Understanding RF and Microwave Analysis Basics Kimberly Cassacia Product Line Brand Manager Keysight Technologies
Agenda µw Analysis Basics Page 2 RF Signal Analyzer Overview & Basic Settings Overview of signal analysis measurements, instrument block diagram Initial settings to capture a signal frequency, span, reference level Improving the quality of your measurement averaging, RBW, sweep time How DANL, sensitivity, and phase noise can impact a measurement Signal Generators Overview of signal generation signals, instrument block diagram Signal Analyzer & Signal Generator Applications Wrap-up and Q&A
Frequency versus Time Domain Amplitude (power) Time domain Measurements (Oscilloscope) Frequency Domain Measurements (Spectrum Analyzer) µw Analysis Basics Page 3
What is Spectrum Analysis? Spectrum Analysis Display and measure amplitude versus frequency for RF and microwave signals Separate or demodulated complex signals into their base components (sine waves) µw Analysis Basics Page 4
Analyzer Definitions Spectrum Analyzer Measures magnitude of input signal versus frequency Primarily used to measure the power of the spectrum of known and unknown signals Vector Signal Analyzer Measures magnitude and phase of input signal at a single frequency Primarily used to make inchannel measurements Signal Analyzer Provides the functions of a spectrum analyzer and a vector signal analyzer µw Analysis Basics Page 5
Types of Measurements Available Frequency and power Spectrum monitoring Modulation Distortion & noise Spurious emissions Scalar network analysis Noise figure & phase noise Harmonic & intermodulation distortion Analog, digital, burst, pulsed RF modulation Wide bandwidth vector analysis Electromagnetic interference Modulation Spurious Emissions Noise ACP µw Analysis Basics Page 6
Signal Analyzer Block Diagram > Pre-amp IF Filter FFT Attenuator Swept vs FFT ADC µw Analysis Basics Page 7
Spectrum Analyzer Initial Settings Initial Settings Frequency set to the desired frequency Span set to show desired level of detail Reference level (amplitude) set so that the signal is visible µw Analysis Basics Page 8
Sensitivity Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) Signal Equals Noise 2.2 db µw Analysis Basics Page 9
Sensitivity Attenuation Effective level of displayed noise is a function of RF input attenuation. Signal Level 10 db 10 db Attenuation 20 db Attenuation > µw Analysis Basics Page 10
Resolution Bandwidth The resolution bandwidth of a spectrum analyzer determines: The details displayed The smallest frequency that can be resolved 100 khz RBW Faster sweep but fewer details 10 khz RBW 1 khz RBW Input Spectrum IF Bandwidth (RBW) Slower sweep but more details Display µw Analysis Basics Page 11
Sensitivity Resolution bandwidth (RBW) Displayed noise is a function of IF filter bandwidth. 100 khz RBW 10 khz RBW 1 khz RBW µw Analysis Basics Page 12
Sensitivity Trace Averaging and VBW Video bandwidth or trace averaging smoothes noise for easier identification of low level signals, but does not effect DANL. Normal Sweep Mode Trace Averaging Narrow VBW Setting µw Analysis Basics Page 13
Sensitivity Summary For best sensitivity, use: Narrowest resolution bandwidth Minimum RF input attenuation and preamp Sufficient smoothing (trace averaging and VBW) µw Analysis Basics Page 14
Trace Settings Max Hold µw Analysis Basics Page 15
Phase Noise Phase Noise Phase noise from a signal generator µw Analysis Basics Page 16
Expanding Signal Analyzer Capabilities Measurement Applications N9063A Analog Analog Demodulation Pulse Analysis Phase Noise Noise Figure W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ WLAN LTE/LTE-A FDD LTE/LTE-A TDD Short Range Comms Bluetooth µw Analysis Basics Page 17
Example Application N9063C Analog Demodulation µw Analysis Basics Page 18
Example Application N9081C Bluetooth µw Analysis Basics Page 19
Example Application N9068C Phase Noise µw Analysis Basics Page 20
Agenda µw Analysis Basics Page 21 RF Signal Analyzer Overview & Basic Settings Overview of signal analysis measurements, instrument block diagram Initial settings to capture a signal frequency, span, reference level Improving the quality of your measurement averaging, RBW, sweep time How DANL, sensitivity, and phase noise can impact a measurement Signal Generators Overview of signal generation signals, instrument block diagram Signal Analyzer & Signal Generator Applications Wrap-up and Q&A
