Anritsu Field Master Pro MS2090A User manual

Part Number: 10580-00451
Revision: A
Published: October 2022
Copyright 2022 Anritsu Company
Anritsu Company
490 Jarvis Drive
Morgan Hill, CA 95037-2809
USA
Measurement Guide
Pulse Analyzer
MS2090A Field Master Pro™
Pulse Analyzer Option 421
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: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse 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

Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Contents-1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1—General Information
1-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1-2 Option Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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—Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2-2 Selecting the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2-3 Pulse Analyzer GUI Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Pulse Trace Profile and Summary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2-4 Pulse Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Finding the High/Low Reference Levels Using the Histogram Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Finding the Reference Level Instants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Tips for Improving Pulse Measurement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2-5 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Using Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
2-6 Status Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2-7 Connecting a Signal Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2-8 Setting Frequency Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Entering a Center Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Using Offset Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
FREQ SPAN Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
2-9 Setting Amplitude Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Setting Amplitude Reference Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Setting Amplitude Range and Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Reference Level Offset for External Loss or External Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Attenuator Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Preamplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Indications of Excessive Signal Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
AMPLITUDE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
2-10 Setting Bandwidth Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Resolution Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Video Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Setting Resolution Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Setting Bandwidth Auto Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
BANDWIDTH Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Contents-2 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
Table of Contents (Continued)
2-11 Setting Trace Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Traces in Pulse Mode (Pulse Analyzer View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
TRACE Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Trace Detector Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2-12 Setting Sweep Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Single/Continuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Trace Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
SWEEP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
2-13 Setting Up Markers (Pulse Viewer Mode). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Placing a Normal Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Placing a Fixed Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Placing a Delta Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
MARKER Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
MARKER PEAK SEARCH Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Marker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2-14 Setting Up Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
TRIGGER Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
2-15 Measurement Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
MEASURE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
SETUP Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
PULSE SIMULATION Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
DISPLAY Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
2-16 Presetting the Analyzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
PRESET Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
2-17 Saving and Recalling Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
Saving a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
Recalling a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
FILE Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38

Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 1-1
Chapter 1 — General Information
1-1 Introduction
This measurement guide gives a brief overview of the Pulse Analyzer measurement functions of the Anritsu
Field Master series handheld instruments and is intended to assist you in setting up a pulse measurement. For
a detailed description of how the pulse measurements are calculated, refer to Section 2-4 “Pulse
Measurements” on page 2-6. After measurements are taken, refer to “File Management” section of the
Instrument Overview chapter of the user guide, and Section 2-17 “Saving and Recalling Measurements”
on page 2-36“for a description of saving, recalling, and managing measurement files.
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 Description General Information
1-2 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
1-2 Option Description
The pulse analyzer Option 421 in Field Master series instruments provides a powerful test solution to
measurement of pulsed radar signals in the field. The wide measurement bandwidth supports rise time
measurements as fast as 30 ns.
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. Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet of your
instrument for available options.

Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-1
Chapter 2 — Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-1 Introduction
This chapter gives a brief overview of the Anritsu Field Master Series pulse analyzer and is intended to assist
you in setting up a pulse measurement. This chapter describes pulse references for making pulse
measurements, including selecting the analyzer and setting up frequency, bandwidth, amplitude, sweep, limit
and markers.
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.
2-3 Pulse Analyzer GUI Overview
This section illustrates the main graphical displays and SETUP menu presented for the Pulse Analyzer view.
For a detailed description of the pulse measurement, refer to Section 2-4 “Pulse Measurements” on page 2-6.
Figure 2-1. Example Analyzers

