Knowledge Base Spectrum Analysers

Detector use cases

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
This document highlights some of the common uses for Spectrum Analyser Detector Types....

How to take differential measurements on a RSA5000

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
When using a differential probe with a real time spectrum analyser you will be using the instrument in General Purpose mode and then you will need to create a reference signal that can be referenced when using the differential probe to compare the two signals, then once the reference has been created next you will then use the build in trace math feature to compare the reference signal that was cr...

S1210 Changing the Workspace path

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
When the S1210 application is started up a default Workspace path and demo file is created. In the example below the demo Workspace file has been created in C:/Users/ruby/AppData/Local:...

Measuring Cable Loss with a Spectrum Analyser

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
A spectrum analyser with a tracking generator can be a useful piece of test gear. This application note covers making a simple loss measurement on a coaxial cable with BNC connectors.  Required: –    Two N-type to BNC Adapters. Select adapters that convert N-type (in/out connectors on most spectrum analyzers) to t...

UltraSpectrum License Activation instructions

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
Ultra Spectrum is a software package that enables remote control and data collection from Rigol DSA spectrum analyzers.It is available for trial.After the trial period has expired, you can purchase an activation license by contacting your local Rigol sales office.Here are instructio...

Working with correction factors

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
Some applications require adjusting the displayed amplitude to accurately account for losses in cables, gain in amplifiers/antennas, and other circuit elements. This note presents the steps to create, save, and recall correction factors on a DSA800 Series manually and programmatically.  Create a Correction Factor (manu...

How to measure a filter using a RIGOL Spectrum Analyser

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
This document provides step-by-step instructions on using the Rigol DSA-800 series of Spectrum Analysers to measure the characteristics of an RF Bandpass filter. NOTE: The DSA must have a Tracking Generator to effectively perform the following test. Normalize the trace (Optional) Many elements in an RF signal path can have nonlinear characteristics. In many cases, these nonlinear effects on...

How to measure an RF Amplifier using a RIGOL Spectrum Analyser

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
This document provides step-by-step instructions on using the Rigol DSA-800 series of Spectrum Analysers to measure the characteristics of an RF Amplifier. In addition to the DSA-800 Spectrum Analyser, you will need an RF Source, cabling, and adapters. Measure the amplifier...

DSA-815 License Activation

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
The Rigol DSA-815 Spectrum Analyser has a number of optional features that can be activated by obtaining an activation license.Currently, the advanced measurement kit (DSA8-AMK), VSWR (DSA8-VSWR), and EMI Toolkit (DSA8-EMI) are available.First, obtain the license key from your local Rigol representative....

Can I use the tracking generator on a DSA as a fixed RF source?

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
Many spectrum analysers, like the Rigol DSA800 series, have tracking generator options available. The tracking generator is an RF source that follows the frequency sweep settings of the spectrum analyser.  For example, if you configure a spectrum analyser to sweep from 100 to 200MHz, and enable the tracking generator, the output of the generator would output...

DSA Ethernet connectivity troubleshooting

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
Communicating over LAN to the DSA series is straightforward. Here are some things to try if you are having difficulty:1.    Make sure Ethernet cable is connected properly and that the switch/hubs in the network configuration are operating properly.o    The green LED on the bac...

How to enable the log frequency scale of the DSA815

Posted on: December 16th, 2020 by Doug Lovell
16/12/2020
Starting at firmware revision 00.01.12, the DSA815 spectrum analyser can display the frequency scale in Log mode. Press SPAN and set X Scale to Log ...