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Fundamentals of Real-Time
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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview . . . . . . . . 3-8 DPX Technology: a Revolutionary Tool
The Evolution of RF Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 for Signal Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Modern RF Measurement Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Digital Phosphor Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
A Brief Survey of Instrument Architectures . . . . . . . . . . .5 The DPX Display Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
The Swept Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 The DPX Transform Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Vector Signal Analyzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Timing and Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Real-Time Triggering and Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . .31
Triggering in Systems with Digital Acquisition . . . . .32
Chapter 2: How Does the Real-Time Spectrum Trigger Modes and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Analyzer Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37 RTSA Trigger Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
RF/IF Signal Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Constructing a Frequency Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Input Switching and Routing Section . . . . . . . . . . .10 Demodulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
RF and Microwave Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Amplitude, Frequency and Phase Modulation . . . .35
Frequency Conversion/IF Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Digital Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Concepts . . . . . . . . . . .12 Power Measurements and Statistics . . . . . . . . . . .37
Digital Signal Processing Path in Real-Time
Chapter 3: Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
Spectrum Analyzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-46
IF Digitizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Measurement Types . . . .38
Digital Downconverter (DDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Frequency Domain Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
IQ Baseband Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 DPX Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Decimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Time Domain Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Decimation Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Modulation Domain Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Transforming Time Domain Waveforms Code Domain Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
to the Frequency Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Statistical Domain Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Real-Time Spectrum Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Chapter 4: Applications Using the RTSA . . . . . . 47-49
Discovering and Capturing Transient Events . . . . . .17
Pulse Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Relating RTSA to Swept Spectrum Analyzer . . . . .18
Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
RBW on the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . .18
RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Windowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Spectrum Management/Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFT) in the
Radio Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Power Amplifier Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Digital Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Microphonics and Phase-Hits Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filters . . . . . . . . . . .22
Frequency Response vs. Impulse Response . . . . .22 Chapter 5: Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51
Numerical Convolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Acronym Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

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Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview

The Evolution of RF Signals be found in almost any imaginable location: consumer
Engineers and scientists have been looking for innovative electronics in homes, medical devices in hospitals, industrial
uses for RF technology ever since the 1860s, when James control systems in factories, and even tracking devices
Clerk Maxwell mathematically predicted the existence of implanted underneath the skin of livestock, pets, and people.
electromagnetic waves capable of transporting energy As RF signals have become ubiquitous in the modern world,
across empty space. Following Heinrich Hertzs physical so too have problems with interference between the devices
demonstration of radio waves in 1886, Nikola Tesla, that generate them. Products such as mobile phones that
Guglielmo Marconi, and others pioneered ways of operate in licensed spectrum must be designed not to
manipulating these waves to enable long distance transmit RF power into adjacent frequency channels and
communications. At the turn of the century, the radio cause interference. This is especially challenging for complex
had become the first practical application of RF signals. multi-standard devices that switch between different modes
Over the next three decades, several research projects of transmission and maintain simultaneous links to different
were launched to investigate methods of transmitting network elements. Devices that operate in unlicensed
and receiving signals to detect and locate objects at great frequency bands must be designed to function properly in
distances. By the onset of World War II, radio detection the presence of interfering signals, and are legally required
and ranging (also known as radar) had become another to transmit in short bursts at low power levels. These new
prevalent RF application. digital RF technologies that involve the combination of
Due in large part to sustained growth in the military and computers and RF include wireless LANs, cellular phones,
communications sectors, technological innovation in RF digital TV, RFID and others. These, combined with new
accelerated steadily throughout the remainder of the 20th advances in Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Cognitive
century and continues to do so today. To resist interference, Radio (CR) provide a new path forward and will fundamentally
avoid detection, and improve capacity, modern radar change spectrum allocation methodologies resulting in
systems and commercial communications networks have increased efficiency in the way that the RF spectrum,
become extremely complex, and both typically employ one of the scarcest commodities, is utilized.
sophisticated combinations of RF techniques such as To overcome these evolving challenges, it is crucial for
complex and adaptive modulation, bursting and frequency todays engineers and scientists to be able to reliably
hopping. Designing these types of advanced RF equipment detect and characterize RF signals that change over time,
and successfully integrating them into working systems are something not easily done with traditional measurement
extremely complicated tasks. tools. To address these problems, Tektronix has designed
At the same time, the increasingly widespread success the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA), an instrument
of cellular technology and wireless data networks that can discover elusive effects in RF signals, trigger on
combined with the advancing state of semiconductor those effects, seamlessly capture them into memory, and
technology and packaging has caused the cost of basic analyze them in the frequency, time, modulation, statistical
RF components to drop significantly over time. This has and code domains.
enabled manufacturers outside of the traditional military This document describes how the RTSA works and provides
and communications realms to embed relatively simple a basic understanding of how it can be used to solve many
RF devices into all sorts of commodity products. RF measurement problems associated with modern RF signals.
transmitters have become so pervasive that they can

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Modern RF Measurement Challenges Capturing burst transmissions, glitches,

Given the challenge of characterizing the behavior of todays switching transients
RF devices, it is necessary to understand how frequency, Characterizing PLL settling times, frequency drift,
amplitude, and modulation parameters behave over short microphonics
and long intervals of time. Traditional tools like Swept Capturing spread-spectrum and frequency-hopping signals
Spectrum Analyzers (SA) and Vector Signal Analyzers (VSA)
Monitoring spectrum usage, detecting rogue transmissions
provide snapshots of the signal in the frequency domain
or the modulation domain. This is often not enough Testing and diagnosing transient EMI effects
information to confidently describe the dynamic nature Characterizing time-variant modulation schemes
of modern RF signals. Isolating software and hardware interactions
Consider the following challenging measurement tasks: Each measurement involves RF signals that change over
Discovery of rare, short duration events time, often unpredictably. To effectively characterize these
Seeing weak signals masked by stronger ones signals, engineers need a tool that can discover elusive
events, effectively trigger on those events and isolate them
Observing signals masked by noise
into memory so that the signal behavior can be analyzed
Finding and analyzing transient and dynamic signals in the frequency, time, modulation, statistical, and
code domains.

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Fa Fb Fa Fb

Figure 1-1. The Swept Spectrum Analyzer steps across a series of frequency segments, often missing important transient events that occur outside the current sweep band
highlighted in tan segment Fb on the right.

A Brief Survey of Instrument Architectures high dynamic range, its disadvantage is that it can only
calculate the amplitude data for one frequency point at a
To learn how the RTSA works and understand the value of
time. This approach is based on the assumption that the
the measurements it provides, it is helpful to first examine
analyzer can complete at least one sweep without there
two other types of traditional RF signal analyzers: the
being significant changes to the signal being measured.
Swept Spectrum Analyzers (SA) and the Vector Signal
Consequently, measurements are only valid for relatively
Analyzer (VSA).
stable, unchanging input signals. If there are rapid changes
The Swept Spectrum Analyzer in the signal, it is statistically probable that some changes
will be missed. As shown in Figure 1-1, the SA is looking
The swept-tuned, superheterodyne spectrum analyzer is
at frequency segment Fa while a momentary spectral event
the traditional architecture that first enabled engineers to
occurs at Fb (diagram on left). By the time the sweep arrives
make frequency domain measurements several decades
at segment Fb, the event has vanished and is not detected
ago. Originally built with purely analog components, the SA
(diagram on right). The SA architecture does not provide a
has since evolved along with the applications that it serves.
reliable way to discover the existence of this kind of transient
Current generation SAs include digital elements such as
signal, thus contributing to the long time and effort required to
ADCs, DSPs, and microprocessors. However, the basic
troubleshoot many modern RF signals. In addition to missing
swept approach remains largely the same and is best suited
momentary signals, the spectrum of impulse signals such
for observing controlled, static signals. The SA makes
as those used in modern communications and radar may be
power vs. frequency measurements by downconverting the
misrepresented as well. SA architectures cannot represent
signal of interest and sweeping it through the passband of a
the occupied spectrum of an impulse without repetitive
resolution bandwidth (RBW) filter. The RBW filter is followed
sweeps. One also needs to pay special attention to sweep
by a detector that calculates the amplitude at each frequency
rate and resolution bandwidth.
point in the selected span. While this method can provide

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Display
Low-Pass Resolution Envelope Video
RF Downconverter Bandwidth Detector Bandwidth
Attenuator Filter (SLVA) Filter
Y
Input

YIG
Pre-Selector X
Swept Tuned
Local
Oscillator
Sweep
Generator

a) Swept Tuned Spectrum Analyzer (SA)

Display
Low-Pass
RF Downconverter
Digital
Attenuator IF Filter P X-Y
Filter
Micro-
Input ADC Memory
Processor

Band-Pass Local Acquisition Bandwidth Post Capture Processing

Oscillator

b) Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA)

Modern FFT-Based Analyzers

RF Downconverter Real-Time Digital Post Capture
Low-Pass Downconvert
Attenuator IF Filter & Filter Capture Displays

Amp./Phase DDC/
Input ADC Memory
Corrections Decimation
X-Y

Ext
Band-Pass
Local
Oscillator 100 or 300 Msps

r
Free i
Processor

Live Signal
Micro-

Run
Processing
110 MHz
Acquisition Bandwidth DPX

Real Time Engine

Real-Time Display X-Y

IQ out trigger
(option 05) Analysis

Real-Time Bandwidth Display Processing

c) Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RSA6100 Series + Option 110)

Figures 1-2 a, b, c. Simplified Block Diagram of Swept Spectrum Analyzer (a), Vector Signal Analyzer (b), and Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (c).

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Figure 1-2a depicts a typical modern SA architecture. Even Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers
though modern SA have replaced analog functionality with
The term real-time is derived from early work on digital
digital signal processing (DSP), the fundamental architecture
simulations of physical systems. A digital system simulation
and its limitations remain.
is said to operate in real-time if its operating speed matches
Vector Signal Analyzers that of the real system which it is simulating.

Analyzing signals carrying digital modulation requires vector To analyze signals in real-time means that the analysis
measurements that provide both magnitude and phase operations must be performed fast enough to accurately
information. A simplified VSA block diagram is shown in process all signal components in the frequency band of
Figure 1-2b. interest. This definition implies that we must:

A VSA digitizes all of the RF power within the passband Sample the input signal fast enough to satisfy Nyquist
of the instrument and puts the digitized waveform into criteria. This means that the sampling frequency must
memory. The waveform in memory contains both the exceed twice the bandwidth of interest.
magnitude and phase information which can be used by Perform all computations continuously and fast enough
DSP for demodulation, measurements or display processing. such that the output of the analysis keeps up with the
Within the VSA, an ADC digitizes the wideband IF signal, and changes in the input signal.
the downconversion, filtering, and detection are performed Discover, Trigger, Capture, Analyze
numerically. Transformation from time domain to frequency The Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA) architecture is
domain is done using FFT algorithms. The VSA measures designed to overcome the measurement limitations of the
modulation parameters such as FM deviation, Code Domain SA and VSA to better address the challenges associated
Power, and Error Vector Magnitude (EVM and constellation with transient and dynamic RF signals as described in the
diagrams). It also provides other displays such as channel previous sections. The RTSA performs signal analysis using
power, power versus time, and spectrograms. real-time digital signal processing (DSP) that is done prior
While the VSA has added the ability to store waveforms to memory storage as opposed to the post-acquisition
in memory, it is limited in its ability to analyze transient processing that is common in the VSA architecture. Real
events. In the typical VSA free run mode, signals that time processing allows the user to discover events that are
are acquired must be stored in memory before being invisible to other architectures and to trigger on those events
processed. The serial nature of this batch processing allowing their selective capture into memory. The data in
means that the instrument is effectively blind to events memory can then be extensively analyzed in multiple
that occur between acquisitions. Single or infrequent domains using batch processing. The real-time DSP
events cannot be discovered reliably. Triggering on these engine is also used to perform signal conditioning,
types of rare events can be used to isolate these events calibration and certain types of analysis.
in memory. Unfortunately VSAs have limited triggering
capabilities. External triggering requires prior knowledge
of the event in question which may not be practical. IF
level triggering requires a measurable change in the total
IF power and cannot isolate weak signals in the presence
of larger ones or when the signals change in frequency
but not amplitude. Both cases occur frequently in todays
dynamic RF environment.

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Frame Frame Frame Frame

VSA
Not Real-Time Missed
Input
FFT FFT

Time Sampled
Time

Frame Frame Frame Frame

FFT FFT FFT FFT

Frequency
Real-Time Domain
RTSA

Processing Time < Acquisition time!

