Anritsu Field Master Pro MS2090A User manual

Part Number: 10580-00448
Revision: A
Published: October 2022
Copyright 2022 Anritsu Company
Anritsu Company
490 Jarvis Drive
Morgan Hill, CA 95037-2809
USA
Measurement Guide
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA)
MS2090A Field Master Pro™
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Option 199
Interference Finder Option 24
Note Not all instrument models offer every option or every measurement within a given option. Refer to
the Technical Data Sheet of your instrument for available options and supported measurements.

Front-2 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
Unauthorized Use or Disclosure
Anritsu Company has prepared the product user documentation for use by Anritsu Company personnel and
customers as a guide for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of Anritsu Company equipment and
software programs. The drawings, specifications, and information contained therein are the property of Anritsu
Company, and any unauthorized use of these drawings, specifications, and information is prohibited; they shall not be
reproduced, copied, or used in whole or in part as the basis for manufacture or sale of the equipment or software
programs without the prior written consent of Anritsu Company.
Export Management
The Anritsu products identified herein and their respective manuals may require an Export License or approval by
the government of the product country of origin for re-export from your country. Before you export these products or
any of their manuals, please contact Anritsu Company to confirm whether or not these items are export-controlled.
When disposing of export-controlled items, the products and manuals must be broken or shredded to such a degree
that they cannot be unlawfully used for military purposes.
Contacting Anritsu for Sales and Service
To contact Anritsu, visit the following URL and select the services in your region:
http://www.anritsu.com/contact-us

Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Contents-1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1—General Information
1-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1-2 Option Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Interference Finder (Option 24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Other Options and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1-3 Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
User Interface Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1-4 Contacting Anritsu for Sales and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Chapter 2—Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2-2 Selecting the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2-3 RTSA GUI Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Normal RTSA View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Spectrogram View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2-4 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Using Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2-5 Status Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
2-6 Making RTSA Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Connecting a Signal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2-7 Setting Frequency Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Entering Start and Stop Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Entering a Center Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Using Offset Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Setting the Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
FREQ / SPAN Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
GESTURES Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
2-8 Setting Amplitude Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Setting Amplitude Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Setting Amplitude Reference Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Setting Amplitude Range and Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Reference Level Offset for External Loss or External Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Attenuator Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Preamplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Indications of Excessive Signal Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
AMPLITUDE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2-9 Setting Bandwidth Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Resolution Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Setting Frequency Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Setting Bandwidth Auto Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
BANDWIDTH Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Contents-2 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
Table of Contents (Continued)
2-10 Setting Trace and Cursor Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Traces in Normal View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
TRACE Menu (Normal View). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Trace Detector Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Cursors in Spectrogram View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
TRACE Menu (Spectrogram View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
TRACE CURSOR Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Trace Recording, Playback, and CSV Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
TRACE RECORD Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
TRACE PLAYBACK Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
TRACE CSV LOGGING Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
2-11 Setting Sweep Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Single/Continuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
SWEEP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
2-12 Setting Up Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Placing a Normal Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
Placing a Fixed Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
Placing a Delta Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
MARKER Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
MARKER PEAK SEARCH Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Marker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
Spectrogram with Cursors and Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
Marker Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38
2-13 Setting Up Limit Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Simple Limit Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Limit Line Envelope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
LIMIT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41
LIMIT EDIT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
LIMIT MOVE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
LIMIT ENVELOPE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
2-14 Setting Up Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
TRIGGER Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
2-15 Setting Up Advanced Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45
MEASURE Menu (RTSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45
IQ CAPTURE Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46
IQ STREAMING Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47
IQ TRIGGER Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49
IQ Streaming Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50
SETUP Menus (Normal View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
SETUP Menu (Spectrogram View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
2-16 AM/FM Audio (Requires Option 24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
SETUP Menu (AM/FM Audio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
2-17 Interference Finder (Option 24). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56
SETUP Menu (Interference) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
2-18 Presetting the Analyzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59
PRESET Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59

