
frequency. To display a 1-GHz signal,
the LO must be tuned to 6.1 GHz.
For an LO frequency of 8 GHz, the
spectrum analyzer is tuned to receive a
signal frequency of 2.9 GHz. In our text,
we round off the first IF to one decimal
place; the true IF, 5.1225 GHz, is shown
on the block diagram.

1-

15

1+
2-

10

2+
LO

2xLO
0

-5

LO frequency (GHz)

Figure 7-3. Signals in the 1 minus frequency range produce single, unambiguous responses in the
low-band, high-IF case

Lets add second-harmonic mixing

to our graph in Figure 7-3 and see
to what extent this complicates our
measurement procedure. As before, we
first plot the LO frequency against the
signal frequency axis. Multiplying the
LO frequency by two yields the upper
dashed line of Figure 7-3. As we did for
fundamental mixing, we simply subtract
the IF (5.1 GHz) from and add it to the
LO second-harmonic curve to produce
the 2 and 2+ tuning ranges. Since
neither of these overlap the desired
1 tuning range, we can again argue
that they do not really complicate the
measurement process. In other words,

63

signals in the 1 tuning range produce

unique, unambiguous responses on our
analyzer display. The same low-pass
filter used in the fundamental mixing
case works equally well for eliminating
responses created in the harmonic
mixing case.
The situation is considerably different
for the high-band, low-IF case. As
before, we start by plotting the LO
fundamental against the signalfrequency axis and then add and
subtract the IF, producing the results
shown in Figure 7-4. Note that the
1 and 1+ tuning ranges are much

With this type of mixing arrangement,

it is possible for signals at different
frequencies to produce responses at
the same point on the display, that is,
at the same LO frequency. As we can
see from Figure 7-4, input signals at 4.7
and 5.3 GHz both produce a response
at the IF when the LO frequency is set
to 5 GHz. These signals are known as
image frequencies, and they are also
separated by twice the IF frequency.
Clearly, we need some mechanism
to differentiate between responses
generated on the 1 tuning curve
for which our analyzer is calibrated

10
Signal frequency (GHz)

closer together, and in fact overlap,

because the IF is a much lower
frequency, 322.5 MHz in this case.
Does the close spacing of the tuning
ranges complicate the measurement
process? Yes and no. First of all, our
system can be calibrated for only one
tuning range at a time. In this case, we
would choose the 1 tuning to give us
a low-end frequency of about 3.5 GHz,
so we have some overlap with the 3.6GHz upper end of our low-band tuning
range. So what are we likely to see on
the display? If we enter the graph at an
LO frequency of 5 GHz, we find there
are two possible signal frequencies
that would give us responses at the
same point on the display: 4.7 and 5.3
GHz (rounding the numbers again). On
the other hand, if we enter the signal
frequency axis at 5.3 GHz, we find that
in addition to the 1+ response at an
LO frequency of 5 GHz, we could also
get a 1 response. This would occur
if we allowed the LO to sweep as high
as 5.6GHz, twice the IF above 5 GHz.
Also, if we entered the signal frequency
graph at 4.7 GHz, we would find a 1+
response at an LO frequency of about
4.4GHz (twice the IF below 5 GHz) in
addition to the 1 response at an LO
frequency of 5 GHz. Thus, for every
desired response on the 1 tuning
line, there will be a second response
located twice the IF below it. These
pairs of responses are known as image
responses.

Image Frequencies

5.3

1-

4.7

1+

LO Frequency

4.4

5.6

6
7
LO frequency (GHz)

Figure 7-4. Tuning curves for fundamental mixing in the high-band, low-IF case

and those produced on the 1+ tuning

curve. However, before we look at
signal identification solutions, lets
add harmonic-mixing curves to 26.5
GHz and see if there are any additional
factors we must consider in the signal
identification process. Figure 7-5 shows
tuning curves up to the fourth harmonic
of the LO.
In examining Figure 7-5, we find
some additional complications. The
spectrum analyzer is set up to operate
in several tuning bands. Depending on
the frequency to which the analyzer is
tuned, the analyzer display is frequency
calibrated for a specific LO harmonic.
For example, in the 8.3- to 13.6-GHz
input frequency range, the spectrum
analyzer is calibrated for the 2 tuning
curve. Suppose we have an 13.6-GHz
signal present at the input. As the
LO sweeps, the signal will produce IF
responses with the 3+, 3-, 2+ and 2
tuning curves. The desired response
of the 2 tuning curve occurs when
the LO frequency satisfies the tuning
equation:
13.6 GHz = 2 f LO 0.3
f LO = 6.95GHz
Similarly, we can calculate that the
response from the 2+ tuning curve
occurs when f LO = 6.65 GHz, resulting

in a displayed signal that appears to be

at 13.0 GHz.
The displayed signals created by the
responses to the 3+ and 3 tuning
curves are known as in-band multiple
responses. Because they occur when
the LO is tuned to 4.63 GHz and
4.43 GHz, they will produce false
responses on the display that appear
to be genuine signals at 8.96 GHz and
8.56GHz.
Other situations can create out-ofband multiple responses. For example,
suppose we are looking at a 5-GHz
signal in band 1 that has a significant
third harmonic at 15 GHz (band 3). In
addition to the expected multiple pair
caused by the 5-GHz signal on the
1+ and 1 tuning curves, we also get
responses generated by the 15-GHz
signal on the 4+, 4, 3+, and 3 tuning
curves. Since these responses occur
when the LO is tuned to 3.7, 3.8, 4.9,
and 5.1 GHz respectively, the display
will show signals that appear to be
located at 3.4, 3.5, 4.6, and 4.8 GHz.
This is shown in Figure 7-6.
Multiple responses generally always
come in pairs1, with a plus mixing
product and a minus mixing product.
When we use the correct harmonic
mixing number for a given tuning band,

1. Often referred to as an image pair. This is inaccurate terminology, since images are actually two or more real signals present at the spectrum analyzer input that produce an IF response at the same LO frequency. The numbers for your analyzer may differ.

64

25.00

Apparent location of an input signal

resulting from the response to the
2- tuning curve

Signal frequency (GHz)

20.00

4+

3+

4-

3-

Band 4
2+

In-band multiple
responses

2-

15.00

Band 3

13.6
13.0

10.00

1+

8.96
8.56

Band 2

1Band 1

5.00
Apparent locations of in-band
multiples of a 13.6 GHz input signal

0.00
3

4.43 4.63

Band 0
(lowband)
6.65 6.95

6
LO frequency (GHz)

Figure 7-5. Tuning curves up to 4th harmonic of LO showing in-band multiple responses to a 13.6-GHz input signal

25.00

Signal frequency (GHz)

20.00

4+

3+

4-

3-

Out-of-band
multiple responses

Band 4
2+
2-

15.00

10.00

Band 3

1+

Band 2

1Band 1

5.00

Band 0
(lowband)

0.00
3

3.7 3.8

4.9 5.1

5.3

6
LO frequency (GHz)

Figure 7-6. Out-of-band multiple responses in band 1 as a result of a signal in-band 3

the responses will be separated by 2

times f IF. Because the slope of each pair
of tuning curves increases linearly with
the harmonic number N, the multiple
pairs caused by any other harmonic
mixing number appear to be separated
by:

2f IF (Nc /NA)
where Nc = the correct harmonic
number for the desired tuning
band
NA = the actual harmonic
number generating the multiple
pair

65

Signal frequency (GHz)

25.00

2+ LO Doubled

20.00

2- LO Doubled

Band 4
2+
2-

15.00

1+ LO Doubled
1- LO Doubled

10.00

1+

Band 3
Band 2

1Band 1

5.00

0.00

Band 0
(lowband)
3

6
LO frequency (GHz)

Figure 7-7. X-Series analyzer harmonic bands using LO doubling

In X-Series analyzers, the LO is doubled

to produce a new, higher-frequency
LO for harmonic mixing. As a result, the
LO harmonics are twice as far apart as
they would otherwise be and likelihood
of multiple responses is significantly
reduced. Compare Figure 7-6 and Figure
7-7.
Can we conclude from this discussion
that a harmonic mixing spectrum
analyzer is not practical? Not
necessarily. In cases where the signal
frequency is known, we can tune to
the signal directly, knowing that the
analyzer will select the appropriate
mixing mode for which it is calibrated.
In controlled environments with only
one or two signals, it is usually easy
to distinguish the real signal from
the image and multiple responses.
However, there are many cases in
which we have no idea how many
signals are involved or what their
frequencies might be. For example,
we could be searching for unknown
spurious signals, conducting site
surveillance tests as part of a
frequency-monitoring program or
performing EMI tests to measure
unwanted device emissions. In all
these cases, we could be looking for
totally unknown signals in a potentially
crowded spectral environment. Having
to perform some form of identification
routine on each and every response
would make measurement time
intolerably long.

Fortunately, there is a way to

essentially eliminate image and
multiple responses through a process
of prefiltering the signal. This technique
is called preselection.