Frame Frame Frame Frame

Figure 1-3. VSA processing vs. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers real-time engine processing.

The heart of the RTSA is a real-time processing block as DPX Live RF display allows the discovery of events
shown in Figure 1-2c (on page 6). Similar to the VSA, a wide missed by swept SAs and VSAs
capture bandwidth is digitized. Unlike the VSA, the real-time Real-time demodulation allowing the user to listen to
engine operates fast enough to process every sample a particular signal within a busy band
without gaps as shown in Figure 1-3. Amplitude and phase
Digital IQ streaming of digitized data allows the uninterrupted
corrections that compensate for analog IF and RF responses
output of the signal for external storage and processing
can be continuously applied. Not only can the data stored in
memory be fully corrected, but this enables all subsequent The real-time engine not only enables signal discovery and
real-time processing to operate on corrected data as well. trigger, but it also performs many of the repetitive signal
The real-time engine enables the following features that processing tasks, freeing up valuable software-based
address the needs of modern RF analysis: resources. Like the VSA, the RTSA offers post-acquisition
Real-time correction for imperfections in the analog analysis using DSP. It can perform measurements in
signal path multiple time-correlated domains that can be displayed
simultaneously.
Triggering in the frequency domain with Frequency
Mask Trigger (FMT)
Triggering on user specified bandwidths with filtered
power trigger

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LF or IQ section (if present)

LP Filter
Input Switching
I
Input ADC
Digitized
Baseband
LP Filter
Q
Input ADC

ADC
RF LF/RF
LF Step Clock
Input Switch Attenuator

Cal
Switch Mixer Final IF
Mixer

ADC Digitized
IF
Final LO
RF Step Image Reject 1st IF Real-Time
Attenuator Filters 1st LO BW ADC
Internal Clock
Alignment
Source RF/uW Section Frequency Conversion/IF Section

Figure 2-1. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer RF/IF block diagram.

Chapter 2: How Does the Real-Time

Spectrum Analyzer Work?
This chapter contains several architectural diagrams of the An integrated signal analysis system that provides multiple
main acquisition and analysis blocks of the Tektronix Real- analysis views of the signal under test, all correlated
Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA). Some ancillary functions in time.
have been omitted to clarify the discussion.
RF/IF Signal Conditioning
Modern RTSAs can acquire a passband, or span, anywhere
within the input frequency range of the analyzer. At the heart Figure 2-1 shows a simplified RTSA RF/IF block diagram.
of this capability is an RF downconverter followed by a wide- Signals with frequency content anywhere in the frequency
band intermediate frequency (IF) section. An ADC digitizes range of the RTSAs are applied to the input connector. Once
the IF signal and the system carries out all further steps signals enter the instrument, they are routed and conditioned
digitally. DSP algorithms perform all signal conditioning in accordance with the needs of the analysis selected by
and analysis functions. the user. Variable attenuation and gain is applied. Tuning is
achieved using multi-stage frequency conversion and a
Several key characteristics distinguish a successful real-time
combination of tunable and fixed local oscillators (LO).
architecture:
Analog filtering is done at the various IF frequencies. The
RF signal conditioning that provides a wide-bandwidth IF last IF is digitized with an A/D converter. All further processing
path and high dynamic range. is performed using DSP techniques. Some RTSA models
An ADC system capable of digitizing the entire real-time have optional baseband modes where the input signal is
BW with sufficient fidelity and dynamic range to support digitized directly, without any frequency conversions. The DSP
the desired measurements. for baseband signals follows a similar approach as is used
with RF signals.
A real-time digital signal processing (DSP) engine enables
processing with no gaps.
Sufficient capture memory and DSP power to enable
continuous real-time acquisition over the desired time
measurement period.

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Input Switching and Routing Section Step Attenuator

The step attenuator is a device composed of resistive
The input switching and routing section distributes the input
attenuator pads and RF/W switches that decreases the
waveforms to the various signal paths within the instrument.
level of broadband signals by a programmed amount.
Some RTSA models include a separate DC coupled base-
The step attenuator performs two functions:
band path for increased dynamic range and accuracy when
1. It reduces the level of RF and microwave signals at the
analyzing low frequency signals as well as DC coupled IQ
input to a level that is optimum for processing. The step
baseband paths. RTSAs also include internal alignment
attenuator also protects the input from damage due to
sources. These alignment sources, which produce signals
very high level signals by absorbing excessive RF power.
with properties that are specifically tailored for the RTSA
2. It presents a broadband impedance match over the entire
(PRBS, calibrated sinusoids, modulation references, etc.)
frequency range of the instrument. This impedance match
are used in self-alignment procedures that correct for
is crucial in maintaining accuracy in measuring RF signals.
temperature variations in system parameters such as:
For this reason, most instrument specifications are stated
Gain for the condition of 10 dB or more input attenuation.
Amplitude flatness across the acquisition bandwidth Step attenuators used by RTSAs vary by model in their
Phase linearity across the acquisition bandwidth design. They typically can be programmed to attenuate
Time alignment from 0 to greater than 50 dB in steps of 5 or 10 dB.

Trigger delay calibration Image Reject Filter

RTSAs provide image-free frequency conversion from the RF
The self-alignment processes, when combined with calibrations
and microwave signals at their input to the final IF. This is
using external equipment performed at the factory or the
accomplished by placing a variety of filters in front of the first
service center, are at the heart of all critical measurement
mixer. The various RTSA models use multi-stage mixing
specifications of RTSAs.
schemes incorporating broadband filters that allow image-
RF and Microwave Sections free conversion of the entire acquisition bandwidth with
repeatable, specified amplitude flatness and phase linearity.
The RF/Microwave section contains the broadband circuitry that
conditions the input signals so that they have the proper level Preamplifier
and frequency content for optimal downstream processing. Some RTSA models include options for a selectable
preamplifier that adds gain to the signal path prior to the
image reject filter. This option improves the noise figure of the
RTSAs and is useful for analyzing very weak signals. Adding
gain at the input, of course, limits the largest signal that can
be analyzed. Switching this amplifier out of the signal path
returns the analyzers range to normal.

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Frequency Conversion/IF Section Internal Alignment Sources

The performance achieved in RTSAs for some characteristics
All RTSA models can analyze a broad band of frequencies
mentioned in the previous bulleted list far exceeds what is
centered anywhere in the analyzers frequency range. This is
practical with analog components. Filter responses, delays
done by converting the band of interest to a fixed IF where it
and gains vary over temperature and can be different for
is filtered, amplified and scaled. This IF signal is then digitized.
individual instruments. RTSAs performance is achieved by
Real-time and batch processing are then used to perform
actually measuring gains, filter shapes and delays and using
multi-domain analysis on the signals of interest.
DSP to compensate for the measured performance. The
Multi-Stage Frequency Conversion frequency response and gain variations of the wideband
The goal of the frequency conversion section is to faithfully RF components is measured at the factory with calibrated
convert signals in the desired band of frequencies to an IF equipment, traceable to National Metrology Institutes such
suitable for analog-to-digital conversion. Tuning is accom- as NIST, NPL, PTB. This equipment is also used to calibrate
plished by selecting the frequencies of local oscillators (LO) the internal alignment sources which in turn provide signals
in a multiple conversion superheterodyne architecture as that adjust for the signal path conditions at the time and
shown in Figure 2-1 (on page 9). Each frequency conversion place where the RTSA is used. RTSAs use two kinds of
stage contains a mixer (analog multiplier) followed by IF internal signals:
filtering and amplification. The choices of IF frequencies, filter
A highly accurate, temperature stable sinusoidal signal is
shapes, gains, and levels differ depending on RTSA model
used to set the signal path gain at a reference frequency,
and indeed are changed within each model as a function
typically 100 MHz. This signal is the internal RF level
of instrument settings in order to optimize performance in
reference. It sets the accuracy in measuring RF power
several areas as listed below:
at the center of the acquisition bandwidth.
Spurious responses due to mixer and filter imperfections
A calibrated broadband signal is used to measure the
Dynamic range (smallest and largest signals that can be amplitude and phase response across the real-time
viewed simultaneously without errors) acquisition BW. This signal is the internal channel
Amplitude flatness across the real-time bandwidth response reference. It provides the information that
allows DSP to compensate for the amplitude, phase
Phase linearity across the real-time bandwidth
and delay variations across the acquisition bandwidth.
Delay match between the signal and trigger paths

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Real-Time Digital Signal Processing

Real-Time
Down- Post Acquistion
Amp/Phase converter IQ Out
(Option) Display
DDC/
ADC Correction
Decimation
Capture Analysis
SW
External
Free
Trigger Micro-
Run Processor

Filtered
Power
Level

Freq
Live Signal Processing
Mask DPX

Pixel
DPX
Buffer

Figure 2-2. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Digital Signal Processing Block Diagram.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Concepts RF input is converted to an analog IF signal that is bandpass
filtered and digitized. Corrections are applied to the sampled
This section contains several architectural diagrams of the
data correcting for amplitude flatness, phase linearity and
main acquisition and analysis blocks typical of Tektronix
RTSAs. Specific implementations vary by model number other imperfections of the signal path. Some corrections are
and by specific measurement function. Some ancillary applied in real-time, others are applied further downstream in
functions have been omitted to clarify the discussion. the signal processing path.
A digital downconversion and decimation process converts
Digital Signal Processing Path in Real-Time
the A/D samples into streams of in-phase (I) and quadrature
Spectrum Analyzers
(Q) baseband signals as shown in Figure 2-3 (on the next
Tektronix RTSAs use a combination of analog and digital
page). This IQ representation of the desired signal is the basic
signal processing (DSP) to convert RF signals into calibrated,
form for representing signals in all RTSAs. DSP is then used
time-correlated multi-domain measurements. This section
to perform all further signal conditioning and measurements.
deals with the digital portion of the RTSAs signal
Both real-time DSP and batch mode DSP are used in RTSAs.
processing flow.
Figure 2-2 illustrates the major digital signal processing blocks
used in the Tektronix RTSAs. A band of frequencies from the

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Decimate I
by N
Analog
IF Corrections IQ Representation of
ADC
(if used) Baseband Time
Decimation
90 Domain Data
Numeric Filters
Oscillator
Decimate
Q
by N

Digital Downconverter

Figure 2-3. IF to IQ conversion in a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer.

IF Digitizer Internal Alignment

The response across the acquisition bandwidth is affected
Tektronix RTSAs typically digitize a band of frequencies
by the combination of mixers, filters and amplifiers that
centered on an intermediate frequency (IF). This band of
comprise the IF processing path. These components can
frequencies is the widest frequency for which real-time
have fine-grain amplitude and phase ripple over the wide
analysis can be performed. Digitizing at a high IF rather than bandwidths acquired by RTSAs. An internal alignment
at DC or baseband has several signal processing advantages process measures the amplitude and phase response as a
(spurious performance, DC rejection, dynamic range, etc.). function of offset from the center frequency. The alignment
The sampling rate is chosen so that the desired IF bandwidth is done at the time and place where the instrument is in
fits within a Nyquist zone as shown in Figure 2-4 (on the use and can be triggered either manually or as a function
next page). The sampling rate must be at least twice the IF of temperature. This response is stored in memory.
bandwidth. Sampling without aliasing is possible if the entire Correction Process
if bandwidth fits between zero and one-half the sampling The RTSA correction process combines the RF response
frequency, one-half and one, three-halves and twice, etc. measured at the factory with the IF response measured
The practical implementations of IF filters require typical during internal alignments to generate FIR coefficients for
sampling rates at least two-and-a-half times the IF bandwidth. a set of correction filters that compensate for amplitude
flatness and phase response of the entire path between
Corrections the input connector and the ADC. These correction filters
The RTSA specifications for amplitude flatness, phase linearity are implemented either in real-time digital hardware or in
and level accuracy far exceed what is practical with the software-based DSP depending on RTSAs model and are
components that comprise the analog RF and IF signal applied to the digitized IQ stream.
conditioning portions of the signal path. Tektronix RTSAs use
a combination of factory calibration and internal self-alignment Digital Downconverter (DDC)
to compensate for analog component variations (temperature, A common and computationally efficient way to represent
tolerance, aging, etc.) in the signal path. bandpass signals is to use the complex baseband
representation of the waveform.
Factory Calibration
The RF frequency response of the RTSA over its range RTSAs use the Cartesian complex form, representing the time
of input frequencies is measured at the factory. The RF sampled data as I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband
behavior at the center of an acquisition bandwidth is components of the signal. This is achieved using a digital
predictable over temperature and does not vary appreciably downconverter (DDC) as shown in Figure 2-3.
as the instrument ages. Once measured in the factory, the
RF response is stored in a correction table that resides in
non-volatile memory.

