Agilent Technologies N9340A User Manual

Agilent N9340A
Handheld
Spectrum Analyzer

User’s Guide



Notices

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2007
No part of this manual may be reproduced

in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language)
without prior agreement and written
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and
international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

N9340-90001

Edition

Second edition, April 2007

Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Qianfeng Hi-Tech Industry Park
Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development
Zone (West District) Chengdu 611731,
P.R .Ch ina

Software Revision

This guide is valid for A.01.00 revisions of
the Agilent N9340A Handheld Spectrum
Analyzer software.

CAUTION

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce­dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not pro­ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

WARNI NG

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating pro­cedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.

Warranty

The material contained in this document
is provided “as is,” and is subject to
being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, Agilent
disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual
and any information contained herein,
including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not
be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or performance
of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the
user have a separate written agreement
with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in
the separate agreement shall control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such
license.

Restricted Rights Legend

If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer
software” as defined in DFAR

252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a
“commercial item” as defined in FAR

2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19
(June 1987) or any equivalent agency
regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD
Departments and Agencies of the U.S.
Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR

52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S.
Government users will receive no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in FAR

52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR

252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical data.

Notices

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2007
No part of this manual may be reproduced

in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language)
without prior agreement and written
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and
international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

N9340-90001

Edition

Second edition, April 2007

Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Qianfeng Hi-Tech Industry Park
Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development
Zone (West District) Chengdu 611731,
P.R .Ch ina

Warranty

The material contained in this document
is provided “as is,” and is subject to
being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, Agilent
disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual
and any information contained herein,
including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not
be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or performance
of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the
user have a separate written agreement
with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in
the separate agreement shall control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such
license.

Restricted Rights Legend

If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer
software” as defined in DFAR

252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a
“commercial item” as defined in FAR

2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19
(June 1987) or any equivalent agency
regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD
Departments and Agencies of the U.S.
Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR

52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S.
Government users will receive no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in FAR

52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR

252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical data.

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to

CAU-CAUTION

an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.

WARNING

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to
an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

Tab le of Co nt en ts

1 N9340A Overview

Introduction 2

Functionality 2
Optimized Usability 3

Front Panel Overview 4

Top Panel Overview 5

Display Annotations 6

Working with Batteries 7

Installing a Battery 7
Viewing Battery Status 7
Charging a Battery 8

2 Getting Started

Checking Shipment and Order List 10

Power Requirements 11

AC Power Cords 12

Safety Considerations 13

Electrical Requirements 15
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions 15
Instrument Markings 16

Powering on the Analyzer for the First Time 17

Power on your N9340A 17

Preparation for Use 18

Setting up your N9340A 18
Testing buttons and screen pixel 18
Checking Instrument Information 19

Making a Basic Measurement 20

Viewing a Signal 21
Figure 1. View a signal (1 GHz, 0 dBm) 21

Contact Agilent Technologies 24

3 Making Measurements

Measuring Multiple Signals 26

Comparing Signals on the Same Screen 26

1

Measuring a Low-Level Signal 31

Improving Frequency Resolution and Accuracy 36

Making Distortion Measurements 37

One-button Power Measurement 43

Making a Stimulus Response Transmission Measurement 47

Measuring Stop Band Attenuation of a Low-pass Filter 49

Making a Reflection Calibration Measurement 51

Measuring Return Loss Using the Reflection Calibration Routine 54

4 System Setting

Visual and Audio Adjustment 56

Quick Display Adjustment 56
Manual Display Adjustment 56
Setting Key Beep 56

System Setting 57

General system settings 57
Ext Input 58

File 60

Saving a file 60
Loading a file 63

Show System 64

Show Error 65

Perform a Time Base Calibration 66

Factory Default Settings 67

5 Key Reference

Amplitude 70

Ref level 70
Attenuation 70
Preamp 71
Scale/DIV 71
Scale Type 71
Ref Offset 72

2

Y Axis Units 72

BW/SWP 73

RBW 73
VBW 74
VBW/RBW 74
Avg Type 74
Sweep Time 76
Sweep 77

Enter 79

ESC/CLR 80

Frequency 81

Center Frequency 81
Start Frequency 81
Stop Frequency 81
CF Step 82

Marker 83

Marker 83
Normal 83
Delta 84
Off 84
Mode 86
Marker Trace 87
All Off 87

Meas 88

Span 89

Span 89
Full 89
Zero 89
Last Span 89

TRACE 90

Trace 90
Clear Write 90
Max Hold 90
Minimum Hold 91
View 91
Blank 91
Detector 91
Average 93

3

Save Trace 94
Save As 94
Recall Trace 94

Limit 95

Limit Line 95
Limit Pattern 95
Set Pattern 95
Limit Type 95
Beep 96
Save Pattern 96
Recall Pattern 96

6 SCPI Command Reference

SCPI Language Basics 98

Basic Knowledge Requirement 99
Command Categories 99
Command Syntax 99
Standard Notations 100
Default unit of parameters 101

Common Commands 102

Clear Status 102
Identification Query 102
Reset 102

CALCulate Subsystem 103

Limit Line Subsection 103

DEMOdulation Subsystem 112

AM Demodulation 112
FM Demodulation 112

DISPlay Subsystem 113

Turn the Entire Display On/Off 113
Trace Y-Axis Scaling 113
Trace Y-Axis Reference Level Offset 114
Display Mode 115
Brightness 116

INITiate Subsystem 117

Continuous or Single Sweep 117

4

Initiate a single sweep 117

INSTrument Subsystem 118

Select One button measurement 118

MEASure Subsystem 119

OBW Subsection 119
ACPR Subsection 119

SENSe Subsystem 123

[:SENSe]:AVERage Subsection 123
FREQuency Subsection 128
SWEep Subsection 132

SYSTem Subsystem 133

Ext Input 133
Date Query 133
Time Query 133
Error Information Query 133

TRACe Subsystem 134

Tracking Generator Subsystem 135

State 135
Output Amplitude 135
Amplitude Offset 136
Normalization 137
Normalization Reference Level 137
Normalization Reference Position 138

TRIGer Subsystem 139

External Trigger Slope 139

5

Trigger Source 139

UNIT Subsystem 141

7Error Messages

Error Message List 144

8 Menu Map

AMPTD 150

BW/SWP 151

FREQ 152

MARKER 153

MEAS 154

SPAN 155

SYS 156

TRACE 157

Limit 158

6

Agilent N9340A
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

1
N9340A Overview

Agilent Technologies

1

1 N9340A Overview

Introduction

An Agilent N9340A is a handheld spectrum
analyzer with a frequency range from 100 kHz to 3
GHz, tunable to 9 kHz. The analyzer provides
ultimate measurement flexibility in a package that
is ruggedized for field environments and
convenient for mobile applications.

