Setting up the DSA800 series spectrum analyzers to capture the lowest level signals

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell

The  DSA800 series spectrum analyzers consist of the DSA815, DSA832E, DSA832 and DSA875. Each can come with or without a tracking generator.

The lowest level signal you will be able to see captured on a spectrum analyzer will be limited by the DANL or displayed average noise level so the lower the DANL the  better.

To obtain the lowest DANL the DSA800 series analyzers will need to be operating within these parameters and settings:

Attenuation = 0 dB
RBW = VBW = 100Hz
Sample Detector
Trace Average greater or equal to 50
Tracking  Generator set to  off
Normalized to  1Hz
Operating between 20°C to 30°C