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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Digitized IF Signal IF Signal

Fs Fs 3Fs Fs
4 2 2

I baseband Q baseband

-Fs Fs -Fs Fs
4 4 4 4

Figure 2-4. Passband information is maintained in I and Q even at half the sample rate.

In general, a DDC contains a numeric oscillator that between one half of the sampling frequency and the sampling
generates a sine and a cosine at the center frequency frequency. Sampling produces an image of this signal
of the band of interest. The sine and cosine are numerically between zero and one-half the sampling frequency. The
multiplied with the digitized IF signal; generating streams of signal is then multiplied with coherent sine and cosine
I and Q baseband samples that contain all of the information signals at the center of the passband of interest and followed
present in the original IF. DDCs are used not only to convert by an anti-aliasing filter, generating I and Q baseband signals.
digitized IF signals to baseband but also in fine frequency tun- The baseband signals are real-valued and symmetric about
ing in RTSAs. the origin. The same information is contained in the positive
and negative frequencies. All of the modulation contained in
IQ Baseband Signals the original passband is also contained in these two signals.
Figure 2-4 illustrates the process of taking a frequency band The minimum required sampling frequency for each is now
and converting it to baseband using digital downconversion. half of the original. It is then possible to decimate by two.
The original IF signal in this case is contained in the space

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Decimation longer time records for an equivalent number of samples.

The Nyquist theorem states that for baseband signals The disadvantage of the lower effective sampling rate is a
one need only sample at a rate equal to twice the highest reduced time resolution. The advantages of the lower
frequency of interest. For bandpass signals one needs to effective sampling rate are fewer computations for analysis
sample at a rate at least twice the bandwidth. The sample and less memory usage for a given time record.
rate can be reduced when the needed bandwidth is less than Decimation Filtering
the maximum. Sample rate reduction, or decimation, can be
The Nyquist requirements must also be observed when
used to balance bandwidth, processing time, record length
decimating. If the data rate is reduced by a factor of two,
and memory usage. The Tektronix RSA6100 Series, for
then the bandwidth of the digital signal also must be reduced
example, uses a 100 MS/s sampling rate at the A/D converter
by a factor of two. This must be done with a digital filter
to digitize a 40 MHz acquisition bandwidth, or span. The I
prior to the reduction in sample rate to prevent aliasing.
and Q records that result after DDC, filtering and decimation
Many levels of decimation are used in Tektronix RTSAs.
for this 40 MHz acquisition bandwidth are at an effective
Each level contains a digital filter followed by a reduction
sampling rate of half the original, that is, 50 MS/s. The total
in the number of samples. An additional advantage of
number of samples is unchanged: we are left with two sets
decimation and filtering is a reduction in noise with the
of samples, each at an effective rate of 50 MS/s instead of
reduced bandwidth. This reduction in noise is often called
a single set at 100 MS/s. Further decimation is made for
processing gain.
narrower acquisition bandwidths or spans, resulting in

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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DFT-Based Spectrum Analysis*

Memory Contents
Input Signal

ADC DFT Engine

Time

Time Samples

Equivalent Bank of Filters

Bank of N Bandpass Complex
filters with centers
separated by one FFT
Envelope
frequency bin width Detection
M/
Input Signal M/
M/

Time M/

* The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is a common
implementation of a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT).

Figure 2-5. A DFT-based Spectrum Analyzer and an equivalent implementation using a bank of bandpass filters.

Transforming Time Domain Waveforms to the repetitive Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFTs) are performed
Frequency Domain as shown in Figure 2-5 is such a way that signal processing
keeps up with the input signal. Repetitive Fourier transforms
Spectrum analysis, also called Fourier analysis, separates the
can also be used to discover, capture and analyze infrequent
various frequency components of an input signal. The typical
transient events in the frequency domain even when the
spectrum analyzer display plots the level of the individual
requirements for real-time are not strictly met.
frequency components versus frequency. The difference
between the start and stop frequencies of the plot is the
span. Spectrum analysis is said to be real-time when

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Real-Time Spectrum Analysis Discovering and Capturing Transient Events

For spectrum analysis to be classified real-time, all information Another application of fast and repetitive Fourier transforms
contained within the span of interest must be processed is the discovery, capture and observation of rare events in
indefinitely without gaps. An RTSA must take all information the frequency domain. A useful specification is the minimum
contained in time domain waveform and transform it into event duration for 100% probability of capturing a single
frequency domain signals. To do this in real-time requires non-repetitive event. A minimum event is defined as the
several important signal processing requirements: narrowest rectangular pulse that can be captured with 100%
Enough capture bandwidth to support analysis of the certainty at the specified accuracy. Narrower events can be
signal of interest detected, but the accuracy and probability may degrade.
Discovering, capturing and analyzing transients requires:
A high enough ADC clock rate to exceed the Nyquist
criteria for the capture bandwidth Enough capture bandwidth to support analysis of the
signal of interest
A long enough analysis interval to support the narrowest
resolution bandwidth (RBW) of interest A high enough ADC clock rate to exceed the Nyquist
criteria for the capture bandwidth
A fast enough DFT transform rate to exceed the Nyquist
criteria for the RBW of interest A long enough analysis interval to support the narrowest
resolution bandwidth (RBW) of interest
DFT rates exceeding the Nyquist criteria for RBW require
overlapping DFT frames: A fast enough DFT transform rate to support the minimum
event duration
The amount of overlap depends on the window function
At 48000 spectrums per second, the DPX Spectrum mode
The window function is determined by the RBW
in the RSA6100 Series can detect RF pulses as short as
Todays RTSAs meet the real-time requirements listed above 24 microseconds with the full accuracy specifications with
for Frequency Mask Trigger (FMT) for spans up to their 100% probability. A Swept Spectrum Analyzer (SA) with
maximum real-time acquisition bandwidth. Triggering on 50 sweeps per second requires pulses longer than
frequency domain events, therefore, considers all the 20 milliseconds for 100% probability of detection with
information contained in the selected acquisition bandwidth. full accuracy.

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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is represented as a color. The real-time DFT effectively

Spectrum
samples the entire spectrum of the incoming signal at the
rate with which new spectrums are computed. Events
Color Scale

occurring between the time segments on which the FFTs

are performed are lost. RTSAs minimize or eliminate the
dead time by performing hardware-based DFTs, often
Frequency performing transforms on overlapping time segments at
the fastest sample rate.
An SA, in contrast, is tuned to a single frequency at any given
time. The frequency changes as the sweep advances tracing
the diagonal line in Figure 2-6. The slope of the line becomes
Time

Sw
steeper as the sweep slows so that the function of a spec-
ee
p trum analyzer in zero-span can be represented as a vertical
line indicating that the instrument is tuned to a single frequen-
cy as time advances. Figure 2-6 also shows how a sweep
can miss transient events such as the single frequency hop
Spectrogram depicted.
Figure 2-6. Spectrum, Spectrogram and Sweep.
RBW on the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer

Relating RTSA to Swept Spectrum Analyzer Frequency resolution is an important spectrum analyzer
specification. When we try to measure signals that are close
Consider a RTSA system as described on the previous
in frequency, frequency resolution determines the capability
page. A passband of interest is downconverted to an IF and
of the spectrum analyzer to distinguish between them. On
digitized. The time domain samples are digitally converted to
traditional SAs, the IF filter bandwidth determines the ability
a baseband record composed of a sequence of I (in-phase)
to resolve adjacent signals and is also called the resolution
and Q (quadrature) samples. DFTs are sequentially performed
bandwidth (RBW). For example, in order to resolve two
on segments of the IQ record generating a mathematical
signals of equal amplitude and 100 kHz apart in frequency,
representation of frequency occupancy over time, as shown
RBW needs to be less than 100 kHz.
in Figure 2-5 (on page 16).
For spectrum analyzers based on the DFT technique, the
Taking sequential equally spaced DFTs over time is
RBW is inversely proportional to the acquisition time. Given
mathematically equivalent to passing the input signal
the same sampling frequency, more samples are required to
through a bank of bandpass filters and then sampling
achieve a smaller RBW. In addition, windowing also affects
the magnitude and phase at the output of each filter. The
the RBW.
frequency domain behavior over time can be visualized as
a spectrogram as shown in Figure 2-6, where frequency is
plotted horizontally, time is plotted vertically and the amplitude

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Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 3 Frame 2 Frame 2 Frame 2

Figure 2-7. Three frames of a sampled time domain signal. Figure 2-8. Discontinuities caused by periodic extension of samples in a single frame.

Windowing functions usually have a bell shape, reducing or eliminating

the discontinuities at the ends of the DFT frame.
There is an assumption inherent in the mathematics of
Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) analysis that the data to be The choice of window function depends on its frequency
processed is a single period of a periodically repeating signal. response characteristics such as side-lobe level, equivalent
Figure 2-7 depicts a series of time domain samples. When noise bandwidth, and amplitude error. The window shape
DFT processing is applied to Frame 2 in Figure 2-7, for also determines the effective RBW filter.
example, the periodic extension is made to the signal. The Like other spectrum analyzers, the RTSAs allow the user to
discontinuities between successive frames will generally select the RBW filter. The RTSAs also allow the user to select
occur as shown in Figure 2-8. among many common window types. The added flexibility
These artificial discontinuities generate spectral artifacts to directly specify the window shape enables the users to
not present in the original signal. This effect produces an optimize for specific measurements. Special attention, for
inaccurate representation of the signal and is called spectral example, should be paid to the spectrum analysis of pulse
leakage. Spectral leakage not only creates signals in the signals. If the pulse duration is shorter than the window
output that were not present in the input, but also reduces length, uniform window (no windowing) should be used to
the ability to observe small signals in the presence of nearby avoid de-emphasizing effects on both ends of the DFT frame.
large ones. For further information on this topic, please refer to the
Tektronix Primer, Understanding FFT Overlap Processing on
Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers apply a windowing
the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (37W-18839).
technique to reduce the effects of spectral leakage. Before
performing the DFT, the DFT frame is multiplied by a window
function with the same length sample by sample. The window

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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1
Vertical Linear Scale
0.9
0

0.8 -20

0.7 -40

0.6 -60

-80
0.5
-100
0.4
-120
0.3
-140

0.2 -160

0.1 -180

0 -200
50 100 150 200 250 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8

Figure 2-9. Kaiser Window (beta 16.7) in Time Domain (Horizontal is time sample, Figure 2-10. The spectrum of a Kaiser window (beta 16.7). The horizontal scale unit is
Vertical is linear scale). the frequency bin (Fs/N). The vertical scale is in dB.

The magnitude of the frequency response of the window Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFT) in the Real-Time
function determines the RBW shape. For example, the RBW Spectrum Analyzer
on RSA6100 is defined as the 3 dB bandwidth and is related to
The DFT is defined below:
the sampling frequency and samples in the DFT as follows:

k * Fs Equation 1
RBW =
N
or
k * Fs Equation 2 This is the basis of a real-time spectrum analyzer and it is
N= used to estimate the individual frequency components x(k)
RBW
Where k is a window-related coefficient, N is the number of from the input sequence x(n). The DFT is block-based and N
time-domain samples used in the DFT calculation, and Fs is the total sample number of each DFT block (or Frame). The
is the sampling frequency. For the Kaiser window with beta1 input sequence x(n) is a sampled version of the input signal
16.7, k is about 2.23. The RBW shape factor, defined as x(t). Although the input sequence is only defined for integer
the frequency ratio between the spectrum amplitude at values of n, the output is a continuous function of k, where
60 dB and 3 dB, is about 4:1. On the RSA6100, the spec- k=(NW)/(2P) and W is the radian frequency. The magnitude of
trum analysis measurement uses Equation 2 to calculate the X[k] represents the magnitude of the frequency component at
required number of samples for the DFT based on the input frequency W that is present in the input sequence x(n).
span and RBW settings. There are various efficient methods to compute the DFT.
The time domain and the spectrum of the Kaiser window Examples include the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the
used for RSA6100 spectrum analysis is shown in Figure Chirp-Z Transform (CZT). The choice of implementation
2-9 and Figure 2-10. This is the default window used in the method depends on the particular needs of the application.
RSA6100 for spectrum analysis. Other windows (such as The CZT, for example, has greater flexibility in choosing the
Blackman-Harris, Uniform, Hanning) may be user-selected frequency range and the number of output points than the
to meet special measurement requirements, and may be FFT. The FFT is less flexible but requires fewer computations.
used by the instrument when performing some of the Both the CZT and the FFT are used in RTSAs.
measurements available in the instrument.

