Keysight N9340B User manual

Keysight Technologies
N9340B Handheld Spectrum Analyzer
Demo Guide

This demo guide is a tool for the new user to gain familiarity with the basic functions and features of
the Keysight Technologies, Inc. N9340B handheld spectrum analyzer.
Almost all exercises utilize a signal from an external signal generator with amplitude of –10 dBm and
frequency of 100 MHz.
Key names surrounded by [ ] indicate hardkeys located on the front panel, while key names surrounded
by { } indicate softkeys located on the right of the display.
Demos
1. Panel Tour
2. File Operation
3. Measurement Basics
4. Peak Search and Makers
5. Measuring Signal to Noise with Delta Markers
6. Improving Signal to Noise
7. Limit Lines and Pass/Fail Testing
8. Spectrogram
9. Tracking Generator
10. Power Meter Measurements
11. Field Strength Measurements
12. AM/FM, ASK/FSK Demodulation
13. Spectrum Emission Mask
14. Automation
2
Introduction

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Section 1
Panel Tour
Caption Function
1Power switch Toggles the analyzer between on and off
2 Function keys Includes hardkeys: SYS, FREQ, SPAN, AMPTD, BW/SWP, TRACE, MEAS, and MODE
3 Preset Returns the analyzer to a known state, also turns on/off power save feature (press for 1 sec.)
4Enter Confirms a parameter selection or configuration
5ESC/CLR Exits and closes the dialog box or clears the character input
6MARKER Activates the marker functions
7LIMIT Sets limit lines for quick pass/fail testing
8 Save Quickly saves the current trace
9 Arrow keys Increases or decreases a parameter step by step
10 Knob Selects an option item or edits a numerical parameter
11 Softkeys Indicate current menu functions
12 Built-in light sensor Adjusts the display brightness automatically
13 Speaker Active when in demodulation mode
14 Screen Displays measured traces and status
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1 2 3
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Caption Function
1 External DC power connector Provides input for the DC power source via an AC-DC adapter or automotive type DC adapter.
2 LED indicator (charging) Light is {On} when the battery is charging
3 LED indicator Light is {On} when external DC power is connected to the tester
4USB interface (device) Connects the analyzer to a PC
5 USB interface (host) Connects the analyzer to a USB memory stick or disk
6Headphone Connects the analyzer to a headphone
7LAN interface Connects the analyzer to a PC for SCPI remote control
8 RF OUT connector The output for the built-in tracking generator. Enabled with Option TG3.
9 EXT TRIG IN/REF IN
(BNC, female)
Connects to an external TTL signal or a 10 MHz reference signal. The TTL signal is used to
trigger the analyzer’s internal sweep.
10 RF IN connector (50 Ω) Accepts an external input with a frequency range from 100 kHz to 3 GHz, tunable to 9 kHz
Section 1
Top Panel Overview
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71 2 3 4 5 6

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1. Adjust the display brightness
Instruction Key strokes
Switch the screen brightness state from
automatic to manual.
[SYS], {Brightness Man}
Rotate the knob to adjust the display
brightness.
Switch the screen brightness state back to
automatic.
[SYS], {Brightness Auto}
Cover the light sensor with your finger and
watch as the display brightness adjusts
automatically.
2. Backlit key demo
Instruction Key strokes
Switch the backlit key state to auto. [SYS], {KeyBackLight}
Cover the light sensor with your finger and
watch as the back lights come on.
Switch the backlit key state to manual,
and adjust the backlit keys’ brightness.
[SYS], {KeyBackLight}, {BackLight Man},
{Brightness}, {High} {Off} {Brightness},
{Med}
Set the automatic turn-off time interval so
the backlit keys will shut off when not in
operation.
[SYS], {KeyBackLight}, {AutoOffTimer}, {5
Sec}, {10 Sec}
Communication system maintenance and repair often requires a technician to
troubleshoot in bright daylight or in the dark. There is a light sensor on the front
panel of the N9340B that measures the ambient light and automatically adjusts
the brightness of the display and its backlit keys.
You can also manually set the brightness of the display, and the backlit keys, so
they can be seen clearly in any light. The duration of the key light can also be
set to maximize battery life.
Section 1
Auto-Brightness and Backlit Keys

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A key feature of the Keysight N9340B Handheld spectrum analyzer is the
easy-to-use file system.
In addition to the 16 MB internal memory, the Keysight N9340B also allows you
to save files to an external USB memory device, such as a USB memory stick.
The analyzer has seven file types:
– CSV (*.CSV) Records the trace data as comma separated
variables.
– Pattern (*.PTN) Records the limit-line settings.
– Screen (*.JPG) Records the current screen.
– Setup (*.SET) Records the current system setting information.
– Spectrum Mask (*.MSK) Records spectrum mask settings.
– State (*.STA) Records the current controls and settings of the
analyzer.
– Trace (*.DAT) Records the data of the current trace and controls.
In this section, the state of the instrument is saved to a filename of your choice
so that it can be recalled for use in later sections.
Section 2
Save/Recall Setups and Results
1. Save a state file to the local memory
Instruction Key strokes
Call up the file save menu. [SYS]
Select the internal memory. [File], {File Setup}, {Save Path}, {Local}
Select the file type. {File Setup}, {File Type}, {State}
Enter the file name using numeric keypad. Enter a file name.
Save to the internal memory. {Save}

