Spectrum Analyzer and Spectrum Analysis

Shimshon Levy

October 2012
 CONTENTS

1 Spectrum Analyzer and Spectrum Analysis 3

1.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Necessary Background: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Prelab Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.1 Problem 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.2 Problem-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3.3 Problem-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3.4 Problem-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 Background Theory -Frequency and Time Domain . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6 Spectrum Analyzer Block Diagram and Theory of Operation . . . . . 6
1.7 Input Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7.1 LPF or Preselector (Tunable BPF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.8 Mixer and Local oscillator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.9 IF (Intermediate Frequency) Filter and Selectivity . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.10 Envelope detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.11 Video Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.12 Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2 Experiment Procedure 12
2.1 Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 Reading Amplitude and Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2.1 Setting the Reference Level and Center Frequency. . . . . . . 13
2.2.2 Setting the Frequency Span. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2.3 Using Marker to Read Frequency and Amplitude. . . . . . . . 13
2.3 Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3.1 Simulation of Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude . . . 13
2.3.2 Measurement of Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude . 14
2.3.3 Notice! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4 Shape Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4.1 Simulation of Shape Factor- Butterworth Band Pass Filter. . . 15
2.4.2 Measurement the Shape Factor of IF BPF . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CONTENTS 2

2.5 Measuring Signals using Logarithmic and Linear mode, Absolute and
Relative Quantities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.5.1 Simulation of a Squarewave in Frequency Domain . . . . . . . 17
2.5.2 Squarerave Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.6 Measuring Frequency Response of LPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.6.1 Simulation of LPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.6.2 Measurement of LPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.6.3 Setting the spectrum analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.7 Measuring Signal To Noise Ratio of Low-Level Signal. . . . . . . . . . 21
2.8 Measuring a Signal Very Close to the Noise Floor . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.9 Final Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
 Chapter 1

SPECTRUM ANALYZER AND SPECTRUM ANALYSIS

1.1 Objectives
Upon completion of the experiment the student will:

Learn the basic concept of frequency domain measurements.

Learn, and understand how to operate the spectrum analyzer.

Understand the function of each block of the spectrum analyzer.

Simulate and analysis electrical signals.

1.2 Necessary Background:

The student needs to have a basic understanding of Fourier series, and Fourier trans-
form.

1.3 Prelab Exercise

1.3.1 Problem 1
1. Fourier series of a real squarewave- Suppose you need to measure a clock
signal of 100 kHz, amplitude 1 volt, with 20ns edge speeds (10% to 90% ris-
ing time see Fig. 1). A frequently asked question, is what is the minimum
bandwidth of an oscilloscope I need to perform a reliable measurement.
Prelab Exercise 4

Amplitude(V)

Rise time
Fall time
time(sec)

-1

Fig. 1 Time domain of 100kHz, amplitude 1 volt, rise time 20nsec. squarewave

A ’rule of thumb’is to consider the fastest transition time of the signal, the rise
time
0:5
BW = within 20% accuracy (1.1)
Tr
0:65
BW = within 10% accuracy (1.2)
Tr
0:95
BW = within 3% accuracy (1.3)
Tr

where Tr is the rise time of the signal,

1. (a) Find an analytic expression, for an ideal squarewave, frequency 100kHz,

amplitude 1Vp :
(b) According to equation Eq. (3) , …nd the required bandwidth of the oscil-
loscope.
(c) Find the number of odd harmonics, you need to reconstruct the real square-
wave within 3% accuracy.
(d) Using Matlab, draw a graph of the reconstructed squarewave, based on
the sum of N odd harmonics. …nd the rise, and calculate the error in rise
time.

1.3.2 Problem-2
Fourier transform of a squarewave- Using Matlab, draw a graph of repetitive
100kHz squarewave (10 periods) in time domain. Use FFT command to draw a
frequency domain graph(magnitude only), use FFT shift command, and
further adaptation to show a graph, similar to an analytic graph.