[Reference 1] Oppenheim, A.V. and R.W Schafer, Discrete-time Signal Processing, Prentice-Hall, 1989, p. 453.

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Input Signal: Frequency = 4.7222 Hz : Sample Frequency = 20 Hz DFT (X[k])

1 8
0.8 7
0.6
6
0.4
5
0.2

Magnitude
Amplitude

0 4

-0.2 3
-0.4
2
-0.6
1
x(t) -0.8
x(n) DFT (X[k])
-1 0
0 4 8 12 0 5 10 15 20
Sample Number (n) Frequency (Hz)

Figure 2-11. Input Signal. Figure 2-12. DFT of x(n) evaluated continuously.

FFT CZT: Start Frequency = 2.5 Hz : Stop Frequency = 7.4 Hz

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5
Magnitude

Magnitude

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1
DFT (X[k]) DFT (X[k])
FFT 0 CZT 0
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

Figure 2-13. FFT of x(n), length of FFT = N = length of x(n). Figure 2-14. CZT of x(n).

The ability to resolve frequency components is not dependent A FFT returns N-equally spaced frequency domain samples
on the particular implementation of the DFT and is determined of X[k]. The magnitude of X[k] is shown in Figure 2-13. Note
by the time length of the input sequence or the RBW. that the samples returned by the FFT might miss the peaks
of magnitude of X[k].
To illustrate the relationship of the DFT to the FFT and the
CZT, a sampled Continuous Waveform (CW) signal will be A CZT can return M frequency domain samples with an
analyzed. For illustration purposes a real-valued sine wave arbitrary start and stop frequency (Figure 2-14). Notice that
x(t) will be used as the input signal (Figure 2-11). The sample the CZT does not change the underlying frequency domain
version of x(t) is x(n). In this case N = 16 and the sample output of the DFT. It only takes a different set of frequency
rate is 20 Hz. domain samples than the FFT.
Figure 2-12 shows the result of evaluating the DFT for An advantage of using the CZT is that the frequency of
0 k < N. Note that the magnitude of X[k] for W > P the first and last sample in the frequency domain can be
(f > 10 Hz) is a mirror image of the first half. This is the result arbitrarily selected and does not depend on the input sample
for a real-valued input sequence x(n). In practice, the results rate. The same result can also be achieved by arbitrarily
from P < W < 2 P are discarded (or not computed) when a controlling the input sample rate so that the output of the
real input signal is analyzed. For a complex input, a unique FFT produces the same output samples as the CZT. The
result can be obtained for 0 W < 2 P (0 f < 20 Hz). end result is the same in both cases. The choice is purely
an implementation issue, and depending on the requirements
and available HW, one or the other will be a more
optimal solution.

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DSP selects the frequencies to be

Frequency Response
enhanced or attenuated mathematically.
1.2
A common mathematical implementa-
1 tion is the Finite Impulse Response
(FIR) filter. RTSAs make extensive
0.8 use of FIR filters. In addition to the
Amplitude

usual signal conditioning applications

0.6
requiring the passage or rejection of
0.4 specific bands, FIR filters are also used
to adjust for analog signal path imper-
0.2
fections. Internally generated alignment
0 data is combined with stored factory
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 calibration data to create FIR filters
Frequency
with a response that compensates
Figure 2-15. Frequency response of a lowpass filter. for the analog signal path frequency
response, making the cascade of the
Impulse Response analog and digital paths have flat
amplitude response and linear phase.
1.2

1
Frequency Response vs.
Impulse Response
0.8
The theory of Fourier transforms shows
0.6 an equivalency between the frequency
domain and the time domain. It further
Value

0.4
tells us that the transfer function of
0.2 a device, usually expressed as its
amplitude and phase response over
0
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 frequency, is equivalent to the impulse
-0.2 response over time. A FIR filter emulates
-0.4 the impulse response of the desired
Time filter transfer function with a discrete-
time approximation that has finite time-
Figure 2-16. Impulse response for the lowpass filter in Figure 2-15.
duration. Signal filtering is then performed by convolving the
input signal with the impulse response of the filter.
Digital Filtering Figure 2-15 shows the magnitude of the transfer function of
Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filters a lowpass filter. Figure 2-16 shows its impulse response.

Frequency filters are used in many applications to select

some frequencies and reject others. While traditional filters
are implemented using analog circuit elements (RLC),

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Frequency Frequency
Domain Input Domain Output Input Time
Samples
Output Time
Samples
Multiplication
Frequency Response
1.2

0.8
Impulse Response
Convolution
Amplitude

1.2
0.6

1
0.4
0.8
0.2

0.6
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Value
Frequency 0.4

0.2

Filter
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100

-0.2

-0.4

Time

Frequency Sampled Filter

Response
Frequency Domain Impulse Response Discrete Time
Figure 2-17. Multiplying a filter by its frequency response. Figure 2-18. Convolution in the time domain is equivalent to multiplication in the
frequency domain.

Numerical Convolution
Fourier theory states that a multiplication in the frequency
The frequency domain is often used to analyze the responses domain is the equivalent of a convolution in the time
of linear systems such as filters. Signals are expressed in domain. The frequency domain multiplication shown above
terms of their frequency content. The spectrum of the signal is equivalent to convolving the time domain representation
at the output of a filter is computed by multiplying the input of the input signal with the impulse response of the filter as
signal spectrum by the frequency response of the filter. Figure shown in Figure 2-18.
2-17 illustrates this frequency domain operation.

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Input time
samples Time samples shifted each clock cycle

Output time
samples

M-1 M-2 M-3 M-4 M-5 1 0

Impulse Response

1.2

0.8

0.6
Value

Sampled filter
0.4

0.2

0
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100

impulse response -0.2

-0.4

Time

stored in registers Numerical Convolution

Figure 2-19. Discrete Time Numerical Convolution.

All frequency filters involve the use of memory elements. In summary, the RTSA relies heavily on digital signal processing
Capacitors and inductors, the common reactive elements for spectrum analysis. Key points of DSP as applied to the
used in analog filters, have memory since their output RTSAs are:
in a circuit depends on the current input as well as the The RSA6100 uses a combination of FFTs and CZTs to
input at previous points in time. A discrete time filter can achieve spectrum displays.
be constructed using actual memory elements as shown
FFTs are more computationally efficient, allowing faster
in Figure 2-19.
transform rates, but CZTs are more flexible, allowing
The lower registers are used to store values of the filters variable resolution bandwidths for a fixed set of
impulse response with the earlier samples on the right and input samples.
the later samples on the left. The upper registers are used
The resolution bandwidth (RBW) shape is achieved
to shift the input signal from left to right with one shift each
by applying an optimized window function to the time
clock cycle. The contents of each corresponding register
domain signals before performing a Fourier transform.
are multiplied together and all of the resulting products are
RBWs are specified by their 3 dB bandwidth and
summed each clock cycle. The result of the sum is the
60 dB:3 dB shape factor, in the same fashion as an
filtered signal.
analog implementation. In general, the shape factor
of the digitally implemented filter is lower (sharper) than
an analog implementation, yielding easier resolution of
closely spaced signals of widely different amplitudes.

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Offset:
0.00 dBm
dB/div:
10.00 dB

RBW
91KHz

-100.0 dBm
CF: 2.445 GHz Span: 10.00 MHz
a) Swept Spectrum Analyzer b) Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer

Figure 2-20 a, b. Comparison (a), Swept Spectrum Analyzer MaxHold trace after 120 seconds and (b), Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer with DPX bitmap MaxHold trace
after 20 seconds.

Other shape factors can be used for special applications DPX Technology: a Revolutionary Tool for
by applying optimized window functions. Signal Discovery
The RSA3000 Series RTSA uses a combination of
Tektronix patented Digital Phosphor technology or
methods when performing spectrum analysis.
DPX reveals signal details that are completely missed by
In Spectrum mode, the result of a windowed FFT is conventional spectrum analyzers and VSAs (Figure 2-20).
convolved with a RBW shape to yield Spectrum traces The DPX Spectrums Live RF display shows signals never
with a specified RBW, similar to an analog spectrum seen before, giving users instant insight and greatly accelerating
analyzer. This process yields a slightly wider shape problem discovery and diagnosis. DPX is a standard feature in
factor of approximately 5:1, compared to 4.1:1 all Tektronix RTSAs.
for the RSA6100.
In DPX mode, CZTs are used for resolution
bandwidth flexibility.
In RTSA mode, windowed FFTs are used, specified
in the classical method for FFT analysis, that
of the Noise Bandwidth. The Noise Bandwidth is
approximately 6% (0.25 dB) greater than the RBW.
As we have seen in this section, digitally implemented
corrections and filtering are a key factor in implanting the
high transform rate required of a RTSA. The next section
looks at the practical use of these filters in one of the unique
displays available in the RTSA, the Digital Phosphor
Spectrum Display.

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Digital Phosphor Display Proportionality: The slower the electron beam passes
through a point on the phosphor-coated screen, the brighter
The name Digital Phosphor derives from the phosphor
the resulting light. Brightness of a spot also increases as the
coating on the inside of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) used as
beam hits it more frequently. Users intuitively know how to
displays in older televisions, computer monitors and test
interpret this z-axis information: a bright section of the trace
equipment where the electron beam is directly controlled
indicates a frequent event or slow beam motion, and a dim
by the input waveform. When the phosphor is excited by
trace results from infrequent events or fast-moving beams.
an electron beam, it fluoresces, lighting up the path drawn
In the DPX display, both color and brightness provide
by the stream of electrons.
z-axis emphasis.
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) replaced CRTs in many
Persistence and proportionality do not come naturally to
applications due to their smaller depth and lower power
instruments with LCDs and a digital signal path. Tektronix
requirements, among other advantages. However, the
developed Digital Phosphor technology so the analog
combination of phosphor coatings and vector drawing in
benefits of a variable persistence CRT could be achieved,
CRTs provided several valuable benefits.
and even improved upon, in our industry-leading digital
Persistence: Phosphor continues to glow even after the oscilloscopes and now in our RTSAs. Digital enhancements
electron beam has passed by. Generally, the fluorescence such as intensity grading, selectable color schemes and
fades quickly enough that viewers dont perceive it lingering, statistical traces communicate more information in less time.
but even a small amount of persistence will allow the human
eye to detect events that would otherwise be too short
to see.

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1
1
1 2
Amplitude

Amplitude
1 4
2 1
1 1 1 5 7
1 1 7 8
1 1 1 1 1 1 9 9 9 1 1 1 1 1 9 9 9

Frequency Frequency
Figure 2-21. Example 3-D Bitmap Database after 1 (left) and 9 (right) updates. Note that each column contains the same total number of hits.

The DPX Display Engine Number of Occurrences Color

Performing thousands of spectral measurements per second 0 black
and updating the screen at a live rate is an oversimplified 1 blue
description of the role DPX technology performs in an RTSA. 2 light blue
Thousands of acquisitions are taken and transformed into 3 cyan
4 green blue
spectrums every second. This high transform rate is the key
5 green
to detecting infrequent events, but it is far too fast for the
6 yellow
LCD to keep up with, and it is well beyond what human eyes 7 orange
can perceive. So the incoming spectrums are written into a 8 red orange
bitmap database at full speed then transferred to the screen 9 red
at a viewable rate. Picture the bitmap database as a dense
Figure 2-22. Example Color-Mapping Algorithm.
grid created by dividing a spectrum graph into rows
representing trace amplitude values and columns for
points on the frequency axis. Each cell in this grid contains The grid on the right shows values that our simplified
the count of how many times it was hit by an incoming database might contain after an additional eight spectral
spectrum. Tracking these counts is how Digital Phosphor transforms have been performed and their results stored
implements proportionality, so you can visually distinguish in the cells. One of the nine spectrums happened to be
rare transients from normal signals and background noise. computed at a time during which the signal was absent,
as you can see by the string of 1 values at the noise floor.
The actual 3-D database in an RTSA contains hundreds
of columns and rows, but we will use an 11X10 matrix to When we map the Number of Occurrences values to a color
illustrate the concept. The picture on the left in Figure 2-21 scale, data turns into information. The table found in Figure
shows what the database cells might contain after a single 2-22 shows the color-mapping algorithm that will be used
spectrum is mapped into it. Blank cells contain the value for this example. Warmer colors (red, orange, yellow) indicate
zero, meaning that no points from a spectrum have fallen more occurrences. Other intensity-grading schemes can also
into them yet. be used.