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Keep the USB stick connected for the following operation.
Recalling a file from either the local memory or an external USB memory stick
is a simple task.
Here is an example:
3. Recall the state file you just saved in the USB memory stick.
Instruction Key strokes
Call up the file save menu. [SYS]
Select the load path. {File}, {View}, {USB}
Select the file type. {File Setup}, {File Type}, {State}
Rotate the knob to highlight the file.
Load the file. {Load now}
2. Save the state file to an external USB memory stick.
Instruction Key strokes
Insert a USB memory stick into the USB port
on the top panel of the analyzer.
Call up the file save menu. [SYS]
Select the save path. {File}, {File Setup} {Save Path}, {USB}
Select the file type. {File Setup}, {File Type}, {State}
Enter the file name using the numeric keypad
(using alphabet and/or number keys).
Enter a file name.
Save to the USB memory stick. {Save}
Section 2
Save/Recall Setups and Results (continued)

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Section 3
Measurement Basics: Frequency, Span, Amplitude
The key measurement setup parameters of a spectrum analyzer are:
– Frequency: Adjusts the frequency.
– Span: Adjusts the difference between the start and stop
frequencies of the displayed spectrum.
– Amplitude: Adjusts the view of the signal level.
A typical spectrum analyzer measurement procedure contains the following
three steps:
1. First, the center frequency of the analyzer is tuned to the signal of interest.
2. Next, the span is adjusted to zoom in on the signal of interest.
3. Finally, the amplitude is adjusted to give the optimum view of the signal.
In this section, you will set an external signal generator to 100 MHz at –10 dBm
and connect an RF cable from its output port to the input port of the N9340B.
Software
If you do not have a signal generator, you can connect an antenna to the input
port of the N9340B and perform this demonstration using an ambient signal
such as from a local radio station. In this case you may need to jump ahead
to Section 6 to learn how to lower the noise floor by reducing the resolution
bandwidth (RBW).
Instruction Key strokes
Connect a Type-N RF cable from an external
signal generator’s RF output port to the RF
input connector of the N9340B.
Tune the center frequency to 100 MHz. [FREQ], [100], {MHz}
Adjust the span to zoom in on the signal on
the screen.
[Span], [10], {MHz}
Set the reference level so that the signal peak
is at the top graticule line.
[AMPTD], then rotate the knob.

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Section 4
Peak Searching and Markers
The peak auto search feature of the analyzer allows you to measure multiple
peaks simultaneously. Not only does this save time, it also provides a clear
printout of frequency and amplitude data.
If you do not have a signal generator or this signal generator only generates one
peak, you can connect an antenna to the input port of the N9340B and perform
this demonstration using ambient signals, such as from several local radio
stations. In this case you may need to jump ahead to Section 6 to learn how to
lower the noise.
Instruction Key strokes
Connect the 100 MHz signal to the RF
IN connector. Set start frequency and
stop frequency.
[Preset], [FREQ] {Start Freq}, [90],
{MHz}, {Stop Freq}, [320], {MHz}
Activate auto peak search. [MARKER], {Peak Search}, {6 Peaks
Search {On}}
Figure 1. Marker peak search function

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Section 5
Measuring Signal to Noise with Delta Markers
Harmonic distortion is present in any electronic system where a signal travels
through an active device. Communication engineers are extremely concerned
with harmonic distortion. For example, cellular radio systems must be checked
for harmonics of the carrier signal that might interfere with other systems
operating at the same frequencies as the harmonics.
In this section, the 100 MHz signal’s harmonics will be located using marker
delta. The marker delta function allows you to easily compare the frequency
and amplitude differences between two signals.
Note: Besides harmonics, you can also measure the amplitude ratio of any two signals present in dBc
using delta markers. The Marker Normal function lets you enter the exact frequency you want the
marker to go. The Delta Marker function lets you enter the exact frequency difference desired and
places the second marker at that point. The amplitude difference is shown in the upper right corner
of the display.
Instruction Key strokes
Set center frequency and span. [FREQ], {Center Freq}, [290], {MHz},
{SPAN}, [420], {MHz}
Place a marker at the highest peak on the
display (100 MHz).
[MARKER], {Peak Search}, {Return}
Anchor the first marker and activate a second
marker.
[MARKER], {Delta}
Move the second marker to another signal
peak by rotating the knob or entering the
frequency offset.
Rotate the knob, or press [100], {MHz}
Figure 2. Delta markers