Low cost spectrum analyzer <100MHz?

[Joerg]

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[John E.]

Joerg sez:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

I know very little about such test equipment, but I was at one time
subscribed to a Google group focusing on such. They were constantly finding
used Tektronix scope plug-ins on e-Bay for cheap. There is a constant --
though thin -- supply of several different models (both portable and non-) of
spectrum analyzers needing either little or no repair. The group collectively
is quite a good resource of parts and repair knowledge when it comes to this.

TekScopes-owner@yahoogroups.com

or go to Yahoo groups and join the regular way...

Good luck,
--
John English

 

[Josef Hartmut]

RST Engineering (jw) wrote:

"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...
Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low
level noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are
the "big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would
clearly be overkill for this client. They never have to measure
any GHz stuff. Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it
longer.

Some time ago (say, 10 years or so) there was a series written on a
"homebrew" spectrum analyzer that used a TV tuner as an LO. I know
the series of articles was googleable, at least a couple of years
ago. You could have pretty much any bandwidth you wanted as a
function of what ceramic or crystal filter you chose.

Jim

It's this one, isn't it?
http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/sa50.html


--
Joe

 

[Josef Hartmut]

Josef Hartmut wrote:

RST Engineering (jw) wrote:

"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...
Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low
level noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are
the "big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would
clearly be overkill for this client. They never have to measure
any GHz stuff. Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it
longer.

Some time ago (say, 10 years or so) there was a series written on a
"homebrew" spectrum analyzer that used a TV tuner as an LO. I know
the series of articles was googleable, at least a couple of years
ago. You could have pretty much any bandwidth you wanted as a
function of what ceramic or crystal filter you chose.

Jim


It's this one, isn't it?
http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/sa50.html

Here's the original page:
http://www.science-workshop.com/

--
Joe

 

[doug]

Josef Hartmut wrote:

RST Engineering (jw) wrote:


"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low
level noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are
the "big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would
clearly be overkill for this client. They never have to measure
any GHz stuff. Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it
longer.


Some time ago (say, 10 years or so) there was a series written on a
"homebrew" spectrum analyzer that used a TV tuner as an LO. I know
the series of articles was googleable, at least a couple of years
ago. You could have pretty much any bandwidth you wanted as a
function of what ceramic or crystal filter you chose.

Jim



It's this one, isn't it?
http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/sa50.html


Having built this circuit many years ago, I can tell you to avoid

it completely. The dynamic range is very low (maybe 40db) and the
results are unpredictable with frequency. You are much better off
getting a used hp on ebay.

 

[Joerg]

doug wrote:

Josef Hartmut wrote:

RST Engineering (jw) wrote:


"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low
level noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are
the "big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would
clearly be overkill for this client. They never have to measure
any GHz stuff. Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it
longer.



Some time ago (say, 10 years or so) there was a series written on a
"homebrew" spectrum analyzer that used a TV tuner as an LO. I know
the series of articles was googleable, at least a couple of years
ago. You could have pretty much any bandwidth you wanted as a
function of what ceramic or crystal filter you chose.

Jim




It's this one, isn't it?
http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/sa50.html


Having built this circuit many years ago, I can tell you to avoid
it completely. The dynamic range is very low (maybe 40db) and the
results are unpredictable with frequency. You are much better off
getting a used hp on ebay.

Agree. TV tuners are among the worst performers in terms of dynamic
range. Lately it has gotten worse. Sometimes I have the feeling the
young lads at those design houses don't really know what a dynamic range
is. After re-roofing our house I had to move the antenna onto a side
mast. I figured, well, I might give it the perfect spit shine, a nice
amp, distribution and so on. The old set we used to have in the garage
really liked that. Tons of new stations. Not so the newer set in the
living room. It completely fell off the rocker even after putting a
notch on the two strongest channels. I had to attenuate almost 10dB to
make that set happy and lost one station in the wake. Pathetic.

Anyhow, back to the analyzer issue: It's for a client and they don't
really want to make a science project out of it. What's a nice low cost
"staple" among low end analyzers? I only know the top notch equipment
but, for example, we do not need any precise frequency indication. It
could be one of the old non-PLL analyzers. No tracking gen, just a good
dynamic range. I am just not familiar which ones represent a good deal.
Any hints?