What is Signal Generation? Signal Generators Generate a radio frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) signal Modulate analog (AM/FM/PM) or complex signals on an RF or MW signal µw Analysis Basics Page 22
Signal Generator Definitions RF and MW Signal Generator Used for testing components, receivers, and test systems in a wide variety of applications Also known as a source Analog Signal Generator Capable of producing CW tones that can be tuned anywhere over the frequency range and set to a specific power level Many also offer various types of analog modulation Vector Signal Generator Capable of generating digitally modulated radiosignals Many can generate signals based on well defined industry standards µw Analysis Basics Page 23
Signal Generator Uses Amplifier gain testing Amplifier intermodulation (IM) testing Amplifier third order intercept (TOI) testing Mixer testing Frequency response Example Calibration Amplifier Generate analog, digital, burst & pulsed RF modulation Oscillator / clock substitution Receiver testing Receiver power calibration P in P out µw Analysis Basics Page 24
Basic Signal Generator Block Diagram Synthesizer Section Output Section Frac-N ALC Modulator Output Attenuator Phase Detector f VCO Reference Oscillator divide by X Reference Section ALC Driver ALC Detector ALC = automatic level control µw Analysis Basics Page 25
Vector Modulated Analog Modulated Continuous Wave Voltage Voltage Signals to Generate Time Frequency Q I µw Analysis Basics Page 26
Generating a CW Signal µw Analysis Basics Page 27
Voltage Generating an AM Signal Carrier Modulation depth %,db Time Modulation frequency µw Analysis Basics Page 28
Generating Vector Modulated Signals µw Analysis Basics Page 29
Power Power Key CW Signal Generator Specifications Frequency, Amplitude, and Spectral Purity Frequency Uncertainty Frequency Amplitude Uncertainty Frequency: range, resolution, accuracy, switching speed Amplitude: range, resolution, accuracy, switching speed, reverse power protection Spectral purity: phase noise, spurious, harmonics, subharmonics Frequency µw Analysis Basics Page 30
Spectral Purity CW output Sub-harmonics From multipliers used to extend the frequency output Phase noise (dbc/hz) from LO s Non-harmonic spur from power supplies and other contributors Harmonic spur ~30dBc from nonlinear components Broad Band Noise Floor Thermal noise of source 0.5 f0 f0 2f0 µw Analysis Basics Page 31
Agenda µw Analysis Basics Page 32 RF Signal Analyzer Overview & Basic Settings Overview of signal analysis measurements, instrument block diagram Initial settings to capture a signal frequency, span, reference level Improving the quality of your measurement averaging, RBW, sweep time How DANL, sensitivity, and phase noise can impact a measurement Signal Generators Overview of signal generation signals, instrument block diagram Signal Analyzer & Signal Generator Applications Wrap-up and Q&A
From Mobile Communications. Testing Digital Transmitters and Receivers µw Analysis Basics Page 33
to Aerospace/Defense Testing Digital Transmitters and Receivers µw Analysis Basics Page 34
Oscillator and Clock Substitution Antenna Simplified Receiver Block Diagram ADC FPGA N5171B EXG Signal Generator Local Oscillator In Clock In Clock In N5171B EXG Signal Generator MXG DDS Ref out Ref In N5171B EXG Signal Generator µw Analysis Basics Page 35
Amplifier Gain Testing Using a power sensor N5171B EXG Signal Generator Calibration Amplifier Attenuator P in P out Power Sensor U2000B USB Gain db = 10 log P out P in Gain db = P out dbm P in (dbm) P in = input power to amplifier Watts P out = output power from amplifier (Watts) µw Analysis Basics Page 36
Amplifier Gain Testing Using a Signal Analyzer N5171B EXG Signal Generator N9000B CXA Signal Analyzer Calibration Amplifier P in P out Marker µw Analysis Basics Page 37
Amplifier Intermodulation (IM) Testing N9000B CXA Signal Analyzer N5171B EXG Signal Generator + N5171B EXG Signal Generator IMD IMD µw Analysis Basics Page 38
Amplifier Intermodulation (IM) Testing N5171B EXG Signal Generator N9000B CXA Signal Analyzer Input Combiner + P in Amplifier P out N5171B EXG Signal Generator Output IMD IMD µw Analysis Basics Page 39
Frequency Response N5171B EXG Signal Generator Option ESC N9000B CXA Signal Analyzer Filter Vector Network Analyzer (ENA) SA + SG Combination µw Analysis Basics Page 40
