Fundamentals of Spectrum Analyzer

Fundamentals of Spectrum Analyzer
Mr.Wang Junfeng
Engineer of Equipment Testing Division State Radio Monitoring Center wangjf@srrc.org.cn +(86)10-68368866-1807 Radio Monitoring and Spectrum Management Training (China,23-31,May,2005)
1
Contents

Why do we use a spectrum analyzer? What can we do with a spectrum analyzer? How many types are there for spectrum analyzers? The classic superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
Illustration of test cases

Analyzing a RF signal
Time domain Oscilloscope Waveform S(t) Frequency domain Spectrum analyzer Spectrum F{S(t)}=S(f) Frequency and amplitude information Modulation domain Vector signal analyzer Vector information Frequency, amplitude and phase information
Analysis in time domain
X(t)
Complicated in time domain
Analysis in time domain
Analysis in frequency domain
F{X(t)}=X(f) Simpler in frequency domain

7
Why do we use a spectrum analyzer?

Easier to verify each frequency component of the signal looked like complicated in time domain Easier to check what happened in band, in out-ofband domain and in spurious emission domain Easier to allocate and assign the frequency for regulatory agency with assistance of the statistics from spectrum monitoring

What can we do with a spectrum analyzer?

Frequency and amplitude test Channel power and spectrum power density test Wanted signal spectrum mask test Adjacent channel power test Spurious emission test Occupied bandwidth test Spectrum monitoring Etc.
10

11
Types of spectrum analyzers

superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
Real-time spectrum analyzer (Fourier analyzer)
12
Types of spectrum analyzers superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
Larger analyzing frequency range Excellent sensitivity Larger dynamic range Swept-tuned, not a real-time equipment, not suitable for short term phenomena
13
Types of spectrum analyzers

Real-time spectrum analyzer(Fourier analyzer)
A A
RAM RAM
DD
FFT FFT
Real-time equipment, characterizing short term phenomena Phase as well as amplitude can be tested
Limitation of the frequency range, sensitivity, and dynamic range
14

15
The classic superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
spectrum analyzer appearance

16
The classic superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
Block diagram of a classic superheterodyne spectrum analyzer
17
RF attenuator
Protect the following circuit Adjust the signal entering the mixer at the optimum level
18
RF attenuator
Input impedance Attenuation range Attenuation accuracy Minimum Step size 50ohms 0 to 50dB or more less than 0.5dB 5dB, 2dB or 1dB
19
RF attenuator
Attenuation should be large enough to avoid mixer overload
* RBW
300 Hz
1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-89.85 dBm 500.037500000 MHz Ref
10
* RBW
300 Hz
1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-86.87 dBm 500.037500000 MHz
VBW 3 kHz Ref

-10
VBW 3 kHz 10 dBm

* Att
-10 dBm
* Att
0 dB
* SWT
15 dB
* SWT
OVLD
-20
0 1 RM *
1 RM *
CLRWR
-30
CLRWR
-10
-40
-20
-50 PRN -60
-30 PRN -40
-70
-50
-80
-60
1
-90 -70
-100
-80
1
-110 -90
Center
500 MHz
7.5 kHz/
Span
75 kHz
Center
500 MHz
7.5 kHz/
Span
75 kHz
Comment A: 11
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:41:38
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:42:16
20
RF attenuator
Suitable attenuation can ensure either the excellent linear performance or the perfect noise floor of the spectrum analyzer.
21
Pre-selector or low pass filter
Reduce the signal energy entering the mixer avoid mixer overload Keep unwanted signal from creating unwanted response
22
Pre-selector or low pass filter
If there is no pre-selector or low pass filter, the larger signal will cause mixer overload when the smaller signal is tested.
23
Mixer and tunable LO
Frequency down conversion to IF fIF = fLO-fsig or fIF =fsig- fLO fsig = signal frequency, fLO = local oscillator frequency, fIF = intermediate frequency (IF) Tuning the spectrum analyzer to the desired range Ramp sweep generator controls both LO and display
24
Mixer and tunable LO
Narrow IF filter
Multiple mixing steps
25
Mixer
fIF = fLO-fsig or fIF =fsig- fLO For certain fIF and fLO there are always two fsig fulfill the mixing formula For example: fIF =3.9GHz, fIF = fLO-fsig , fLO =4.3GHz, fsig=400MHz fIF =3.9GHz, fIF =fsig- fLO, fLO =4.3GHz, fsig= 8.2GHz A pre-selector or a low pass filter is necessary to prevent unwanted response created by image frequency from happening.
26
Mixer
Ideal mixing: fIF = fLO-fsig or fIF =fsig- fLO Actual mixing: fIF = (fLO-fsig) +k1(fLO-fsig )2+k2(fLO-fsig )3 +--- or fIF = (fsig-fLO) +k1(fsig- fLO)2+k2(fsig-fLO )3 +--It is very important to reduce the non-linear components.It is why that we need set a suitable attenuation to find a optimum mixer level especially for harmonic measurement.
27
Mixer
How to distinguish the non-linear components?
28
Mixer
LO feedthrough
fIF = fLO-fsig fsig =0 fIF = fLO
29
Mixer
* RBW
1 kHz
Marker 1 [T1 ]
3.87 dBm 150.000000000 Hz
VBW 3 kHz Ref