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[vasile]

On Mar 3, 2:19 am, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net&gt;
wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements?

Depends. A lazy one, with a fake noise level measuremet (only for some
frequency ranges and modulations) is here: http://www.aaronia.de


Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.

Breaking the 1Ghz range in multiple 100MHz ranges, with an overlap
between adjacent ranges (see how works Tektronix analyzers)

Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).

Designing a narrower filter is difficult, and could be useless.

USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.

USB does not mean it will be for sure in "real time"... think at ISM
band (2.5Ghz) and how fast are
WIFI signals

RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.

This will require a stable reference, preferable digitally
synthesable.

Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.

The maximum available dynamic range is finally a matter of bits
numbers of the A2D converter:
SNR = 6.02 x n bit + 1.76dB

It means you need a fast ADC with more than 12 bits.

Of course the analyzer arhitecture it may be zero IF or with one (or
more) IF stage...

Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Without a complete calibration (amplitude and frequency) a spectrum
analyser is useless.
If the frequency calibration could be easy done based on the odd/even
harmonics of a stable 10Mhz crystal
(you'll see up to 100MHz all harmonics), the amplitude calibration is
not easy. An 1Ghz Tektronix scope, DPO4000, has about 2% amplitude
nonlinearity, and it's factory calibrated.

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[Joerg]

vasile wrote:

On Mar 3, 2:19 am, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net
wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements?


Depends. A lazy one, with a fake noise level measuremet (only for some
frequency ranges and modulations) is here: http://www.aaronia.de


Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.


Breaking the 1Ghz range in multiple 100MHz ranges, with an overlap
between adjacent ranges (see how works Tektronix analyzers)


Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).


Designing a narrower filter is difficult, and could be useless.

I wouldn't shy away from whipping up a filter myself. Done it many
times, including really steep crystal filters. One issue with the
simpler analyzer models is that they don't have a nice low noise PLL but
a YIG oscillator. I found those to be a bit noisy. But OTOH it'll be
enough for us.

USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.


USB does not mean it will be for sure in "real time"... think at ISM
band (2.5Ghz) and how fast are
WIFI signals

If it needs a few seconds to transmit it's data that'll be fine. I grew
up with Polaroid cameras hooked to side hinges on the screen. Worked.
Except when you got the goo from the back foil onto your clothing.

RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.


This will require a stable reference, preferable digitally
synthesable.

I've done it with really old ones. The trick is to turn it on, make
coffee, do some other design work for an hour or so and then it's warmed
up. You just have to make sure that nobody touches the thermostat on the
wall or opens a window. Would be no problem here. Believe it or not but
this office is usually heated by a wood stove. You can keep the room
temp at 69.0F and it stays there. To the point where I sometimes thought
the digital thermometer had frozen up on me.

Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.


The maximum available dynamic range is finally a matter of bits
numbers of the A2D converter:
SNR = 6.02 x n bit + 1.76dB

It means you need a fast ADC with more than 12 bits.

No ADCs in the old ones

The impedance analyzer here in the lab uses a slope converter that (in
theory) has almost infinite resolution. I get north of 90dB out of that.

Of course the analyzer arhitecture it may be zero IF or with one (or
more) IF stage...

True, but my experience with I/Q demod scheme is, well, mixed.

Does not have to be "calibrate-able".


Without a complete calibration (amplitude and frequency) a spectrum
analyser is useless.
If the frequency calibration could be easy done based on the odd/even
harmonics of a stable 10Mhz crystal
(you'll see up to 100MHz all harmonics), the amplitude calibration is
not easy. An 1Ghz Tektronix scope, DPO4000, has about 2% amplitude
nonlinearity, and it's factory calibrated.

This is how I've done it: Take (or borrow) a generator with known output
amplitude over the whole range. Or make one from a few PECL gates. Then
plot the amplitudes on the analyzer. Now turn on your 10MHz harmonics
thingie and compare. From then on you know the amplitude of the
harmonics. In the 80's I did that stuff on a notepad sheet because all
they had was a daisy-wheel printer and the accounting folks had that
occupied all the time.

On really old analyzers I sometimes let the harmonics generator run into
the input line via a 20dB splitter, to see where I am on the frequency
scale. I mean, in the olden days they navigated big airliners in a
similar fashion by following headings to regular AM band stations. It
always got them home.

