28 Chapter 2
Measurement Concepts
Why Use the Spectrum Analyzer With a Tracking Source?
Measurement Concepts
Why Use the Spectrum Analyzer With a
Tracking Source?
A spectrum analyzer with a tracking source can make swept
scalar-magnitude measurements similar to a single channel network
analyzer. The amplitude accuracy of a spectrum analyzer/tracking
source combination is not as good as a modern network analyzer, but it
has a good dynamic range and excellent frequency selectivity. A
spectrum analyzer/tracking source system can be used to make many
measurements that would otherwise require a scalar network analyzer.
The output of a tracking source is synchronized to the input frequency
of the host spectrum analyzer. The two frequencies are made identical
to enable stimulus/response testing similar to a scalar network
analyzer. The frequency selectivity of the spectrum analyzer can
measure a non-linear device’s output at the fundamental frequency,
because the spectrum analyzer will not respond to harmonic or other
spurious energy created by the device under test.
A spectrum analyzer/tracking source measurement system can be used
to do some device characterization. It cannot make ratio measurements
or phase measurements, but can make stimulus/response
measurements such as:
Reflection measurements
• Reflection coefficient
• Return loss
•SWR
Transmission measurements
•Flatness
• Insertion loss / gain
Some of the devices that can be characterized with a spectrum
analyzer/tracking source system include:
• Filters
• Amplifiers
•Mixers
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