Contents-3 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
Table of Contents (Continued)
2-19 Saving and Recalling Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60
Saving a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60
Recalling a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61
FILE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
SAVE ON EVENT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63
Chapter 3—IA Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 24)
3-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3-2 Making IA RTSA Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3-3 Setting Up Advanced Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
MEASURE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
SETUP Menu (RTSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3-4 Interference Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
STATUS Panel (Interference Map and Interference Polar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
SETUP Menu (Interference Map) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
3-5 Interference Polar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
SETUP Menu (Interference Polar). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3-6 Saving and Recalling Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Saving a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Recalling a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
FILE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
SAVE ON EVENT Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Contents-4 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG

Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 1-1
Chapter 1 — General Information
1-1 Introduction
This measurement guide describes the real time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) measurement functions of the
Anritsu Field Master series handheld instruments and remote spectrum monitors. Real-Time spectrum
analyzer functions are available when option 199 is purchased with the instruments. Advanced functions are
available only when the related option is installed and activated. Refer to Section 1-2 “Option Descriptions” for
references to discussion of the supported option. Refer to Chapter 2, “Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
(Option 199)”for an overview of the RTSA interface, setup and advanced features. Refer to Chapter 3, “IA
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 24)” for discussion of the IA RTSA interface, setup and measurement
settings.
Related Manuals
For additional information and literature covering your product, visit the product page of your instrument and
select the Library tab:
http://www.anritsu.com/en-US/test-measurement/products/ms2090a
Product Information, Compliance, and Safety
Read the Product Information, Compliance, and Safety Guide for important safety, legal, and regulatory
notices before operating the equipment.
•MS2090A PN: 10100-00069
User Guide
For a complete overview of the instrument hardware and system functions, refer to your instrument user
guide. The user guide provides information on the following topics:
•Instrument Care, maintenance and calibration
•External Connections to the top and side panels
•Power Requirements and Battery Information
•System settings such as Wi-Fi, GNSS/GPS, date/time, language settings, etc.
•Other advanced settings and tools such as file management, screenshot settings, port setup, and option
configuration.
•Diagnostics and software updates
•Listing of all related documentation such as measurement guides, programming and maintenance
manuals.

1-2 Option Descriptions General Information
1-2 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
1-2 Option Descriptions
This section provides a brief overview of the available options covered in this guide.
Interference Finder (Option 24)
The Interference Finder option includes several features for finding and analyzing interfering signals. This
option adds advanced measurement setups to the Real-Time spectrum analyzer. It additionally adds an
Interference Analyzer mode for displaying signal data on maps to aid in geo-locating interfering signals. Refer
to the sections below for information on each measurement:
•“Interference Finder (Option 24)”
•“AM/FM Audio (Requires Option 24)”
•Chapter 3, “IA Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 24)”
•“Interference Map”
•“Interference Polar”
Other Options and Features
For descriptions of other options and features not covered in this guide, refer to your instrument user guide or
the product page for a comprehensive list of available documentation.
1-3 Document Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout the MS2090A documentation set.
User Interface Navigation
The MS2090A user interface consists of menus, buttons, toolbars, and dialog boxes. Elements in navigation
paths are separated as follows: MARKER > PEAK SEARCH > NEXT PEAK.
Illustrations
Screen-captured images contained in this document are provided as examples. The chapters included in this
measurement guide provide information on advanced measurement features, instrument settings and menu
overviews, for a featured option. The actual displays, screen menus, and measurement details may differ based
on the instrument, model, firmware version, installed options, and current instrument settings.
1-4 Contacting Anritsu for Sales and Service
To contact Anritsu, visit the following URL and select the services in your region:
http://www.anritsu.com/contact-us
Note
Not all instrument models offer every option. For example, Real-time Spectrum Analyzer
(RTSA) option is offered as a 90-day time limited option by ordering Option 9199. The option
start time begins when the user first activates the option. Please refer to the Technical Data
Sheet of your instrument for information on ordering and activating time limited options

Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 2-1
Chapter 2 — Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
(Option 199)
2-1 Introduction
This chapter gives a brief overview of the Anritsu Field Master Series real-time spectrum analyzer. The
purpose of this chapter is to provide a starting point for making basic measurement setups. This chapter
describes general instrument setup, including selecting the analyzer and setting up frequency, bandwidth,
amplitude, span, limit lines, and markers. After measurements are taken, refer to “File Management” section
of Instrument Overview chapter of the user guide, and Section 2-19 “Saving and Recalling Measurements” for
a description of saving, recalling, and managing measurement files. For detailed information about other
specific measurements, refer to the appropriate chapter in this guide.
This real-time spectrum analyzer measurements chapter includes sections that describe resolution bandwidth
and attenuator functions. For example, in the Field Master Series, resolution bandwidth is determined by the
intermediate frequency (IF) filter bandwidth. The spectrum analyzer traces the shape of the IF filter as it
tunes past a signal. If more than one IF filter is used in a spectrum analyzer, then the narrowest one
dominates and is considered the resolution bandwidth.
2-2 Selecting the Analyzer
The instrument analyzers are selected from the 9-dot icon or the current measurement icon. To select an
analyzer, press the 9-dot icon in the title bar or the current measurement icon to display the available
analyzers, illustrated in Figure 2-1. Simply touch the desired icon to load the new analyzer. The analyzers
available for selection depend on the options that are installed and activated on your instrument. Some
measurements and views are accessed via other measurement setup menus.
Figure 2-1. Example Analyzers

2-3 RTSA GUI Overview Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-2 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
2-3 RTSA GUI Overview
This section illustrates the main graphical displays and menus presented for the RTSA.
Normal RTSA View
Normal RTSA view is the default view and is suitable for viewing signals in the frequency domain where signal
amplitude, bandwidth, and harmonic qualities can be studied. Select normal view from MEASURE > VIEW >
Normal. The sample display below is set up with a single trace enabled and with a marker and the upper limit
line envelope set.
Figure 2-2. Normal RTSA View (1 of 2)
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32

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199) 2-3 RTSA GUI Overview
Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 2-3
1. Status Panel: Each measurement features a unique status panel that displays settings and information relevant
to the current measurement and view settings.
2. Markers: Markers are displayed as green diamonds on the trace to which they are assigned. The active marker
is shown as a solid green diamond with a dashed vertical line. The marker amplitude and frequency will be
displayed in green text on the top left edge of the display. In this example, a marker is shown at the signal peak
with the marker table enabled. Double tap the marker to open a quick access peak search menu.
3. Limit Lines: Limit lines are shown as red (failing) or green (passing) lines with gray circles for each limit line
point. Limit lines can be set up point-by-point or by using the envelope feature to quickly set a sloped or square
envelope. The currently selected limit line point is shaded in gray. When limit lines are enabled, a pass/fail status
is shown in the upper right of the window. If the trace crosses the limit, the trace color will turn red and the limit
will indicate a failure. The limit is only applied to the active trace (see Section 2-10 “Setting Trace and Cursor
Parameters”), which is indicated next to the pass/fail.
4. Measurement Settings: The x-axis shows the start, center, and stop frequencies. The y-axis displays the
amplitude of the graticule lines. RBW/VBW, span, sweep time, and number of trace point settings are shown
along the bottom of the spectrum display. If either resolution bandwidth or video bandwidth is set to manual, the
“#” symbol will precede its label. If an offset frequency is entered, the offset value is displayed in the left side
status panel. Pressing any of the editable parameters opens the keypad to edit the value directly.
Information-only displays cannot be changed.
5. Multiple Trace Display: Each trace has a unique color and each can be set to Clear/Write, Average, Min or
Max Hold, Rolling Average, Rolling Min or Max Hold, T1-T2 or T2-T1. Each trace can have Peak, Negative,
Sample and Normal detectors. Traces can be set to Active, Hold/View, or Blank.
Figure 2-2. Normal RTSA View (2 of 2)