2-3 Pulse Analyzer GUI Overview Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-2 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
Pulse Trace Profile and Summary Data
The following figures show overviews of various Pulse Analyzer views:
•Figure 2-2, “Positive Pulse Trace with Measurement Summary Data (Pulse Analyzer View)”shows an
overview of the trace and summary data for a positive pulse type.
•Figure 2-3, “Positive Pulse Measurement Points and Reference Lines (Pulse Analyzer View)” shows a
full-screen trace with details of the measurement points, pulse markers, and labels for the same
measurement setup.
•Figure 2-4, “Negative Pulse Trace with Measurement Summary Data (Pulse Analyzer View)”shows an
overview of the trace and summary data for a negative pulse type.
•Figure 2-5, “Negative Pulse Measurement Points and Reference Lines (Pulse Analyzer View)” shows a
full-screen trace with details of the measurement points and labels for the same measurement setup.
1. Status Panel: The pulse analyzer shares the spectrum analyzer status panel, displaying general settings for the
current measurement. Refer to Section 2-6 “Status Panel” on page 2-12.
2. First Transition Measurement Characteristics: The first pulse transition is shown in a green shaded area with
measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace and measurement data in the
corresponding summary table.
3. Second Transition Measurement Characteristics: The second pulse transition is shown in an orange shaded
area with measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace and measurement data in the
corresponding summary table.
4. Reference Level Lines: Reference levels are shown as dashed blue lines with labels that correspond to their
configuration buttons in the SETUP menu.
5. Pulse Characteristics: This data shows the overall pulse measurements.
6. Power Measurements: This data shows the signal power measurements.
Figure 2-2. Positive Pulse Trace with Measurement Summary Data (Pulse Analyzer View)
6
1
5
4
2 3
Positive Pulse

Pulse Analyzer (Option 421) 2-3 Pulse Analyzer GUI Overview
Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-3
1. Level Reference: Top and bottom level references are used as a basis for all other references. These can be
set to Auto or User. When set to User, the dashed blue lines (S1 and S2) are in use.
•S2: USER TOP (S2)
•S1: USER BOTTOM (S1)
2. First Transition Measurement Points: The first pulse transition is shown in a green shaded area with
measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace. Green labels indicate the first
transition measurement points at instants shown at the intersection of the dashed green and blue line crossings.
•LRI: Low Reference Instant
•HRI: High Reference Instant
•DI: Duration Instant
3. Second Transition Measurement Points: The second pulse transition is shown in an orange shaded area with
measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace. Orange labels indicate the second
transition measurement points at instants shown at the intersection of the dashed orange and blue line
crossings.
•LRI: Low Reference Instant
•HRI: High Reference Instant
•DI: Duration Instant
4. Reference Level Lines: Reference levels are shown as dashed blue lines with labels that correspond to their
configuration buttons in the SETUP menu.
•HRef: REF HIGH (High Reference Level)
•LRef: REF LOW (Low Reference Level)
•Dur: DURATION REF (Pulse Duration Reference Level)
5. Post Transition Markers: Blue triangle markers indicate the post-transition overshoot and undershoot.
6. Pre Transition Markers: Magenta triangle markers indicate the pre-transition overshoot and undershoot.
Figure 2-3. Positive Pulse Measurement Points and Reference Lines (Pulse Analyzer View)
1
6
2 4
3
5
Positive Pulse

2-3 Pulse Analyzer GUI Overview Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-4 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
1. Status Panel: The pulse analyzer shares the spectrum analyzer status panel, displaying general settings for the
current measurement. Refer to Section 2-6 “Status Panel” on page 2-12.
2. First Transition Measurement Characteristics: The first pulse transition is shown in a green shaded area with
measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace and measurement data in the
corresponding summary table.
3. Second Transition Measurement Characteristics: The second pulse transition is shown in an orange shaded
area with measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace and measurement data in the
corresponding summary table.
4. Reference Level Lines: Reference levels are shown as dashed blue lines with labels that correspond to their
configuration buttons in the SETUP menu.
5. Pulse Characteristics: This data shows the overall pulse measurements.
6. Power Measurements: This data shows the signal power measurements.
Figure 2-4. Negative Pulse Trace with Measurement Summary Data (Pulse Analyzer View)
6
1
5
4
2 3
Negative Pulse

Pulse Analyzer (Option 421) 2-3 Pulse Analyzer GUI Overview
Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-5
1. Level Reference: Top and bottom level references are used as a basis for all other references. These can be
set to Auto or User. When set to User, the dashed blue lines (S1 and S2) are in use.
•S2: USER TOP (S2)
•S1: USER BOTTOM (S1)
2. First Transition Measurement Points: The first pulse transition is shown in a green shaded area with
measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace. Green labels indicate the first
transition measurement points at instants shown at the intersection of the dashed green and blue line crossings.
•LRI: Low Reference Instant
•HRI: High Reference Instant
•DI: Duration Instant
3. Second Transition Measurement Points: The second pulse transition is shown in an orange shaded area with
measurement points and labels displayed on the currently selected trace. Orange labels indicate the second
transition measurement points at instants shown at the intersection of the dashed orange and blue line
crossings.
•LRI: Low Reference Instant
•HRI: High Reference Instant
•DI: Duration Instant
4. Reference Level Lines: Reference levels are shown as dashed blue lines with labels that correspond to their
configuration buttons in the SETUP menu.
•HRef: REF HIGH (High Reference Level)
•LRef: REF LOW (Low Reference Level)
•Dur: DURATION REF (Pulse Duration Reference Level)
5. Post-Transition Markers: Blue triangle markers indicate the post-transition overshoot and undershoot.
6. Pre-Transition Markers: Magenta triangle markers indicate the pre-transition overshoot and undershoot.
Figure 2-5. Negative Pulse Measurement Points and Reference Lines (Pulse Analyzer View)
1
6
2 4
3
5
Negative Pulse