1. (a) Use the graph to indicate the amplitude (v) and frequency of the …rst,
third, …fth, and seventh harmonics.
References 5

1.3.3 Problem-3
Block diagram of a Spectrum Analyzer-Draw a block diagram of a spectrum
analyzer, and explain brie‡y each of the following blocks (Attenuator,ampli…er,LPF,
IF …lter, envelope detector, video …lter, display, LO, Ramp generator).
1.3.4 Problem-4
Shape factor of a Gaussian …lter-The voltage of a gaussian shape …lter is given
by !
1 (f f0 )2
V (f ) = p exp (1.4)
2 2 2
where f0 is the center frequency of the …lter, and is the standard deviation. In
probability theory is the standard deviation (About 68% of values drawn from
a normal distribution are within one standard deviation, ). Electrical engineering
consider the envelope of the curve.
Assume that the the center frequency is 10MHz, and the -3dB bandwidth of the …lter
is 1MHz.

1. (a) Use Eq. (4) to …nd the standart deviation of the …lter (-3dB is related to
the power V 2 (f ) ).
(b) Use Eq. (4) to …nd the -60dB bandwidth of the …lter, and the shape factor
of the …lter
60dB Bandwidth
Shape factor
3dB Bandwidth

0.6
-3dB

0.5
Amplitude(V)

0.4

0.3

0.2 a

0.1

0.0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Frequencv(MHz)

Figure problem 4

1.4 References
1. ROBERT A. WITTE "Spectrum and Network Measurements" . New Jersy ,
Prentice Hall,1991
Background Theory -Frequency and Time Domain 6

2. CYDE F. COOMBS, Jr. "Electronic Instrument Handbook". McGraw-

Hill, second edition 1995.
3. C. Rauscher: "Fundamental of Spectrum analysis" Rhode&Schwarz 2001.
4. Agilent Company: "Spectrum Analysis Basics". Application Note 150,
January 2005.

1.5 Background Theory -Frequency and Time Domain

So what is a spectrum? Fourier series theory tells us that: " Any physical signal, is
a collection of sine waves that, when combined properly, produce the time-domain
signal under examination" Fourier transform add time and frequency domain, is two
di¤erent representations, of the same signal.

Time domain oscilloscope

1
sin[ 2π (2n − 1) f 0 ]

Amplitude(v)
2n − 1
time

1
sin(2π 7 f 0 )
71
sin(2π 5 f 0 )
5 +
1
sin(2π 3 f 0 )
3
1sin(2π 1 f 0 )
Amplitude(v)

frequency

Frequency domain spectrum

analyzer

Figure 2 Time and frequency domain

Figure 2 shows a squarewave signal in both time and frequency domains. The
frequency domain display plots the amplitude versus the frequency of each sine wave
in the spectrum, while the time domain shows, true amplitude versus time. Does this
mean we have no need to perform both domain measurements? Not at all. Some
measurement can be made only in the time domain. For example, pulse rise and fall
times, overshoot, and ringing, while other measurements like harmonics content, can
be made only in frequency domain.

1.6 Spectrum Analyzer Block Diagram and Theory of Operation

Figure 3 is a simpli…ed block diagram of a superheterodyne spectrum analyzer. Het-
erodyne means to mix; that is, to translate frequency. And super refers to super-audio
frequencies. Referring to the block diagram in Figure 3, we see that an input signal
passes through an attenuator, then through a low-pass …lter to a mixer, where it
Input Section 7

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 di¤erences of the original frequencies and their harmonics. If any
of the mixed signals falls within the passband of the intermediate-frequency
(IF) …lter, it is further processed. It is essentially recti…ed by the envelope detector,
digitized, and displayed. A ramp generator creates the horizontal movement across
the display from left to right. The ramp also tunes the LO so that its frequency
change is in proportion to the ramp voltage.