10 1
10 dBm
* Att
10 dB
SWT 20 ms
0 1 PK *
CLRWR
-10
-20
-30
D1 -36 dBm
-40
PRN
-50
-60
Why?
-70
-80
-90
Start
50 Hz
988 Hz/
Stop
9.93 kHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:52:47
30
Mixer
The LO signal is coupled into the first IF path due to its limited isolation.
31
tunable LO
Usually tunable LO is controlled by the periodic sawtooth signal. The scan generator runs freely.
32
tunable LO
What will happen if a pulse signal entering the spectrum analyzer? Can we get the spectrum when spectrum analyzer run freely?
RBW 1 MHz Marker 1 [T1 ]
VBW 10 MHz Ref -20 dBm -20

* Att
-84.23 dBm 2.500000 ms
10 dB
SWT 15 ms
-30
1 RM * CLRWR
TRG -36.5 dBm -40

TRG
-50
-60
PRN
-70
-80
-90
-100
-110
NO!
1.5 ms/
13.MAY.2005 10:56:14
-120 Center 1 GHz
Date:
33
tunable LO
How can get the spectrum of a pulse signal or a TDMA signal?
The spectrum analyzer must be triggered by specific signal.
34
tunable LO
Tunable LO could also be controlled by other specific signal. The scan generator is controlled by specific condition, for instance video signal trigger, IF signal trigger, gating trigger, and extend signal trigger.
35
tunable LO
We can get the spectrum of the pulse signal if we set the specific trigger condition for spectrum analyzer, for instance IF signal trigger or extend signal trigger.
* RBW
30
kHz
Marker
[T1
VBW Ref -20 -20 dBm

* Att
300 145
kHz ms
-26.09 999.992000000
dBm MHz
dB
1
* SWT
-30
1 RM * CLRWR
GAT
-40
TRG
-50
-60
PRN
-70
-80
-90
-100
-110
-120 Center 1 GHz 200 kHz/ Span 2 MHz
Date:
13.MAY.2005
10:57:30
36
IF processing circuit
IF amplifier constant display Reference level RBW filter
variable gain amplifier, keeping

max level can be displayed determining the signal to be displayed
37
IF amplifier
The gain of the IF amplifier can be adjusted in small step size, so the maximum signal level can be kept constant in the subsequent signal processing regardless of the attenuation setting and mixer level. IF gain offset is coupled to the attenuator, so larger attenuation would bring larger noise.
38
IF amplifier
Larger attenuation import larger noise

39
IF amplifier
LDAN=10log(ktBN,IF/110-3W)+NFSA-2.5dB) LDAN : displayed average noise level k: Boltzmanns constant, k=1.3810-23W/Hz T: ambient temperature, in K BN,IF: noise bandwidth of IF filter NFSA: noise figure of spectrum analyzer, in dB -2.5dB: understanding of noise by sampling detector and averaging of logarithmic level values For the ambient temperature 290K(17C):
LDAN=-174dBm/Hz+(10logBN,IF/Hz)+NFSA-2.5dB
Increasing the attenuation, the noise figure of the spectrum analyzer will get larger.
40
Reference level
Reference level is the max level can be displayed Reference level should be large enough to avoid IF overload Usually reference level is coupled to the attenuation to protect the mixer and subsequent circuit.
41
Reference level
* RBW
300 Hz
1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-99.39 dBm 500.037500000 MHz
VBW 3 kHz Ref