Functionality

An Agilent N9340A provides your with
comprehensive functionality set and measurement
convenience, including:

1 Pass/Fail judgement

Sets limit lines on the display for a quick
Pass/Fail judgement.

2 Four- trace detection display

Displays as many as four independent traces
simultaneously, being detected in any of the
following modes: POS, NEG, Sample or Normal.

3 Marker frequency readout

Provides fine resolution down to a low of 1 Hz
with a built- in frequency counter.

2 N9340A User’s Guide

N9340A Overview 1

4 Power Suite

Provides one-button measurement functionality
on OBW
ACPR

(Occupied Bandwidth), channel power, and

(Adjacent Channel Power Ratio).

5 High- sensitivity measurement

Includes a 3 GHz pre- amplifier (Option
N9340A- PA3) enabling highly sensitive
measurement which helps in the analysis of
low-level signals.

Optimized Usability

An Agilent N9340A handheld spectrum analyzer
provides enhanced usability:

• 7.2-inch sunlight viewable screen (

640 480×

pixels) enables you to read the scans easily and
clearly in sun light.

• Arc- shaped handle and rugged rubber casing
ensure a comfortable and firm hold and
ruggedness.

• One- button measurement function provides an
easy, fast access to power measurement.

• File saving or loading via USB
interface.

• Instant screen control for power saving: pressing
and holding [Preset] hardkey for over two
seconds turns off the screen. Pressing any key
on the front panel activates the screen.

N9340A User’s Guide 3

1 N9340A Overview

Front Panel Overview

14

N9340A

HANDHELD SPECTRUM ANALYZER

SYS MODE MEAS TRACE

100 kHz - 3.0 GHz

BW/
SWP

12

13

11

2DEF 3GHI1ABC

6

5MNO4JKL

PQR

VWX7STU9YZ_

8

LIMIT

0SAVE

ESC/CLR

MARKER

PRESET

ENTER

FREQ SPANAMPTD

10

9

8
7
6

2 3

1

4 5

Caption Function

1 Power Switch Toggles the analyzer between on and off

2 SYS Brings up a submenu for system setup

3 Function keys Includes hardkeys: FREQ, SPAN, AMPTD, BW/SWP, TRACE,

4 Preset Returns the analyzer to a known state

5 Enter Confirms a parameter selection or configuration

6 MARKER Activates marker function

7 ESC/CLR Exits and closes the dialog box or clears the character input

8 Save Quick saves the current trace

9 LIMIT Sets limit lines for quick Pass/Fail judgement

10 Arrow keys Increases or decreases a parameter step by step

11 Knob Selects an option item or edits a numerical parameter

12 Softkeys Indicates current menu functions

13 Speaker Active when in demodulation mode

14 Screen Displays measured traces and status

MEAS, and MODE

4 N9340A User’s Guide

Top Panel Overview

9

50 VDC MAX

dBm (2 W) MAX

33

RF INPUT 50 RF OUT 5 0

12-18 VDC

VDC

12-18

80 W MAX

55W MAX

1

2

1. DC Connector

Provides input for the DC power source via an
AC-DC adapter. (Make sure that the line-power
source outlet has a protective ground contact.)

2. Charging indicator

Lights when the battery is charging.

3. External power indicator

Lights when an external DC power applied to
the analyzer via the AD- DC adapter.

4. USB interface (for PC connection)

Provides a connection between the analyzer and
a PC for data transfer of further process.

5. USB interface

Provides an connection between the analyzer
and an external USB memory disk.

6. LAN Interface (For future expansion)

7. RF OUT Connector (For future expansion)

8. EXT TRIG IN/REF IN (BNC, Female)

Connects to an external TTL signal or a 10 MHz
reference signal. The TTL signal is used to
trigger the analyzer’s internal sweep.

9. RF IN Connector (Type N, Female)

Accepts an external input with a frequency
range from 100 kHz to 3 GHz, tunable to 9 kHz.

Ext. Pow er

Chargi ng

N9340A Overview 1

8

EXT TRIG IN/
EXT REF IN

PC

4

3

7

6

5

PC

N9340A User’s Guide 5

1 N9340A Overview

Display Annotations

1

2

13

14

12

3

4

5

6

8

7

9

10

11

Description Associated Function Key

1Time and Date [SYS] > {Setting} > {General}

2 Reference Level [AMPTD]

3 Amplitude Scale [AMPTD]

4 Detector Mode [TRACE] > {More (1 of 2)} > {Detector}

5 Center Frequency [FREQ] > {Center Freq}

6 Resolution Bandwidth [BW/SWP] > {RBW}

7 Display Status Line Displays analyzer status and error messages.

8Video Bandwidth [BW/SWP] > {VBW}

9Frequency Span [SPAN]

10 Sweep Time [BW/SWP] > {Sweep Time}

11 Key Menu See key label description in the key reference for

12 Key Menu Title Refers to the current activated menu function

13 Marker Frequency [Marker]

14 Marker Amplitude [Marker]

more information.

6 N9340A User’s Guide

N9340A Overview 1

Working with Batteries

Use the original battery supplied with the
instrument or a genuine equivalent replacement
from Agilent.

Installing a Battery

Insert a battery, ensuring correct orientation with the

CAU-CAUTION

electrodes correctly aligned.

Step Notes

1 Open the battery cover Use a cross-head type screwdriver to

2 Insert the battery

3 Close the battery cover Push the cover closed, then refasten

remove the screw, then pull the cover
open.

the screw.

Viewing Battery Status

Determine the battery status by:

• Checking the battery icon, which indicates the
approximate level of charge. This is in the
lower- right corner of the screen.

• Press [SYS] > {More (1 of 3)} > {Show System} > {Page
down} to check the current battery information.

N9340A User’s Guide 7

1 N9340A Overview

Charging a Battery

You can only charge the battery when it is in the
analyzer either in operating or when the analyzer
is shut down.

first using the analyzer. This typically takes
about four hours.

Never use a modified or damaged AC-DC adapter.

CAU-CAUTION

1 Install the battery in the analyzer.

2 Simply attach the AC-DC adapter and switch on

external power.