IF Envelope Video
LPF
Attenuator Mixer Filter Detector Filter
Amp

BPF

Pre-
selector

Input section
LO VCO
Ramp
CRT
References Generator
Display
oscillator

Figure 3 Simpli…ed block diagram of Heterodyne spectrum analyzer

1.7 Input Section

The input to the spectrum analyzer block diagram has a step attenuator, followed by
an ampli…er. The purpose of this input section is to control the signal level applied
to the rest of the instrument.
Attenuator
0dB Amp. as
Small required
signal
Amplitude(v)

time

Large Attenuator
signal As required Amp. 0dB
Amplitude(v)

time

Figure 4 Signal controlling by input section

If the signal level is too large, the analyzer circuits will saturate the mixer and distort
the signal, causing distortion products to appear along with the desired signal. If the
Mixer and Local oscillator. 8

signal level is too small, the signal may be masked by noise present in the analyzer.
Either problem tends to reduce the dynamic range of the measurement.
1.7.1 LPF or Preselector (Tunable BPF)
The low-pass …lter blocks high frequency signals from reaching the mixer. This stage
prevents out-of-band signals from mixing with the local oscillator and creating un-
wanted responses at the IF
Attenuator
Desired signal 0dB Amp. as LPF
Amplitude(v)

required
time

+
Amplitude(v)

time
Tunable BPF
High frequency Interfere signal

Figure 5 Interference rejection by LPF or preselector

Microwave spectrum analyzers replace the low-pass …lter with a preselector, which is
a tunable …lter that rejects all
frequencies except those that we currently wish to view.

1.8 Mixer and Local oscillator.

A mixer (Fig-3) is a device that converts a signal from one frequency to another. It
is therefore sometimes called a frequency converter device
1
sin[2π [((2n − 1) f 0 − f LO )]
Mixer IF filter 2n − 1
1
sin[ 2π (7 f 0 − f LO )]
7
1
sin[2π (5 f 0 − f LO ]
5
1
sin[2π (3 f 0 − f LO )]
LO VCO 3

Ramp
1sin[2π 1( f 0 − f Lo )]
References
Generator
oscillator

Figure 6 Mixing process, assume down convertion.

The main output of the mixer , consists of the two conversion signals f fLOg+
f fRF g and f fLOg f fRF g. IF …lter select the desired conversion (down conversion
in our case), and stopped the other unwanted products. Reference oscillator, which
is high quality quartz oscillator, stabilizes the VCO, which is unstable oscillator.

1.9 IF (Intermediate Frequency) Filter and Selectivity

The IF …lter is a Band Pass Filter (BPF). IF …lter could be implemented as analog
or digital …lter. This …lter is used as the ”window”for detecting signals. Its width is
Envelope detector 9

also called a Resolution Bandwidth (RB, RBW) of the analyzer, and can be changed
via the front panel of the analyzer. By giving you a broad range of variable resolu-
tion bandwidth settings, the instrument can be optimized for the sweep and signal
conditions, letting you trade-o¤ frequency selectivity (the ability to resolve signals),
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and measurement speed.

Amplotude Input signal

IF
Bandwidth

Display
-5

Frequency

One things to note is that a signal cannot be displayed as an in…nitely narrow

line. It has some width associated with it. This shape is the analyzer’s tracing of its
own IF …lter shape as it tuned. Thus, if we change the …lter bandwidth, we change
the resolution of the instrument.

1.10 Envelope detector

Spectrum analyzers typically convert the IF signal to video with an envelope detector.
In its simplest form, an envelope detector consists of a diode, resistive load and low-
pass …lter, as shown in Figure 8.