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1
1
2
Amplitude

1 4
2 1
1 6 7
7 8
9 9 9 1 1 1 1 1 9 9 9

Frequency
Figure 2-23. Color-coded low-resolution example with Temperature Bitmap (left), and a real DPX display (right) shown with Spectrum Bitmap.

In Figure 2-23, the left image is the result of coloring the variable persistence. Adjusting the fraction changes the
database cells according to how many times they were length of time it takes for a signal event to decay from the
written into by the nine spectrums. Displaying these colored database, and thus fade from the display.
cells, one per pixel on the screen, creates the spectacular
Imagine a signal that popped up only once during the time
DPX displays, as seen in the right image.
DPX was running. Further, assume that it was present for
Persistence all 1465 of the spectrum updates in a frame and that the
In the RSA6100 Series, for example, 48,000+ spectrums Variable Persistence Factor causes 25% attenuation after
enter the database each second. At the end of each frame each frame. The cells it affected would start out with a value
of 1400+ input spectrums (about 33 times per second), the of 1465 and be displayed at full force. One frame later, the
bitmap database is transferred out for additional processing Number of Occurrences values become 1099. After the next
before being displayed, and data from a new frame starts frame, they are 824, then smaller and smaller until they are so
filling the bitmap. dim as to be invisible. On the screen, you would initially see a
bright trace with a spike at the signal frequency. The part of
To implement persistence, the DPX engine can keep the
the trace where the signal occurred fades away. During this
existing counts and add to them as new spectrums arrive,
time, the pixels start to brighten at the noise level below the
rather than clearing the bitmap database counts to zero at
fading signal. In the end, there is only a baseline trace in the
the start of each new frame. Maintaining the full count values
display (Figure 2-24, on the next page).
across frames is infinite persistence. If only a fraction of
each count is carried over to the next frame, it is called

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Figure 2-24. With variable persistence, a brief CW signal captured by DPX remains in the display for an adjustable period of time before fading away.
Amplitude

Amplitude

Amplitude
Frequency Frequency Frequency
+Peak Detection -Peak Detection +Average Detection

Figure 2-25. Detected traces example: +Peak Detection (left); - Peak Detection (middle); and Average Detection (right).

Persistence is an extremely valuable troubleshooting aid, Just like regular spectrum traces, DPX line traces can be
delivering all the benefits of MaxHold and more. To find accumulated over ongoing acquisitions to yield MaxHold,
out if there is an intermittent signal or occasional shift in MinHold and Average trace functions. Using Hold on the
frequency or amplitude, you can turn on Infinite Persistence DPX +Peak trace is almost exactly the same as the
and let the RTSA baby-sit. When you return, you will see not MaxHold trace on a typical spectrum analyzer, with the
only the highest level for each frequency point, but also the important difference that the DPX traces update rate is
lowest levels and any points in between. Once the presence orders of magnitude faster.
of transient behavior or intruding signals has been revealed,
you can characterize the problem in detail with Variable The DPX Transform Engine
Persistence. So how do all those spectrums get generated? In parallel with
Statistical Line Traces the software batch processing used for most measurements,
A colorful bitmap is DPX Spectrums signature trace, but DPX and using the same stream of incoming IQ data, there is a
also produces statistical line traces. The database contents hardware-based computation engine devoted to continuous,
are queried for the highest, lowest and average amplitude real-time signal processing. This subsystem supports time-
values recorded in each frequency column. The three resulting critical functions like power-level triggering, frequency mask
trace detections are +Peak, -Peak and Average (Figure 2-25). triggering and others. It also performs DFTs fast enough to
produce the spectrum rate used by the DPX display system.
The +Peak and -Peak traces show signal maxima and minima
instantly and clearly. Average detection finds the mean level
for the signal at each frequency point. All these traces can
be saved and restored for use as reference traces.

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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The spectrum length determines the

length of time for which spectrum
displays are calculated. The spectrum
offset determines the delay or advance
from the instant of the trigger event until
the beginning of the FFT frame that is
displayed. Both spectrum length and
spectrum offset have a time resolution
of one FFT frame. While the RSA3000
Series uses a fixed FFT length, the
added flexibility of the high performance
RSA6100 Series analyzers allow one
to vary the FFT length for spectrum
viewing. Tektronix RTSAs indicate the
spectrum offset and spectrum length
using a colored bar at the bottom of the
time domain overview window. The bar
Figure 2-26. Time overview with spectrum length and multi-domain analysis length indicators as shown in
the RSA6100.
color is keyed to the pertinent display.

Timing and Triggers The analysis length determines the length of time for which
modulation analysis and other time-based measurements
Real-time processing enables the DPX display that makes the are made. The analysis offset determines the delay or
RTSA a powerful discovery tool. However, the DPX display advance from the instant of the trigger until the beginning
does not keep a time domain record that can re-analyzed in of the analysis. Tektronix RTSAs indicate the analysis offset
multiple domains. Capture and additional analysis requires and length using a colored bar at the bottom of the time
that the signal be written into memory, and that the area of domain overview window. The bar color is keyed to the
interest in the waveform be selectedfor analysis. This section pertinent display.
illustrates the triggering, acquisition and analysis period
controls of the RTSA, seen in Figure 2-26 (RSA6100 Series). The output trigger indicator allows the user to selectively
enable a TTL rear-panel output at the instant of a trigger.
The timing controls, when used in conjunction with triggers, This can be used to synchronize RTSA measurements with
offer a powerful combination for analyzing transient or other other instruments such as oscilloscopes or logic analyzers.
timing related parameters.
The acquisition length specifies the length of time for which
samples will be stored in memory in response to a trigger.
The acquisition history determines how many previous
acquisitions will be kept after each new trigger. Tektronix
RTSAs show the entire acquisition length in the time domain
overview window.

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Real-Time Triggering and Acquisition

The RTSA is capable of performing time, spectrum, and
modulation analysis. Triggering is critical to capturing time
Input
domain information. The RTSA offers unique trigger functionality,
Signal
providing power and FMTs as well as the usual power, external
and level-based triggers.
The most common trigger system is the one used in most
oscilloscopes. In traditional analog oscilloscopes, the signal Trigger
to be observed is fed to one input while the trigger is fed to
another. The trigger event causes the start of a horizontal
sweep while the amplitude of the signal is shown as a vertical
displacement superimposed on a calibrated graticule. In its
simplest form, analog triggering allows events that happen
after the trigger to be observed, as shown in Figure 2-27.
Oscilloscope
Display

Figure 2-27. Traditional oscilloscope triggering.

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First In/First Out (FIFO) Memory

Most recent sample Older samples

ADC 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 N N N
N
-3 -2 -1
Memory Control

Fs Freeze
TD = 0 Pre-trigger samples only
TD = Memory length Post-trigger samples only
Trigger Variable delay
= 50% Memory length Half pre-trigger, half post-trigger
0 to N clocks

Figure 2-28. Triggering in digital acquisition systems.

Triggering in Systems with Digital Acquisition N samples that occurred before the trigger. Only pre-trigger
events are stored.
The ability to represent and process signals digitally, coupled
with large memory capacity, and allows the capture of events Consider now the case in which the delay is set to match
that happen before the trigger as well as after it. exactly the length of the memory. N samples are then
allowed to come into the memory after the trigger occurrence
Digital acquisition systems of the type used in Tektronix
before the memory is frozen. The memory then contains N
RTSAs use an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) to fill
samples of signal activity after the trigger. Only post-trigger
a deep memory with time samples of the received signal.
events are stored.
Conceptually, new samples are continuously fed to the
memory while the oldest samples fall off. The example Both post- and pre-trigger events can be captured if the delay
shown in Figure 2-28 shows a memory configured to store is set to a fraction of the memory length. If the delay is set
N samples. The arrival of a trigger stops the acquisition, to half of the memory depth, half of the stored samples are
freezing the contents of the memory. The addition of a those that preceded the trigger and half the stored samples
variable delay in the path of the trigger signal allows events followed it. This concept is similar to a trigger delay used in
that happen before a trigger as well as those that come zero span mode of a conventional SA. The RTSA can
after it to be captured. capture much longer time records, however, and this
signal data can subsequently be analyzed in the frequency,
Consider a case in which there is no delay. The trigger event
time, and modulation domains. This is a powerful tool for
causes the memory to freeze immediately after a sample
applications such as signal monitoring and device
concurrent with the trigger is stored. The memory then
troubleshooting.
contains the sample at the time of the trigger as well as

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Trigger Source Trigger Signal Setting Units Time Uncertainty Notes

External External trigger Volts (variable) RSA3300: 40 ns RSA3000: 1 ext. trig Input
connector or TTL RSA3400: 20 ns RSA6100: 2 ext. trig Inputs
RSA6100: 12 ns (front and rear)
Power Level Power calculated Power, or dB relative 1 time domain RSA6100 adds
Trigger within current to full scale points (based on user-settable filter
acquisition BW effective sampling rate) bandwidth to trigger
Frequency Mask Point-by-point comparison dB and Hz, based 1 frame length Frame length
Trigger at the output of a on the graphical mask (based on effective
FFT processor drawn on screen sampling rate)

Table 2-1. Comparison of Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers trigger sources.

Trigger Modes and Features Internal triggering depends on the characteristics of the
signal being tested. The various RTSA models have the ability
The free-run mode acquires samples of the received IF
to trigger on the level of the digitized signal, on the power of
signal without the consideration of any trigger conditions.
the signal after filtering and decimation, or on the occurrence
Spectrum, modulation or other measurements are displayed
of specific spectral components using the FMT. Each of the
as they are acquired and processed.
trigger sources and modes offers specific advantages in
The triggered mode requires a trigger source as well as the terms of frequency selectivity, time resolution and dynamic
setting of various parameters that define the conditions for range. The functional elements that support these features
triggering as well as the instrument behavior in response to are shown in Figure 2-29 (on the next page).
a trigger.
Level triggering compares the digitized signal at the output
A selection of continuous or single trigger determines of the ADC with a user-selected setting. The full bandwidth
whether acquisitions repeat each time a trigger occurs or of the digitized signal is used, even when observing narrow
are taken only once each time a measurement is armed. The spans that require further filtering and decimation. Level
trigger position, adjustable from 0 to 100%, selects which triggering uses the full digitization rate and can detect
portion of an acquisition block is pre-trigger. A selection of events with durations as brief as one sample at the full
10% captures pre-trigger data for one tenth of the selected sampling rate. The time resolution of the downstream
block and post-trigger data for nine tenths. Trigger slope analysis, however, is limited to the decimated effective
allows the selection of rising edges, falling edges or their sampling rate. Level trigger is available on some
combination for triggering. Rise and fall allows the capture RTSA models.
of complete bursts. Fall and rise allows the capture of gaps
Power triggering calculates the power of the signal after
in an otherwise continuous signal.
filtering and decimation. The power of each filtered pair
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Trigger Sources of IQ samples (I2+Q2) is compared with a user-selected
power setting. Some RTSA models offer a filtered power
Tektronix RTSAs provide several methods of internal and
trigger where a filter with a selectable bandwidth to be
external triggering. Table 2-1 summarizes the various real-
applied to the signal in the trigger path.
time trigger sources, their settings, and the time resolution
that is associated with each one.
External triggering allows an external signal to control the
acquisition. This is typically a control signal such as a
frequency switching command from the system under test.
This external signal prompts the acquisition of an event in
the system under test.

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External Trigger Processing Block

Trigger
Level
Fs
ADC
Power Trigger
F s effective Timing and
Power
Control
I 2 + Q2
Fs Mask
Frequency
Mask
HW FFT

DDC/
Decimator Memory
Freeze Memory Control

Figure 2-29. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer trigger processing.

violations and much more. A full DFT is required to compare

a signal to a mask, requiring a complete frame. The time
resolution for FMT is roughly one DFT frame. Trigger events
are determined in the frequency domain using a dedicated
hardware DFT processor, as shown in the block diagram in
Figure 2-29.