3 The charge indicator lights, indicating that the

battery is charging. When the battery is fully
charged, the green charging indicator turns off.

During charging and discharging, the battery will
monitor and report its voltage, current, and
temperature. If any of these monitored conditions
exceed their safety limits, the battery will
terminate any further charge or discharge until the
error condition is corrected.

Fully charge the battery before

8 N9340A User’s Guide

Agilent N9340A
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

2
Getting Started

Conventions

1. A pair of curly brackets { } indicates a softkey, for example

{Start} refers to the Start softkey.

2. A pair of square brackets [ ] indicates a hardkey,

for example, [ENTER] refers to the ENTER hardkey.

3. An analyzer refers to Agilent N9340A handheld spectrum

analyzer in the following chapters.

4. A DUT refers to a device under test.

9

Agilent Technologies

9

2 Getting Started

Checking Shipment and Order List

We recommend you check the shipment and order
list according to the following procedure when you
receive the shipment.

• Inspect the shipping container for damages.
Signs of damage may include a dented or torn
shipping container or cushioning material that
indicate signs of unusual stress or compacting.

• Carefully remove the contents from the shipping
container, and check your shipment.

• For any question or problem, contact Agilent
Technologies Customer Contact Center (CCC) for
consultant and service. See “Contact Agilent

Technologies" on page 24.

10 N9340A User’s Guide

Power Requirements

The AC power supply must meet the following
requirements

Voltage : 100 VAC to 240 VAC

Frequency: 50 Hz to 60 Hz

Power: Maximum 62 W

The analyzer is equipped with a three- wire power
cord, in accordance with international safety
standards. This cable grounds the analyzer cabinet
when connected to an appropriate power line
outlet. The cable appropriate to the original
shipping location is included with the analyzer.

Various AC power cables are available that are
unique to specific geographic areas. You can order
additional AC power cables for use in different
areas. The table AC Power Cords lists the available
AC power cables, the plug configurations, and
identifies the geographic area in which each cable
is appropriate.

The detachable power cord is the product
disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains
circuits from the mains supply before other parts
of the product. The front switch is only a standby
switch and do not disconnect instrument from
LINE power.

:

Getting Started 2

N9340A User’s Guide 11

A

2 Getting Started

AC Power Cords

Plug Type Cable Part

Number

8121-1703 BS 1363/A Option 900

250V 10A

8120-0696 AS 3112:2000 Option 901

250V 10A

8120-1692 IEC 83 C4 Option 902

250V 16A

8120-1521 CNS 10917-2

125V 10A

8120-2296 SEV 1011 Option 906

250V 10

8120-4600 SABS 164-1 Option 917

230V 15A

8120-4754 JIS C8303 Option 918

125V 15A

8120-5181 SI 32 Option 919

250V 16A

8120-8377 GB 1002 Option 922

a

Plug
Description

/NEMA 5-15P

For use in
Country & Region

United Kingdom, Hong
Kong, Singapore, Malaysia

Australia, New Zealand

Continental Europe, Korea,
Indonesia, Italy, Russia

Option 903

Unite States, Canada,
Taiwan, Mexi c o

Switzerland

South Africa, India

Japan

Israel

China

250V 10A

12 N9340A User’s Guide

Safety Considerations

Agilent has designed and tested the N9340A
handheld spectrum analyzer for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use in accordance with
Safety Requirements IEC 61010- 1: 2001,
UL 61010- 1 (2004), and CSA C22.2 No.61010- 1- 04.
The tester is supplied in a safe condition. The
N9340A is also designed for use in Installation
Category II and Pollution Degree 2 per IEC 61010
and IEC 60664 respectively.

Read the following safety notices carefully before
you start to use a N9340A handheld spectrum
analyzer to ensure safe operation and to maintain
the product in a safe condition.

Getting Started 2

WARNING

Personal injury may result if the analyzer’s cover is
removed. There are no operator-serviceable parts inside.
Always contact Agilent qualified personnel for service.
Disconnect the product from all voltage sources while it
is being opened.

WARNING

This product is a Safety Class I analyzer. The main plug
should be inserted in a power socket outlet only if
provided with a protective earth contact. Any
interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside
of the product is likely to make the product dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited.

WARNING

WARNING

Electrical shock may result when cleaning the analyzer
with the power supply connected. Do not attempt to
clean internally.

case only.

Use a dry soft cloth to clean the outside

Always use the three-pin AC power cord supplied with
this product. Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding
by not using this cord may cause personal injury and
product damage.

N9340A User’s Guide 13

2 Getting Started

WARNING

WARNING

CAU-CAUTION

CAU-CAUTION

CAU-CAUTION

NOTE

Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same type recommended.

Do NOT dispose of batteries in a fire.
Do NOT place batteries in the trash. Batteries must be

recycled or disposed of properly.

Recharge the battery only in the analyzer. If left unused, a
fully charged battery will discharge itself over time.

Never use a damaged or worn-out adapter or battery.
Charging the batteries internally, even while the analyzer
is powered off, the analyzer may become warm. To avoid
overheating, always disconnect the analyzer from the AC
adapter before storing the analyzer into the soft carrying
case.

We strongly recommend you to connect the automotive
adapter to the power output connector for IT equipment,
when charging the battery on your automotives.

The VxWorks operating system requires full conformity to
USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 standards from a USB disk. Not all the
USB disk are built that way. If you have problems
connecting a particular USB disk, please reboot the
analyzer before inserting the next.

Temperature extremes will affect the ability of the battery
to charge. Allow the battery to cool down or warm up as
necessary before use or charging.

Storing a battery in extreme hot or cold places will reduce the
capacity and lifetime of a battery. Battery storage is
recommended at a temperature of less than 45

o

C.

The LAN port is reserved for future expansion. It is

NOTE

inactive at this version.

14 N9340A User’s Guide

Getting Started 2

°°°

Environmental Requirements

A N9340A is designed for use under the following
conditions:

• Operating temperature:
–10 C to +50 C (with battery)
0 C to +40 C (with adapter)

• Storage temperature: –40 C to +70 C

• Humidity: 95% or less

• Altitude: 9200 m

°

°°

Electrical Requirements

This analyzer allows you to use either the original
lithium- ion battery pack or the external AC- DC
adapter shipped with the analyzer for power
supply to the analyzer.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

This analyzer was constructed in an ESD protected
environment. This is because most of the
semiconductor devices used in this analyzer are
susceptible to damage by static discharge.