Preselection
What form must our preselection take?
Referring back to Figure 7-4, assume
we have two signals at 4.7 and 5.3 GHz
present at the input of our analyzer.
If we were particularly interested in
one, we could use a band-pass filter to
allow that signal into the analyzer and
reject the other. However, the fixed filter
does not eliminate multiple responses;
so if the spectrum is crowded, there
is still potential for confusion. More
important, perhaps, is the restriction
that a fixed filter puts on the flexibility of
the analyzer. If we are doing broadband
testing, we certainly do not want to be
continually forced to change bandpass
filters.
The solution is a tunable filter
configured such that it automatically
tracks the frequency of the appropriate
mixing mode. Figure 7-8 shows the
effect of such a preselector. Here we
take advantage of the fact that our
superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
is not a real-time analyzer; that is,
it tunes to only one frequency at
a time. The dashed lines in Figure
7-8 represent the bandwidth of the
66

tracking preselector. Signals beyond

the dashed lines are rejected. Lets
continue with our previous example of
4.7- and 5.3-GHz signals present at
the analyzer input. If we set a center
frequency of 5 GHz and a span of 2
GHz, lets see what happens as the
analyzer tunes across this range. As the
LO sweeps past 4.4 GHz (the frequency
at which it could mix with the 4.7-GHz
input signal on its 1+mixing mode),
the preselector is tuned to 4.1GHz
and therefore rejects the 4.7-GHz
signal. The input signal does not reach
the mixer, so no mixing occurs, and
no response appears on the display.
As the LO sweeps past 5 GHz, the
preselector allows the 4.7-GHz signal
to reach the mixer, and we see the
appropriate response on the display.
The 5.3-GHz image signal is rejected,
so it creates no mixing product to
interact with the mixing product from
the 4.7-GHz signal and cause a false
display. Finally, as the LO sweeps past
5.6 GHz, the preselector allows the
5.3-GHz signal to reach the mixer, and
we see it properly displayed. Note in
Figure 7-8 that nowhere do the various
mixing modes intersect. So as long as
the preselector bandwidth is narrow
enough (it typically varies from about
35 MHz at low frequencies to 80 MHz
at high frequencies) it will greatly
attenuate all image and multiple
responses.

1+
6
5.3

Signal frequency (GHz)

The word eliminate may be a little

strong. Preselectors do not have
infinite rejection. Rejection in the 70- to
80-dB range is more likely. So if we are
looking for very low-level signals in the
presence of very high-level signals, we
might see low-level images or multiples
of the high-level signals. What
about the low band? Most tracking
preselectors use YIG technology, and
YIG filters do not operate well at low
frequencies. Fortunately, there is a
simple solution. Figure 7-3 shows that
no other mixing mode overlaps the
1 mixing mode in the low-frequency,
high-IF case. So a simple low-pass
filter attenuates both image and
multiple responses. Figure 7-9 shows
the input architecture of a typical
microwave spectrum analyzer.

4.7

Preselector
bandwidth

2
3

4.4

5
LO frequency (GHz)

5.6

Figure 7-8. Preselection; dashed gray lines represent bandwidth of tracking preselector

Low
band path

3.6 GHz

5.1225 GHz

322.5 MHz

22.5 MHz

Analog or
digital IF

Input
signal

High
band path

3.8 to 8.7 GHz

To external
mixer
4.8 GHz

300 MHz

322.5 MHz
Preselector

Sweep generator

Figure 7-9. Front-end architecture of a typical preselected spectrum analyzer

67

Display

Amplitude calibration
So far, we have looked at how a
harmonic mixing spectrum analyzer
responds to various input frequencies.
What about amplitude?
The conversion loss of a mixer is a
function of harmonic number, and the
loss goes up as the harmonic number
goes up. This means that signals of
equal amplitude would appear at
different levels on the display if they
involved different mixing modes.
To preserve amplitude calibration,
something must be done. In Keysight
spectrum analyzers, the IF gain is
changed. The increased conversion
loss at higher LO harmonics causes
a loss of sensitivity just as if we had
increased the input attenuator. And
since the IF gain change occurs after
the conversion loss, the gain change is
reflected by a corresponding change
in the displayed noise level. So we can
determine analyzer sensitivity on the
harmonic-mixing ranges by noting the
average displayed noise level just as we
did on fundamental mixing.
In older spectrum analyzers, the
increase in displayed average noise
level with each harmonic band was
very noticeable. More recent models
of Keysight spectrum analyzers use
a double-balanced, image-enhanced
harmonic mixer to minimize the
increased conversion loss when using
higher harmonics. Thus, the stair step
effect on DANL has been replaced by
a gentle sloping increase with higher
frequencies, as shown in Figure 7-10.

Phase noise
In Chapter 2, we noted that instability of
an analyzer LO appears as phase noise
around signals that are displayed far
enough above the noise floor. We also
noted that this phase noise can impose
a limit on our ability to measure closely
spaced signals that differ in amplitude.
The level of the phase noise indicates
the angular, or frequency, deviation of
the LO. What happens to phase noise
when a harmonic of the LO is used in the
mixing process? Relative to fundamental

Figure 7-10. Rise in noise floor indicates changes in sensitivity with changes in LO harmonic used

Figure 7-11. Phase noise levels for fundamental and 4th harmonic mixing

mixing, phase noise (in decibels)

increases by:
20 log(N),
where N = harmonic of the LO
For example, suppose that the LO
fundamental has a peak-to-peak
deviation of 10Hz. The second
harmonic then has a 20-Hz peak-topeak deviation; the third harmonic, 30
Hz; and so on. Since the phase noise
indicates the signal (noise in this case)
producing the modulation, the level
of the phase noise must be higher to
produce greater deviation. When the
68

degree of modulation is very small, as

in the situation here, the amplitude of
the modulation side bands is directly
proportional to the deviation of the
carrier (LO). If the deviation doubles, the
level of the side bands must also double
in voltage; that is, increase by 6dB or
20log(2). As a result, the ability of our
analyzer to measure closely spaced
signals that are unequal in amplitude
decreases as higher harmonics of the
LO are used for mixing. Figure 7-11
shows the difference in phase noise
between fundamental mixing of a 5-GHz
signal and fourth-harmonic mixing of a
20-GHz signal.

Improved dynamic range

Lets look at the dynamic range of

a second-harmonic test of a 3-GHz
oscillator. Using the example from
Chapter 6, suppose that a 40-dBm
signal at the mixer produces a second
harmonic product of 75 dBc. We also
know, from our discussion, that for
every 1 dB the level of the fundamental
changes at the mixer, measurement
range also changes by 1 dB. The
second-harmonic distortion curve is
shown in Figure 7-12. For this example,
we assume plenty of power from the
oscillator and set the input attenuator
so that when we measure the oscillator
fundamental, the level at the mixer is
10 dBm, below the 1-dB compression
point.
From the graph, we see that a 10-dBm
signal at the mixer produces a secondharmonic distortion component of
45 dBc. Now we tune the analyzer
to the 6-GHz second harmonic. If the
preselector has 70-dB rejection, the
fundamental at the mixer has dropped
to 80 dBm. Figure 7-12 indicates that
for a signal of 80 dBm at the mixer,
the internally generated distortion
is 115 dBc, meaning 115 dB below
the new fundamental level of 80
dBm. This puts the absolute level of
the harmonic at 195 dBm. So the
difference between the fundamental
we tuned to and the internally
generated second harmonic we tuned
to is 185 dB! Clearly, for harmonic

45
50
60
Internal distortion (dBc)

A preselector improves dynamic range

if the signals in question have sufficient
frequency separation. The discussion of
dynamic range in Chapter 6 assumed
that both the large and small signals
were always present at the mixer and
their amplitudes did not change during
the course of the measurement. But as
we have seen, if signals are far enough
apart, a preselector allows one to reach
the mixer while rejecting the others. For
example, if we were to test a microwave
oscillator for harmonics, a preselector
would reject the fundamental when
we tuned the analyzer to one of the
harmonics.

70
80
90
100
110
115
120

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

Mixed level (dBm)

Figure 7-12. Second-order distortion graph

distortion, dynamic range is limited

on the low-level (harmonic) end only
by the noise floor (sensitivity) of the
analyzer.
What about the upper, high-level
end? When measuring the oscillator
fundamental, we must limit power at
the mixer to get an accurate reading
of the level. We can use either
internal or external attenuation to
limit the level of the fundamental at
the mixer to something less than the
1-dB compression point. However,
the preselector highly attenuates the
fundamental when we are tuned to the
second harmonic, so we can remove
some attenuation if we need better
sensitivity to measure the harmonic.
A fundamental level of +20 dBm at the
preselector should not affect our ability
to measure the harmonic.
Any improvement in dynamic range
for third-order intermodulation
measurements depends upon
separation of the test tones versus
preselector bandwidth. As we noted,
typical preselector bandwidth is about

69

35 MHz at the low end and 80 MHz

at the high end. As a conservative
figure, we might use 18 dB per octave
of bandwidth roll-off of a typical YIG
preselector filter beyond the 3dB point.
So to determine the improvement in
dynamic range, we must determine to
what extent each of the fundamental
tones is attenuated and how that
affects internally generated distortion.
From the expressions in Chapter 6 for
third-order intermodulation, we have:
(k4 /8)VLOV12V2 cos[LO (21 2)]t
and
(k4 /8)VLOV1V22cos[LO (22 1)]t
Looking at these expressions, we
see that the amplitude of the lower
distortion component (21 2) varies
as the square of V1 and linearly with
V2. On the other side, the amplitude of
the upper distortion component (22
1) varies linearly with V1 and as the
square of V2. However, depending on
the signal frequencies and separation,
the preselector may not attenuate the
two fundamental tones equally.