2-4 Pulse Measurements Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-6 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
2-4 Pulse Measurements
Finding the High/Low Reference Levels Using the Histogram Algorithm
When the pulse level type is set to AUTO a histogram algorithm method is used for determining the high and
low state levels as described in the IEEE Standard for Pulses, Transitions, and Related Waveforms (181-2011),
Section 5.2.1. The trace data is taken as input and the amplitudes are operated on in terms of dBm units. The
trace data is converted into a histogram where the number of bins is determined by a fixed bin width of 0.01
across the total range of values in the trace data (trace max to trace min). In other words, each trace point
amplitude results in an incremented "count" in the histogram bin that corresponds to the amplitude range in
which that amplitude falls. To find the high and low state levels, the resulting histogram is split into an
"upper" and "lower" histogram where the former consists of all the bins that correspond to the upper 50% range
of amplitudes, and the latter the lower 50% range. Then the high state is determined to be the mode of the
upper histogram, i.e. the amplitude corresponding to the histogram bin with the highest count. The low state is
similarly determined to be the mode of the lower histogram.
If the count of either mode is not greater than at least 1% of the total number of points in the trace data input,
then the histogram is recreated using a bin width that is ten times larger. This process of regenerating the
histogram with larger a bin width is repeated until the mode of the histogram is at least 1% of the total number
of points. This means that the best case resolution of the resulting high state and low state is 0.01 dBm (the
starting bin width), and depending on how much the state levels fluctuate, the resolution can fall back to
0.1 dBm, 1 dBm, and so on.
When the pulse level type is set to USER, the user determines the high and low state levels and enters the
level using the USER TOP (S2) and USER BOTTOM (S1) settings.
Figure 2-6. Finding High and Low Reference Levels
Time
Amplitude
S2
Upper Histogram Region
S1
Lower Histogram Region

Pulse Analyzer (Option 421) 2-4 Pulse Measurements
Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-7
Finding the Reference Level Instants
Instants are a specific time value within a waveform time duration. They are typically referenced relative to
the initial instant of the waveform. The following sections describe how the pulse measurements are
determined (see Figure 2-7 and Figure 2-8).
Finding the Transitions
Transitions are contiguous regions of a waveform that connect, either directly or via intervening transients,
two state occurrences that are consecutive in time but are occurrences of different states. To find the
transition, begin with a filtered list of reference level instants that contain only those that cross the low or high
reference levels. Each reference level instant in the list has a corresponding index and direction (e.g. the trace
index immediately before the amplitude crossing the reference level, and direction indicating whether the trace
crosses from above to below the reference level or vice versa).
This filtered list of instants is sorted in ascending index order. Then all positive and negative transitions
(between the high/low reference levels) are found by searching for consecutive instants in the filtered list that
both have the same direction. The waveform is defined to be in the "high state" if it exceeds the 90% reference
level and in the "low state" if it drops below the 10% reference level. This is the chosen alternative rather than
using the state upper/lower boundaries (which the IEEE standard says is optional).
Figure 2-7. Positive Pulse Waveform Instants and Transitions
Figure 2-8. Negative Pulse Waveform Instants and Transitions
Time
Amplitude
S2
S1
10% Reference Level
90% Reference Level
50% Duration Instant
First Transition
} }
Second Transition
Positive Direction Reference Level Instants
Positive
Transition
Negative
Transition
Negative Direction Reference Level Instants
Time
Amplitude
S2
S1
10% Reference Level
90% Reference Level
50% Duration Instant
First Transition
} }
Second Transition
Positive Direction Reference Level Instants
Negative
Transition
Positive
Transition
Negative Direction Reference Level Instants