2-3 RTSA GUI Overview Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-4 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
Spectrogram View
Spectrogram view is useful for identifying intermittent signals and for providing historical signal data in a
comprehensive view. It provides a multi-dimensional “waterfall” display representing frequency, time, and
amplitude. Frequency and time are shown on a typical two-dimensional scale while amplitude is displayed in
the color dimension. The color is set by adjusting the color range of the color bar.
Select Spectrogram view from MEASURE > VIEW > Spectrogram. Once Spectrogram view is selected, the
color bar can be configured from the SETUP menu. Refer to Section 2-15 “Setting Up Advanced
Measurements” on page 2-45 for more information on setting up the Spectrogram view.
1. Color Bar: The color bar is used to adjust the colors displayed at different amplitude levels. The color bar shown
here represents the range of colors that will be displayed. This bar can be dragged up or down to adjust the
coverage area. If signals or noise is outside of the color bar range, then black is displayed. The color bar top and
bottom setting, and the overall hue to the color range is set via the “SETUP Menus (Normal View)”
on page 2-51, which can be opened by pressing the color bar.
2. Spectrum Window: The upper display area shows spectrum trace data in the frequency domain. Up to six
traces can display data from different times depending on how the corresponding cursors are set in the
spectrogram display below. Note that the spectrum display shows trace amplitude (vertical axis) data in the time
(horizontal axis) domain.
3. Spectrogram Window: The lower display area shows spectrogram trace data in the time (vertical axis),
frequency (horizontal axis), and amplitude (color) domains. The bottom of the spectrogram displays the current
sweep at the current time (0 ms) or position 0. When a sweep completes, the entire display is shifted up and the
new trace is added to the bottom of the spectrogram. The spectrogram holds 142 sweeps (cursor positions) and
the stop time reflects the time taken to complete all of the sweeps.
4. Cursors (C1 to C6): Cursor information for the currently set cursor type (time or position) is shown in the status
panel. Cursors are shown on the spectrogram as white lines at the currently set cursor time or position. Refer to
“Cursors in Spectrogram View” on page 2-22.
5. Markers: Marker and marker data are shown in a variety of locations. Markers can be placed on different
cursors to help you compare measurements at different points in time as well as frequency. Refer to
“Spectrogram with Cursors and Markers” on page 2-37.
Figure 2-3. RTSA Spectrogram View
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5

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199) 2-4 Main Menu
Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 2-5
2-4 Main Menu
The main menu is the primary access point for all instrument controls and measurement selections. The main
function for each main menu button is described below.
Using Menus
Instrument setup, control, and measurement functions are performed through the use of menus. Menu
behaviors are summarized below:
•Pressing a main menu button opens an associated menu.
•The name of the button pressed in the main menu is reflected in the title bar of the resulting menu.
•Menu buttons can change for various measurement settings, instrument setup parameters, and
measurement views.
•Pressing the corresponding main menu button for a menu closes the menu.
•Touching status data, a parameter field, or label in the display area opens the corresponding menu and
the associated keypad for editing that parameter setting.
•Pressing Accept, Cancel, or the X in the upper right corner closes the menu or keypad.
-FREQ SPAN: Contains all frequency control settings such as center frequency, start and
stop frequency, span, frequency offset, and frequency step. Refer to Section 2-7 “Setting
Frequency Parameters”.
AMPLITUDE: Provides access to amplitude-related settings, reference level, graticule
scale, and attenuator/preamp settings. Refer to Section 2-8 “Setting Amplitude
Parameters”.
BANDWIDTH: Provides access to resolution and video bandwidth settings and Auto
ratios, and sets the bandwidth filter types. Refer to Section 2-9 “Setting Bandwidth
Parameters”.
TRACE: Provides trace/cursor and detection-related controls to set trace/cursor
behaviors, presets, and access to the trace/detector settings table. Refer to
Section 2-10 “Setting Trace and Cursor Parameters”.
SWEEP: Provides controls for sweep behaviors. Refer to Section2-11“Setting Sweep
Parameters”.
MARKER: Used to enable and set all marker-related parameters and provides access to
the marker table. Refer to Section 2-12 “Setting Up Markers”.
LIMIT: Provides controls for setting up limit lines and limit alarms. Refer to
Section 2-13 “Setting Up Limit Lines”.
TRIGGER: Controls the trigger source, delay and holdoff, and trigger slope settings.
Refer to Section 2-14 “Setting Up Triggering”.
MEASURE: Used to select measurements such as spectrum, channel power, occupied
bandwidth, adjacent channel power, spectral emissions mask, and opens the
spectrogram. Refer to Section 2-15 “Setting Up Advanced Measurements”.
SETUP: Measurement controls for setting up advanced measurements. Refer to
“SETUP Menus (Normal View)” on page 2-51).
PRESET: Opens the PRESET menu with selective trace, marker, limits, and
measurement preset commands, or an all inclusive analyzer preset command. Refer to
Section 2-18 “Presetting the Analyzer”.
FILE: Used to save and recall instrument setups and measurements, limit lines, and
screen images. Also provides access to save on event controls. Refer to “FILE Menu”
on page 2-62 and Section 2-11 “File Management”.
Figure 2-4. Main Menu

