PXA Signal Analyzer Operations

Learn how to operate the N9030A PXA Signal Analyzer

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of how spectrum analyzers work, how to use them to their fullest potential, and how to make them more effective for particular applications.

The course includes labs which demonstration practical signal analysis measurements using the Keysight Technologies, Inc. PXA analyzer. 

Audience

Engineers and technicians who are using the PXA Signal analyzer

Course Length

2 days

Prerequisities

Basic RF measurement concepts and terminology

Delevery Method

Scheduled at Keysight locations, or Dedicated at a customer site. To save you time and travel, many Keysight courses can be delivered at your site. Keysight can provide required equipment, or you can save money by furnishing your own. 

Course Format

Lecture and Lab

What You Will Learn

After completing this course, you will be able to:

- Operate Keysight N9030A PXA

Signal Analyzer

- Explain the fundamental block diagram and technical specifications of a Signal Analyzer 

- Make use of the PXA’s powerful measurement capabilities to perform basic spectrum analysis and advanced signal analysis measurements 

Agenda

- Spectrum analysis fundamentals

- Signal Analysis Block Diagram Architecture and Evolution

- PXA Block diagram

- Spectrum Analyzer Mode Measurements

- Analog and Digital Demodulation

- Phase noise mode

- Simplifying complex measurements

Detailed Course Agenda

Spectrum analysis fundamentals

Spectrum analyzer evolution

Block diagram

PXA advantages

- Lower noise

- Displayed average noise level

- Low noise path

- Noise loor extension

- Phase noise

- Switched preamps

- Lower distortion

- Improved front end performance

- Understanding the TOI surface plot

- Extensive measurement results

- Marker functionality

- On screen indicators and annotations

- Faster measurements

- Real time corrections vs. software corrections

PXA Operation – standard capabilities

- Basic spectrum analyzer front panel tour

- Spectrum analyzer mode basics

- Tuning: Tune/Zoom/Boom!, Auto-tune

- Markers, marker functions

- Detector types for different types of traces

- Limit lines, amplitude

Corrections

- Noise measurements

- Signal to noise

- Close-in phase noise

Pulse measurements

Spectrum analyzer mode