2-4 Pulse Measurements Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-8 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
Finding Pulse Duration and Period
The pulse duration is determined by using the positive and negative transitions as describe above to check if it
is a valid pulse. If so, then any pulse duration reference levels (50%) are verified to exist within the
positive/negative transition. This reference level determines the starting and ending period of the pulse. The
duration is just the difference between the ending point and the starting point.
The pulse period also first determines that we have a valid pulse from the positive and negative transitions.
Unlike the pulse duration measurement, the pulse period must have the pulse repeat, or a pulse train, to have
a measurement. There should be at least 3 transitions in the 50% reference level to produce a valid
measurement. The period is the distance between the starting level of the first pulse and the starting level for
the second pulse.
Finding the Wave Average
The wave average is determined by averaging the power levels of all points within all complete periods that are
available on the trace. To determine where to start and stop, the number of transitions is used to determine if
there is at least one full period. The system returns "nan" if there is not a full period. Otherwise, the starting
point for this measurement is the beginning of the first transition and the end point is the beginning of the
transition of the last full period.
For instance, a trace with six transitions has some quantity of points before the first transition followed by two
full periods, then followed by less than one full period. Once the start and end of all the complete periods have
been found, all points between them are summed together and divided by the total number of points used in
the measurement.
Finding Trace Average
The trace average is the exponential average of all the points in the trace. Unlike the wave average, it is not
constrained to full pulses.
Finding the Pulse Average
The pulse average is the average of the points in the high state of the pulse (typically those points above the
90% reference line). This only applies to positive pulses. If there is no positive pulse, then no measurement is
returned.
Finding the Pulse Center Instant and Repetition Frequency
The Pulse repetition frequency is determined from the inverse of the pulse period (1/pulse period) as a
frequency value. The pulse center instant is determine by taking the pulse duration (50%) start time and
adding the pulse duration midpoint, which is one-half of the pulse duration (pulse duration/2).
Finding the Pulse Peak
The pulse peak is the maximum value in a waveform after a positive transition. If there is no positive
transition, the peak amplitude of the overall waveform is returned.
Finding the Pulse Tilt
The pulse tilt measures the distortion of a waveform state where the overall slope of the state is essentially
constant and other than zero. The slope may be of either polarity and is calculated for either negative or
positive pulses. A complete pulse (with at least two transitions) is needed to ensure that there is a waveform
state for which tilt can be measured. If there is enough trace data within the waveform state, the first and last
25% of samples where overshoot distortion is most likely to occur is removed. The slope of the remaining 50% of
state trace data is then calculated using the least squares method, and the tilt is calculated by multiplying the
slope by the number of trace points in the state.

Pulse Analyzer (Option 421) 2-4 Pulse Measurements
Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-9
Finding the Wave Amplitude
The wave amplitude is found by subtracting the amplitude of the lower state level from the amplitude of the
upper state level in dB units.
Finding the Peak to Wave Average
The peak to wave average is found by subtracting the wave average from the pulse peak in terms of dB. This
requires the wave average to have a valid value, so there must be at least one full period for a measurement.
Finding the Pre- and Post-Transition Aberration Region
The pre-transition aberration region is determined to be the region of the trace before the last state crossing
before the first transition, and with a width equal to three times the duration of the first transition. It is upper
bounded by the available trace data before the transition. The post-transition aberration region is the region
beginning at the first state crossing past the first transition, and ending at three times the transition duration
or at the beginning of the next transition, whichever comes first.
Figure 2-9. Positive Pulse Aberration Regions
Figure 2-10. Negative Pulse Aberration Regions
Time
Amplitude
S2
S1
Pre-Transition
Abberation Region
Post-Transition
Abberation Region
Time
Amplitude
S2
S1
Pre-Transition
Abberation Region
Post-Transition
Abberation Region