2-5 Status Panel Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-6 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
2-5 Status Panel
The status panels and features illustrated in this section are unique to the real-time spectrum analyzer and to
the selected measurement and view. Below is the RTSA status panel that covers normal and spectrogram
views, in addition to audio AM/FM and interference measurements (selected via MEASURE >
MEASUREMENT menu).
-Pressing editable parameters opens the associated menu with a keypad that allows you
to conveniently change the parameter value. These are the same settings found in the
right side menus.
POI: Probability of Intercept (POI) is the minimum signal duration that the analyzer can
detect at full amplitude with 100% probability.
MIN DETECT: The minimum detection is the minimum signal duration that the analyzer
can detect.
REF LEVEL: Sets the reference level of the top graticule line. If the reference level offset
is not zero, OFFSET REF LEVEL is displayed at this location.
Refer to Section 2-8 “Setting Amplitude Parameters” on page 2-10.
SCALE/DIV: Sets the graticule scale/division for log-based units.
REF LEVEL OFFSET: Compensates for the presence of external input attenuation or
gain.
FREQ OFFSET: Accounts for frequency conversions outside of the analyzer. Refer to
Section 2-7 “Setting Frequency Parameters” on page 2-7.
ATTEN LEVEL: When auto attenuation is off, sets input attenuation.
PRE AMP: Toggles the low-noise front-end preamplifier on or off. Refer to
Section 2-8 “Setting Amplitude Parameters” on page 2-10.
TRACES/CURSORS: Displays the current status of up to six traces or cursors in a
quick-view summary. When the measurement view is set to Normal (Spectrum), trace
information is displayed in this area. When the measurement view is set to Spectrogram,
cursor information is displayed in this area. Cursors are only available in the RTSA
measurement with the Spectrogram view selected.
The summary information includes the trace or cursor number, type, mode, and detector
type. The active trace will show a highlighted background with the mode and detector
type restated under the table. In Spectrogram, a reference trace (T0) will show you the
settings of the trace used to fill the spectrogram. The reference trace settings are applied
to all traces and cursors while in Spectrogram view. Pressing a trace or cursor in the
summary panel activates the pressed trace or cursor and opens the TRACE menu. It
allows you to select and set up an individual trace or cursor as desired. Refer to
Section 2-10 “Setting Trace and Cursor Parameters” on page 2-16.
SWEEP: Toggles the current sweep setting between continuously or sweep once. Refer
to Section 2-11 “Setting Sweep Parameters” on page 2-31.
FREQ REFERENCE: Indicates the current frequency reference source of Internal High
Accuracy (used after GPS has lost sync, but while the internal clock still has good GPS
reference), Internal Standard Accuracy, External, or GPS Hi Accuracy (requires GPS).
The instrument automatically selects the frequency reference in the following order of
priority: external, GPS, then the internal time base.
Figure 2-5. RTSA Status Panel

