Modern technologies such as MIMO require the need for wide bandwidth, phase coherent, multi-channel analysis. Antenna elements in a MIMO radar system operate independently to cover a wide, often 180-degree, field of view without the need for directivity adjustments. This significantly improves scan times. The MIMO radar employs time, frequency, or coding techniques in each transmit signal to …
Researchers, engineers, and technicians working on RF applications generally have a good grasp on the use and benefits of spectrum analyzers, whether they are traditional swept spectrum analyzers (TSA) or more modern vector signal analyzers (VSA). They understand the key specifications and principles of operation of these important RF instruments. However, sometimes they are puzzled by a slightly …
What is a Spectrogram
A spectrogram is a graphic that shows the viewer how the frequency domain content (spectral content) of a signal or signals is changing or progressing over time. It consists of a collection of spectrum traces that are collected/processed over time and stacked next to each other, much like slices of bread in a loaf. While each individual spectrum trace would be on the “butter …
Dylan Stinson, Product Marketing Manager at Tektronix, recently penned an article for the Interference Technology’s 2022 EMC Testing Guide: How to Build Your Own EMI Troubleshooting and Pre-Compliance Kit. We wanted to share some of the key insights here.
Failing EMI/EMC compliance testing can certainly ruin a design engineer’s day. The costs and time delays associated with a failed test can add …
A new generation of wide-bandgap (WBG) materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are becoming more prevalent. Electrically, these substances are closer to insulators than silicon and other typical semiconductor materials. Their adoption is an effort to overcome limitations of silicon that stem from it being a narrow bandgap material, which leads to undesirable conductive …
Historically, engineers working with high-frequency signals have relied on spectrum analyzers to identify, characterize, and test the performance of their designs, devices, and systems. But these devices fall short when analyzing signals with an unpredictable time-related behavioral component.
Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSAs), however, capture and store signals as a seamless …
Analyzing Signals Across Multiple Domains
There is increasing interference in the RF domain as we work to make IoT devices more powerful, consume less energy and have longer battery lives but still broadcast high-quality RF communication. From smart watches to heart rate sensors, the devices being designed today are getting smaller and smaller, which makes signal integrity more important than ever …
Efficient system analysis and debug relies on insights but correlating signals across multiple domains has traditionally been a painful, technically challenging process. It can be difficult to figure out why a system isn’t working as expected without precise, synchronized insight into both time and frequency domains.
Spectrum View was created to solve that challenge. The 4, 5 and 6 Series MSO …
If you are involved in military, aerospace or defense and have been around radar and communication systems, with high-power RF transmitters and high-gain antennas, you are probably aware of the many risks associated with Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Hazards. RF emissions from these systems have the potential to cause catastrophic damage to operations and maintenance personnel, ordnance and …
The wireless spectrum is a finite commodity that is tightly regulated, managed and shared by all nations, manufacturers and citizens, who risk being fined if they are caught operating outside of what's regulated or licensed. The presence of interference or other signals of interest creeping into one's band of wireless spectrum is a daily occurrence to some and is of great concern to many who may …