2-4 Pulse Measurements Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-10 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
Finding the Overshoot and Undershoot of Each Aberration Region
The overshoot and undershoot of each region are calculated by taking the difference between the maximum
and minimum trace value of each aberration region and the local state level. Local state level being
(Low = pre-transition High = post-transition) in a positive transition, and
(High = pre-transition Low = post-transition) in a negative transition.
Tips for Improving Pulse Measurement Results
•Set the reference level as close to the top of the trace as possible.
•Use trace averaging.
•For custom or irregular pulses, use a user defined top reference level (S2) instead of auto detection.
•Use single sweep and sweep once buttons to take measurements one at a time.
Figure 2-11. Positive Pulse Overshoot and Undershoot
Figure 2-12. Negative Pulse Overshoot and Undershoot
Time
Amplitude
S2
S1
Pre-Transition Overshoot
Pre-Transition Undershoot
Post-Transition Overshoot
Post-Transition Undershoot
Time
Amplitude
S2
S1
Pre-Transition Overshoot
Pre-Transition Undershoot
Post-Transition Overshoot
Post-Transition Undershoot

Pulse Analyzer (Option 421) 2-5 Main Menu
Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-11
2-5 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 2-8 “Setting
Frequency Parameters”.
AMPLITUDE: Provides access to all amplitude-related settings including reference level,
graticule scale, and attenuator/preamp settings. Refer to Section 2-9 “Setting Amplitude
Parameters”.
BANDWIDTH: Provides access to resolution and video bandwidth settings and Auto
ratios, and sets the bandwidth filter types. Refer to Section2-10“Setting Bandwidth
Parameters”.
TRACE: Provides trace- and detection-related controls to set trace behaviors, presets,
and access to the trace/detector settings table. When in Spectrogram view, also provides
spectrogram cursor controls. Refer to Section 2-11 “Setting Trace Parameters”.
SWEEP: Provides controls for sweep behaviors, number of measurement points, and
gated sweep settings (with Option 90). Refer to Section 2-12 “Setting Sweep
Parameters”.
MARKER: Traditional markers are not available in Pulse Analyzer.
LIMIT: Limit is not available in Pulse Analyzer.
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 “Measurement Setup”.
SETUP: Measurement controls for setting up advanced measurements. This menu
always displays setting options for the current active measurement (refer to “SETUP
Menu” on page 2-31).
PRESET: Opens the PRESET menu with selective trace, marker, and setup preset
commands, or an all inclusive analyzer preset command. Refer to
Section 2-16 “Presetting the Analyzer”.
FILE: Used to save and recall instrument setups and measurements, and screen
images. Also provides access to save on event controls. Refer to “FILE Menu”
on page 2-38 and “File Management” section of the instrument’s user guide.
Figure 2-13. Main Menu

2-6 Status Panel Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-12 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
2-6 Status Panel
The status panels and features illustrated in this section are unique to the spectrum analyzer and to the
particular measurement and view that is selected. Below is the spectrum analyzer status panel that covers
basic spectrum, spectrogram, channel power, occupied bandwidth, adjacent channel power, and spectral
emissions mask measurements (selected via MEASURE > MEASUREMENTS menu).
-Pressing any of these 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.
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.
SCALE/DIV: Sets the graticule scale/division.
REF LEVEL OFFSET: Compensates for the presence of external input attenuation or
gain.
Refer to Section 2-9 “Setting Amplitude Parameters” on page 2-15.
FREQ OFFSET: Accounts for frequency conversions outside of the analyzer. Refer to
Section 2-8 “Setting Frequency Parameters” on page 2-13.
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 2-9 “Setting Amplitude Parameters” on page 2-15.
TRACES: Displays the current status of up to six traces in a quick-view summary.
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 2-11 “Setting Trace Parameters” on page 2-20.
SWEEP: Toggles the current sweep setting between continuously or sweep once. Refer
to Section 2-12 “Setting Sweep Parameters” on page 2-23.
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 2-14. Pulse Analyzer Status Panel

Pulse Analyzer (Option 421) 2-7 Connecting a Signal Source
Pulse Analyzer MG PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A 2-13
2-7 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
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.
2-8 Setting Frequency Parameters
Frequency-related parameters are set using the “FREQ SPAN Menu” on page 2-14. Pulse measurements are
conducted in zero span so only the center frequency needs to be entered. Additionally, a frequency offset can be
used, depending on what makes the most sense, either for the user or for the measurement.
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 pulse graph (see Figure 2-6 on page 2-6).
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 2-6 “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.
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 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.

2-8 Setting Frequency Parameters Pulse Analyzer (Option 421)
2-14 PN: 10580-00451 Rev. A Pulse Analyzer MG
FREQ SPAN Menu
-
CENTER FREQUENCY: Sets the center frequency of the sweep range.
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.
Figure 2-15. FREQ / SPAN Menu