Depending on the magnitude of the charge, device
substrates can be punctured of destroyed by
contact or mere proximity of a static charge. The
result can cause degradation of device
performance, early failure, or immediate
destruction.

These charges are generated in numerous ways,
such as simple contact, separation of materials,
and normal motions of persons working with static
sensitive devices.

When handling or servicing equipment containing
static sensitive devices, adequate precautions must
be taken to prevent device damage or destruction.
Only those who are thoroughly familiar with

N9340A User’s Guide 15

2 Getting Started

industry accepted techniques for handling static
sensitive devices should attempt to service circuitry
with these devices.

Instrument Markings

The CE mark shows that the product
complies with all relevant European
Legal Directives
(If accompanied by a year, it signifies
when the design was proven).

The CSA mark is a registered trademark
of the Canadian Standards Association.

N10149

ISM1-A

The C- Tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Australian Spectrum
Management Agency.

This symbol is an Industrial Scientific
and Medical Group 1 Class A product
(CISPR 11, Clause 4)

The instruction manual symbol:
indicates that the user must refer to
specific instructions in the manual.

The standby symbol is used to mark a
position of the instrument power switch.

16 N9340A User’s Guide

Getting Started 2

Powering on the Analyzer for the First Time

A N9340A is fitted with a transflective screen,
which is viewable under all lighting conditions.
In bright lighting conditions, the display is brighter
and easier to read when you allow light to fall
directly on the screen.

Use original standard adapter for AC-DC conversion.

CAU-CAUTION

The maximum RF input level of an average continuous
power is 33 dBm (or +
connecting a signal into the analyzer that exceeds the
maximum level.

Power on your N9340A

Insert the battery into the analyzer or connect the
analyzer to an external line power supply via the
AC-DC adapter, then press the power switch on
the front panel of your N9340A to power on the
analyzer.

Allow the analyzer to warm- up for 30 minutes
before making a calibrated measurement. To meet
its specifications, the analyzer must meet operating
temperature conditions.

50 VDC signal input). Avoid

Install
battery

Press Power
Switch

N9340A User’s Guide 17

Use
stick stand

2 Getting Started

Preparation for Use

Use [SYS] hardkey to check or set the system
settings of your analyzer.

Setting up your N9340A

1 Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {General} to set time and

power saving mode:

• Press {Time/Date} to set the time and date for

your analyzer.

• Press {Power Manager} to select a power- saving

mode from the follow three modes: turning off
backlight, turning off screen display, and
turning off both backlight and screen display.

2 Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {Language} to select a

language displayed on screen.

3 To manually adjust the display brightness and

contrast.

• Press [SYS] > {Brightness} and then rotate the

knob to adjust display brightness.

• Press [SYS] > {Contrast} and then rotate the

knob to adjust display contrast.

4 Press [SYS] > {More(2 of 3)} > {Key Beep} to toggle

the buzzer beep function between on and off.

Te st in g buttons and screen pixel

1 Press [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Diagnostics} > {Front

Panel} to test all the front panel keys except the
[PRESET] hardkey and power switch.

2 Press [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Diagnostics} > {Black

Pixel} or {White Pixel} to test the basic display

ability of the LCD.

18 N9340A User’s Guide

Getting Started 2

Checking Instrument Information

1 Press [SYS] > {More (1 of 3)} > {Show System} to

display the system information.

2 Press [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Option} to display

the option information.

3 Press [SYS] > {More (1 of 3)} > {Show Error} to

display the error information.

N9340A User’s Guide 19

2 Getting Started

Making a Basic Measurement

This section provides information on basic analyzer
operations with the assumption that you
understand the front and top layout, and display
annotations of your analyzer. If you do not, please
refer to “Front Panel Overview" on page 4 and

“Top Panel Overview" on page 5.

For more information on making measurements,
please refer to “Making Measurements" on
page 25”.

Entering Data

When setting measurement parameters, there are
several ways to enter or modify the value of an
active function:

1 Using Knob

Increases or decreases the current value.

2 Using Arrow Keys

Increases or decreases the current value by step.

Press [FREQ] > {CF Step} to set the frequency by an
auto- coupled step (Step = Span/10, when
{CF Step} mode is set to Auto).

3 Using Numeric Keypad

Enters a specific value. Then press a terminator
(either a specified unit softkey or [ENTER]) to
confirm input.

4 Using Unit Softkeys

Terminates a value input which requires a unit.

5 Using Enter Key

Terminates an entry or confirms a selection.

20 N9340A User’s Guide

Getting Started 2

Viewing a Signal

1 Use a signal generator to generate a

continuous- wave signal (1 GHz, 0 dBm).

2 Press [SYS] > {More (1 0f 3)} > {Preset} and select

Default to toggle the preset setting to

factory- defined status.

3 Press the green [Preset] key to restore the

analyzer to its factory- defined setting.

4 Connect the generator’s RF OUT connector to

analyzer’s RF IN connector on the top panel.

5 Press [FREQ] > {Center Freq} > 1> {GHz} to set the

center frequency to 1 GHz.

6 Press [SPAN] > 5 > {MHz} to set the frequency

span to 5 MHz.

7 Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search} > {Peak} to place a

marker (labeled 1) at the highest peak (1 GHz)
on the display.

The values of amplitude and frequency of the
Marker appear both in the function block and in
the upper- right corner of the screen.

Use the knob, the arrow keys, or the softkeys in
the Peak Search menu to move the marker and
read out the value of both frequency and
amplitude displayed on the screen.

Figure 1 View a signal (1 GHz, 0 dBm)

N9340A User’s Guide 21

2 Getting Started

Some helpful tips

Performing a time-base calibration

A N9340A provides a manual calibration function
to calibrate the time base.

Before calibration, allow the analyzer to warm up
for about 30 minutes.

Use a BNC cable to connect a 10 MHz reference
signal to the EXT TRIG IN connector of your N9340A,
then press [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Calibration} > {Time

Base} to initiate a calibration.

Selecting a preset type

The analyzer has two types of preset setting for
you to choose from:

• Default

Restores the analyzer to its factory- defined
setting.

• User

Restores the analyzer to a user- defined setting.

Powering on the instrument always brings up a

NOTE

factory-defined setting no matter what the Preset setting.

Saving a User-defined Preset

If you constantly use system setting that is not the
factory default, please refer to the following steps
to create a user- defined system setting:

1 Set analyzer parameters by the knob, the arrow

keys or the numeric keypad.