Consider the situation shown in Figure

7-13 in which we are tuned to the
lower distortion component, and the
two fundamental tones are separated
by half the preselector bandwidth. In
this case, the lower-frequency test
tone lies at the edge of the preselector
pass band and is attenuated 3 dB. The
upper test tone lies above the lower
distortion component by an amount
equal to the full preselector bandwidth.
It is attenuated approximately 21
dB. Since we are tuned to the lower
distortion component, internally
generated distortion at this frequency
drops by a factor of two relative to the
attenuation of V1 (2 times 3 dB = 6 dB)
and equally as fast as the attenuation
of V2 (21 dB). The improvement in
dynamic range is the sum of 6 dB + 21
dB, or 27 dB. As in the case of second
harmonic distortion, the noise floor of
the analyzer must be considered, too.
For very closely spaced test tones, the
preselector provides no improvement,
and we determine dynamic range as if
the preselector was not there.
The discussion of dynamic range in
Chapter6 applies to the low-passfiltered low band. The only exceptions
occur when a particular harmonic
of a low-band signal falls within the
preselected range. For example, if
we measure the second harmonic of
a 2.5- GHz fundamental, we get the
benefit of the preselector when we
tune to the 5- GHz harmonic.

Pluses and minuses

of preselection
We have seen the pluses of
preselection: simpler analyzer
operation, uncluttered displays,
improved dynamic range and
wide spans. But there are also
some disadvantages relative to an
unpreselected analyzer.
First of all, the preselector has
insertion loss, typically 6 to 8 dB. This
loss comes prior to the first stage of
gain, so system sensitivity is degraded
by the full loss. In addition, when a
preselector is connected directly to a

3 dB
21 dB

27 dB

Figure 7-13. Improved third-order intermodulation distortion; test tone separation is significant relative to
preselector bandwidth

mixer, the interaction of the mismatch

of the preselector with that of the
input mixer can cause a degradation
of frequency response. You must
use proper calibration techniques to
compensate for this ripple. Another
approach to minimize this interaction
would be to insert a matching pad
(fixed attenuator) or isolator between
the preselector and mixer. In this case,
sensitivity would be degraded by the
full value of the pad or isolator.
Some spectrum analyzer architectures
eliminate the need for the matching
pad or isolator. As the electrical length
between the preselector and mixer
increases, the rate of change of phase
of the reflected and re-reflected
signals becomes more rapid for a given
change in input frequency. The result
is a more exaggerated ripple effect on
flatness. Architectures such as those
used in PSA Series analyzers include
the mixer diodes as an integral part of
the preselector/mixer assembly. In such
an assembly, there is minimal electrical
length between the preselector and
mixer. This architecture thus removes
the ripple effect on frequency response
and improves sensitivity by eliminating
the matching pad or isolator.
Even aside from its interaction with
the mixer, a preselector causes some
degradation of frequency response.
The preselector filter pass band is
never perfectly flat, but rather exhibits
70

a certain amount of ripple. In most

configurations, the tuning ramp for
the preselector and local oscillator
come from the same source, but
there is no feedback mechanism
to ensure the preselector exactly
tracks the tuning of the analyzer.
Another source of post-tuning drift
is the self-heating caused by current
flowing in the preselector circuitry.
The center of the preselector pass
band will depend on its temperature
and temperature gradients, which
depend on the history of the
preselector tuning. As a result, you
obtain the best flatness by centering
the preselector at each signal. The
centering function is typically built into
the spectrum analyzer firmware and is
selected either by a front-panel key in
manual measurement applications or
programmatically in automated test
systems. When activated, the centering
function adjusts the preselector tuning
DAC to center the preselector pass
band on the signal. The frequency
response specification for most
microwave analyzers applies only after
centering the preselector, and it is
generally a best practice to perform
this function (to mitigate the effects
of post-tuning drift) before making
amplitude measurements of microwave
signals.
In our discussion of sweep time, we
found that analyzers such as the PXA
use FFTs when the narrower resolution

bandwidths are selected. Because the

LO is stepped and fixed for each FFT
segment, the preseletor must be stepped
and fixed as well. Since the preselector
takes several milliseconds to tune and
stabilize, sweep time may be negatively
impacted relative to similar settings
in the low band. The X-Series signal
analyzers allow you to select the width
of each step to minimize the number of
steps. (For details, see the operating
manual for your particular analyzer.) If
your analyzer has Option MPB, you may
bypass the preselector to eliminate its
impact on sweep time. However, be sure
your signal is such that no images or
multiples can cause confusion.

External harmonic mixing

We have discussed tuning to higher
frequencies within the signal analyzer.
For internal harmonic mixing, the
X-Series signal analyzers use the

second harmonic (N=2) to tune to

17.1GHz and the second harmonic
(N=2), with the LO doubled, to tune to
26.5 GHz. However, what if you want
to test outside the upper frequency
range of the signal analyzer? Some
analyzers provide the ability to use
an external mixer to make highfrequency measurements, where the
external mixer becomes the front end
of the analyzer, bypassing the input
attenuator, the preselector and the first
mixers. The external mixer uses higher
harmonics of the analyzers first LO, and
in some cases, the first LO frequency
is doubled before being sent to the
external mixer. Higher fundamental
LO frequencies allow for lower mixer
conversion loss. Typically, a spectrum
analyzer that supports external mixing
has one or two additional connectors
on the front panel. Early analyzers had
two connectors. An LO out port routes
the analyzers internal first LO signal

to the external mixer, which uses the

higher harmonics to mix with the highfrequency signals. The external mixers
IF output connects to the analyzers IF
in port. The latest analyzers have only
one front-panel port, and this is possible
because the LO frequency supplied from
the analyzer is between 3 and 14 GHz,
while the IF output frequency from the
external mixer to the analyzer is 322.5
MHz. Because of the wide frequency
difference between the LO and IF
signals, both signals can exist on the
same coaxial interconnect cable that
attaches the analyzer and the mixer.
As long as the external mixer uses the
same IF as the spectrum analyzer, the
signal can be processed and displayed
internally, just like any signal that came
from the internal first mixer. Figure7-14
illustrates the block diagram of an
external mixer used in conjunction with
a spectrum analyzer.

External mixer
Waveguide
input

Low
band path

IF out
IF in

3.6 GHz

5.1225 GHz

322.5 MHz

22.5 MHz

Analog or
digital IF

Analyzer
input

High
band path

LO
3.8 to 8.7 GHz
To external
mixer
4.8 GHz

300 MHz

322.5 MHz
Preselector

Sweep generator

Figure 7-14. Spectrum analyzer and external mixer block diagram

71

Display

Table 7-1. Harmonic mixing modes used by X-Series analyzers with external mixers

Other Manufacturers
mixers
(LO range 37 GHz)

Other Manufacturers
mixers
(LO range 614 GHz)

F (90.0 to 140.0 GHz)

16

10

D (110.0 to 170.0 GHz)

20

14

G (140.0 to 220.0 GHz)

26

18

Y (170.0 to 260.0 GHz )

30

20

J (220.0 to 325.0 GHz)

38

24

(325.0 to 500.0 GHz)

58

36

(500.0 to 750.0 GHz)

86

54

Keysight M1970 Series

Mixers
(LO range 614 GHz)

Band

Keysight 11970 Series

Mixers
(LO range 37 GHz)

A (26.5 to 40.0 GHz)

6 and 8

Q (33.0 to 50.0 GHz)

8 and 10

U (40.0 to 60.0 GHz)

10

V (50.0 to 75.0 GHz)

12 and 14

E (60.0 to 90.0 GHz)

N.A.

6 and 8

W (75.0 to 110.0 GHz)

18

(750.0 to 1,100.0 GHz)

Table 7-1 shows the harmonic mixing
modes used by the X-Series analyzers
at various millimeter-wave bands
for both the Keysight M1970 Series
and the earlier 11970 Series external
mixers. For ease of use and low
conversion loss, the M1970 Series
mixers provide a USB connection that
is used to automatically identify the
mixer model number and serial number,
perform an LO adjustment to optimize
performance, and download the mixer
conversion loss table into the analyzer
memory. You also can use external
mixers from other manufactures if you
know the mixers conversion loss with

80
frequency. Some external mixers from
other manufacturers require a bias
current to set the mixer diodes to the
proper operating point. The X-Series
analyzers can provide up to 10 mA
of DC current through the front-panel
external mixer port to provide this bias
and keep the measurement setup as
simple as possible.
Whether you perform harmonic mixing
with an internal or an external mixer,
the issues are similar. The LO and its
harmonics mix not only with the desired
input signal, but also with any other
signal, including out-of-band signals,

72

that may be present at the input. This

produces mixing products that can be
processed through the IF just like any
other valid signals.
A tunable filter that performs
preselection of the signals reaching the
first mixer in the internal signal path
is common in most signal analyzers.
External mixers that are unpreselected
will produce unwanted responses on
screen that are not true signals. A way
to deal with these unwanted signals
has been designed into the signal
analyzer. This function is called signal
identification.