Pulse Modulation N9000B CXA Signal Analyzer N5171B EXG Signal Generator Receiver Under Test Transmitter Under Test µw Analysis Basics Page 41
Receiver Testing with RF Blocker N5171B EXG Signal Generator N5171B EXG Signal Generator Desired Combiner / Coupler + Blocker Receiver Under Test Blocker Desired Measured on the N9000A CXA Signal Analyzer µw Analysis Basics Page 42
Agenda µw Analysis Basics Page 43 RF Signal Analyzer Overview & Basic Settings Overview of signal analysis measurements, instrument block diagram Initial settings to capture a signal frequency, span, reference level Improving the quality of your measurement averaging, RBW, sweep time How DANL, sensitivity, and phase noise can impact a measurement Signal Generators Overview of signal generation signals, instrument block diagram Signal Analyzer & Signal Generator Applications Wrap-up and Q&A
Resources More information on Signal Analyzers: Keysight.com/find/SA More information on Signal Generators: Keysight.com/find/SG Application Notes: Spectrum Analysis Basics Spectrum Analysis Amplitude and Frequency Modulation Digital Modulation in Communications Systems µw Analysis Basics Page 44
Keysight RF & MW Fundamentals elearning Program Get the best education quickly from trusted experts elearning modules Cable & connector care Transmission line fundamentals Power measurement basics Signal generator sources General spectrum analysis Network analysis State of the art, self-paced elearning modules A strong foundation in RF & MW fundamentals includes: the most important measurements critical success factors for ensuring accuracy how to get the most productivity and value from Keysight instruments www.keysight.com/find/rffundamentals µw Analysis Basics Page 45
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Keysight s General Purpose RF & µw Solutions Signal & Spectrum Analyzers Signal Generators Network Analyzers & LCR Meters Power Meters & Power Sensors Handheld Tools RF & µw Test Accessories µw Analysis Basics Page 47
General Purpose Signal Analysis Solutions N9000B CXA Frequency range: 9 khz to 26.5 GHz N9322C & N9320B BSA Frequency range: 9 khz to 7 GHz FieldFox & HSA Frequency range: 5 khz to 50 GHz DANL @ 1 GHz: -163 dbm DANL @ 1 GHz: -152 dbm DANL @ 1 GHz: -159 dbm Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 khz offset): -110 dbc/hz Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 khz offset): -90 dbc/hz Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 khz offset): -111 dbc/hz Add crucial functionality with X-Series measurement applications Keysight.com/find/N9000B Increase productivity on a budget with reliable performance up to 7 GHz Keysight.com/find/BSA Carry Keysight-quality microwave measurements wherever you need to go Keysight.com/find/HSA µw Analysis Basics Page 48
General Purpose Signal Generation Solutions N5181B MXG Frequency range: 9 khz to 6 GHz N5171B EXG Frequency range: 9 khz to 6 GHz N9310A Frequency range: 9 khz to 3 GHz Output power @ 1 GHz: +26 dbm Output power @ 1 GHz: +24 dbm Output power @ 1 GHz: +13 dbm Phase noise @ 1 GHz (20 khz offset): -146 dbc/hz Phase noise @ 1 GHz (20 khz offset): -122 dbc/hz Phase noise @ 1 GHz (20 khz offset): -95 dbc/hz AM, FM, PM, pulse Take your devices and designs to their limit with outstanding hardware performance AM, FM, PM, pulse Achieve faster throughput and greater uptime with cost-effective performance optimized for manufacturing test AM, FM, PM, pulse, analog IQ inputs Provides reliable RF signal generation at an affordable price Keysight.com/find/N5181B Keysight.com/find/N5171B Keysight.com/find/N9310A µw Analysis Basics Page 49
RF/uW components as a complete solution with instruments Solution Portfolio Switches Attenuators Amplifier Waveguide Harmonic Mixers Noise Sources Adapters & Connectors Attenuator/Switch Driver DC Block Detector Directional Bridge Directional Coupler Frequency Meter Impedance Matching Pad Power Divider Power Limiter Power Splitter PXI Module Termination (Loads) Waveguide Accessories RF Probes MTA Catalog: www.keysight.com/find/mtacatalog Selection Guide: http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/599 2-0997EN.pdf?id=2645922 One-stop solution center Keysight provides the broadest selection of RF/Microwave components up to 110 GHz µw Analysis Basics Page 50
Question & Answer Session Kimberly Cassacia Product Line Brand Manager Keysight Technologies