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199) 2-6 Making RTSA Measurements
Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 2-7
2-6 Making RTSA Measurements
The following sections of this chapter provide a detailed information of the RTSA measurements and the setup
parameters.
Connecting a Signal Source
The basic setup starts with connecting a signal source to the RF In port of the instrument. For over-the-air
(OTA) measurements, connect an antenna that is appropriate for the frequency range to be measured. For
direct conducted measurements, ensure the RF source does not over power the input of the analyzer.
After an RF source is connected to the input connector, follow the sections below for setting up the
measurement parameters.
2-7 Setting Frequency Parameters
Frequency-related parameters are set using the “FREQ / SPAN Menu” on page 2-9. The tuning frequency
range can be entered in several different ways depending upon what makes the most sense, either for the user
or for the measurement. The center frequency and span can be specified, the start and stop frequencies can be
entered.
Entering Start and Stop Frequencies
The frequency settings are displayed along the bottom of the spectrum or spectrogram graph. These
parameters can be accessed directly or via the FREQ SPAN menu.
1. Press FREQ SPAN on the main menu.
2. Press START FREQUENCY to open the start frequency parameter entry keypad.
3. Enter the desired start frequency. When entering a frequency with the keypad, available frequency units
(GHz, MHz, kHz, and Hz) will be displayed along the left edge of the menu.
4. Press the appropriate frequency unit to terminate the entry or press ACCEPT to terminate the entry
with the current frequency unit.
5. Press STOP FREQUENCY to open the stop frequency parameter entry keypad.
6. Enter the desired stop frequency. When entering a frequency with the keypad, available frequency units
(GHz, MHz, kHz, and Hz) will be displayed along the left edge of the menu.
7. Press the appropriate frequency unit to terminate the entry or press ACCEPT to terminate the entry
with the current frequency unit.
The center frequency will be set to exactly the middle of the start and stop frequencies. The current settings
are shown along the bottom of the spectrum or spectrogram graph (see Figure 2-6 on page 2-11).
Note For connector panels descriptions and torque specifications, refer to the product user guide. For
RF input power limitations, refer to the product technical data sheet.
Note
To quickly move the start or stop frequency value up or down, press the + or – slider controls to
increment the frequency by the set FREQUENCY STEP. You can also drag the frequency using the
slider.

2-7 Setting Frequency Parameters Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-8 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
Entering a Center Frequency
1. Press FREQ SPAN on the main menu.
2. Press CENTER FREQUENCY to open the center frequency parameter entry keypad.
3. Enter the desired center frequency. When entering a frequency with the keypad, available frequency
units (GHz, MHz, kHz, and Hz) will be displayed along the left and right edge of the menu.
4. Press the appropriate frequency unit to terminate the entry or press ACCEPT to terminate the entry
with the current frequency unit.
The current settings are shown along the bottom of the spectrum or spectrogram graph (see Figure 2-6
on page 2-11).
Using Offset Frequency
A user-defined frequency offset can be entered to adjust the frequency that is displayed on the instrument from
the actual swept frequency. For example, if the DUT is an antenna system receiving signals in the 10 GHz
range and offsetting the signals to the 1 GHz range, you can set a frequency offset in the spectrum analyzer in
order to display the actual received antenna frequency in the sweep window.
Both positive and negative offset values are allowed. Negative offsets can be useful for seeing differences from
expected values. Enter a negative offset of the expected value, and the received antenna frequency should
display in the 0 Hz range.
When enabled, the offset value is displayed at the left of the screen in the status panel (see Section 2-5 “Status
Panel”). To remove a frequency offset, open the FREQ SPAN menu and set FREQUENCY OFFSET to 0Hz.
You can also access this parameter directly from the left side status panel.
Setting the Span
1. Press FREQ SPAN on the main menu.
2. Press SPAN to open the span frequency parameter entry keypad.
3. Enter the desired span frequency. When entering a frequency with the keypad, available frequency units
(GHz, MHz, kHz, and Hz) will be displayed along the left edge of the menu.
4. Press the appropriate frequency unit to terminate the entry or press ACCEPT to terminate the entry
with the current frequency unit.
5. To select full span, press the FULL SPAN. Selecting full span overrides any previously set start and stop
frequencies.
Note
To quickly move the center frequency value up or down, press the + or - slider controls to increment
the center frequency by the set FREQUENCY STEP. You can also drag the center frequency using
the slider or by dragging the trace directly.
Note Offset frequency apply to start, stop, center, and marker frequencies.
Note To quickly move the span value up or down, press the + or - slider controls to increment the span in
a 1:2:5 sequence. You can also drag the span using the slider or by pinching the trace in or out.