2 Press [SYS] > {More (1 of 3)} > {Preset} > {Save User}

to save the current parameters as the user
preset setting.

3 Press [SYS] > {More (1 of 3)} > {Preset} (User) to set

the preset mode to user defined system setting.

22 N9340A User’s Guide

Upgrading Firmware

When updating firmware, make sure there will be a

CAU-CAUTION

constant power supply for at least 10 minutes. Power cut
off during the updating process can cause damage to the
instrument.

A N9340A provides an easy and fast access for
firmware update.

1 Set up a folder named N9340DATA in the root

directory of your USB memory stick.

2 Store the firmware update application into the

folder named N9340DATA.

3 Insert the USB memory stick into the USB

connector on the top panel of your analyzer.

4 Press [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Update} >

{Firmware} to activate the firmware updating

procedure. Then the instrument will then
perform the update automatically.

Adding an option

Pressing [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Option} > {Add}
brings up a dialog box for entering the option
license code. Use the numeric keypad to input the
option license code and use the [Enter] key as a
terminator. If the analyzer recognises the option
license code, an message “Option install
successfully” appears in the status line, otherwise a
message “Invalid option licence” appears in the
status line.

Getting Started 2

N9340A User’s Guide 23

2 Getting Started

Contact Agilent Technologies

Agilent has Sales and Service Offices around the
world to provide you with complete support.

Go to http://www.agilent.com/find/assist, for help
with:

• product selection, configuration, and purchases.

• technical and application assistance, and

consulting.

• rental and leasing options, and refurbished
equipment.

• repair, calibration, education and training.

If you do not have access to the internet, call the
appropriate number shown below. Or contact your
local Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.

United States (tel) 800 829 4444

Canada (tel) 877 894 4414

Latin America (tel) [phone]

China (tel) 800 810 0189

Korea (tel) 080 769 0800

Japan (tel) [phone]

Taiwan (tel) 0800 047 866

Europe (tel) [phone]

Australia (tel) 1 800 629 485

Other Asia Pacific
Countries

(fax) 800 829 4433

(fax) 800 746 4866

(fax) 800 820 2816

(fax) 080 769 0900

(fax) [phone]

(fax) 0800 286 331

(fax) [phone]

(tel) [phone]
(fax) [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

24 N9340A User’s Guide

Agilent N9340A
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

3
Making Measurements



25

3 Making Measurements

Measuring Multiple Signals

This section provides information on measuring
multiple signals.

Comparing Signals on the Same Screen

An N9340A provides an easy function for you to
compare frequency and amplitude differences
between signals, such as radio or television signal
spectra. Using Delta Marker function allows you to
compare two signals when both appear on the
screen at the same time.
In this following example, a 50 MHz input signal is
used to measure frequency and amplitude
differences between two signals on the same
screen. Delta marker is used to demonstrate this
comparison.

1 Press [PRESET] to set the analyzer to a factory

default setting.

2 Input a signal (0 dB, 50 MHz) to the RF IN

connector of the analyzer.

3 Set the analyzer start frequency, stop frequency

and reference level to view the 50 MHz signal
and its harmonics up to 100 MHz:

• Press [FREQ] > {Start Freq} > 40 > {MHz}

• Press [FREQ] > {Stop Freq} >110 > {MHz}

• Press [AMPTD] > {Ref Level} > 0 > {dBm}

4 Press [MARKER] > {Peak search} to place a marker

on the highest peak on the display (50 MHz).
The {Next Left PK} and {Next Right PK} softkeys are
available to move the marker from peak to peak.

5 Press [MARKER] > {Delta} to anchor the first

marker (labeled as 1) and activate a delta
marker:

The label on the first marker now reads 1R,
indicating that it is the reference point.

26 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

6 Move the second marker to another signal peak

using the front panel knob or by using the {Peak
Search} softkey:

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search} > {Next Right PK} or

{Next Left PK}.

To increase the resolution of the marker readings, turn on

NOTE

the frequency count function. For more information, please
refer to “Improving Frequency Resolution and

Accuracy" on page 36

Figure 2 Delta pair marker with signals on the same

screen

N9340A User’s Guide 27

3 Making Measurements

Resolving Signals of Equal Amplitude

In this example a decrease in resolution bandwidth
is used in combination with a decrease in video
bandwidth to resolve two signals of equal
amplitude with a frequency separation of 100 kHz.

Notice that the final RBW selection to resolve the
signals is the same width as the signal separation
while the VBW is slightly narrower than the RBW.

1 Connect two sources to the analyzer input as

shown below.

Figure 3

Setup for obtaining two signals

N9310A

RF Signal Generator 9 kHz - 3.0 GHz

Remote

Standby
On

Signal generator

N9310A

RF Signal Generator 9 kHz - 3.0 GHz

Remote

Standby
On

FUNCTIONS

Utility

Preset

AM I/Q

Frequency

Amplitude FM

Local

File

Sweep

LF Out

TriggerPulseM

Enter

MOD

9

7

8

On/Off

6

4

5

3

102

RF

·

On/Off

LF OUT RF O UT 50

REVERSE PWR
4W MAX 30VDC

FUNCTIONS

Utility

Preset

AM I/Q

Frequency

Amplitude FM

Local

File

Sweep

Trigger

PulseM

LF Out

Enter

MOD

7

8

9

On/Off

4

5

6

1

3

2

RF

·

0

On/Off

LF OUT RF OUT 50

REVERSE PWR
4W MAX 30VDC

Directional
coupler

Signal generator

2 Set one source to 300 MHz. Set the frequency of

the other source to 300.1 MHz. Set both source
amplitudes to –20 dBm.

3 Setup the analyzer to view the signals:

• Press [PRESET].

• Press [FREQ] > {Center Freq} > 300.05 > {MHz}.

• Press [SPAN] > {Span} > 2 > {MHz}.

• Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW} > 30 > {kHz}.

28 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Use the knob or the arrow keys to further reduce
the resolution bandwidth and better resolve the
signals.
As you decrease the resolution bandwidth, you
improve resolution of the individual signals and
also increased the sweep timed. For fastest
measurement times, use the widest possible
resolution bandwidth.
Under factory preset conditions, the resolution
bandwidth is coupled to the span.