Positive peak
detector

Figure 8 Peak detector, based on diode and RC LPF

1.11 Video Filter

Many modern spectrum analyzers have digital displays, which …rst digitize the video
signal with an analog-to digital converter (ADC). This allows for several di¤erent de-
Sensitivity 10

tector modes that dramatically e¤ect how the signal is displayed. Ordinary spectrum
analyzer use peak-detection technic. Video Filter
The video …lter is a low-pass …lter that is located after the envelope detector
and before the ADC. This …lter determines the bandwidth of the video ampli…er, and
is used to average or smooth the trace seen on the screen as shown in …gure . The
spectrum analyzer displays signal-plus-noise so that the closer a signal is to the noise
level, the more the noise makes the signal more di¢ cult to read. By changing the
video bandwidth setting, we can decrease the peak-to-peak variations of noise. This
type of display smoothing can be used to help …nd signals that otherwise might be
obscured in the noise

Figure 9 E¤ect of video …lter on displayed noise

The VBW, however, does not e¤ect the frequency resolution of the analyzer
(as does the resolution bandwidth …lter), and therefore changing the video …lter does
not improve sensitivity. It does, however, improve discernibly and repeatability of
low signal-to-noise ratio measurements.

1.12 Sensitivity
One of the primary uses of a spectrum analyzer is to search out and measure low-level
signals. The sensitivity of any receiver is an ability to detects small signals. A perfect
receiver would add no additional noise to the natural amount of thermal noise present
in all electronic systems, represented by

N = kT B
where N is the noise power, k is Boltzman’s constant, T is a temperature in
Kelvin degree, and B is the bandwidth of the system in Hz. In practice, all receivers,
including spectrum analyzers, add some amount of internally generated noise.

20dB 10dB
Attemuatiom Attemuatiom

Figure 10 SNR decrease as input attenuation increase.

Sensitivity 11

Spectrum analyzers usually characterize this by specifying the displayed aver-

age noise level in dBm, with the smallest RBW setting. An input signal below this
noise level cannot be detected. Generally, sensitivity is on the order of -90 dBm to
-150 dBm depending on quality of spectrum analyzer. It is important to know the
sensitivity capability of your analyzer in order to determine if it will measure your
low-level signals. One aspect of the analyzer’s internal noise that is often overlooked
is its e¤ective level as a function of the RF input attenuator setting (Fig-7). Since
the internal noise is generated after the mixer (primarily in the …rst active IF stage),
the RF input attenuator has no e¤ect on the actual noise level. (Refer to the block
diagram Fig.-2). However, the RF input attenuator does a¤ect the signal level at the
input and therefore decreases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the analyzer. The
best SNR is with the lowest possible RF input attenuation.

RBW 1Mhz RBW 100kHz RBW 10kHz

Figure 11 SNR increase as IF Banwidth decrease

This internally generated noise in a spectrum analyzer is thermal in nature;

that is, it is random and has no discrete spectral components. Also, its level is ‡at over
a frequency range that is wide in comparison to the ranges of the RBWs. This means
that the total noise reaching the detector (and displayed) is related to the Resolution
bandwidth (Fig-8) selected. Since the noise is random, it is added on a power basis,
so the relationship between displayed noise level and Resolution bandwidth is a ten
log basis. In other words, if the Resolution bandwidth is increased (or decreased) by
a factor of ten, times more (or less) noise energy hits the detector and the displayed
average noise level increases (or decreases) by 10 dB. Spectrum analyzer noise is
speci…ed in a speci…c Resolution bandwidth. The spectrum analyzer’s lowest noise
level (thus slowest sweep time) is achieved with its narrowest Resolution bandwidth.
 Chapter 2
EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE

2.1 Required Equipment

Two Arbitrary Waveform Generator Agilent-33220A or equivalent.
Spectrum analyzer Agilent N9320
Signal generator Agilent N9310.
LPF -1.9MHz. Mini Circuits BLP-1.9

2.2 Reading Amplitude and Frequency

This part of the experiment, deal with viewing the known sinusoidal signal, calibra-
tion signal, frequency 50MHz, amplitude -10dBm. The signal will be presented in
frequency domain. begin with the measuring of the CAL OUT signal (calibration
sinusoidal signal, frequency 50 MHz amplitude -10dBm ).
1. Connect the spectrum analyzer CAL OUT BNC connector to RF IN 50 ;N
type connector, with an appropriate cable (see Fig-12).