Constructing a Frequency Mask

Like other forms of mask testing, the FMT (also known
as frequency domain trigger) starts with a definition of
an on-screen mask. This definition is done with a set of
frequency points and their amplitudes. The mask can be
defined point-by-point or graphically by drawing it with a
mouse or other pointing device. Triggers can be set to occur
when a signal outside the mask boundary breaks in, or
Figure 2-30. Frequency mask definition. when a signal inside the mask boundary breaks out.
Figure 2-30 shows a frequency mask defined to allow
Frequency mask triggering compares the spectrum shape the passage of the normal spectrum of a signal but not
to a user-defined mask. This powerful technique allows momentary aberrations. On the next page, Figure 2-31 shows
changes in a spectrum shape to trigger an acquisition. FMTs a spectrogram display for an acquisition that was triggered
can reliably detect signals far below full-scale even in the when the signal momentarily exceeded the mask. Figure 2-32
presence of other signals at much higher levels. This ability shows the spectrum for the first frame where the mask was
to trigger on weak signals in the presence of strong ones exceeded. Note that pre-trigger and post-trigger data were
is critical for detecting intermittent signals, the presence of collected and are both shown in the spectrogram.
inter-modulation products, transient spectrum containment

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Figure 2-31. Spectrogram showing a transient signal adjacent to the carrier. The Figure 2-32. One frame of the spectrogram showing the trigger event where the
cursor is set to the trigger point, so pre-trigger data is displayed above the cursor line, transient signal breaks the boundary of the frequency mask.
and post-trigger data is displayed below the cursor line. The narrow white line at the
left of the blue area denotes post-trigger data.
is the time derivative of phase. Frequency Modulation (FM)
is therefore the time derivative of Phase Modulation (PM).
Demodulation
Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) is a digital modulation
Modulation is the means through which RF signals carry format in which the symbol decision points occur at multiples
information. Modulation analysis using the Tektronix RTSA of 90 degrees of phase. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
not only extracts the data being transmitted but also (QAM) is a high-order modulation format in which both
measures the accuracy with which signals are modulated. amplitude and phase are varied simultaneously to provide
Moreover, it quantifies many of the errors and impairments multiple states. Even highly complex modulation formats
that degrade modulation quality. such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
Modern communications systems have dramatically can be decomposed into magnitude and phase components.
increased the number of modulation formats in use. The Magnitude and phase can be thought of as the length and
RTSA is capable of analyzing the most common formats the angle of a vector in a polar coordinate system. The
and has an architecture that allows for the analysis of new same point can be expressed in Cartesian or rectangular
formats as they emerge. coordinates (X,Y). The IQ format of the time samples stored
in memory by the RTSA are mathematically equivalent to
Amplitude, Frequency and Phase Modulation Cartesian coordinates with I representing the horizontal or
RF carriers can transport information in many ways based on X component and Q the vertical or Y component.
variations in the amplitude or phase of the carrier. Frequency

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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TX Signal
I Mod Filter

e
nc
re
rfe
Data IQ

te
ift

In
Encoder Demux Up-Conversion pler
Sh
Clock Mod Filter Dop
Noise
Q Oth
er
Err
ors
Local
Transmitter Oscillator

Rx Filter I Symbol
IQ Frequency Data
Down- Phase & Demod Decoder
conversion Rx Filter Clock Recovery Clock
Q Symbol
Clock
Local
Oscillator Receiver

Figure 2-34. Typical digital communications system.

Q Digital Modulation
Figure 2-34 shows the signal processing in a typical digital
communications system. The transmit process starts with
de
itu

the data to be sent and a clock. The data and clock are
gn
Ma

passed through an encoder that re-arranges the data, adds

Phase
synchronization bits, and does encoding and scrambling
I
which might be used in the receiver to recover errors that
Magnitude = I 2 + Q2 inevitable occur when signals are transmitted over the air.
Q
Phase = tan 1
I( ) The data is then split into I and Q paths and filtered, changing
it from bits to analog waveforms which are then up-converted
Figure 2-33. Vector representation of magnitude and phase. to the appropriate channel and transmitted over the air.
The process of reception is the reverse of transmission with
Figure 2-33 illustrates the magnitude and phase of a vector some additional steps. The RF signal is downconverted to I
along with its I and Q components. AM demodulation and Q baseband signals which are passed through Rx filters
consists of computing the instantaneous magnitude for often designed to remove inter-symbol interference. The
each IQ sample and plotting the result over time. PM demod- signal is then passed through an algorithm that recovers the
ulation consists of computing the phase angle of the IQ exact frequency, phase and data clock. This is necessary to
samples and plotting them over time after accounting correct for multi-path delay and Doppler shift in the path
for the discontinuities of the arctangent function at P/2. and for the fact that the Rx and Tx local oscillators are not
FM is computed using the property that frequency is the usually synchronized. Once frequency, phase and clock are
time-derivative of phase. FM is the time-derivative of PM. recovered, the signal is demodulated and decoded, errors
are corrected and bits lost due to signal degradation in the
transmission path are recovered.

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Rx Filter I Modulation
Analysis Views
Frequency,
IQ Phase &
Up-Conversion Demod Constellation
Rx Filter Clock Recovery Symbol table
Q EVM
Rho
Ideal Signal Frequency Frror
Local Reconstruction Magnitude Error
Oscillator Phase Error
Ideal I Ideal Q Origin Offset
Code Domain
RTSA Modulation Analysis Actual Q
Compare Power
Actual I More...

Figure 2-35. RTSA modulation analysis block diagram.

The varieties of digital modulation are numerous and include Power Measurements and Statistics
the familiar FSK, BPSK, QPSK, GMSK, QAM, OFDM and
Tektronix RTSAs can perform power measurements both in
others. Digital modulation is often combined with channel
the frequency domain and in the time domain. Time domain
assignments, filtering, power control, error correction and
measurements are made by integrating the power in the I
communications protocols to encompass a particular digital
and Q baseband signals stored in memory over a specified
communication standard whose purpose is to transmit
time interval. Frequency domain measurements are made
error-free bits of information between radios at opposite
by integrating the power in the spectrum over a specified
ends of a link. Much of the complexity incurred in a digital
frequency interval. Channel filters, required for many stan-
communication format is necessary to compensate for the
dards-based measurements, may be applied to yield the
errors and impairments that enter the system as the signal
resultant channel power. Calibration and normalization
travels over the air or other media.
parameters are also applied to maintain accuracy under
Figure 2-35 illustrates the signal processing steps required all specified conditions.
for a digital modulation analysis. The basic process is the
Communications standards often specify statistical
same as that of a receiver except that modulation accuracy
measurements for components and end-user devices.
measurements require a comparison between the received
RTSAs have measurement routines to calculate statistics
and ideal modulation waveforms. The method used in
such as the Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function
most RTSA modulation quality measurements is to use
(CCDF) of a signal which is often used to characterize the
the recovered symbols to reconstruct the mathematically
statistics including the Peak-Average Ratio (PAR) behavior
ideal I and Q signals. These ideal signals are compared
of complex modulated signals.
with the actual or degraded I and Q signals to generate
the required modulation analysis views and measurements.

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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pective
s Pers
Viewer

Ti
m
e
ency
Frequ

Amplitude
Figure 3-1. DPX Spectrum showing multiple signals occupying the same frequencies
es
at different times. Fram

Figure 3-2. Spectrogram display.

Chapter 3: Real-Time Spectrum
Analyzer Measurements
This chapter describes the operational modes and basic figure of merit for signal discovery can be as brief as
measurements of Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSA). 24 sec in the RSA6100. DPX spectrum also provides a
Several pertinent details such as the sampling rates, true representation of multiple signals occupying the same
the number of Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) points, frequencies at different times as shown in Figure 3-1.
measurement analysis limits and sample limits are product DPX spectrum provides a Live RF display, allowing the user
dependent. Like the other measurement examples in this to see fleeting signals dramatically reducing the time required
document, the information in this section applies specifically to discover and resolve problems. DPX spectrum operates
to the Tektronix RSA3000 Series and RSA6100 Series continuously in free-run mode. It does not use triggers and
of RTSAs. is independent of acquisition memory.
RTSA Measurement Types Spectrum and Spectrogram Measurements
Both the spectrum and spectrogram measurements are
Tektronix RTSAs can operate across the frequency, time,
based on DFT analysis of data that is stored in memory.
modulation and statistical domains. This section provides
These measurements can run either triggered or in free
an overview of the measurements available in the various
run mode. Spectrum and spectrogram measurements are
RTSA models.
displayed separately in all RTSAs. They are treated together
Frequency Domain Measurements here because both measurements operate on the same
acquired data and are linked in both time and frequency
The basic frequency domain measurements described
by markers.
in this chapter are the Live RF Digital Phosphor Display (DPX)
Spectrum Display measurements, the Spectrum Display As shown in Figure 3-2, the spectrogram display is an
measurements, and the Spectrogram Display measurement important measurement that provides an intuitive display
capability. of how frequency and amplitude behavior change over
time. Like the spectrum display, the horizontal axis shows
DPX Spectrum the frequency range of the span. In the spectrogram, though
The DPX Spectrum measurement is the key to the RTSAs the vertical axis represents time, and amplitude is represented
ability to discover elusive signals that are missed by other by the color of the trace. Each slice of the spectrogram
analyzers. The key performance parameter for DPX corresponds to a single frequency spectrum calculated
technology in all Tektronix RTSAs is minimum duration for from one spectrum length of data.
a 100% Probability of Intercept (POI) of a single event. This

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Figure 3-3. Time-correlated views: Power vs. Frequency display (left) and spectrogram Figure 3-4. Standard SA mode showing an off-the-air measurement over a 1 GHz
display (right). frequency span using maxhold.

Figure 3-3 shows a screen shot displaying the spectrum and Time Domain Measurements
spectrogram displays for the signal illustrated in Figure 3-2.
Frequency vs. Time
On the spectrogram, the oldest frame is shown at the top
The Frequency vs. Time measurement displays frequency
of the display. This measurement shows an RF signal whose
on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. While
frequency is changing over time, and it also reveals a low-
the spectrogram display can show the same information,
level transient signal that appears and disappears near the
Frequency vs. Time has two important differences. First,
end of the time block. Since the data is stored in memory,
the Frequency vs. Time view has much better time domain
a marker can be used to scroll back in time through the
resolution than the spectrogram, as described in detail below.
spectrogram. In Figure 3-3, a marker has been placed on
Second, this measurement calculates a single frequency
the transient event on the spectrogram display, which causes
value for every point in time, which means that it cannot
the corresponding spectrum display to be shown at that
display multiple RF signals like the spectrogram can.
particular point in time.
The spectrogram is a compilation of DFT results and has a
Spectrum Measurements Beyond the Real-Time Bandwidth
line-by-line time resolution equal to the length of one DFT
As shown in Figure 3-4, RTSAs provides frequency domain
frame. The Frequency vs. Time view has a time resolution of
measurements that emulate a traditional Swept Spectrum
one sample interval. If 1024 time domain samples were used
Analyzer (SA). For frequency spans that exceed the real-time
in a calculating a spectrum, the resolution in this mode is
bandwidth of the instrument, this is achieved by tuning the
1024 times finer than that of the spectrogram. This makes it
RTSA across the span of interest much like a traditional
easy to see small, brief frequency shifts in great detail. The
spectrum analyzer and successive spectrum acquisitions
view acts similar to a frequency discriminator or a frequency
are taken before tuning to the next step. DPX spectrum,
counter. Each of the sample points represents a frequency
real-time triggers and real-time seamless capture are not
value, whether the span is a few hundred hertz or many
available when spectrum measurements are set beyond the
megahertz. Constant-frequency signals such as CW or AM
real-time bandwidth (or when in standard SA mode on the
produce a flat, level display.
RSA3000 Series).

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F1 F2
Time (Frames)

F2

Frequency
m Frames

F1

Frequency Time (Samples)

Spectrogram View Frequency vs. Time View

n Frames m x 1024 Samples

Figure 3-5. Comparison of spectrogram and Frequency vs. Time.

Figure 3-6. Spectrogram view of frequency settling over 5 MHz of frequency and
35 ms of time.

