Tracking Generator Measurement Guide : T-Series Tracking Generator : Measurement Example
 
Measurement Example
This example demonstrates how to connect a Device Under Test (DUT) and make a measurement. This example characterizes the frequency response of a filter in the GSM frequency band.
1. Set the frequency range to cover the range of the DUT being tested. In this example, the center frequency is set to 1.8 GHz with a 1 GHz span.
2. Set the Generator to Tracking Mode with an Output Power of 0.0 dBm. Refer to the previous Tracking Generator Overview section for additional information.
3. Connect the DUT as shown in Figure: Connection of Device Under Test. For connector torque and connector care information, refer to the User Guide for your instrument.
4. Toggle the Generator Output to On.
 
Connection of Device Under Test
5. Observe the measurement to confirm that the pass band frequency range covers the required span.
6. If the spectrum analyzer noise floor is too high for the necessary measurements, then reduce the input attenuation and RBW to maximize the dynamic range. Figure: Increasing Measurement Dynamic Range, Trace Averaging On, Displaying Power Statistics shows the sample setup with the input attenuation lowered from 30 dB to 15 dB and with the RBW reduced from 3 MHz to 300 kHz.
7. When measuring a filter with a very high insertion loss in the stop band, press the Shift key, then the Trace (5) key. Press the Trace A Operations submenu key, then the Average ® A submenu key to turn on averaging and clean up the stop band area. An averaging value of 10 will probably be adequate for most filters.
8. Under the Setting submenu turn Power Statistics On (Figure: Increasing Measurement Dynamic Range, Trace Averaging On, Displaying Power Statistics) to display the spectrum analyzer received Maximum, Average, and Minimum power of each frequency range sweep.
 
Note 
If the noise floor drops below the visible display, then set the Scale dB/division setting to a value larger than 10. This will increase the displayed amplitude range.
Increasing Measurement Dynamic Range, Trace Averaging On, Displaying Power Statistics
 
Note 
Many of displayed settings on the left side of the screen are used as menu shortcuts. Select a parameter by touching the appropriate setting on the touch screen to display the menu and set up the parameter for editing.