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199) 2-7 Setting Frequency Parameters
Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 2-9
FREQ / SPAN Menu
GESTURES Menu
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CENTER FREQUENCY: Sets the center frequency of the sweep range. The current
span setting will remain constant or will be adjusted to accommodate the start and stop
frequency range of the instrument.
SPAN: Sets the sweep frequency range. The current center frequency will remain
constant and the start and stop frequencies will be adjusted to accommodate the new
range. Pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) control increments the span value in a 1:2:5
sequence. The span can also be changed by pinching the trace in or out.
FULL SPAN: Pressing this button sets the span to cover the entire tunable spectrum of
the instrument.
START FREQUENCY: Sets the start frequency of the sweep range. The center
frequency and span will be adjusted to accommodate the new start and current stop
frequencies. Pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) control moves the start frequency in steps
defined by the FREQUENCY STEP value.
STOP FREQUENCY: Sets the stop frequency of the sweep range. The center frequency
and span will be adjusted to accommodate the current start and new stop frequencies.
Pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) control moves the start frequency in steps defined by
the FREQUENCY STEP value (set lower in this menu).
FREQUENCY STEP: Sets the frequency step value used for the plus (+) or minus (–)
control.
FREQUENCY OFFSET: The frequency offset value accounts for frequency conversions
outside of the analyzer. The offset frequency value is added to the start, stop, center,
fixed marker, and normal marker frequencies. Pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) control
moves the offset frequency in steps defined by the FREQUENCY STEP value.
GESTURES: Opens the “GESTURES Menu” on page 2-9.
Figure 2-6. FREQ / SPAN Menu
-
DRAG: Toggles the touchscreen drag feature on or off. When toggled off, the center
frequency will not change when dragging the spectrum display. This can be useful when
dragging markers.
PINCH: Toggles the touchscreen pinch feature on or off. When toggled off, the span
frequency will not change when pinching the spectrum display. This can be useful when
dragging markers.
Note that the Drag and Pinch features can also be toggled on/off by touching the locks
under the display.
Figure 2-7. GESTURES Menu

2-8 Setting Amplitude Parameters Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-10 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
2-8 Setting Amplitude Parameters
The amplitude scale corresponds to the y-axis display. The Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer supports log units
such as dBm and dBV. Amplitude-related parameters are set using the “AMPLITUDE Menu” on page 2-13.
Setting Amplitude Units
This setting allows you to set the y-axis graticule units and applies to most of the spectrum analyzer
measurements, including markers, traces, and limit lines.
1. Press AMPLITUDE > Y AXIS UNIT
2. Select the desired y-axis amplitude units from the following: dBm (default), dBV, dBW dBmV, dBµV, or
dBA.
When switching amplitude units, the following parameters are affected as described below:
•Reference level is converted directly from the current unit into the new unit and scaled appropriately.
•The reference level offset is always entered in dB.
•When changing from log units to log units, scaling (dB/div) remains unchanged.
•Trace in a “HOLD / VIEW” mode will be scaled to match the newly selected units.
•Marker amplitudes will be scaled to match the newly selected units.
•Limit line points will be directly converted and displayed in the newly selected amplitude units.
•Trigger levels will be converted to the newly selected units.
•Measurements and setups will be converted to the newly selected units.
•Save and recall will retain the units configuration.
•Power cycle will retain the current units configuration.
Setting Amplitude Reference Level
The amplitude reference level is typically an absolute reference level set at the top of the graticule for the
power level being measured. Signal levels above this set value will be outside of the display range and may
overdrive and saturate the input circuit (refer to “Indications of Excessive Signal Level” on page 2-12). To set
the current amplitude reference level:
1. To automatically set an optimum reference level, press AMPLITUDE > AUTO REF LEVEL.
2. To manually set the reference level, press AMPLITUDE > REF LEVEL, then enter the desired reference
level.
Setting Amplitude Range and Scale
This setting applies to most analyzer modes of operation and allows you to set the y-axis graticule scale for
log-based units only.
1. Press AMPLITUDE > SCALE/DIV.
2. Enter the desired number of units per division.
Note Select AUTO ATTEN coupling of the attenuator setting and AUTO REF LEVEL to help ensure that
harmonics and spurs are not introduced into the measurements.

