Using a spectrum analyzer tracking generator In this way the response of the network under test will be seen on the spectrum analyzer screen. If the direct connection between the generator output and the analyzer is replaced by a network, then the scalar response of the network will alter the level of the tracking generator signal seen by the spectrum analyzer. Spectrum Analyser and Tracking Generator DiagramĪs a result, if the output of the spectrum analyzer tracking generator was connected directly to the input of the spectrum analyzer, a single flat line would be seen with the level reflecting the output level of the tracking generator. The by linking the sweep of the tracking generator to the spectrum analyzer, the output of the tracking generator is on the same frequency as the spectrum analyzer, and the two units track the same frequency. What is a spectrum analyzer tracking generator?Ī spectrum analyzer tracking generator operates by providing a sinusoidal output to the input of the spectrum analyzer. This means that it is possible to use these test instruments to make many network measurements at no additional cost. In addition to this, tracking generators are incorporated into many spectrum analyzers as standard. Using a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator enables many scalar measurements to be made.Īs many laboratories will already use a spectrum analyzer, the tracking generator approach is particularly attractive. As such they are expensive and may not always available. Normally an RF network analyzer might be used to make network measurements, but these are normally vector instruments measuring both amplitude and phase. In this way it is possible to make a variety of network measurements including frequency response, conversion loss, return loss, and other measurements such as gain versus frequency, etc. To provide this capability it is necessary to introduce a signal source to stimulate the device under test – the spectrum analyzer can then be used to measure the response of the network under test. However it is possible to add an extra capability to a spectrum analyzer to enable it to make circuit response measurements, i.e.
It is only receiving a signal and analysing it. When using a spectrum analyzer to analyzer the spectrum of a signal from a circuit under test in its traditional way, it can be considered as a passive instrument.
Spectrum analyzer tracking generator basics In this way a spectrum analyzer tracking generator is able to extend the capability of basic spectrum analyzers, making them more flexible and versatile.
The tracking generator is an additional option that is available with some spectrum analyzers that enables them to be used as a scalar network analyzer for applications like measuring the response of filters and other networks. What is a spectrum analyzer Spectrum analyzer types and technologies Superheterodyne / sweep spectrum analyzer FFT spectrum analyzer Realtime spectrum analyzer USB spectrum analyzer Spectrum analyzer tracking generator Specifications Spectrum analyzer operation Noise figure measurements Phase noise measurements Pulsed signal spectrum analysis Spectrum Analyzer Tracking Generator Tracking generators form an additional option available with many spectrum analyzers that enable them to be used as scalar RF network analyzers.