Signal identification
It is quite possible that the particular
response we have tuned onto the
display has been generated on an
LO harmonic or mixing mode other
than the one for which the display is
calibrated. So our analyzer must have
some way to tell us whether or not
the display is calibrated for the signal
response in question. For this example,
assume we are using a Keysight
M1970V 50- to 75-GHz unpreselected
mixer, which uses the 6 mixing mode.
The full V-Band measurement can be
seen in Figure 7-15.
Keysight X-Series signal analyzers offer
two different identification methods:
image shift and image suppress. Lets
first explore the image shift method.
Looking at Figure 7-15, lets assume we
have tuned the analyzer to a frequency
of 62.50 GHz. The 6th harmonic of
the LO produces a pair of responses,
where the 6 mixing product appears
on screen at the correct frequency of
62.50GHz, while the 6+ mixing product
produces a response with an indicated

Figure 7-15. Which ones are the real signals?

frequency of 61.85 GHz, which is 2

times f IF below the real response. The
X-Series analyzer has an IF frequency
of 322.5 MHz, so the pair of responses
is separated by 645 MHz.

Harmonic mixing tuning lines

80

8+
8-

IF Frequency = 322.5 MHz

Signal Frequency (GHz)

75

70

65

Input

Image

RF 6-

RF 6+

RF 8-

RF 8+

6+
6-

62.500
61.855
60

55
10.36
10.47
50
7

7.5

8.5

9.5

LO Frequency (GHz)
Figure 7-16 Harmonic tuning lines for the X-Series analyzers using the M1970 Series mixers

73

10

10.5

11

Lets assume we have some idea of the

characteristics of our signal, but we do
not know its exact frequency. How do
we determine which is the real signal?
The image-shift process retunes the LO
fundamental frequency by an amount
equal to 2f IF/N. This causes the Nth
harmonic to shift by 2f IF.
If we are tuned to a real signal, its
corresponding pair will now appear at
the same position on screen that the
real signal occupied in the first sweep.
If we are tuned to another multiple
pair created by some other incorrect
harmonic, the signal will appear to
shift in frequency on the display. The
X-Series signal analyzer shifts the LO
on alternate sweeps, creating the two
displays show in Figures 7-17a and
7-17b. In Figure 7-17a, the real signal
(the 6 mixing product) is tuned to
the center of the screen. Figure 7-17b
shows how the image shift function
moves the corresponding pair (the 6+
mixing product) to the center of the
screen.

Figure 7-17a: 6 centered (yellow trace)

Figures 7-17a and 7-17b display

alternate sweeps taken with the image
shift function.

Figure 7-17b: 6+ centered (blue trace)

74

Lets examine the second method

of signal identification, image
suppression. In this mode, two sweeps
are taken using the minimum hold
function, which saves the smaller value
of each display point, or bucket, from
the two sweeps. The first sweep is
done using normal LO tuning values.
The second sweep offsets the LO
fundamental frequency by 2f IF/N. As
we saw in the first signal ID method,
the image product generated by the
correct harmonic will land at the same
point on the display as the real signal
did on the first sweep. Therefore,
the trace retains a high amplitude
value. Any false response that shifts
in frequency will have its trace data
replaced by a lower value. Thus, all
image and incorrect multiple responses
will appear as noise, as shown in Figure
7-18.

Figure 7-18. The image suppress function displays only real signals

Note that both signal identification

methods are used for identifying
correct frequencies only. You should
not attempt to make amplitude
measurements while the signal
identification function is turned on.
Once we have identified the real signal
of interest, we turn off the signal ID
function and zoom in on it by reducing
the span. We can then measure the
signals amplitude and frequency. See
Figure 7-19.
To make an accurate amplitude
measurement, it is important that you
first enter the calibration data for your
external mixer. This data is normally
supplied by the mixer manufacturer,
and it is typically presented as a
table of mixer conversion loss, in
dB, at a number of frequency points
across the band. This data is entered
into a correction table on the signal
analyzer, and the analyzer uses this
data to compensate for the mixer
conversion loss. If you are using the
M1970 Series harmonic mixers, the
mixer conversion loss is automatically
transferred from the mixer memory to
the X-Series signal analyzer memory,
which eliminates manual entry into a
correction file. The spectrum analyzer
reference level is now calibrated for
signals at the input to the external
mixer.

Figure 7-19. Measurement of a positively identified signal

75

Chapter 8. Modern Signal Analyzers

In the previous chapters of this
application note, we have looked at the
fundamental architecture of spectrum
analyzers and basic considerations
for making frequency-domain
measurements. On a practical level,
modern spectrum or signal analyzers
must also handle many other tasks
to help you meet your measurement
requirements. These tasks include:
Providing application-specific
measurements, such as adjacent
channel power (ACP), noise figure,
and phase noise
Providing digital modulation
analysis measurements defined by
industry or regulatory standards,
such as LTE, GSM, cdma2000 ,
802.11, or Bluetooth
Performing vector signal analysis
Saving, printing or transferring
data
Offering remote control and
operation over GPIB, LAN or the
Internet
Allowing you to update instrument
firmware to add new features and
capabilities, as well as to repair
defects
Making provisions for selfcalibration, troubleshooting,
diagnostics and repair
Recognizing and operating with
optional hardware or firmware to
add new capabilities
Allowing you to make
measurements in the field with
a rugged, battery-powered
handheld spectrum analyzer that
correlate with data taken with
high-performance bench-top
equipment

Application-specific
measurements
In addition to measuring general signal
characteristics like frequency and
amplitude, you often need to make
specific measurements of certain signal
parameters. Examples include channel
power measurements and adjacent
channel power (ACP) measurements,
which we described in Chapter 6.
Many signal analyzers now have these
built-in functions available. You simply
specify the channel bandwidth and
spacing, then press a button to activate
the automatic measurement.
The complementary cumulative
distribution function (CCDF), which
shows power statistics, is another
measurement capability increasingly
found in modern signal analyzers,
as you can see in Figure8-1. CCDF
measurements provide statistical
information showing the percent of

Figure 8-1. CCDF measurement

76

time the instantaneous power of the

signal exceeds the average power by a
certain number of dB. This information
is important in power amplifier design,
for example, where it is important to
handle instantaneous signal peaks with
minimum distortion while minimizing
cost, weight and power consumption of
the device.
Other examples of built-in
measurement functions include
occupied bandwidth, TOI, harmonic
distortion, and spurious emissions
measurements. The instrument
settings such as center frequency,
span and resolution bandwidth for
these measurements depend on the
specific radio standard to which the
device is being tested. Most modern
signal analyzers have these instrument
settings stored in memory so you
can select the desired radio standard
(LTE, MSR, GSM/EDGE, cdma2000,
W-CDMA, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and so on)

to make the measurements properly.

RF designers are often concerned
with the noise figure of their devices,
as noise figure directly affects the
sensitivity of receivers and other
systems. Some s ign a l analyzers,
such as the X-Series, have optional
noise figure measurement capabilities
available. This option provides control
for the noise source needed to drive
the input of the device under test
(DUT) as well as firmware to automate
the measurement process and display
the results. Figure 8-2 shows a typical
measurement result, with DUT noise
figure (upper trace) and gain (lower
trace) displayed as a function of
frequency.

The need for phase

information
Phase noise is a common measure
of oscillator performance. In digitally
modulated communication systems,
phase noise can negatively impact
bit error rates. Phase noise can also
degrade the ability of Doppler radar
systems to capture the return pulses
from targets. The X-Series signal
analyzers offer optional phase noise
measurement capabilities. These
options provide firmware to control the
measurement and display the phase
noise as a function of frequency offset
from the carrier, as shown in Figure
8-3.

Figure 8-2. Noise figure measurement

Figure 8-3. Phase noise measurement

77

Todays digital modulation techniques

use amplitude and phase information
to carry more baseband data in limited
spectrum and time. Therefore, it is
essential for a signal analyzer to handle
amplitude and phase in an appropriate
manner. QPSK (Quadrature Phase-Shift
Keying) is one of the simple examples
of digital modulation techniques,
with which two bits of digital data are
transmitted at once, or two bits per
symbol. Figure 8-4 shows an example
of QPSK demodulation analysis with
Agilent 89601B option AYA. Remember
you need four (22) states to transmit 2
bits at once.
As an easy and intuitive way to
understand whats going on the digital
radio transmission, use an I/Q plane,
which is a two dimensional chart
comprising in-phase and quadrature
components of the demodulated
signal on the horizontal axis and the
vertical axis, respectively. An example
of the chart is again shown on the top
left window of Figure 8-4. The yellow
trace called trajectory shows a vector
combining phase and amplitude moves
around as time goes while red points
indicates the instantaneous position
of trajectory at the time of decision
when a receiver actually judges the
symbol value. Essentially, for digital
radios, vectors at these decision points
are most important for modulation
quality. As you can see on the bottom
left window of Figure 8-4, a scalar
analyzer meaning traditional spectrum
analyzer may be able to show the
modulated signal in frequency domain
so that you can see whether the signal
is properly modulated in power wise to
some extent, and you can also make
sure that there is no unwanted emission
or leakage power to the adjacent
channels. You need, however, some
sort of vector analyzer to perform
meaningful analysis of modulation
quality for digital data transmission
where phase information is involved.
A newer and much more complicated
system is 802.11ac, which uses
256QAM (quadrature-amplitude
modulation). See Figure 8-5. The

Figure 8-4. Modulation analysis of a QPSK signal measured with Keysights 89600 VSA software

Figure 8-5. Modulation analysis of WLAN 802.11ac signal using Keysight 89600 VSA software

maximum power is limited, so the

data points are much closer in both
phase and magnitude than for QPSK.
The analyzer you use to evaluate the
transmitted signal must be sufficiently
accurate that it does not lead you to
a false conclusion about the quality
of the transmission. Pure amplitude
measurements are also required to
determine signal attributes such as
flatness, adjacent-channel power levels
and distortion.