Span
Spectrum Analyzer Agilent-N9320
Spectrum Analyzer

Reference
Level
power

CAL OUT RF IN

Probe

Frequency
Center Frequency

Figure-12 Frequency and amplitude setting

2. Turn on the spectrum analyzer by pressing on ON switch, Wait for the power-
up process to complete.
3. Activate the calibration signal by pressing on Preset System button, Align-
ment, Align, CAL OUT on. The calibration signal will be appeared on the
screen.
Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude 13

2.2.1 Setting the Reference Level and Center Frequency.

1. Press Amplitude, 10 dBm, what happen to the reference level? Press again
0 dBm.
2. Press Frequency, 50 MHz, what happen to the center frequency?

2.2.2 Setting the Frequency Span.

1. Press SPAN, 50 MHz, what is the displayed, start frequency, and stop
frequency?

2.2.3 Using Marker to Read Frequency and Amplitude.

1. PressPeak Search, to place a marker (labeled-1) on the 50MHz signal peak.
Note that the frequency and amplitude of the marker appear both in the active
function block, and in the upper- right corner of the screen.

2.3 Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude

In this example you explore the e¤ect of resolution bandwidth …lter (RBW), on the
resolution of the spectrum analyzer, while measuring two signals of equal amplitude.
2.3.1 Simulation of Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude
1. Simulate two function generators of equal amplitude connected to spectrum
analyzer as indicated in Fig 13

Var V AR PARAM ETER SWEEP

S-PARAM ETERS Eqn
V AR1
X = 1.0 ParamSweep
S_Param Sweep1
SP1
SweepV ar= "X "
Start= 10.0 M Hz
SimInstanceN ame[ 1] = " SP1"
Stop= 10.1 M Hz
SimInstanceN ame[ 2] =
Step= 100.0 kHz
SimInstanceN ame[ 3] =
SimInstanceN ame[ 4] =
SimInstanceN ame[ 5] =
SimInstanceN ame[ 6] =
BPF_Butterworth Start= 8M Hz
BPF1 Stop= 12M Hz
Fcent er= X Hz Step= 1kHz
P_nTone BWpass= 100.0 kHz Term
PO RT1 Apass= 3.0103 dB Term2
N um= 1 BWstop= N um= 2
Z= 50 O hm Astop= Z= 50 O hm
Freq[ 1] = 10 M Hz StopType= open
Freq[ 2] = 10.1 M Hz M axRej=
P[ 1] = polar( dbmtow( 0) ,0) N = 3
IL= 0 dB
Q u= 1E308
Z1= 50 O hm
Z2= 50 O hm
Temp=

Figure. 13 Resolving two signal of equal amplitude.

Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude 14

2. Draw a graph of spectrum display, S21 versus variable X (center frequency),

change the Y axis, to plot_vs(dB(max(S(2,1))), X), two signals are now visible.

3. Reduce BWpass of the …lter to 10kHz and watch the display.

4. Increase BWpass of the …lter to 300kHz and explain why one signals are now
visible.

5. Explain if you change the order of the …lter, you improve the ability of spec-
trum analyzer to resolve two signal of equal amplitude, prove your answer by
simulation.

2.3.2 Measurement of Resolving Two Signals of Equal Amplitude

1. Connect the system as indicated in Fig 14.

33220 Spectrum Analyzer Agilent-N9320

Spectrum Analyzer
20.000,000 kHz
Freq Amp Offset

+
CAL OUT RF IN

Probe
20.000,000 kHz
Freq Amp Offset

Figure. 14 Setup for resolving two equal amplitude signals

2. Set one function generator to frequency 10 MHz amplitude -20dBm. Set the
second function generator to frequency 10.1 MHz amplitude -20dBm.

3. On the spectrum analyzer press Preset System. Set the center frequency
to 10 MHz, the span to 3 MHz, and the resolution bandwidth to 300 kHz by
pressing, Frequency 10 MHz, SPAN 3 MHz, Then BW Avg to 300 kHz.
A single peak is visible.

