The time domain option offers the ability to transform the native frequency domain data of the MS4640A Series VNA into time domain information for TDR-like displays, distance-to-fault analysis, and general spatial-based circuit and network troubleshooting. Uses for time domain include:
• Identifying the location of significant mismatches/discontinuities in a launch structure in a fixture or PC board
• Finding and quantifying defects in a cable assembly
• Identifying the characteristics of a discontinuity (inductive or capacitive) in a transition within a fixture or on-wafer
• Determining semi-quantitatively the impedance levels in a cascaded series of transmission lines.
There are a significant number of choices in how to configure the transformations that this section will cover. To begin, time domain is a per-trace invocation so that, within a given channel, frequency domain and time domain traces can be freely mixed on any response parameter. Note that since there is a single x-axis readout per channel, and it will be in the units of the active trace (either frequency or time range, not both at the same time will be displayed). Time domain and the TIME DOMAIN menu is accessed from the DISPLAY menu and its top level selections are shown in Figure: DOMAIN Menu - Top Level Domain Menu.