78

Digital modulation analysis

The common wireless communication
systems used throughout the world
today all have prescribed measurement
techniques defined by standardsdevelopment organizations and
governmental regulatory bodies.
Optional measurement personalities
are available on the X-Series signal
analyzers to perform the key tests
defined for a particular wireless
communication format. For example,
if we need to test a transmitter to the
Bluetooth wireless communication
standard, we must measure
parameters such as:
Average/peak output power
Modulation characteristics
Initial carrier frequency tolerance
Carrier frequency drift
Monitor band/channel
Modulation overview
Output spectrum
20-dB bandwidth
Adjacent channel power
These measurements are available on
the Keysight X-Series signal analyzers
with appropriate options.
Other optional measurement
capabilities for a wide variety of
wireless communications standards
that are available on the X-Series
signal analyzers:
LTE/LTE-Advanced
WLAN
Multi-standard radio (MSR)
GSM/EDGE
W-CDMA
HSDPA
cdma2000
1xEV-DO
1xEV-DV
cdmaOne
NADC and PDC
TD-SCDMA
Figure 8-6 illustrates an error vector
magnitude (EVM) measurement
performed on a LTE FDD downlink
signal. This test helps you diagnose
modulation or amplification distortions
that lead to bit errors in the receiver.

Figure 8-6. EVM measurement of LTE FDD downlink signal

Not all digital communication systems

are based on well-defined industry
standards. If you are working on
nonstandard proprietary systems or
the early stages of proposed industrystandard formats, you need more
flexibility to analyze vector-modulated
signals under varying conditions. You
can achieve that flexibility two ways.
First, modulation analysis personalities
are available on the X-Series signal
analyzers. Alternatively, you can
perform more extensive analysis
with software running on an external
computer. For example, you can use
Keysight 89600 VSA software with
X-Series signal analyzers to provide
flexible vector signal analysis. In this
case, the signal analyzer acts as
an RF downconverter and digitizer.
The software can run internally on
the signal analyzer or communicate
with the analyzer over a GPIB or LAN
connection. IQ data is transferred to
the computer, where it performs the
vector signal analysis. Measurement
settings, such as modulation type,
symbol rate, filtering, triggering
and record length, can be varied as
necessary for the particular signal you
are analyzing.

79

More information
Additional information is
available on the following:
Noise figure measurements, see
Keysight Noise Figure Measurements of
Frequency Converting Devices Using the
Keysight NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzer Application Note, literature
number 5989-0400EN.
Measurements involving phase,
see Vector Signal Analysis Basics
Application Note, literature number 5989-1121EN.
Bluetooth measurements, see
Performing Bluetooth RF Measurements
Today Application Note, literature
number 5968-7746E.

Real-time spectrum analysis

For the capable RF engineer, continuouswave (CW) and predictably-repeating
signals are no great challenge but
todays complex and agile signals and
multi-signal environments are proving
to be another matter. To keep up with
evolving analysis needs, new types
of signal analyzers and application
software have emerged in recent years.
The Keysight PXA and MXA signal
analyzers now offer a combination of
swept spectrum, real-time and vector
signal analysis capability all in one
instrument.
Design and troubleshooting tasks are
much more difficult when dealing with
agile signals, and the challenges are
often made more difficult when these
signals are in an environment of other
agile signals. Even the analysis of a
single signal can be a challenge when
that signal is very agile or complex. You
can use the Keysight PXA and MXA
real-time spectrum analysis capability
to capture the behavior of dynamic
and elusive signals with true gap-free
spectrum analysis.
An example of a single complex signal
is the agile S-band acquisition radar
signal. The signal at the receiver varies
widely in amplitude over a period of
several seconds, and this long-duration
characteristic, combined with the
short-duration characteristics of
its pulse length and repetition interval
(and therefore short duty cycle) make
it agile and difficult to measure well. A
basic spectrum analysis of this signal
with a swept spectrum analyzer shows
the measurement difficulty it poses,
as illustrated in Figure 8-7. Even after
many sweeps and the use of
a max hold function, the signal is not
clearly represented.
The Keysight PXA real-time spectrum
analyzer screen shown in Figure 8-8,
in contrast with the swept spectrum
screen, readily shows the main
characteristics of the signal using
the density or histogram display. The
density or histogram display collects
a large amount of real-time spectrum

Figure 8-7 . Even when you use fast sweeps and max hold over a period of many seconds, the swept
spectrum analyzer view of the radar signal is not very informative

Figure 8-8. Real-time capture of S-band acquisition radar signal

data into a single display that shows

both rare and frequent events, with
an indication of relative frequency of
occurrence.
The PXAs real-time analyzer mode
and density display provide a fast and
insight-producing representation of this
wideband, dynamic and agile signal.
The blue color of all but the noise
floor indicates that the pulses, while
prominent, have a very low frequencyof-occurrence. This is the principal
characteristic that makes it difficult to
80

measure (or even to rapidly and reliably

find) this signal with a swept spectrum
analyzer.

More information
For additional information on
measurements involving real-time
spectrum analysis, see Measuring Agile Signals and Dynamic Signal
Environments Application Note,
literature number 5991-2119EN.

Chapter 9. Control and Data Transfer

Saving and printing data
After making a measurement, we
normally want to keep a record of the
test data. We might simply want to
make a quick printout of the instrument
display. Depending on the particular
analyzer and printer model, we might
use the USB or LAN ports to connect
the two units.
Very often, we may want to save
measurement data as a file, either
in the spectrum analyzers internal
memory or on a USB mass-storage
device. There are several different
kinds of data we can save this way:
An image of the display
Preferably in a popular file format,
such as bitmap, GIF, PNG or
Windows metafile.
Trace data Saved as X-Y data
pairs representing frequency and
amplitude points on the screen.
The number of data pairs can vary.
Modern spectrum analyzers such as
the X-Series allow you to select the
desired display resolution by setting
a minimum of 1 up to a maximum
of 40,001frequency sweep points
(buckets) on the screen. This data
format is well suited for transfer
to a spreadsheet program on a
computer.
Instrument state To keep a record
of the spectrum analyzer settings,
such as center frequency, span,
reference level and so on, used in
the measurement. This information
is useful for documenting
test setups used for making
measurements. Consistent test
setups are essential for maintaining
repeatable measurements over
time.

Data transfer and remote

instrument control
In 1977, Keysight Technologies (part
of Hewlett-Packard at that time)
introduced the worlds first GPIBcontrollable spectrum analyzer, the
8568A. The GPIB interface (also known
as HP-IB or IEEE-488) made it possible
to control all major functions of the
analyzer from an external computer
and transfer trace data to an external
computer. This innovation paved the
way for a wide variety of automated
spectrum analyzer measurements that
were faster and more repeatable than
manual measurements. By transferring
the raw data to a computer, it could be
saved on disk, analyzed, corrected and
operated on in a variety of ways.
Today, automated test and
measurement equipment has become
the norm, and nearly all modern
spectrum analyzers come with a variety
of standard interfaces, including LAN,
USB 2.0 and GPIB. LAN connectivity is
the most commonly used interface, as
it can provide high data-transfer rates
over long distances and integrates
easily into networked environments
such as a factory floor. Other standard
interfaces used widely in the computer
industry are likely to become available
on spectrum analyzers in the future
to simplify connectivity between
instruments and computers.
Keysights X-Series signal analyzers
literally have computer firmware
running USB ports and a Windows
operating system. These features
greatly simplify control and data
transfer. In addition, the X-Series
analyzers can be operated remotely,
and the analyzers display appears
on the remote computer. Details are
beyond the scope of this application
note; see the operating manual for your
particular analyzer.

81

A variety of commercial software

products are available to control
spectrum analyzers remotely over
an I/O bus. Also, you can write your
own software to control spectrum
analyzers in a number of different
ways. One method is to directly send
programming commands to the
instrument. Older spectrum analyzers
typically used proprietary command
sets, but newer instruments, such as
Keysights X-Series signal analyzers,
use industry-standard SCPI (standard
commands for programmable
instrumentation) commands. A more
common method is to use standard
software drivers, such as VXI plug&play
drivers, which enable higher-level
functional commands to the instrument
without the need for detailed
knowledge of the SCPI commands.
Most recently, a new generation of
language-independent instrument
drivers, known as interchangeable
virtual instrument, or IVI-COM drivers,
has become available for the X-Series
signal analyzers. The IVI-COM drivers
are based on the Microsoft Component
Object Model standard and work in a
variety of PC application development
environments, such as the Keysight
T&M Programmers Toolkit and
Microsofts Visual Studio .NET.
Some applications require you to
control the spectrum analyzer and
collect measurement data from a very
long distance. For example, you may
want to monitor satellite signals from
a central control room, collecting
data from remote tracking stations
located hundreds or even thousands
of kilometers from the central site. The
X-Series signal analyzers have software
available to control these units, capture
screen images and transfer trace data
over the Internet using a standard Web
browser.

Firmware updates
Modern spectrum analyzers have much
more software inside them than do
instruments from just a few years ago. As
new features are added to the software
and defects repaired, it becomes highly
desirable to update the spectrum
analyzers firmware to take advantage of
the improved performance.
The latest revisions of spectrum and
signal analyzer firmware can be found
on the Keysight Technologies website.
You can download this firmware to a
file on your local computer. A common
method to transfer new firmware into
the spectrum analyzer is to copy the
firmware onto a USB drive and then
insert it into one of the spectrum
analyzers USB ports. Some models,
such as the X-Series, allow you to
transfer the new firmware directly
into the spectrum analyzer using the
instruments Ethernet LAN port.
It is a good practice to periodically
check your spectrum analyzer models
Web page to see if updated firmware is
available.