Figures 3-6, 3-7, and 3-8 show three different analysis

views of the same acquisition. As shown in Figure 3-6,
the frequency mask trigger (FMT) was used to capture a
transient signal coming from a transmitter having occasional
problems with frequency stability during turn-on. Since the
oscillator was not tuned to the frequency at the center of the
screen, the RF signal broke the frequency mask shown on the
left and caused a trigger. The spectrogram plot on the right
shows the frequency settling behavior of the device.
The next two figures show Frequency vs. Time displays of the
Figure 3-7. Frequency vs. Time view of frequency settling over 5 MHz of frequency
and 25 ms of time. same signal. Figure 3-7 shows the same frequency settling
behavior as the spectrogram using a 25 ms analysis length.
The Frequency vs. Time view provides the best results when Figure 3-8 shows the ability to zoom in to an analysis length
there is a relatively strong signal at one unique frequency. of 1 ms, showing the changes in frequency over time with
Figure 3-5 is a simplified illustration contrasting the Frequency much finer time domain resolution. This reveals a residual
vs. Time display with a spectrogram. The Frequency vs. Time oscillation on the signal even after it has settled to the
display is in some ways a zoomed-in view that magnifies a correct frequency.
portion of the spectrogram. This is very useful for examining
transient events such as frequency overshoot or ringing.
When there are multiple signals in the measured environment,
or one signal with an elevated noise level or intermittent
spurs, the spectrogram remains the preferred view. It provides
visualization of all the frequency and amplitude activity across
the chosen span.

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Figure 3-8. Zooming in to view frequency settling over 50 kHz of frequency and 1ms Figure 3-9. Power vs. Time display.
of time.

For each time domain sample point, power is calculated as

follows:

The Power vs. Time display is also available in the Time

Overview display. The Time Overview display shows the
RF amplitude in the full acquisition bandwidth for the entire
acquisition while the Power vs. Time display shows the
time segment defined by the analysis offset and analysis
length displays.
Phase vs. Time
The Phase vs. Time is similar in concept to Power vs. Time.
The phase value for each IQ pair is computed and the result
is displayed as a function of time. The phase at each IQ
Figure 3-10. IQ vs. Time measurement of settling transient. sample is computed as follows:

Amplitude or Power vs. Time

The Power vs. Time display (Figure 3-9) shows how the
power of a signal changes on a sample by sample basis. IQ vs. Time
The amplitude of the signal is plotted in dBm on a logarithmic Transient IQ vs. Time (Figure 3-10) is another time domain
scale. This display is similar to an oscilloscopes time domain view that displays the amplitudes of I and Q as a function
view in that the horizontal axis represents time. In contrast, of time. This measurement shows the raw I and Q output
the vertical axis shows power on a log scale instead of signals coming from the digital downconverter. As a result,
voltage on a linear scale. On the RSA3000 Series Spectrum this display is not synchronized to any modulation that might
analyzers, the trace represents the total power detected be present on the signal being analyzed. Some of the digital
within the span. The RSA6100 Series Spectrum analyzers demodulation measurements can also show IQ vs. Time after
offer the choice of a user-selectable filter in addition to the full synchronization.
span bandwidth. A constant power signal will yield a flat trace
display since there is no power change as time advances. This measurement can be another useful troubleshooting tool
for expert users, especially in terms of lending insight into
frequency and phase errors and instabilities.

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Figure 3-11. AM demodulation analysis of a pulsed signal using amplitude shift keying Figure 3-12. FM demodulation analysis of a signal being modulated by a sine wave.
to encode data.

Modulation Domain Measurements

Analog Modulation Analysis
The analog demodulation mode provides measurements to
demodulate and analyze amplitude modulation (Figure 3-11),
frequency modulation (Figure 3-12), and phase modulation
(Figure 3-13). Just like the time domain measurements,
these tools are based on the concept of multi-domain
analysis, and the spectrum and analysis windows can
be positioned anywhere within the block shown in the
Time Overview window.

Figure 3-13. PM demodulation analysis showing phase instability over a long burst.

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Figure 3-14. EVM analysis over time of 16 QAM signal reveals sinusoidal amplitude Figure 3-15. Constellation display showing phase instability in a PDC signal. Lower
distortion displayed in EVM vs. time result in lower right quadrant. right hand quadrant shows slewed symbol timing at constant amplitude representing
phase instability.

Digital Modulation Analysis

The digital modulation analysis function can demodulate and
analyze many common digital signals based on phase shift
keying (PSK), frequency shift keying (FSK), and Quadrature
Amplitude Modulation (QAM). The RTSA provides a wide
range of measurements including: constellation, error-vector
magnitude (EVM), magnitude error, phase error, demodulated
IQ vs. time, symbol table, and eye diagram. To make these
measurements, it is necessary to properly configure variables
such as the modulation type, symbol rate, measurement
(receive) filter type and parameter such as roll-off factor of
a root-raised cosine filter, and reference filter type.
The RTSA provides a powerful solution for characterizing
dynamic modulated signals by combining the digital
demodulation measurements of a Vector Signal Analyzer
(VSA) with real-time triggering and time-correlated
Figure 3-16. Eye diagram display showing a PDC signal.
multi-domain analysis, as illustrated in Figures 3-14,
3-15, and 3-16.

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Figure 3-17. Modulation analysis of a W-CDMA handset under closed-loop power Figure 3-18. Spectrogram, constellation, EVM, and phase error vs. time of frequency-
control. The constellation display (lower right) shows the error associated with large hopping GSM signal.
glitches that occur during level transitions, which can be seen in the Power vs.
Time display.

tive
erspec
wers P
en Vie
y Scre
Displa

Code
ain
Dom r
P e
o w
Ti
m
e

nel
/Chan
Code

Figure 3-19. Illustration of the codogram display. Figure 3-20. Codogram measurement of W-CDMA compressed mode.

Standards-based Modulation Analysis Code Domain Measurements

The RTSA also provides solutions for modulation analysis
Codogram Display
of many communications standards such as W-CDMA,
The codogram display (Figure 3-19) of the RTSA adds a time
HSDPA/HSUPA, GSM/EDGE, CDMA2000, 1xEV-DO,
axis to code domain power measurements for CDMA-based
Zigbee, WiMax, WLAN (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n) and more.
communications standards. Like the spectrogram, the
Figures 3-17 and 3-18 show examples of standards-
codogram intuitively shows changes over time.
based modulation analysis.
Figure 3-20 is a W-CDMA codogram display from an RTSA.
This particular codogram shows a simulated W-CDMA
compressed mode handoff in which the data rate is
momentarily increased to make room for brief, temporary
gaps in the transmission. These gaps allow dual-mode
W-CDMA/GSM user equipment to search for an available
GSM base station while remaining connected to a W-CDMA
Node B.

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Figure 3-22. The marker on each display above represents the same point in time in
the acquisition memory.

Figure 3-21. CCDF measurement. Time-Correlated Multi-Domain Analysis

Once a signal has been acquired and stored in memory, it
can be analyzed using the wide variety of time-correlated
Statistical Domain Measurements
views available in the RTSA, as illustrated in Figure 3-21.
Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function
The Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) This is especially useful for device troubleshooting and signal
view displays the probability that the signal power above characterization applications. All of these measurements
average power on the measured signal exceeds the ampli- are based on the same underlying set of time domain
tude displayed on the horizontal scale. The horizontal axis sample data, which underscores two significant
is scaled in dB above average signal power. Probability architectural advantages:
is displayed as a percent on the vertical scale. The vertical Comprehensive signal analysis in the frequency, time,
axis is logarithmic. and modulation domains based on a single acquisition.
CCDF analysis can be used to measure the time-varying crest Domain correlation to understand how specific events in
factor, which is important for many digital signals, the frequency, time, and modulation domains are related
especially those that use CDMA and OFDM. The crest factor based on a common time reference.
is the ratio of a signals peak power divided by its average Spectrum and Spectrogram
power, with the result expressed in dB: The RTSA provides two views that are correlated in both time
and frequency, the spectrum display and the spectrogram
display. These two views can be seen in Figure 3-22, together
with the time overview and Amplitude vs. Time analysis. In
each display, the marker on screen corresponds to the same
The crest factor of the signal determines how linear a trans- point within the acquisition memory.
mitter or receiver must be in order to avoid unacceptable
levels of signal distortion. In Figure 3-21, the CCDF curves
show the measured signal in yellow and a Gaussian reference
trace in blue. The CCDF and crest factor are especially inter-
esting to designers who must balance power consumption
and distortion performance of devices such as amplifiers.
When CCDF is used over a selected period of a waveform
and compared to measures of distortion such as ACP, the
user can determine how statistical variations in the signal
create distortions in an amplifier output.

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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Figure 3-23. Time Overview, EVM vs. Time, Constellation and Spectrum with time-
correlated markers.

Correlating Modulation and Time Domain Results Figure 3-24. Multi-domain view showing Spectrogram, power vs. frequency, and
In the other real-time measurement modes for time domain power vs. time.

analysis and modulation domain analysis, the RTSAs shows

The window in the bottom half of the screen (outlined in
multiple views of the captured signal as illustrated in
green) displays the results of the selected time or modulation
Figure 3-23.
analysis measurement.
The window in the lower right in Figure 3-23 displays Time
Figure 3-23 shows an example of frequency modulation
Overview (Power vs. Time) for the entire acquisition. This
analysis, and Figure 3-24 shows an example of transient
overview shows all of the data that was acquired in the block,
Power vs. Time analysis. The green analysis window can be
and it serves as the index for the other analysis windows.
positioned anywhere within the time record shown in the Time
The window in the upper right in Figure 3-24 shows the Overview, which has corresponding green bars to indicate its
spectrum or Power vs. Frequency for one frame of the position. In addition, the width and position of the analysis
spectrogram shown on the upper left. Just like the display window can be adjusted using the analysis length and
in Figure 3-23, this is the spectrum of one frame of data, analysis offset controls.
and it is possible to scroll through the entire time record
to see the spectrum at any point in time. This is done by
adjusting the spectrum offset. Also note that there is a
purple bar in the spectrogram window that indicates
position in time that corresponds to the frequency domain
display in the spectrum window.

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Chapter 4: Applications Using the

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer RFID
Pulse Measurements RFID systems are used for a variety of applications: Near-
Field Communications (NFC) for transaction information
Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSAs) are ideally
on cellular telephones; recently mandated Tire Pressure
suited for making pulse measurements. Automatic pulse
Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for vehicle safety; Real-Time
measurement software can be included on all models of
Location Systems (RTLS) for the tracking of goods, and even
RTSA. Extensive analysis on individual and pulse trend infor-
the asset tracking systems for commercial goods, with the
mation can be selected. Unlike traditional spectrum analyzers,
ePC Global initiatives. RFID systems operate over a wide
the various models of RTSA are specified for system rise-
range of frequencies from HF frequencies (135 kHz) to
time/falltime (to 10 ns), minimum pulse duration (as short
microwave (2.4 GHz) and at various power levels for both
as 50 ns), and modulation bandwidths to 110 MHz. For
passive and active modes. However, as many RFID sys-
faster risetimes, pulses, and wider modulation bandwidths,
tems also operate in the unlicensed Industrial Scientific and
the RTSA off-line software can be use in conjunction with
Medical (ISM) bands, these systems become susceptible
Tektronix DPO70000 and DSA70000 Series oscilloscopes
to collisions of other RFID systems and communications
for automatic pulse measurements in the 10s of picoseconds
operating in the same bands.
and bandwidths up to 20 GHz.
The ability to automate pulse measurements is important for
Individual pulse information for carrier frequency, risetime,
designing to the function of all RFID systems. The RTSAs
falltime, droop, ripple, occupied spectrum, and pulsewidth
have the most comprehensive support of industry, interna-
are among the many pulse measurements that can be
tional, and proprietary RFID standards. Tag and reader/inter-
selected and characterized on the pulse measurement
rogator performance and interaction can be completely ana-
analysis software.
lyzed with quick, easy, and repeatable measurement setups
Pulse trend statistics information includes PRF, duty cycle, and deep memory capture
and pulse-to-pulse phase information. In addition, on the
There are several application notes and white papers avail-
RSA6100 Series, statistical information can be displayed
able from Tektronix on using the RTSA to test RFID systems:
as a trend, or Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) can be per-
formed over the sampled data to reveal important 37W-19258 RFID and NFC Measurements with the
diagnostic information. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
37W-18055 Radio Frequency Identification
Radar (RFID) Overview
Integration of pulse measurements into a single tool for 37W-17155 Evaluating and Optimizing RFID Systems
time and frequency domain simplifies radar testing and Using the RTSA
improves test reproducibility. The RTSA has the combined
For the latest information on RFID testing solutions from
test capability that replaces several common tools used
Tektronix, visit the web: http://www.tektronix.com/rfid
in radar transmitter test analysis (oscilloscopes, spectrum
analyzers, vector analyzers, power meters, and peak-power
meters). In addition, the Digital Phosphor Display (DPX) can
display interference components and the products non-
linearities that go undetected with other tools.
There are several application notes and white papers
available from Tektronix on using the RTSA to test radars:
37W-20229 Advanced Radar Testing with the Real-Time
Spectrum Analyzer
37W-19190 Radar Pulse Measurements with the
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
For the latest information on radar test solutions from
Tektronix, visit the web: http://www.tektronix.com/radar