Anyhow, looks like we might just buy a real oldie like the HP141. I've
used that a lot when I was young and it has never failed me. It is just
very big and heavy. And no automatic stuff whatsoever. That was why the
others back then hated this thing so I could have it as long as I wanted
to ;-)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[john jardine]

"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

If you were in the UK I'd strongly suggest a Marconi TF2370.
20Hz-120MHz, 100dB on screen, 50kHz to 5Hz filters. +30 to -150dBm range.
Cost maybe $200.(weight 40kg!)
john



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

 

[Joerg]

john jardine wrote:

"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com


If you were in the UK I'd strongly suggest a Marconi TF2370.
20Hz-120MHz, 100dB on screen, 50kHz to 5Hz filters. +30 to -150dBm range.
Cost maybe $200.(weight 40kg!)

I've only seen one of those for sale. Unfortunately it is in Australia
(I'm in the US) and it is in pretty deplorable shape. H-deflection looks
dead, digits missing etc. We'll probably go for the HP141T mainframe
with the respective modules in there. That'll feel like stepping into my
old Citroen again.

While at it I was looking for Tek 7L13 modules for the 7704 mainframe
here in the lab. Surprisingly those are still rather expensive, almost
$1000. Same for the older 7L12. Something like that would be just fine
for the task at hand. But you can get a complete HP141T set-up for less
money and it comes with the display mainframe.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[maxfoo]

On Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:19:34 GMT, Joerg &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt;
wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

With those specs (80dB DR) you won't find nothing under $3000.00 even on ebay
That said, this looks nice 50K-3.3GHz for abound 3 grand brand spanking new...
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_pdf.asp?m=2650

 

[Joerg]

maxfoo wrote:

On Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:19:34 GMT, Joerg &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net
wrote:


Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.


With those specs (80dB DR) you won't find nothing under $3000.00 even on ebay

It's been too long ago but I remember guys in the 80's saying that I'd
be lucky to squeeze more than 60dB or so out of the old HP141. Then I
did. They still didn't want to use it because everything had to be
hand-dialed and hand-tuned and it was drifting a bit. AFAIR you just had
to be quite careful not to fry its input.

That said, this looks nice 50K-3.3GHz for abound 3 grand brand spanking new...
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_pdf.asp?m=2650

That is indeed nice. Thanks, might be an option for us.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

The 141T system still has much to offer.

TMT

On Mar 3, 6:45 pm, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net&gt;
wrote:

maxfoo wrote:
On Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:19:34 GMT, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net
wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

With those specs (80dB DR) you won't find nothing under $3000.00 even on ebay

It's been too long ago but I remember guys in the 80's saying that I'd
be lucky to squeeze more than 60dB or so out of the old HP141. Then I
did. They still didn't want to use it because everything had to be
hand-dialed and hand-tuned and it was drifting a bit. AFAIR you just had
to be quite careful not to fry its input.

That said, this looks nice 50K-3.3GHz for abound 3 grand brand spanking new...
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_pdf.asp?m=2650

That is indeed nice. Thanks, might be an option for us.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

 

[Robert]

"Joerg" &lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote in message
news:qa3Gh.6221$BE2.772@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...
Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

Build your own? This uses a PC for some of the work.

http://www.cpu-net.com/host/wsprowls/

He mentions Wes Hayward who has directions for a project of one without a
PC.

http://users.easystreet.com/w7zoi/SA.html

Another guy puts out kits based on his designs here:
http://www.kangaus.com/w7zoi_designs.htm

Looks like the Spectrum Analyzer is about $205
http://www.kangaus.com/spectrum_analyzer___tracking_generator.htm

and the Tracking Generator to go with it ~$49

Robert

 

[vasile]

On Mar 4, 12:56 am, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net&gt;
wrote:

vasile wrote:
On Mar 3, 2:19 am, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net
wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements?

Depends. A lazy one, with a fake noise level measuremet (only for some
frequency ranges and modulations) is here:http://www.aaronia.de

Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.

Breaking the 1Ghz range in multiple 100MHz ranges, with an overlap
between adjacent ranges (see how works Tektronix analyzers)

Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).

Designing a narrower filter is difficult, and could be useless.