Calibration, troubleshooting,
diagnostics and repair
Spectrum analyzers must be
periodically calibrated to insure the
instrument performance meets all
published specifications. Typically, this
is done once a year. However, between
these annual calibrations, the spectrum
analyzer must be aligned periodically to
compensate for thermal drift and aging
effects. Modern spectrum analyzers
such as the X-Series have built-in
alignment routines that operate when
the instrument is first turned on and
during retrace (between sweeps) at
predetermined intervals. The alignment
routines also operate if the internal
temperature of the instrument changes.
These alignment routines continuously
adjust the instrument to maintain
specified performance.
Modern spectrum analyzers usually
have a service menu available. In this
area, you can perform useful diagnostic
functions, such as a test of the frontpanel keys. You also can display more
details of the alignment process, as
well as a list of all optional hardware
and measurement personalities
installed in the instrument. When you
upgrade a spectrum analyzer with a
new measurement personality, Keysight
provides a unique license key tied to
the serial number of the instrument.
You install this license key through the
USB port or enter it on the front-panel
keypad to activate the measurement
capabilities of the personality.

82

Summary

This application note has provided

a broad survey of basic spectrum
analyzer concepts. However, you may
wish to learn more about many other
topics related to spectrum analysis. An
excellent place to start is to visit the
Keysight Technologies Web site at
www.keysight.com and search for
signal or spectrum analyzer.

Glossary of Terms
Absolute amplitude accuracy:
The uncertainty of an amplitude
measurement in absolute terms,
either volts or power. Includes relative
uncertainties (see Relative amplitude
accuracy) plus calibrator uncertainty.
For improved accuracy, some spectrum
analyzers have frequency response
specified relative to the calibrator as
well as relative to the midpoint between
peak-to-peak extremes.
ACPR: Adjacent channel power ratio is
a measure of how much signal energy
from one communication channel spills
over or leaks into an adjacent channel.
This is an important metric in digital
communication components and
systems, as too much leakage will cause
interference on adjacent channels. It is
sometimes also described as ACLR, or
adjacent channel leakage ratio.
Amplitude accuracy: The uncertainty
of an amplitude measurement. It can be
expressed either as an absolute term or
relative to another reference point.
Amplitude reference signal: A signal of
precise frequency and amplitude that
the analyzer uses for self-calibration.
Analog display: A display technology
where analog signal information (from
the envelope detector) is written directly
to an instruments display, typically
implemented on a cathode ray tube
(CRT). Analog displays were once
the standard method of displaying
information on spectrum analyzers.
However, modern spectrum analyzers no
longer use this technology; instead, they
now use digital displays.

Average detection: A method of

detection that sums power across a
frequency interval. It is often used for
measuring complex, digitally modulated
signals and other types of signals with
noise-like characteristics. Modern
Keysight spectrum analyzers typically
offer three types of average detection:
power (rms) averaging, which measures
the true average power over a bucket
interval; voltage averaging, which
measures the average voltage data
over a bucket interval; and log-power
(video) averaging, which measures
the logarithmic amplitude in dB of the
envelope of the signal during the bucket
interval.
Average noise level: See Displayed
average noise level.
Bandwidth selectivity: A measure of
an analyzers ability to resolve signals
unequal in amplitude. Also called shape
factor, bandwidth selectivity is the ratio
of the 60-dB bandwidth to the 3-dB
bandwidth for a given resolution (IF)
filter. For some analyzers, the 6-dB
bandwidth is used in lieu of the 3-dB
bandwidth. In either case, bandwidth
selectivity tells us how steep the filter
skirts are.
Blocking capacitor: A filter that keeps
unwanted low-frequency signals
(including DC) from damaging circuitry.
A blocking capacitor limits the lowest
frequency that can be measured
accurately.
CDMA: Code division multiple access
is a method of digital communication in
which multiple communication streams
are orthogonally coded, enabling them
to share a common frequency channel. It
is a popular technique used in a number
of widely used mobile communication
systems.
Constellation diagram: A display type
commonly used when analyzing digitally
modulated signals in which the detected
symbol points are plotted on an IQ
graph.
83

Delta marker: A mode in which a fixed,

reference marker has been established
and a second, active marker is available
that we can place anywhere on the
displayed trace. A read-out indicates
the relative frequency separation and
amplitude difference between the
reference marker and the active marker.
Digital display: A display technology
where digitized trace information,
stored in memory, is displayed on an
instruments screen. The displayed trace
is a series of points designed to present
a continuous-looking trace. While
the default number of display points
varies between different models, most
modern spectrum analyzers allow the
user to choose the desired resolution
by controlling the number of points
displayed. The display is refreshed
(rewritten from data in memory) at a
flicker-free rate; the data in memory is
updated at the sweep rate. Nearly all
modern spectrum analyzers have digital
flat-panel LCD displays, rather than
CRT-based analog displays that were
used in earlier analyzers.
Display detector mode: The manner
in which the signal information is
processed prior to being displayed on
screen. See Neg peak, Pos peak,
Normal, Average and Sample.
Digital IF: An architecture found in
modern spectrum analyzers in which the
signal is digitized soon after it has been
downconverted from an RF frequency
to an intermediate frequency (IF). At
that point, all further signal processing
is done using digital signal processing
(DSP) techniques.
Display dynamic range: The maximum
dynamic range for which both the
larger and smaller signal may be viewed
simultaneously on the spectrum analyzer
display. For analyzers with a maximum
logarithmic display of 10 dB/div, the
actual dynamic range (see Dynamic
range) may be greater than the display
dynamic range.

Display scale fidelity: The degree

of uncertainty in measuring relative
differences in amplitude on a spectrum
analyzer. The logarithmic and linear
IF amplifiers found in analyzers with
analog IF sections never have perfect
logarithmic or linear responses, and
therefore they introduce uncertainty.
Modern analyzers with digital IF sections
have significantly better display scale
fidelity.
Display range: The calibrated range
of the display for the particular display
mode and scale factor. See Linear and
Log display and Scale factor.
Displayed average noise level: The
noise level as seen on the analyzers
display after setting the video bandwidth
narrow enough to reduce the peakto-peak noise fluctuations such that
the displayed noise is essentially seen
as a straight line. Usually refers to the
analyzers own internally generated
noise as a measure of sensitivity and
is typically specified in dBm under
conditions of minimum resolution
bandwidth and minimum input
attenuation.
Drift: The very slow (relative to sweep
time) change of signal position on
the display as a result of a change in
LO frequency versus sweep voltage.
The primary sources of drift are the
temperature stability and aging rate of
the frequency reference in the spectrum
analyzer.
Dynamic range: The ratio, in dB,
between the largest and smallest signals
simultaneously present at the spectrum
analyzer input that can be measured to
a given degree of accuracy. Dynamic
range generally refers to measurement of
distortion or intermodulation products.
Envelope detector: A circuit element
whose output follows the envelope,
but not the instantaneous variation, of
its input signal. In a superheterodyne
spectrum analyzer, the input to the
envelope detector comes from the final
IF, and the output is a video signal.
When we put our analyzer in zero span,
the envelope detector demodulates the

input signal, and we can observe the

modulating signal as a function of time
on the display.
Error vector magnitude (EVM): A quality
metric in digital communication systems.
EVM is the magnitude of the vector
difference at a given instant in time
between the ideal reference signal and
the measured signal.
External mixer: An independent mixer,
usually with a waveguide input port,
used to extend the frequency range of
spectrum analyzers that use external
mixers. The analyzer provides the LO
signal and, if needed, mixer bias. Mixing
products are returned to the analyzers
IF input.
FFT (fast Fourier transform): A
mathematical operation performed
on a time-domain signal to yield the
individual spectral components that
constitute the signal. See Spectrum.
Fast sweep: A digital signal processing
technique that implements complexvalued resolution bandwidth filtering for
a sweeping spectrum analyzer, allowing
faster sweep rates than a traditional
analog or digital resolution bandwidth
filter would allow.
Flatness: See Frequency response.
Frequency accuracy: The degree of
uncertainty with which the frequency
of a signal or spectral component is
indicated, either in an absolute sense or
relative to some other signal or spectral
component. Absolute and relative
frequency accuracies are specified
independently.
Frequency range: The minimum to
maximum frequencies over which a
spectrum analyzer can tune. While the
maximum frequency is generally thought
of in terms of an analyzers coaxial input,
the range of many microwave analyzers
can be extended through use of external
waveguide mixers.
Frequency resolution: The ability of a
spectrum analyzer to separate closely
spaced spectral components and display
84

them individually. Resolution of equal

amplitude components is determined
by resolution bandwidth. The ability to
resolve unequal amplitude signals is a
function of both resolution bandwidth
and bandwidth selectivity.
Frequency response: Variation in the
displayed amplitude of a signal as a
function of frequency (flatness). Typically
specified in terms of dB relative to the
value midway between the extremes.
Also may be specified relative to the
calibrator signal.
Frequency span: The frequency range
represented by the horizontal axis of
the display. Generally, frequency span
is given as the total span across the full
display. Some earlier analyzers indicate
frequency span (scan width) on a perdivision basis.
Frequency stability: A general phrase
that covers both short- and long-term
LO instability. The sweep ramp that
tunes the LO also determines where
a signal should appear on the display.
Any long term variation in LO frequency
(drift) with respect to the sweep
ramp causes a signal to slowly shift
its horizontal position on the display.
Shorter-term LO instability can appear
as random FM or phase noise on an
otherwise stable signal.
Full span: For most modern spectrum
analyzers, full span means a frequency
span that covers the entire tuning
range of the analyzer. These analyzers
include single -band RF analyzers and
microwave analyzers such as the ESA,
PSA and X- Series that use a solid-state
switch to switch between the low and
preselected ranges.
NOTE: On some earlier spectrum
analyzers, full span referred to a subrange. For example, with the Keysight
8566B, a microwave spectrum analyzer
that used a mechanical switch to switch
between the low and preselected
ranges, full span referred to either the
low, non-preselected range or the high,
preselected range.