www.tektronix.com/rtsa 47
Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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Spectrum Management/Surveillance By eliminating the need to switch modes between time and
frequency analysis, RTSAs have the ability to time-correlate
Whether you are securing a facility or protecting your
capture data and analyze in the multi-domains of time,
spectrum investment, interference must be mitigated.
frequency, modulation, code, and statistics. Capture your
The detection of low-level and intermittent interference
data once, and analyze completely.
in the presence of larger signals and the characterization
of impulsive noise are not possible with any certainty The combination of DPX Spectrum and FMT provide a
using most spectrum analyzer tools. powerful and unique capability for Radio Debug. DPX can
discover unusual transient events such as impulse noise
With DPX displaying Live RF, you will see signals you never
caused by software faults or other low-level spectrum noise
knew existed. RTSAs will change the way you search and
while the FMT can be set up to isolate those events. Using
discover elusive signals. With industry-leading performance
the external trigger output in conjunction with the FMT allows
for combined bandwidth and dynamic range, RTSAs are the
you to trigger other instruments. Triggering oscilloscopes and
only spectrum analyzers specified with a 100% probability of
logic analyzers enables you to isolate events deep into your
detecting signals within a band of interest.
block diagram so that the root cause can be isolated.
Frequency Mask Trigger (FMT) enables the RTSA to trigger Tektronix iView capability and Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes
on low-level signals or impulses with a 100% probability for allow for the accurate time alignment and display of analog
capture and analysis. and digital signals to with picosecond accuracy. Subroutines
There are several application notes and white papers and lines of code can be time correlated to the actual spec-
available from Tektronix on using the RTSA in spectrum trum event of interest.
management and surveillance applications: There are several application notes and white papers
37W-20120 Advanced Spectrum Management using available from Tektronix on using the RTSA for radio
the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer communications applications:

37W-18576 Signal Monitoring and Surveillance using 37W-18369 Software Defined Radio: Integrated Method
the RTSA for Designing SCA compliant radios

For the latest information on spectrum management and 37W-19680 Software Defined Radio Testing Using
surveillance solutions from Tektronix, visit the web: the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers
http://www.tektronix.com/surveillance 37W-19295 RTSA Baseband Measurements White Paper
For more information on Tektronix solutions for radio
Radio Communications
communications and radio debug solutions, visit the web:
More and more of the control and operation of modern radio http://www.tektronix.com/radiocomms
communications are controlled by software. Digital circuits
are replacing analog functions for dynamic operation of
modulation, power, channel control, and channel loading.
These modern radios can change power, frequency,
modulation, coding, and statistics rapidly over time.

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Power Amplifier Testing Microphonics and Phase-Hits Analysis

Voice communications in mobile communications tend to Microphonics and phase-hit problems have a reputation for
operate at some level of steady traffic state. As high rate disrupting development programs and stopping production
data services become integrated into modern radio lines. As more of todays modern communications systems
communication standards, (HSDPA/HSUPA, 1xEV, WiMax), and electronics have become portable, these systems have
the output power needs to be rapidly adapt to the changing become very sensitive to these unintentional, internally
load. Modulation quality, spectral regrowth, and power generated sources of modulation. Compounding the
efficiency are a constant trade-off in amplifier design. problem, the intermittent nature of these disturbances
has traditionally made the detection and isolation of these
Whether advances in linearization are drive by the need for
events difficult and time consuming.
better efficiency, reduced cost, or performance, various digital
techniques using some for of adaptive digital predistortion The Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers have unique ability to
(DPD) have become common in cellular amplifier design. display the presence of these events with certainty using DPX
These designs are susceptible to memory effects, bias feed spectrum display at >48,000 spectrum updates per second.
through, and other transient spectral regrowth abnormalities. Isolation, characterization, measurement, and correlation to
root cause can be simplified using a combination of the
With the ability to reveal the existence of memory effects
unique Frequency Mask Trigger and External Trigger output
using DPX Spectrum, the RTSA can provide unique insight
on the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers.
for amplifier designers. Add the capability of correlated multi-
domain analysis for amplitude statistics (CCDF), modulation Learn more about the phenomena and how to capture
quality (EVM), and Adjacent Channel Power (ACP) analysis, and measure microphonics and phase-hits with the
and the RTSAs provides invaluable insight for amplifier application note:
designers. 37W-18577 Capturing and Measuring Microphonics
Learn more about the characterization of modern amplifiers and Phase-Hits with the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers
with the application note:
37W-19560 Troubleshooting and Characterizing Wide
Band RF Systems Using the Real-Time Spectrum
Analyzers

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Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
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Chapter 5: Terminology
Distortion - Degradation of a signal, often a result of
Glossary nonlinear operations, resulting in unwanted frequency
Acquisition - An integer number of time-contiguous samples. components. Harmonic and intermodulation distortions
are common types.
Acquisition Time - The length of time represented by
one acquisition. DPX - Digital Phosphor analysis - A signal analysis and
compression methodology that allows the live view of
Amplitude - The magnitude of an electrical signal. time-changing signals allowing the discovery of rare
Amplitude Modulation (AM) - The process in which the transient events.
amplitude of a sine wave (the carrier) is varied in accordance DPX Spectrum - DPX technology applied to spectrum
with the instantaneous voltage of a second electrical signal analysis. DPX Spectrum provides a Live RF view as well
(the modulating signal). as the observation frequency domain transients.
Analysis Time - A subset of time-contiguous samples from Dynamic Range - The maximum ratio of the levels of two
one block, used as input to an analysis view. signals simultaneously present at the input which can be
Analysis View - The flexible window used to display real-time measured to a specified accuracy.
measurement results. FFT - Fast Fourier Transform A computationally efficient
Carrier - The RF signal upon which modulation resides. method of computing a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). A
common FFT algorithm requires that the number of input and
Carrier Frequency - The frequency of the CW component output samples are equal and a power of 2 (2,4,8,16,).
of the carrier signal.
Frequency - The rate at which a signal oscillates, expressed
Center Frequency - The frequency corresponding to as hertz or number of cycles per second.
the center of a frequency span of a spectrum the
analyzer display. Frequency Domain View - The representation of the power
of the spectral components of a signal as a function of
CZT-Chirp-Z transform - A computationally efficient method frequency; the spectrum of the signal.
of computing a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). CZTs offer
more flexibility for example in selecting the number of output Frequency Drift - Gradual shift or change a signal frequency
frequency points than the conventional FFT at the expense of over the specified time, where other conditions remain
additional computations. constant. Expressed in hertz per second.
Codogram - Code Channel vs. Time vs. Power display where Frequency Mask Trigger - A flexible real-time trigger based
the CDMA code channel is represented on x-axis and time on specific events that occur in the frequency domain. The
respectively on the y-axis. The power level is expressed by triggering parameters are defined by a graphical mask.
the color. Frequency Modulation (FM) - The process in which the
CW Signal - Continuous wave signal. A sine wave. frequency of an electrical signal (the carrier) is varied
according to the instantaneous voltage of a second
dBfs - A unit to express power level in decibels referenced electrical signal (the modulating signal).
to full scale. Depending on the context, this is either the full
scale of the display screen or the full scale of the ADC. Frequency Range - The range of frequencies over which
a device operates, with lower and upper bounds.
dBm - A unit to express power level in decibels referenced
to 1 milliwatt. Frequency Span - A continuous range of frequencies
extending between two frequency limits.
dBmV - A unit to express voltage levels in decibels
referenced to 1 millivolt. Marker - A visually identifiable point on a waveform trace,
used to extract a readout of domain and range values
Decibel (dB) - Ten times the logarithm of the ratio of one represented by that point.
electrical power to another.
Modulate - To vary a characteristic of a signal, typically in
DFT-Discrete Fourier transform - A mathematical process order to transmit information.
to calculate the frequency spectrum of a sampled time
domain signal. Noise - Unwanted random disturbances superimposed on
a signal which tend to obscure that signal.
Display Line - A horizontal or vertical line on a waveform
display, used as a reference for visual (or automatic) Noise Floor - The level of noise intrinsic to a system that
comparison with a given level, time, or frequency. represents the minimum limit at which input signals can be
observed; ultimately limited by thermal noise (kTB).
Noise Bandwidth (NBW) - The exact bandwidth of a filter

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Noise Bandwidth (NBW) - The exact bandwidth of a filter Acronym Reference

that is used to calculate the absolute power of noise or ACP: Adjacent Channel Power
noise-like signals in dBm/Hz.
ADC: Analog-to-Digital Converter
Probability of Intercept - The certainty to which a signal
can be detected within defined parameters. AM: Amplitude Modulation

Real-Time Bandwidth - The frequency span over which BH4B: Blackman-Harris 4B Window
real-time seamless capture can be performed, which is a BW: Bandwidth
function of the digitizer and the IF bandwidth of a Real-Time
CCDF: Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function
Spectrum Analyzer.
CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access
Real-Time Seamless Capture - The ability to acquire and
store an uninterrupted series of time domain samples that CW: Continuous Wave
represent the behavior of an RF signal over a long period dB: Decibel
of time.
dBfs: dB Full Scale
Real-Time Spectrum Analysis - A spectrum analysis
DDC: Digital Downconverter
technique based on Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFT) that
is capable of continuously analyzing a bandwidth of interest DFT: Discrete Fourier Transform
without time gaps. Real-Time Spectrum Analysis provides DPX: Digital Phosphor Display, Spectrum, etc.
100% probability of display and trigger of transient signal
fluctuations within the specified span, resolution bandwidth DSP: Digital Signal Processing
and time parameters. EVM: Error Vector Magnitude
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer - Instrument capable FFT: Fast Fourier Transform
of measuring elusive RF events in RF signals, triggering
FM: Frequency Modulation
on those events, seamlessly capturing them into memory,
and analyzing them in the frequency, time, and FSK: Frequency Shift Keying
modulation domains. IF: Intermediate Frequency
Reference Level - The signal level represented by the IQ: In-Phase Quadrature
uppermost graticule line of the analyzer display.
LO: Local Oscillator
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) - The width of the narrowest
NBW: Noise Bandwidth
measurable band of frequencies in a spectrum analyzer
display. The RBW determines the analyzers ability to OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
resolve closely spaced signal components. PAR: Peak-Average Ratio
Sensitivity - Measure of a spectrum analyzers ability to PM: Phase Modulation
display minimum level signals, usually expressed as
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL). POI: Probability of Intercept

Spectrogram - Frequency vs. Time vs. amplitude display PRBS: Pseudorandom Binary Sequence
where the frequency is represented on x-axis and time on PSK: Phase Shift Keying
the y-axis. The power is expressed by the color.
QAM: Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
Spectrum - The frequency domain representation of a QPSK: Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
signal showing the power distribution of its spectral
component versus frequency. RBW: Resolution Bandwidth
Spectrum Analysis - Measurement technique for RF: Radio Frequency
determining the frequency content of an RF signal. RMS: Root Mean Square
Vector Signal Analysis - Measurement technique for RTSA: Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
charactering the modulation of an RF signal. Vector
SA: Spectrum Analyzer
analysis takes both magnitude and phase into account.
VSA: Vector Signal Analyzer

www.tektronix.com/rtsa 51
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Updated 12 November 2007

For Further Information

Tektronix maintains a comprehensive, constantly expanding
collection of application notes, technical briefs and other
resources to help engineers working on the cutting edge of
technology. Please visit www.tektronix.com

Copyright 2008, Tektronix. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered
by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication
supersedes that in all previously published material. Specification and price
change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks
of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks,
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
02/08 EA/BT 37W-17249-3