Figure 4 Resolving signals of equal amplitude

N9340A User’s Guide 29

3 Making Measurements

Resolving Small Signals

Hidden by Large Signals

This example uses narrow resolution bandwidths to
resolve two input signals with a frequency
separation of 50 kHz and an amplitude difference
of 60 dB.

1 Connect two sources to the analyzer input

connector as shown in Figure 3 on page 28.

2 Set one source to 300 MHz at –10 dBm. Set the

other source to 300.05 MHz at –70 dBm.

3 Set the analyzer as follows:

• Press [PRESET]

• Press [FREQ] > {Center Freq} > 300.05 > {MHz}

• Press [SPAN] > [500] > kHz.

• Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW} > 300 > {Hz}

4 Reduce the resolution bandwidth filter to view

the smaller hidden signal. Place a delta marker
on the smaller signal:

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search}

• Press [MARKER] > {Delta}

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search} > {Next Right PK}

or {Next Left PK}.

Figure 5 Resolving small signal hidden by a large signal

30 N9340A User’s Guide

Measuring a Low-Level Signal

This section provides information on measuring
low-level signals and distinguishing them from
spectrum noise. There are four main useful
techniques as follows to measure a low-level signal.

Reducing Input Attenuation

The ability to measure a low- level signal is limited
by internally generated noise in the spectrum
analyzer.
The input attenuator affects the level of a signal
passing through the analyzer. If a signal is very
close to the noise floor, reducing input attenuation
will bring the signal out of the noise.

1 Preset the analyzer:

2 Input a signal (1 GHz, –80 dBm) to the analyzer

RF input connector.

3 Set the center frequency, span and reference

level:

• Press [FREQ] > {Center Freq} > 1 > {GHz}

• Press [SPAN] > 5 > {MHz}

• Press [AMPTD] > {Ref Level} > –40 > {dBm}

4 Move the desired peak (in this example, 1 GHz)

to the center of the display:

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search}

• Press [MARKER] > {Marker To} > {To Center}

Figure 6 A signal closer to the noise level (Atten:10 dB)

Making Measurements 3

N9340A User’s Guide 31

3 Making Measurements

5 Reduce the span to 1 MHz and if necessary

re- center the peak.

• Press [SPAN] > [1] > {MHz}.

6 Set the attenuation to 20 dB. Note that

increasing the attenuation moves the noise floor
closer to the signal level.

• Press [AMPTD] > {Attenuation} > 20 > {dB}.

Figure 7 A signal closer to the noise level (Atten: 20 dB)

7 Press [AMPTD] > Attenuation > 0 > {dB} to set the

attenuation to 0 dB.

Figure 8 A signal closer to the noise level (Atten: 0 dB)

32 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Decreasing the Resolution Bandwidth

Resolution bandwidth settings affect the level of
internal noise without affecting the level of
continuous wave (CW) signals. Decreasing the RBW
by a decade reduces the noise f loor by 10 dB.

1 Refer to “Reducing Input Attenuation" on

page 31, and follow steps 1, 2 and 3.

2 Decrease the resolution bandwidth:

• Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW}, and toggle RBW

setting to Man (manual), then decrease the
resolution bandwidth using the knob, the

arrow keys or the numeric keypad.
The low level signal appears more clearly because
the noise level is reduced.

Figure 9 Decreasing resolution bandwidth

N9340A User’s Guide 33

3 Making Measurements

Using the Average Detector and

Increased Sweep Time

When the analyzer’s noise masks low- level signals,
changing to the average detector and increasing the
sweep time smoothes the noise and improves the
signal’s visibility. Slower sweeps are required to
average more noise variations.

1 Refer to “Reducing Input Attenuation" on

page 31, and follow steps 1, 2 and 3.

2 Press [TRACE] > {More (1 of 2)} > {Detector} >

{Average} to select the average detector.

3 Press [BW/SWP] > {Sweep Time} to set the sweep

time to 500 ms.
Note how the noise smoothes out, as there is
more time to average the values for each of the
displayed data points.

4 Press [BW/SWP] > {Avg Type} to change the

average type.

Figure 10 Using the average detector

34 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Tra c e Ave ra gin g

Averaging is a digital process in which each trace
point is averaged with the previous average for the
same trace point.
Selecting averaging, when the analyzer is auto
coupled, changes the detection mode to sample,
smoothing the displayed noise level.

This is a trace processing function and is not the same as

NOTE

using the average detector (as described on page 34).

1 Refer to the first procedure “Reducing Input

Attenuation" on page 31, and follow steps 1, 2

and 3.

2 Press [TRACE] > {Average} (On) to turn average on.

3 Press 50 > [ENTER] to set the average number to

50.

As the averaging routine smoothes the trace, low
level signals become more visible.FM

Figure 11 Trace averaging

N9340A User’s Guide 35

3 Making Measurements

Improving Frequency Resolution and Accuracy

Using the frequency counter to improve frequency
resolution and accuracy.

Marker count properly functions only on CW signals or

NOTE

discrete spectral components. The marker must be > 40
dB above the displayed noise level.

1 Press [PRESET]. (Factory Preset)

2 Input a signal (1 GHz, –30 dBm) to the

analyzer’s RF IN connector.

3 Set the center frequency to 1 GHz and the span

to 5 MHz:

4 Press [MARKER] > {More (1 of 2)} > {Mode} > {Freq

Count} to turn the frequency counter on.

5 Move the marker by rotating the knob, half- way

down the skirt of the signal response.

6 Press [MARKER] > {More (1 of 2)} > {Mode} >

{Normal} to turn off the marker counter.

Figure 12 Using the frequency counter

36 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Making Distortion Measurements

This section provides information on measuring
and identifying signal distortion.

Identifying Analyzer Generated Distortion

High level input signals may cause analyzer
distortion products that could mask the real
distortion measured on the input signal. Use trace
and the RF attenuator to determine which signals,
if any, are internally generated distortion products.
In this example, use a signal from a signal
generator to determine whether the harmonic
distortion products are generated by the analyzer.

1 Input a signal (200 MHz, –10 dBm) to the

analyzer RF IN connector.

2 Set the analyzer center frequency and span:

• Press [PRESET]. (Factory Preset)

• Press [FREQ] > {Center Freq} > 400 > {MHz}.

• Press [SPAN] > 700 > {MHz}.

The signal produces harmonic distortion products
(spaced 200 MHz from the original 200 MHz signal)

Figure 13 Harmonic distortion

3 Change the center frequency to the value of the

first harmonic:

N9340A User’s Guide 37

3 Making Measurements

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Marker To} > {To Center}.