4. Since the resolution bandwidth must be less than or equal to the frequency
separation of the two signals, a resolution bandwidth of 100 kHz must be used.
Change the resolution bandwidth to 100 kHz by pressing BW/Avg 100 kHz.
Two signals are now visible as indicated Figure 15 Save the data on mag-
netic media (CSV format). Use the knob or step keys to further reduce the
resolution bandwidth and span to better resolve the signals Save the data on
magnetic media.
Shape Factor 15

Two Gaussian filter at 10 and 10.1 MHz

dip

Amplitude (Linear)

0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05
Frequency (x107Hz)

Figure 15 Measuring the depth of the ’dip’

2.3.3 Notice!
As the resolution bandwidth is decreased, resolution of the individual signals is im-
proved and the sweep time is increased.
5. Set the SPAN 1 MHz Then BW/Avg to 100 kHz.
6. Change the vertical scale to 3dB/division by pressing AMPLITUDE,
SCALE/DIV 3 dB, set the trace near the top of the graticule by pressing AM-
PLITUDE, Ref Level , -20 dBm
7. Verify that the two signal have the same amplitude (change amplitude if
necessary) Measure the depth of the ’dip’between the two signals, by using PEAK
SEARCH and MARKER, Delta On Save the data on magnetic media.

2.4 Shape Factor

One quantitative way to measure how much the shape of the …lter is close to an ideal
…lter, is the shape factor. Shape factor is de…ned by the width of the shape at -60dB
points divided by the width at -3dB.
2.4.1 Simulation of Shape Factor- Butterworth Band Pass Filter.
1. Simulate Butterworth BPF, center frequency 10MHz, bandwidth100kHz, see
Figure-16.
Shape Factor 16

S-PARAM ETERS

S_Param
SP1
Start= 9 . 0 M H z
Stop= 1 1 M H z
Step= 1 0 . 0 kH z

BPF_Butterworth
BPF1
Fcenter= 1 0 M H z
P_1 Tone BWpass= 1 0 0 . 0 kH z Term
PO RT1 Apass= 3 . 0 1 0 3 dB Term2
N um= 1 BWstop= N um= 2
Z= 5 0 O hm Astop= Z= 5 0 O hm
P= polar( dbmtow( 0 ) , 0 ) StopType= open
Freq= 1 GH z M axRej=
N= 3
I L= 0 dB
Q u= 1 E3 0 8
Z1 = 5 0 O hm
Z2 = 5 0 O hm
Temp=

Figure 16 Shape factor of BPF

2. Draw a graph of Butterworth …lter shape as displayed by the spectrum analyzer,

S21 versus frequency, use markers to …nd the Shape Factor of the …lter.

2.4.2 Measurement the Shape Factor of IF BPF

1. Connect the system as indicated in Figure 19.

-10 Y(Hz)

-20
Amplitude(dB)

-30 Shape factor=X/Y

-40

-50

X(Hz)
-60

-70

-80
0.95 1 1.05
Frequency (Hz) x 10
7

Figure 17 Measuring shape factor of IF …lter

2. Set the function generator to Frequency 10 MHz, Amplitude 0 dBm.

Measuring Signals using Logarithmic and Linear mode, Absolute and Relative Quantities. 17

3. Set the spectrum analyzer Frequency 10 MHz, Span 3 MHz, BW 100

kHz, use the MARKER or MARKER Delta function, to …nd and record
the -3 dB bandwidth of IF …lter.

4. Use the MARKER Delta function to measure the -60 dB bandwidth of the
IF …lter, using the data calculate the shape factor (-60dB/-3dB bandwidth) of
the 100 kHz BW …lter. Save the data on magnetic media (CSV format).