I wouldn't shy away from whipping up a filter myself. Done it many
times, including really steep crystal filters. One issue with the
simpler analyzer models is that they don't have a nice low noise PLL but
a YIG oscillator. I found those to be a bit noisy. But OTOH it'll be
enough for us.

Joerg, I have bought an old YiG Tektronix T494. Is useless for most of
the digital signals
requesting to be measured nowadays. Forgot about that and focus on:
http://www.tek.com/site/ps/0,,37-19513-INTRO_EN,00.html

This sort of old spectrum analyzer, like T141 is good only to see the
TV stations and repetitive signals.
You can't analyse anything is digitally transmitted and is switching
fast (like WIFI, WIMAX, WCDMA, GSM, etc)

USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.

USB does not mean it will be for sure in "real time"... think at ISM
band (2.5Ghz) and how fast are
WIFI signals

If it needs a few seconds to transmit it's data that'll be fine. I grew
up with Polaroid cameras hooked to side hinges on the screen. Worked.
Except when you got the goo from the back foil onto your clothing.



RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.

This will require a stable reference, preferable digitally
synthesable.

I've done it with really old ones. The trick is to turn it on, make
coffee, do some other design work for an hour or so and then it's warmed
up. You just have to make sure that nobody touches the thermostat on the
wall or opens a window. Would be no problem here. Believe it or not but
this office is usually heated by a wood stove. You can keep the room
temp at 69.0F and it stays there. To the point where I sometimes thought
the digital thermometer had frozen up on me.

I have no problems with DDS. One of my beginning designs with DDS is
here:
http://www.surducan.netfirms.com/top-ds1.jpg
Now I'm designing 2.5Ghz and 5GHz OFDM sytems (WIMAX)

Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.

The maximum available dynamic range is finally a matter of bits
numbers of the A2D converter:
SNR = 6.02 x n bit + 1.76dB

It means you need a fast ADC with more than 12 bits.

No ADCs in the old ones

The impedance analyzer here in the lab uses a slope converter that (in
theory) has almost infinite resolution. I get north of 90dB out of that.

And infinite laziness as well. I think you are familiar with all
single-dual-multiple slope converters, right ?
Then you know how much it takes for one measurement and why.

Of course the analyzer arhitecture it may be zero IF or with one (or
more) IF stage...

True, but my experience with I/Q demod scheme is, well, mixed.



Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Without a complete calibration (amplitude and frequency) a spectrum
analyser is useless.
If the frequency calibration could be easy done based on the odd/even
harmonics of a stable 10Mhz crystal
(you'll see up to 100MHz all harmonics), the amplitude calibration is
not easy. An 1Ghz Tektronix scope, DPO4000, has about 2% amplitude
nonlinearity, and it's factory calibrated.

This is how I've done it: Take (or borrow) a generator with known output
amplitude over the whole range.

Ha-Ha !
We've just returned to Agilent a new bought $350.000 network analyser
just because
it comes from factory with a problem above the 22Ghz range...
As long you can't prove the generator is working well, you have no
reason to
believe is working well... a calibrated certificate means NOTHING.

Or make one from a few PECL gates. Then

plot the amplitudes on the analyzer. Now turn on your 10MHz harmonics
thingie and compare. From then on you know the amplitude of the
harmonics. In the 80's I did that stuff on a notepad sheet because all
they had was a daisy-wheel printer and the accounting folks had that
occupied all the time.

On really old analyzers I sometimes let the harmonics generator run into
the input line via a 20dB splitter, to see where I am on the frequency
scale. I mean, in the olden days they navigated big airliners in a
similar fashion by following headings to regular AM band stations. It
always got them home.

Anyhow, looks like we might just buy a real oldie like the HP141. I've
used that a lot when I was young and it has never failed me. It is just
very big and heavy. And no automatic stuff whatsoever. That was why the
others back then hated this thing so I could have it as long as I wanted
to ;-)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

 

[martin griffith]

On Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:19:34 GMT, in sci.electronics.design Joerg
&lt;notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.

Anything of interest here?

http://test1.contenttest.net/Spektrumanalysator_en.shtml


martin

 

[Joerg]

Too_Many_Tools wrote:

The 141T system still has much to offer.