-10
-10 dBm
* Att
15 dB
* SWT
IFOVL
-20
1 RM *
CLRWR
-30
-40
-50 PRN -60
-70
-80
-90
1
-100
-110
Center
500 MHz
7.5 kHz/
Span
75 kHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:42:41
IF overload Reference level:-10dBm

42
Reference level
* RBW
300 Hz
1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-105.42 dBm 500.037500000 MHz
VBW 3 kHz Ref -5 dBm

* Att
15 dB
* SWT
-10
A
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
-30
-40
-50
PRN
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
1 500 MHz 7.5 kHz/ Span 75 kHz
Center
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:43:16
Reference level:-5dBm
43
RBW filter
RBW filter

The final IF filter

3dB bandwidth of the IF filter Filter wave shape factor sweep time
Resolution Selectivity Response time
44
RBW filter
Different RBW filter has different resolving capability
* RBW
30 kHz
Marker 2 [T1 ]
* RBW
300 kHz
Marker 1 [T1 ]
VBW 300 kHz Ref -20 dBm -20 2 1

* Att
-31.61 dBm 999.999000000 MHz Marker 1 [T1 ] -31.51 dBm 1.000099000 GHz
A
VBW 3 MHz Ref -20 dBm -20 1 -30

1 RM * * Att
-29.35 dBm 1.000050000 GHz
10 dB
* SWT
245 ms
10 dB
* SWT
245 ms
-30
1 RM * CLRWR
-40
CLRWR
-40
-50
-50
-60
PRN
-60
PRN
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
-100
-100
-110
-110
-120 Center 1 GHz 50 kHz/ Span 500 kHz
Date:
13.MAY.2005
10:51:17
Date:
13.MAY.2005
10:50:29
RBW=30kHz
RBW=300kHz
45
RBW filter
RBW is the 3dB bandwidth of the final IF filter
* RBW
100 kHz
Delta 2 [T1 ]
VBW 1 MHz Ref -10 dBm -10 1 2 3

* Att
-3.03 dB -50.000000000 kHz Marker 1 [T1 ] -21.27 dBm 1.000000000 GHz Delta 3 [T1 ] -3.12 dB 50.000000000 kHz
A
10 dB
* SWT
195 ms
-20
1 RM * CLRWR
-30
-40
-50
PRN
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
Date:
13.MAY.2005
11:13:12
46
RBW filter
Selectivity Wave shape factor 3dB bandwidth ratio of 60dB bandwidth to
47
RBW filter
A low factor means a better selectivity
48
RBW filter
In theory, a rectangular filter has excellent selectivity. But such a filter has a long transient response time. Short measurement time can be achieved through the use of Gaussian filter optimized for transients.
49
RBW filter
Response time Sweep time How long does it take to complete a sweep?

RBW filter is a band limited filter and needs some time to charge and discharge. Narrow RBW filter has higher resolving capability but needs longer charging time. ST=k(span)/RBW2 ST: Sweep time k: constant factor (variable for different filter types)
There are different kinds of filter allow resolution, selectivity and measurement speed to be adapted to specific application.
50
RBW filter
Analog IF filter
It is used to realize very large RBW, usually from 100kHz to 10MHz. Ideal Gaussian filter can not be implemented using analog filter. It is possible for a analog filter that the transient response is almost identical with the ideal Gaussian filter within the 20dB bandwidth.
SF=14, four filter circuit SF=10, five filter circuit Whereas SF=4.6, ideal Gaussian filter
51
RBW filter
Digital IF filter

It is used to realize narrow RBW, usually less than 100kHz. The ideal Gaussian filter can be implemented by digital filter. Much better selectivity can be achieved, SF=4.6. Digital filter allows shorter sweep time than analog filter of the same bandwidth.
52
RBW filter
Usually, sweep time is automatically coupled to span and RBW Sweep time can be changed manually. But try to avoid the Mea Uncal error Sweep time must be longer than minimum sweep time
53
RBW filter
* RBW
* RBW
100 Hz
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-103.71 dBm 500.025000000 MHz
100 Hz
3 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-107.25 dBm 500.025000000 MHz