2.5 Measuring Signals using Logarithmic and Linear mode, Absolute

and Relative Quantities.
In this part of the experiment you measure the amplitude and frequency of the har-
monics of 1 MHz Squarewave. The measurement will be in Absolute and Relative
mode.
2.5.1 Simulation of a Squarewave in Frequency Domain
1. Simulate a 1MHz squarewave, see Figure 18

TRAN SI EN T H ARM O N I C BALAN CE

Tran HarmonicBalance
Tran1 HB1
StopTime= 2.0 usec Freq[ 1] = 1.0 M Hz
M axTimeStep= 50 nsec O rder[ 1] = 10
Vout

Term
Vf_Pulse Term2
SRC1 N um= 2
Vpeak= 2 V Z= 50 O hm
Vdc= -1 V
Freq= 1 M Hz
Width= 0.5 usec
Rise= 1 nsec
Fall= 1 nsec
Delay= 0 nsec
Weight= no
Harmonics= 16

Figure 18 Simulation of squarewave in frequency domain

2. Draw a frequency domain, logarithmic graph of harmonics, a linear graph of

harmonics magnitude, a time domain signal using Harmonic Balance simulator,
and time domain signal using Transient simulator, and answer the following
questions:
Measuring Signals using Logarithmic and Linear mode, Absolute and Relative Quantities. 18

(a) Fill Table-1, and explain why the even harmonics disappear in linear mode

Absolute Measurement
Harmonics Frequency(MHz) Amplitude(dBm) Amplitude(mv)
First
Second
Third
Table -1

(b) Explain why the time domain squarewave graphs of the two simulator are
not identical?

2.5.2 Squarerave Measurement

1. Connect the equipment as shown in Fig-19

33220 Spectrum Analyzer Agilent-N9320

Spectrum Analyzer
20.000,000 kHz
Freq Amp Offset

CAL OUT RF IN

Probe

Figure 19 Setup for measuring signals, logarithmic and linear mode, and Minimum
and Maximum hold measurement

2. Set the Function Generator to Square wave Frequency 1 MHz Amp 1 Vpp.

3. Set the Spectrum Analyzer to center frequency 1 MHz and Span to 10 MHz
. By pressing FREQUENCY 1 MHz, then SPAN 10MHz.

4. Use the Marker function to identify the frequency and amplitude of the …rst …ve
harmonics, by pressing .PEAK SEARCH, Start with …rst harmonics, +1MHz
and …ll Table-2.
Measuring Frequency Response of LPF 19

Absolute Measurement
Harmonics Frequency(MHz) Amplitude(dBm) Amplitude(mv)
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Table -2

5. Measure the relative Amplitude and Frequency di¤erence between the odd har-
monics, and …ll the relevant columns of Table -3. Compare the result to simu-
lation. Save the data on magnetic media

Relative Measurement
Harmonics Frequency Amplitude Amplitude Matlab Simulation
(No) di¤erence (MHz) di¤erence(dB) di¤erence(%) Result
First-Third
Third-Fifth
Table -3

2.6 Measuring Frequency Response of LPF

The maximum hold function, can be powerful tool, while measuring frequency re-
sponse of passive elements, such as LPF.
2.6.1 Simulation of LPF
1. Simulate a Butterworth 1.9MHz LPF see Figure 20.

AC

AC Vout
AC1 LPF_Butterworth
Start= 1 0 0 . 0 kHz LPF1
Term
Stop= 2 0 . 0 M Hz P_1 Tone Fpass= 1 . 9 M Hz
Term2
Step= 1 0 . 0 kHz PO RT1 Apass= 3 . 0 1 0 3 dB
N um= 2
N um= 1 Fstop= 1 . 2 GHz Z= 5 0 O hm
Z= 5 0 O hm Astop= 2 0 dB
P= polar( dbmtow( 0 ) , 0 ) StopType= open
Freq= 1 GHz M axRej=
N= 3
I L= 0 dB
Q u= 1 E3 0 8
Z1 = 5 0 O hm
Z2 = 5 0 O hm
Temp=

Figure 20 Simulation of LPF response, by Spectrum Analyzer

Measuring Frequency Response of LPF 20

2. Draw a graph of the …lter response, use marker delta function, to …nd the
stopband slope of the …lter, dB/octave and dB/decade.