It sure does. However, most of the units available today are equipped
with the 8554B plug-in that goes up to 1.3GHz. I am used to the 8553B
(to 110MHz max). Do you remember how well the 8554B does when most of
the stuff you have to measure is between 10MHz and 100MHz? I know it
covers that range but it'll be at the bottom 10% of the dial range.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[Joerg]

vasile wrote:

On Mar 4, 12:56 am, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net
wrote:

vasile wrote:

On Mar 3, 2:19 am, Joerg &lt;notthisjoerg...@removethispacbell.net
wrote:

Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements?

Depends. A lazy one, with a fake noise level measuremet (only for some
frequency ranges and modulations) is here:http://www.aaronia.de

Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.

Breaking the 1Ghz range in multiple 100MHz ranges, with an overlap
between adjacent ranges (see how works Tektronix analyzers)

Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).

Designing a narrower filter is difficult, and could be useless.

I wouldn't shy away from whipping up a filter myself. Done it many
times, including really steep crystal filters. One issue with the
simpler analyzer models is that they don't have a nice low noise PLL but
a YIG oscillator. I found those to be a bit noisy. But OTOH it'll be
enough for us.


Joerg, I have bought an old YiG Tektronix T494. Is useless for most of
the digital signals
requesting to be measured nowadays. Forgot about that and focus on:
http://www.tek.com/site/ps/0,,37-19513-INTRO_EN,00.html

This sort of old spectrum analyzer, like T141 is good only to see the
TV stations and repetitive signals.
You can't analyse anything is digitally transmitted and is switching
fast (like WIFI, WIMAX, WCDMA, GSM, etc)

We are only after low level noise measurements. It's all going to be
plain vanilla AM and phase noise but for the latter we already have
external discriminators. Can't tell you details here but they operate in
the Tera-Hertz region.

Thing is, my client needs to make measurements for maybe a couple hours
per week, then optimize a production process which requires days of
re-tooling, measure again, re-tool again and so on. I doesn't make sense
to spend $30k for an analyzer or shell out $500/week in rent if the job
can be done with a vintage analyzer. In the same way that I wouldn't use
a Ferrari to pick up lumber at the hardware store.

USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.

USB does not mean it will be for sure in "real time"... think at ISM
band (2.5Ghz) and how fast are
WIFI signals

If it needs a few seconds to transmit it's data that'll be fine. I grew
up with Polaroid cameras hooked to side hinges on the screen. Worked.
Except when you got the goo from the back foil onto your clothing.




RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.

This will require a stable reference, preferable digitally
synthesable.

I've done it with really old ones. The trick is to turn it on, make
coffee, do some other design work for an hour or so and then it's warmed
up. You just have to make sure that nobody touches the thermostat on the
wall or opens a window. Would be no problem here. Believe it or not but
this office is usually heated by a wood stove. You can keep the room
temp at 69.0F and it stays there. To the point where I sometimes thought
the digital thermometer had frozen up on me.


I have no problems with DDS. One of my beginning designs with DDS is
here:
http://www.surducan.netfirms.com/top-ds1.jpg
Now I'm designing 2.5Ghz and 5GHz OFDM sytems (WIMAX)

I've built a few, too, but not at frequencies that high ;-)

Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.

The maximum available dynamic range is finally a matter of bits
numbers of the A2D converter:
SNR = 6.02 x n bit + 1.76dB

It means you need a fast ADC with more than 12 bits.

No ADCs in the old ones

The impedance analyzer here in the lab uses a slope converter that (in
theory) has almost infinite resolution. I get north of 90dB out of that.



And infinite laziness as well. I think you are familiar with all
single-dual-multiple slope converters, right ?
Then you know how much it takes for one measurement and why.

Time is usually not such a big factor. My impedance analyzer can take 15
minutes on some scans. But it's programmable and does it while I can
continue on a schematic, or take the dogs for a walk (they love that).

Of course the analyzer arhitecture it may be zero IF or with one (or
more) IF stage...

True, but my experience with I/Q demod scheme is, well, mixed.




Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Without a complete calibration (amplitude and frequency) a spectrum
analyser is useless.
If the frequency calibration could be easy done based on the odd/even
harmonics of a stable 10Mhz crystal
(you'll see up to 100MHz all harmonics), the amplitude calibration is
not easy. An 1Ghz Tektronix scope, DPO4000, has about 2% amplitude
nonlinearity, and it's factory calibrated.