Gain compression: That signal level at

the input mixer of a spectrum analyzer
at which the displayed amplitude of
the signal is a specified number of dB
too low due just to mixer saturation.
The signal level is generally specified
for 1-dB compression and is usually
between +3 and 10 dBm, depending on
the model of spectrum analyzer.
GSM: The global system for mobile
communication is a widely used digital
standard for mobile communication. It is
a TDMA-based system in which multiple
communication streams are interleaved
in time, enabling them to share a
common frequency channel.
Harmonic distortion: Unwanted
frequency components added to a signal
as the result of the nonlinear behavior
of the device (e.g., mixer, amplifier)
through which the signal passes. These
unwanted components are harmonically
related to the original signal.
Harmonic mixing: Using the LO
harmonics generated in a mixer to
extend the tuning range of a spectrum
analyzer beyond the range achievable
using just the LO fundamental.
IF gain/IF attenuation: Adjusts the
vertical position of signals on the display
without affecting the signal level at
the input mixer. When changed, the
value of the reference level is changed
accordingly.
IF feedthrough: A raising of the baseline
trace on the display due to an input
signal at the intermediate frequency
passing through the input mixer.
Generally, this is a potential problem
only on non-preselected spectrum
analyzers. The entire trace is raised
because the signal is always at the IF;
mixing with the LO is not required.
Image frequencies: Two or more real
signals present at the spectrum analyzer
input that produce an IF response at
the same LO frequency. Because the
mixing products all occur at the same
LO and IF frequencies, it is impossible to
distinguish between them.
Image response: A displayed signal that
is actually twice the IF away from the

frequency indicated by the spectrum

analyzer. For each harmonic of the LO,
there is an image pair, one below and
one above the LO frequency by the IF.
Images usually appear only on nonpreselected spectrum analyzers.
Incidental FM: Unwanted frequency
modulation on the output of a device
(signal source, amplifier) caused by
(incidental to) some other form of
modulation, e.g., amplitude modulation.
Input attenuator: A step attenuator
between the input connector and first
mixer of a spectrum analyzer. Also
called the RF attenuator. The input
attenuator is used to adjust level of
the signal incident upon the first mixer.
The attenuator is used to prevent
gain compression due to high-level or
broadband signals and to set dynamic
range by controlling the degree of
internally generated distortion. In
some analyzers, the vertical position of
displayed signals is changed when the
input attenuator setting is changed,
so the reference level is also changed
accordingly. In modern Keysight
analyzers, the IF gain is changed
to compensate for input attenuator
changes, so signals remain stationary on
the display, and the reference level is not
changed.
Input impedance: The terminating
impedance that the analyzer presents
to the signal source. The nominal
impedance for RF and microwave
analyzers is usually 50 ohms. For some
systems, e.g., cable TV, 75 ohms is
standard. The degree of mismatch
between the nominal and actual input
impedance is given in terms of VSWR
(voltage standing wave ratio).
Intermodulation distortion: Unwanted
frequency components resulting from
the interaction of two or more spectral
components passing through a device
with nonlinear behavior (e.g., mixer,
amplifier). The unwanted components
are related to the fundamental
components by sums and differences
of the fundamentals and various
harmonics, e.g. f1 f 2, 2f1 f 2, 2f 2 f1,
3f1 2f 2, and so forth.
85

Linear display: The display mode in

which vertical deflection on the display
is directly proportional to the voltage of
the input signal. The bottom line of the
graticule represents 0 V, and the top
line, the reference level, some nonzero
value that depends upon the particular
spectrum analyzer. On most modern
analyzers, we select the reference
level, and the scale factor becomes
the reference level value divided by the
number of graticule divisions. Although
the display is linear, modern analyzers
allow reference level and marker values
to be indicated in dBm, dBmV, dBuV, and
in some cases, watts as well as volts.
LO emission or feedout: The emergence
of the LO signal from the input of a
spectrum analyzer. The level can be
greater than 0 dBm on non-preselected
spectrum analyzers but is usually less
than 70 dBm on preselected analyzers.
LO feedthrough: The response on the
display when a spectrum analyzer is
tuned to 0 Hz, i.e., when the LO is tuned
to the IF. The LO feedthrough can be
used as a 0-Hz marker, and there is no
frequency error.
Log display: The display mode in which
vertical deflection on the display is a
logarithmic function of the voltage of
the input signal. We set the display
calibration by selecting the value of the
top line of the graticule, the reference
level and scale factor in dB/div. On
Keysight analyzers, the bottom line of
the graticule represents zero volts for
scale factors of 10 dB/div or more, so the
bottom division is not calibrated in these
cases. Modern analyzers allow reference
level and marker values to be indicated
in dBm, dBmV, dBuV, volts, and in some
cases, watts. Earlier analyzers usually
offered only one choice of units, and
dBm was the usual choice.
Marker: A visible indicator we can
place anywhere along the displayed
signal trace. A read out indicates the
absolute value of both the frequency and
amplitude of the trace at the marked
point. The amplitude value is given in the
currently selected units. Also see Delta
marker and Noise marker.

Measurement range: The ratio,

expressed in dB, of the maximum signal
level that can be measured (usually
the maximum safe input level) to the
displayed average noise level (DANL).
This ratio is almost always much
greater than can be realized in a single
measurement. See Dynamic range.
Mixing mode: A description of the
particular circumstance that creates a
given response on a spectrum analyzer.
The mixing mode, e.g., 1+, indicates the
harmonic of the LO used in the mixing
process and whether the input signal is
above (+) or below () that harmonic.
Multiple responses: Two or more
responses on a spectrum analyzer
display from a single input signal.
Multiple responses occur only when
mixing modes overlap and the LO is
swept over a wide enough range to allow
the input signal to mix on more than one
mixing mode. Normally not encountered
in analyzers with preselectors.
Negative peak: The display detection
mode in which each displayed point
indicates the minimum value of the video
signal for that part of the frequency span
or time interval represented by the point.
Noise floor extension: Developed by
Keysight Technologies, Inc., a modeling
algorithm of the noise power in a signal
analyzer which can be subtracted from
the measurement results to reduce the
effective noise level.
Noise figure: The ratio, usually
expressed in dB, of the signal-to-noise
ratio at the input of a device (mixer,
amplifier) to the signal-to-noise ratio at
the output of the device.
Noise marker: A marker whose value
indicates the noise level in a 1-Hz noise
power bandwidth. When the noise
marker is selected, the sample display
detection mode is activated, the values
of a number of consecutive trace points
(the number depends upon the analyzer)
about the marker are averaged, and
this average value is normalized to an
equivalent value in a 1-Hz noise power

bandwidth. The normalization process

accounts for detection and bandwidth
plus the effect of the log amplifier when
we select the log display mode.
Noise power bandwidth: A fictitious
filter that would pass the same
noise power as the analyzers actual
filter, making comparisons of noise
measurements among different
analyzers possible.
Noise sidebands: Modulation sidebands
that indicate the short-term instability
of the LO (primarily the first LO) system
of a spectrum analyzer. The modulating
signal is noise, in the LO circuit itself
or in the LO stabilizing circuit, and the
sidebands comprise a noise spectrum.
The mixing process transfers any LO
instability to the mixing products, so the
noise sidebands appear on any spectral
component displayed on the analyzer far
enough above the broadband noise floor.
Because the sidebands are noise, their
level relative to a spectral component
is a function of resolution bandwidth.
Noise sidebands are typically specified
in terms of dBc/Hz (amplitude in a 1-Hz
bandwidth relative to the carrier) at a
given offset from the carrier, the carrier
being a spectral component viewed on
the display.
Phase noise: See Noise sidebands.
Positive peak: The display detection
mode in which each displayed point
indicates the maximum value of
the video signal for that part of the
frequency span or time interval
represented by the point.
Preamplifier: An external, low-noisefigure amplifier that improves system
(preamplifier/spectrum analyzer)
sensitivity over that of the analyzer itself.
Preselector: A tunable bandpass
filter that precedes the input mixer of
a spectrum analyzer and tracks the
appropriate mixing mode. Preselectors
are typically used only above 2 GHz.
They essentially eliminate multiple and
image responses and, for certain signal
conditions, improve dynamic range.