* Att

* Att
10 dB
* SWT
15 dB
SWT 6 s
-10
UNCAL A
-10
*
A
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
-30
-30
-40
-40
-50
PRN
-50
PRN
-60
-60
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
-100
1 500 MHz 5 kHz/ Span 50 kHz
-100
Center
Center
500 MHz
5 kHz/
Span
50 kHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:49:10
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:44:17
54
RBW filter
Different RBW imports different noise level. LDAN=-174dBm/Hz+(10logBN,IF/Hz)+NFSA-2.5dB
LDAN : displayed average noise level, in dBm k: Boltzmanns constant, k=1.3810-23W/Hz T: ambient temperature, in K BN,IF: noise bandwidth of IF filter, in Hz NFSA: noise figure of spectrum analyzer, in dB -2.5dB: understanding of noise by sampling detector and averaging of logarithmic level values.
Different RBW result in different noise level. The RBW setting is specified in measurement.
55
RBW filter
Larger RBW imports higher noise level
56
Video processing circuit
Log amplifier, envelope detector, detector, video filter, display screen
57
Log amplifier
Compress the larger signal and increase the small signal To improve display dynamic range of the spectrum analyzer.
58
Envelope detector
Convert the IF signal to video The envelope of the IF signal is gotten.
59
Envelope detector
The envelope of one certain frequency component can be obtained through 0 span at this frequency.
60
Envelope detector
The envelope of single time slot GSM signal
RBW 1 MHz
* RBW
Marker 1 [T1 ]
30 kHz
Marker 1 [T1 ]

* Att
-84.23 dBm 2.500000 ms
VBW 300 kHz Ref -20 dBm -20

* Att
-26.09 dBm 999.992000000 MHz
10 dB
SWT 15 ms
0 dB
1
* SWT
145 ms
-30
1 RM * CLRWR
-30
1 RM *
TRG -36.5 dBm -40

TRG
GAT
CLRWR
-40
TRG
-50
-50
-60
PRN
-60
PRN
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
-100
-100
-110
-110
-120 Center 1 GHz 1.5 ms/
Date:
13.MAY.2005
10:57:30
Date:
13.MAY.2005
10:56:14
61
Envelope detector
The envelope of a sine wave signal
RBW 100 kHz
* RBW
Marker 1 [T1 ]
100 kHz
Marker 1 [T1 ]

* Att
-21.27 dBm 1.430000 ms
VBW 1 MHz Ref -10 dBm -10 1

* Att
-21.26 dBm 1.000000000 GHz
10 dB
SWT 2.5 ms
10 dB
SWT 2.5 ms
-20
1 RM * CLRWR
-20
1 RM * CLRWR
-30
-30
-40
-40
-50
PRN
-50
PRN
-60
-60
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
-100
-100
-110 Center 1 GHz 250 s/
Date:
13.MAY.2005
11:29:33
Date:
13.MAY.2005
11:16:04
62
video filter
63
video filter
Low pass filter, reducing the impact of noise on the displayed signal amplitude, smoothing the display
64
Detector
Digital display Analog to digital, finite display point for a trace, normally 625 points or more One display point represents a frequency range What value should be displayed for each display point among the frequency range? Put all the data into a bucket and we need a math formula to extract the data to be displayed Different detector types mean different math formulae
65
Sample detector
The data point at the center of the bucket is displayed
66
Positive peak detector

The maximum data point of the bucket is displayed
67
Negative peak detector

The minimum data point of the bucket is displayed
68
Normal detector
The maximum data point of the bucket is displayed at odd display point and the minimum data point of the bucket is displayed at even display point
69
RMS detector
Statistic average, RMS value of all the data points in a bucket is displayed.
U RMS 1 N 2 ui N i 1
70
Average detector
Math average
U AV
1 N ui N i 1
71
Difference between various detectors

* RBW
100 kHz
720 ms
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-77.86 dBm 1.935508423 GHz
VBW 300 kHz Ref