This is how I've done it: Take (or borrow) a generator with known output
amplitude over the whole range.


Ha-Ha !
We've just returned to Agilent a new bought $350.000 network analyser
just because
it comes from factory with a problem above the 22Ghz range...
As long you can't prove the generator is working well, you have no
reason to
believe is working well... a calibrated certificate means NOTHING.

$350k? Wow. Well, this ain't a big or gvt funded company but a start-up.
They don't have that kind of budget :-(

And I am absolutely certain we can do it with a 141T.

Or make one from a few PECL gates. Then

plot the amplitudes on the analyzer. Now turn on your 10MHz harmonics
thingie and compare. From then on you know the amplitude of the
harmonics. In the 80's I did that stuff on a notepad sheet because all
they had was a daisy-wheel printer and the accounting folks had that
occupied all the time.

On really old analyzers I sometimes let the harmonics generator run into
the input line via a 20dB splitter, to see where I am on the frequency
scale. I mean, in the olden days they navigated big airliners in a
similar fashion by following headings to regular AM band stations. It
always got them home.

Anyhow, looks like we might just buy a real oldie like the HP141. I've
used that a lot when I was young and it has never failed me. It is just
very big and heavy. And no automatic stuff whatsoever. That was why the
others back then hated this thing so I could have it as long as I wanted
to ;-)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[Joerg]

martin griffith wrote:

On Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:19:34 GMT, in sci.electronics.design Joerg
notthisjoergsch@removethispacbell.net&gt; wrote:


Question: Is there a low cost spectrum analyzer that allows low level
noise measurements? Roughly like this:

1-100MHz or more.
Narrower filter than the usual 9kHz (but not steep).
USB, can be "faceless" and laptop driven.
RS232 ok but not so cool.
Must be able to zoom in well.
Reasonable dynamic range, 80dB+.
Does not have to be "calibrate-able".

Or is there a good deal on used ones?

Reason I ask is that the only analyzers I am used to and know are the
"big irons" for hard EMI cases, upwards of $20k. That would clearly be
overkill for this client. They never have to measure any GHz stuff.
Renting gets expensive over time, they will need it longer.


Anything of interest here?

http://test1.contenttest.net/Spektrumanalysator_en.shtml

Maybe but I don't know how well they'd do noise floor measurements. I
know the old machines from HP and some from Tek would. The only one from
Aaronia that would be able to measure the required range is the big one
(1MHz-7GHz). And they still don't seem to have a dealer in the US as far
as I could see. On the online form it says overseas order can take 6-8
weeks. Too long, and if it doesn't do noise floors for us the return
could be a hassle.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

 

[doug]

Joerg wrote:

Too_Many_Tools wrote:

The 141T system still has much to offer.


It sure does. However, most of the units available today are equipped
with the 8554B plug-in that goes up to 1.3GHz. I am used to the 8553B
(to 110MHz max). Do you remember how well the 8554B does when most of
the stuff you have to measure is between 10MHz and 100MHz? I know it
covers that range but it'll be at the bottom 10% of the dial range.

Both the 8553 and 8554 work pretty well. For the lower frequency stuff,

the dials are more convenient on the 8553 since it has a 11MHz and a
110MHz range. There should be lots of 8553 plugins available. I gave
away four or five of them a couple of months ago. The limiting factor
is the 8552 IF unit. The B is far superior to the A. For the 8556
low frequency analyzer, the 8552a is useless as the drift is too high.
The signals are converted to a higher IF and then downconverted and
detected. The if filters are in the IF unit and the B has narrower
filters and a more stable oscillator. The 141 mainframes have various
sets of problems but are probably tolerable. The storage does not
work very well. I believe that some of the units were equipted to
work with a 8750 storage normalizer, a digital storage and display
adapter.

You might also look at the 8569 analyzer. It goes to 20GHZ but the
basic analyzer is a 1.7GHz unit. They work pretty well and the display
is digital. They are weak below 10MHz though.

The 8562 is quite nice and goes from about 50khz to 22GHz (all numbers
from memory and not guaranteed). These go for a few thousand on ebay.
The trouble is that fixing them is a difficult job. The if filters are
varacter tuned for the different widths. Mine has an issue with the
100khz filter.