86

Quasi-peak detector (QPD): A type of

detector whose output is a function of
both signal amplitude as well as pulse
repetition rate. The QPD gives higher
weighting to signals with higher pulse
repetition rates. In the limit, a QPD will
exhibit the same amplitude as a peak
detector when measuring a signal with a
constant amplitude (CW) signal.
Raster display: A TV-like display in
which the image is formed by scanning
the electron beam rapidly across and
slowly down the display face and
gating the beam on as appropriate.
The scanning rates are fast enough to
produce a flicker-free display. Also see
Vector display and Sweep time.
Real-time spectrum analyzer: A method
of signal analysis in which all signal
samples are processed for some sort
of measurement result or triggering
operation. There are no gaps between
time acquisitions while nonreal-time
operations leave gaps.
Reference level: The calibrated vertical
position on the display used as a
reference for amplitude measurements.
The reference level position is normally
the top line of the graticule.
Relative amplitude accuracy:
The uncertainty of an amplitude
measurement in which the amplitude
of one signal is compared to the
amplitude of another regardless of
the absolute amplitude of either.
Distortion measurements are relative
measurements. Contributors to
uncertainty include frequency response
and display fidelity and changes of input
attenuation, IF gain, scale factor and
resolution bandwidth.
Residual FM: The inherent short-term
frequency instability of an oscillator in
the absence of any other modulation.
In the case of a spectrum analyzer, we
usually expand the definition to include
the case in which the LO is swept.
Residual FM is usually specified in peakto-peak values because they are most
easily measured on the display, if visible
at all.

Residual responses: Discrete responses

seen on a spectrum analyzer display
with no input signal present.
Resolution: See Frequency resolution.
Resolution bandwidth: The width of
the resolution bandwidth (IF) filter of
a spectrum analyzer at some level
below the minimum insertion loss point
(maximum deflection point on the
display). For Keysight analyzers, the
3-dB bandwidth is specified; for some
others, it is the 6-dB bandwidth.
Rosenfell: The display detection mode
in which the value displayed at each
point is based upon whether or not the
video signal both rose and fell during the
frequency or time interval represented
by the point. If the video signal only
rose or only fell, the maximum value is
displayed. If the video signal did both
rise and fall, then the maximum value
during the interval is displayed by oddnumbered points, the minimum value,
by even-numbered points. To prevent
the loss of a signal that occurs only in an
even-numbered interval, the maximum
value during this interval is preserved,
and in the next (odd-numbered) interval,
the displayed value is the greater of
either the value carried over or the
maximum that occurs in the current
interval.
Sample: The display detection mode in
which the value displayed at each point
is the instantaneous value of the video
signal at the end of the frequency span
or time interval represented by the point.
Scale factor: The per-division calibration
of the vertical axis of the display.
Sensitivity: The level of the smallest
sinusoid that can be observed on
a spectrum analyzer, usually under
optimized conditions of minimum
resolution bandwidth, 0-dB RF input
attenuation and minimum video
bandwidth. Keysight defines sensitivity
as the displayed average noise level. A
sinusoid at that level will appear to be
about 2 dB above the noise.

Shape factor: See Bandwidth selectivity.

Signal analyzer: A spectrum analyzer
that also uses digital signal processing
to perform other more complex
measurements such as vector signal
analysis.
Signal identification: A routine, either
manual or automatic, that indicates
whether or not a particular response on
the spectrum analyzers display is from
the mixing mode for which the display is
calibrated. If automatic, the routine may
change the analyzers tuning to show
the signal on the correct mixing mode,
or it may tell us the signals frequency
and give us the option of ignoring the
signal or having the analyzer tune itself
properly for the signal. Generally not
needed on preselected analyzers.
Span accuracy: The uncertainty of the
indicated frequency separation of any
two signals on the display.
Spectral purity: See Noise sidebands.
Spectral component: One of the sine
waves comprising a spectrum.
Spectrum: An array of sine waves of
differing frequencies and amplitudes and
properly related with respect to phase
that, taken as a whole, constitute a
particular time-domain signal.
Spectrum analyzer: A device that
effectively performs a Fourier transform
and displays the individual spectral
components (sine waves) that constitute
a time-domain signal. Phase may or may
not be preserved, depending upon the
analyzer type and design.
Spurious responses: The improper
responses that appear on a spectrum
analyzer display as a result of the input
signal. Internally generated distortion
products are spurious responses, as are
image and multiple responses.
Sweep time: The time to tune the
LO across the selected span. Sweep
time does not include the dead time
between the completion of one sweep

87

and the start of the next. In zero span,

the spectrum analyzers LO is fixed,
so the horizontal axis of the display
is calibrated in time only. In nonzero
spans, the horizontal axis is calibrated
in both frequency and time, and sweep
time is usually a function of frequency
span, resolution bandwidth and video
bandwidth.
Time gating: A method of controlling
the frequency sweep of the spectrum
analyzer based on the characteristics
of the signal being measured. It is often
useful when analyzing pulsed or burst
modulated signals time-multiplexed
signals and intermittent signals.
TDMA: Time division multiple access
is a digital communication method in
which multiple communication streams
are interleaved in time, enabling them to
share a common frequency channel.
Units: Dimensions of the measured
quantities. Units usually refer to
amplitude quantities because they
can be changed. In modern spectrum
analyzers, available units are dBm
(dB relative to 1 milliwatt dissipated
in the nominal input impedance of
the analyzer), dBmV (dB relative to
1 millivolt), dBuV (dB relative to 1
microvolt), volts, and in some analyzers,
watts. In Keysight analyzers, we can
specify any units in both log and linear
displays.
Vector diagram: A display type
commonly used when analyzing digitally
modulated signals. It is similar to a
constellation display, except that in
addition to the detected symbol points,
the instantaneous power levels during
state transitions are also plotted on an
IQ graph.
Vector display: A display type used in
earlier spectrum analyzer designs, in
which the electron beam was directed
so that the image (trace, graticule,
annotation) was written directly on the
CRT face, not created from a series of
dots as in the raster displays commonly
used today.

Video: In a spectrum analyzer, a term

describing the output of the envelope
detector. The frequency range extends
from 0 Hz to a frequency typically well
beyond the widest resolution bandwidth
available in the analyzer. However, the
ultimate bandwidth of the video chain is
determined by the setting of the video
filter.
Video amplifier: A post-detection, DCcoupled amplifier that drives the vertical
deflection plates of the CRT. See Video
bandwidth and Video filter.
Video average: A digital averaging of a
spectrum analyzers trace information.
The averaging is done at each point
of the display independently and is
completed over the number of sweeps
selected by the user. The averaging
algorithm applies a weighting factor
(1/n, where n is the number of the
current sweep) to the amplitude value
of a given point on the current sweep,
applies another weighting factor [(n
1)/n] to the previously stored average,
and combines the two for a current
average. After the designated number
of sweeps are completed, the weighting
factors remain constant, and the display
becomes a running average.

Video bandwidth: The cutoff frequency

(3-dB point) of an adjustable lowpass filter in the video circuit. When
the video bandwidth is equal to or
less than the resolution bandwidth,
the video circuit cannot fully respond
to the more rapid fluctuations of the
output of the envelope detector. The
result is a smoothing of the trace,
i.e., a reduction in the peak-to-peak
excursion of broadband signals such
as noise and pulsed RF when viewed
in the broadband mode. The degree of
averaging or smoothing is a function of
the ratio of the video bandwidth to the
resolution bandwidth.
Video filter: A post-detection, low-pass
filter that determines the bandwidth of
the video amplifier. Used to average or
smooth a trace. See Video bandwidth.
Zero span: That case in which a
spectrum analyzers LO remains fixed
at a given frequency so the analyzer
becomes a fixed-tuned receiver. The
bandwidth of the receiver is that of
the resolution (IF) bandwidth. Signal
amplitude variations are displayed as
a function of time. To avoid any loss
of signal information, the resolution
bandwidth must be as wide as the signal
bandwidth. To avoid any smoothing, the
video bandwidth must be set wider than
the resolution bandwidth.

88

89 | Keysight | Spectrum Analysis Basics - Application Note

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DEKRA Certified ISO 9001:2008
Quality Management System
Keysight Channel Partners
www.keysight.com/find/channelpartners
Get the best of both worlds: Keysights measurement expertise and product
breadth, combined with channel partner convenience.

Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A.
and licensed to Keysight Technologies, Inc.
cdma2000 is a US registered certification mark of the Telecommunications Industry
Association.

www.keysight.com/find/SA

For more information on Keysight

Technologies products, applications or
services, please contact your local Keysight
office. The complete list is available at:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
Americas
Canada
Brazil
Mexico
United States

(877) 894 4414

55 11 3351 7010
001 800 254 2440
(800) 829 4444

Asia Pacific
Australia
China
Hong Kong
India
Japan
Korea
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Other AP Countries

1 800 629 485

800 810 0189
800 938 693
1 800 112 929
0120 (421) 345
080 769 0800
1 800 888 848
1 800 375 8100
0800 047 866
(65) 6375 8100

Europe & Middle East

Austria
Belgium
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

United Kingdom

0800 001122
0800 58580
0800 523252
0805 980333
0800 6270999
1800 832700
1 809 343051
800 599100
+32 800 58580
0800 0233200
8800 5009286
800 000154
0200 882255
0800 805353
Opt. 1 (DE)
Opt. 2 (FR)
Opt. 3 (IT)
0800 0260637

For other unlisted countries:

www.keysight.com/find/contactus
(BP-09-23-14)

This information is subject to change without notice.

Keysight Technologies, 1971 - 2015
Published in USA, February 13, 2015
5952-0292
www.keysight.com