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199) 2-8 Setting Amplitude Parameters
Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A 2-11
Reference Level Offset for External Loss or External Gain
To obtain accurate measurements, you can compensate for any external attenuation or gain by using a
reference level offset. The compensation factor is always in dB, even if linear amplitude units are selected.
External attenuation can be created by using an external cable or an external high power attenuator. External
gain is typically from an amplifier.
To adjust the reference or amplitude level for either gain or loss:
1. Press AMPLITUDE > REF LEVEL OFFSET.
2. Enter a positive dB value to account for gain or enter a negative dB value to account for loss.
3. The new reference level offset value will be displayed on the instrument and the y-axis and trace
amplitude is adjusted accordingly.
Attenuator Functions
The spectrum analyzer includes a step attenuator at the RF input. This attenuator is used to reduce large
signals to levels that make best use of the analyzer’s dynamic range. By default, the auto attenuation
automatically adjusts the attenuator as a function of the reference level. In the AMPLITUDE menu, the
ATTEN LEVEL allows manual adjustment of the input attenuation. When auto attenuation is selected, both
the reference level and the attenuation are increased. The following actions, listed in decreasing order of
effectiveness, can facilitate the detection of low-level CW signals:
•Decrease the reference level and attenuation. Refer to “AMPLITUDE Menu” on page 2-13.
•Turn on the preamplifier.
•Reduce RBW and or VBW (RBW/VBW = 10 is often optimal for this purpose). Refer to “Setting
Bandwidth Parameters” on page 2-14.
•Use trace averaging if VBW is already set to 1 Hz. Refer to “Setting Trace and Cursor Parameters”
on page 2-16

2-8 Setting Amplitude Parameters Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (Option 199)
2-12 PN: 10580-00448 Rev. A Real-TimeSpectrum Analyzer MG
Preamplifier
The preamplifier can be turned on and off by toggling PRE AMP via the status panel or the AMPLITUDE
menu. Figure 2-8 shows the noise floor with the preamplifier off (1) and on (2). Note that when the preamplifier
is turned on, the noise floor drops significantly and a low-level signal is exposed. In order to use the
preamplifier, the attenuation must be lower than 20 dB. If the preamplifier is turned on when the attenuation
is greater than or equal to 20 dB, the attenuation will automatically drop to 10 dB. When AUTO ATTEN is
toggled on, the REF LEVEL must be set to –40 dBm or lower to enable the preamplifier.
Indications of Excessive Signal Level
The Field Master Series has built-in features to help prevent input overload. These include auto attenuation
and reference level. The instrument will also indicate when a received signal is too high for the current setup
by displaying an “ADC Overrange” notification in the title bar (Figure 2-9). Before proceeding with the
measurements, adjust the reference level, the attenuation level, and disable the preamplifier if necessary.
Adjusting the resolution bandwidth and frequency range may also help when measuring small signals that are
near large signals.
Figure 2-8. 1. Preamplifier Off
2. Preamplifier On
Figure 2-9. ADC Overrange
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1