3. Explain if you increase the order of the …lter to N=5,the stopband slope of the
…lter, dB/octave, decrease or increase? proove your answer by simulation.

2.6.2 Measurement of LPF

1. Add 1.9MHz Elliptic LPF to the input of the Spectrum Analyzer and connect
the equipment as shown in Figure 19.

2. Set the function generator to sweeper by setting, sweep mode, start frequency
100Hz and stop frequency 10MHz. Press Sweep, Start 100Hz, Stop 10MHZ.

2.6.3 Setting the spectrum analyzer

In order to measure the frequency response of the LPF, we will use the maximum
hold function, while the source is swept, and spectrum analyzer set to maximum hold
the trace.

1. Press Preset, Frequency, Center Freq, 1MHz, Span 10MHz, View/Trace,

Max Hold.

2. Press VIEW/TRACE then MAX HOLD . now you see the maximum of
the measured signal (see Fig.-17).

3. The negative frequency is a false display of the spectrum analyzer(due to the

spectrum structure), refer only to the positive frequency.

Maximum
Hold trace
Amp.

Negative frequency 0 Frequency

Figure 17 Measuring frequency response of LPF using Maximum hold function

4. Use marker delta function, to measure the stopband slope (dB/octave).

Measuring Signal To Noise Ratio of Low-Level Signal. 21

2.7 Measuring Signal To Noise Ratio of Low-Level Signal.

1. Connect the equipment as shown in Fig-16.
2. Set the function Generator to Sinewave, frequency 10 MHz, Output o¤.
3. Set the spectrum analyzer to 10 MHz Span 1 MHz. , by pressing Frequency,
Center Freq, 10 MHz, Span 1 MHz. Can you explain why you see a signal
while the output is o¤? .
4. Press BW/Avg , and Average On 50, to activate the trace average. Explain
why the noise is changed under average, while the signal remain constant?
5. Measure the level of the signal (dBm), measure the level of the noise , and
calculate signal to noise ratio SNR, use marker delta to verify your calculation.
Save the data on magnetic media
6. Increase the attenuation by 10dB, what happen to the SNR
7. Reduce the attenuation by 10dB, use marker to measure the level of the noise
(under average). Decrease the BW, by factor 10, from 10kHz to 1 kHz and
measure the level of the noise> Calculate the factor of noise level change.

2.8 Measuring a Signal Very Close to the Noise Floor

Spectrum analyzer sensitivity is the ability to measure low-level signals. It is limited
by the noise generated inside the spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer input
attenuator, and bandwidth settings a¤ect the sensitivity, by changing the signal-to-
noise ratio. The attenuator a¤ects the level of a signal passing through the instrument,
whereas the bandwidth a¤ects the level of internal noise without a¤ecting the signal.
If, after adjusting the attenuation and resolution bandwidth, a signal is still near the
noise, visibility can be improved by using the video-bandwidth and video-averaging
functions.
1. Connect the equipment as shown in Fig-18.
Signal Generator Spectrum Analyzer
600.000000 MHz
Mo
A d
M
RF

CAL RF IN
RF Iout
LF out

Probe

Figure 18 Setup for low level signal measurement

2. Set the Signal Generator to frequency 100 MHz, amplitude -100dBm.
3. Try to achieve maximum signal to noise ratio, place a marker on the low-
level signal. and try to obtain maximum SNR. measure the level of the noise and
Save the data on magnetic media.
Final Report 22

2.9 Final Report

1. Using the data of the ”Resolving signals of equal amplitude” draw a graph of
the two signals, and …nd the depth of the ’dip’between the two signals, compare
it to your measurement.

2. Draw a graph of the 1 MHz IF …lter, use the record data of the …lter, …nd
the Shape factor of the IF …lter. compare the calculated and measured Shape
factor.

3. Using the Measurement result of "Measuring Signal Very Close to the Noise
Floor", paragraph …nd the noise …gure of the spectrum analyzer

Noise Floor(dBm) = kT B (dBm) + N F (dB)