4 Change the span to 50 MHz and re- center the

signal:

• Press [SPAN] > 50 > {MHz}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search}.

5 Set the attenuation to 0 dB:

• Press [AMPTD] > {Attenuation} > 0 > {dB}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Marker To} > {To Ref}.

6 To determine whether the harmonic distortion

products are generated by the analyzer, first save
the trace data in trace 2 as follows:

• Press [TRACE] > {Trace (2)}.

• Press [TRACE] > {Clear Write}.

7 Allow trace 2 to update (minimum two sweeps),

then store the data from trace 2 and place a
delta marker on the harmonic of trace 2:

• Press [TRACE] > {View}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search}.

• Press [Marker] > {Delta}.

Please refer to figure below shows the stored data
in trace 2 and the measured data in trace 1. The
Marker indicator reads the difference in amplitude
between the reference and active markers.

38 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Figure 14 Identifying Analyzer Distortion (O dB atten)

8 Press [AMPTD] > {Attenuation} > 10 > {dB} to

increase the RF attenuation to 10 dB.

Figure 15 Identifying Analyzer Distortion (10 dB atten)

The marker amplitude readout comes from two
sources:

• Increased input attenuation causes poorer

signal- to- noise ratio. This causes the marker

to be positive.

• The reduced contribution of the analyzer

circuits to the harmonic measurement causes

the Marker to be negative.
Large marker readout indicates significant
measurement errors. Set the input attenuator to
minimize the absolute value of marker.

N9340A User’s Guide 39

3 Making Measurements

Third-Order Intermodulation Distortion

Two- tone, third- order intermodulation distortion is
a common test in communication systems. When
two signals are present in a non-linear system,
they may interact and create third- order
intermodulation distortion (TOI) products that are
located close to the original signals. System
components such as amplifiers and mixers
generates these distortion products.
In this example we test a device for third- order
intermodulation using markers. Two sources are
used, one set to 300 MHz and the other to
301 MHz.

1 Connect the equipment as shown in figure below.

N9310A

RF Signal Generator 9 kHz - 3.0 GHz

Remote

Standby

On

Signal generator

N9310A

RF Signal Generator 9 kHz - 3.0 GHz

Remote

Standby
On

Signal generator

FUNCTIONS

Frequency

Utility

Preset

AM I / Q

Sweep

Amplitude FM

Local

File

Enter

LF Out

TriggerPul seM

MOD

7

8

9

On/Off

4

5

6

102

3

RF

·

On/Off

LF OUT RF OU T 5 0

Directional

REVERSE PWR
4W MAX 30VDC

coupler

FUNCTIONS

Frequency

Utility

Preset

AM I/Q

Sweep

Amplitude FM

Local

File

Enter

LF Out

TriggerPulseM

MOD

7

8

9

On/Off

4

5

6

3

102

RF

·

On/Off

LF OUT RF OUT 50

REVERSE PWR
4W MAX 30VDC

This combination of signal generators, low pass
filters, and directional coupler (used as a
combiner) results in a two- tone source with very
low intermodulation distortion.

Although the distortion from this setup may be
better than the specified performance of the
analyzer, it is useful for determining the TOI
performance of the source/analyzer combination.
After the performance of the source/analyzer
combination has been verified, the DUT (Device
under test, for example, an amplifier) would be
inserted between the directional coupler output

40 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

and the analyzer input.

The coupler should have a high degree of isolation

NOTE

between the two input ports so the sources do not
intermodulate.

2 Set one source (signal generator) to 300 MHz

and the other source to 301 MHz, for a
frequency separation of 1 MHz. Set the sources
equal in amplitude as measured by the analyzer
(in this example, they are set to –5 dBm).

3 Set the analyzer center frequency and span:

• Press [PRESET]. (With Preset Type of Default)

• Press [FREQ] > {Center Freq} > 300.5 > {MHz}.

• Press [SPAN] > 5 > {MHz}.

4 Reduce the RBW until the distortion products

are visible:

• Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW}, and reduce the RBW

using the knob, the arrow keys or the numeric

keypad.

5 Move the signal to the reference level:

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Marker To} > {To Ref}.

6 Reduce the RBW until the distortion products

are visible:

• Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW}, and reduce the RBW

using the knob, the arrow keys or the numeric

keypad.

7 Activate the second marker and place it on the

peak of the distortion product (beside the test
signal) using the Next Peak:

• Press [MARKER] > {Delta}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search} > {Next Left

(Right) PK}.

8 Measure the other distortion product:

• Press [MARKER] > {Normal}.

N9340A User’s Guide 41

3 Making Measurements

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search} > {Next Left

(Right) Peak}.

9 Measure the difference between this test signal
and the second distortion product.

• Press [Marker] > {Normal}.

• Press [MARKER] > {Peak Search} > {Next Left

(Right) Peak}.

Figure 16 TOI test screen

42 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

One-button Power Measurement

N9340A provides one-button measurement
functionality on OBW
power and ACPR
easy- to- use access for your measurement of
interest.

Measuring OBW

Occupied Bandwidth (OBW) integrates the power
of the spectrum in the displayed green frame. The
measurement defaults to 99% of the occupied
bandwidth power.
Occupied bandwidth measurement are made in

either single or continuous sweep mode.

Selecting a Method

Press [MEAS] > {OBW} > {Method} to toggle the
occupied bandwidth measurement mode between

percentage (%)and dBc.

• Setting Percentage (%)

Press {OBW} > {Method} > {Percent} to edit the
percentage of signal power used when determining
the occupied bandwidth. Press {%} to set the
percentage ranging from 10.00% to 99.99%.

•Setting dBc

Press {OBW} > {Method} > {dBc} to specify the power
level used to determine the emission bandwidth as
the number of dB down from the highest signal
peak, within the occupied bandwidth span. This
function is an independent calculation from the
OBW calculation. The x dB Bandwidth result is
also called the emissions bandwidth (EBW). This
sets the green frame
(f1 and f2 are the two cross points of the signal
and the pair of vertical lines of the displayed green
frame) to your specified dB value below the
maximum power, and compute the total power in
the frame. The emission bandwidth is then
calculated ranging from 0.1 dB to 100 dB (the
default value is set to 26 dB).

(Occupied Band Width), channel

(Adjacent Channel Power Ratio) as an

N9340A User’s Guide 43

3 Making Measurements

Measuring ACPR

The adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) measures
the power ratio between the main channel power
and the adjacent channel power.