-50
-50 dBm
* Att
15 dB
* SWT
-60 1 PK *
CLRWR
-70
2 SA *
CLRWR
1
-80
3 MI *
CLRWR -90 PRN -100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
Center
1.90025 GHz
10 MHz/
Span
100 MHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
12:37:31
Positive peak, sample and negative peak
72

* RBW
100 kHz
1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-77.85 dBm 1.905250000 GHz
VBW 1 MHz Ref

-50
-50 dBm
* Att
15 dB
* SWT
-60 1 PK *
CLRWR
-70
2 RM *
CLRWR
1
-80
3 AV *
CLRWR -90 PRN -100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
Center
1.90025 GHz
1 MHz/
Span
10 MHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
12:38:40
Positive peak, RMS and average

73

* RBW
100 kHz
1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-77.70 dBm 1.905250000 GHz
VBW 300 kHz Ref

-50
-50 dBm
* Att
15 dB
* SWT
-60 1 AP
CLRWR
-70
1
-80
-90 PRN -100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
Center
1.90025 GHz
1 MHz/
Span
10 MHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
12:39:19
Normal
74


Illustration of test cases
75
How does the RBW filter work?

* RBW
1 kHz
10 kHz 1.2 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-99.87 dBm 500.037500000 MHz
VBW Ref -5 dBm

* Att
15 dB
* SWT
-10
A
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
-30
-40
-50
PRN
-60
-70
-80
-90
1
-100
Center
500 MHz
7.5 kHz/
Span
75 kHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:43:42
Spectrum for FM signal 1kHz mod 3kHz deviation RBW:1kHz

76
How does the RBW filter work?

* RBW
100 Hz
1 kHz 6 s
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-103.71 dBm 500.025000000 MHz
VBW Ref -5 dBm

* Att
15 dB
SWT
-10
*
A
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
-30
-40
-50
PRN
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
Center
500 MHz
5 kHz/
Span
50 kHz
Comment A: 11
Spectrum for FM signal 1kHz mod 3kHz deviation RBW:100Hz

Date: 27.APR.2005 16:44:17
77
How to set the RBW in measurement?

Spectrum mask measurement RBW is approximately 3% to 5% necessary bandwidth. Unwanted emission measurement RBW is set according to the test specification.
78
Channel power measurement

* RBW
100 Hz
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-104.43 dBm 500.025000000 MHz CH PWR -4.25 dBm

* Att
10 dB
SWT 6 s
-10
*
A
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
-30
-40
-50
PRN
-60
-70
-80
-90
C0
-100
C0
1 5 kHz/ Span 50 kHz
Center
500 MHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:45:37
Integral bandwidth:16kHz
79
Adjacent channel power measurement

* RBW 100 Hz VBW 1 kHz Marker 1 [T1 ] -101.93 dBm
Ref -5 dBm -10

-20 -30 1 RM * -40 -50
* Att
10 dB
SWT 18 s
500.025000000 MHz
cl2
cl2 cl1
CLRWR
cl1
-60
cu1
-70 -80 -90

-100 Center 500 MHz 15 kHz/
cu1
cu2
cu2
C0 C0
1 Span 150 kHz PRN
Tx Channel Bandwidth Adjacent Channel Bandwidth
16 kHz
Power
-4.23 dBm
16 kHz
Spacing
Alternate Channel Bandwidth Spacing
25 kHz
Lower Upper Lower Upper
-79.32 dB -79.68 dB -79.83 dB -79.93 dB
16 kHz
50 kHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:47:51
2 adjacent channel: 25kHz 50kHz

80
Occupied bandwidth
* RBW
100 Hz
Marker 1 [T1 ]
-102.21 dBm 500.025000000 MHz OBW 8.092948718 kHz -25.59 dBm
A

* Att
10 dB
SWT 6 s
-10
Temp 1 [T1 OBW]

499.995913462 MHz
1 RM *
CLRWR
-20
T2 T1
Temp 2 [T1 OBW] -21.82 dBm

500.004006410 MHz
-30
-40
-50
PRN
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
Center
500 MHz
5 kHz/
Span
50 kHz
Comment A: 11
Date:
27.APR.2005
16:48:29
99% power bandwidth

81
The End Thanks for your attention!!
Any questions?
82

Fundamentals of Spectrum Analyzer

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Fundamentals of Spectrum Analyzer

Illustration of test cases