Microwave measurements can be made easier with the help of the right software. This was the thinking behind the introduction of two software tools by Anritsu Co. (www.us.anritsu.com) designed to assist with phase-noise and power measurements when using the firm's MS271xB family of economy spectrum analyzers and its ML2490A series of power meters, respectively. The programs run on a personal computer (PC) and control each instrument's operation by Ethernet or GPIB connection.
The MS271xB series includes model MS2717B for 9 kHz to 7.1 GHz, model MS2718B for 9 kHz to 13 GHz, and the model MS2719B for testing from 9 kHz to 20 GHz. The spectrum analyzers provide 1-Hz measurement resolution via resolution bandwidths of 1 Hz to 3 MHz. The MS271xB spectrum analyzers include a quasipeak detector and CISPR bandwidths for electromagneticcompatibility (EMC) testing. The latest MS271xB spectrum analyzers have been enhanced with a GPIB interface for integration in automatic-test-equipment (ATE) environments, and a front-panel Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.
The phase-noise measurement software (Part No. 2300-517) controls any of the MS271xB series spectrum analyzers (see figure) and combines multiple swept measurements into summary displays of single-sideband (SSB) phase noise on as a function of frequency offset. The software can place multiple plots of phase noise on the same scale, and allows jitter (time-domain) measurements to be shown in seconds, degrees, or Hertz. The MS271xB series spectrum analyzers are also shipped with a copy of Anritsu's Master Software Tools for Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, simple-to-use utilities for printing and archiving instrument displays and setups and other automatic functions.
For power measurements, the PowerMax GUI software works with the company's ML2490A series of power meters. It helps provide improved displays of measured results, configuring single-sensor-input model MS2495A power meters and dual-sensor-input model ML2496A power meters so that results and traces are shown in a large format on a computer monitor.
The PowerMax software allows measurement results for as many as eight gates to be simultaneously displayed, with as many as four marker readings shown at the same time. The software creates simple configuration tabs so that power meters can be controlled directly from a PC or laptop computer. Measurement results can be saved directly on the computer's hard drive or removable storage, allowing raw data to be recalled and used as a reference. Anritsu Company, 490 Jarvis Dr., Morgan Hill, CA 95037-2809; (408) 778-2000, Fax: (408) 776-1744, Internet: www.us.anritsu.com.