Center Frequency

Sets the center frequency of the main channel
power.

Key Access: [MEAS] > {ACPR} > {Center Freq}

Main Channel

Specifies the range of integration used in
calculating the power in the main channel. Use the
knob, the arrow keys, or the numeric keypad to set
the bandwidth.

Key Access: [MEAS] > {ACPR} > {Main Channel}

Adjacent Channel

Specifies the range of integration used in
calculating the power in the adjacent channel. Use
the knob, the arrow keys, or the numeric keypad to
set the bandwidth.

Key Access: [MEAS] > {ACPR} > {Adj Channel}

Channel Space

Sets the space value between the center frequency
of main channel power and that of the adjacent
channel power.

Key Access: [MEAS] > {ACPR} > {Channel Space}

44 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Measuring Channel Power

Measures the power and power spectral density in
the channel bandwidth that you specified. One pair
of vertical lines of the displayed green frame
indicates the edges of the channel bandwidth. The
center frequency, reference level, and channel
bandwidth must be set by the user.
The power calculation method used to determine
the channel power is a traditional method known
as the integration bandwidth (IBW) method. A
swept spectrum is used as the basis for this
calculation. Therefore, it is important to set the
resolution bandwidth correctly before making this

measurement using the following formula:

Span

×=

-------------

n

RBW k

Where k is a value between 1.2 and 4.0 and n is
the number of trace points.

Center Frequency

Sets the center frequency of the display.

Key Access: [MEAS] > {Channel Power} > {Center Freq}

Integration Bandwidth

Specifies the bandwidth of integration bandwidth,
which can range from 100 Hz to 3 GHz to calculate
the power in a channel. For example, set the main
(center) channel bandwidth. Note that the green
frame indicates the integration bandwidth. Change
the integration bandwidth using the knob, the
arrow keys, or the numeric keypad.
Key Access: [MEAS] > {Channel Power} > {Int BW}

N9340A User’s Guide 45

3 Making Measurements

Channel Bandwidth

Sets the analyzer span for the channel power
measurement using the knob, the arrow keys or the
numeric keypad. Be sure the span is set between 1
and 10 times the integration bandwidth.
Key Access: [MEAS] > {Channel Power}

46 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Making a Stimulus Response Transmission Measurement

The procedure below describes how to use a
built-in tracking generator to measure the rejection
of a low pass filter, a type of transmission
measurement.

1 To measure the rejection of a low pass filter,

connect the equipment as shown below.
A 370 MHz low- pass filter is used as a DUT in
this example.

Figure 17 Transmission Measurement Test Setup

DUT

SYS MODE MEAS TRACE

N9340A

HANDHELD SPECTRUM ANALYZER

100 kHz - 3.0 GHz

2

DEF3GHI1ABC

5

MNO4JKL6PQR

VWX7STU9YZ_

8

LIMIT

0

SAVE

ESC/CLR

MARKER

PRESET

ENTER

BW/

FREQ SPANAMPTD

SWP

2 Press [Preset] to perform a factory preset.

3 Set the start and stop frequencies and resolution

bandwidth:

• Press [FREQ] > {Start Freq} > 100 > {MHz}

• Press [FREQ] > {Stop Freq} > 1 > {GHz}

• Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW} > 1 > {MHz}

4 Turn on the tracking generator and if necessary,

set the output power to –10 dBm:

Press [Mode] > {Track Generator} > {Amplitude (On)} >

–10 > {dBm}.

Excessive signal input may damage the DUT. Do not

CAU-CAUTION

exceed the maximum power that the device under test can
tolerate.

N9340A User’s Guide 47

3 Making Measurements

5 Press [Sweep] > {Sweep Time (Auto)} to put the

sweep time into stimulus response auto coupled
mode.

6 Increase measurement sensitivity and smooth the

noise:

Press [BW/SWP]> {RBW} >30 > {kHz}

Press [BW/SWP] > {VBW} > 30 > {kHz}

A decrease in displayed amplitude is caused by
tracking error.

7 Connect the cable from the tracking generator

output to the analyzer input. Store the frequency
response in trace 4 and normalize:

Press [MEAS] > {Normalize} > {Store Ref} (1 → 4) >

{Normalize (On)}

8 Reconnect the DUT to the analyzer and change

the normalized reference position:

Press [MEAS] > {Normalize} > {Norm Ref Posn} > 8 >

[ENTER]

9 Measure the rejection of the low- pass filter:

Press [Marker] > {Normal} > 370 > MHz, {Delta} > 130

> {MHz}

The marker readout displays the rejection of the
filter at 130 MHz above the cutoff frequency of
the low- pass filter.

Figure 18 Measure the Rejection Range

48 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Measuring Stop Band Attenuation of a Low-pass Filter

When measuring filter characteristics, it is useful
to look at the stimulus response over a wide
frequency range. Setting the analyzer x- axis
(frequency) to display logarithmically provides this
function. The following example uses the tracking
generator to measure the stop band attenuation of
a 370 MHz low pass filter.

1 Connect the DUT as shown in Figure 16. This

example uses a 370 MHz low pass filter

2 Press [Preset] to perform a factory preset.

3 Set the start and stop frequencies:

• Press [FREQ] > {Start Freq} > 100 > {MHz}

• Press [FREQ] > {Stop Freq} > 1 > {GHz}

• Press [AMPTD] > {Scale Type} > {Log}

4 Press [BW/SWP] > {RBW} > {10}> {kHz} to set the

resolution bandwidth to 10 kHz.

Excessive signal input may damage the DUT. Do not

CAU-CAUTION

exceed the maximum power that the device under test can
tolerate.

5 Turn on the tracking generator and if necessary,

set the output power to -10 dBm:

Press [Mode] > {Track Generator} > {Amplitude (On)} >

–10 > {dBm}.

6 Press [Sweep] > {Sweep Time (Auto)} to put the

sweep time into stimulus response auto coupled
mode.

Adjust the reference level if necessary to place
the signal on screen.

7 Connect the cable (but not the DUT) from the

tracking generator output to the analyzer input.
Store the frequency response into trace 4 and
normalize:

N9340A User’s Guide 49

3 Making Measurements

Press [MEAS] > {Normalize} > {Store Ref} (1 → 4) >
{Normalize (On)}

8 Reconnect the DUT to the analyzer. Note that the

units of the reference level have changed to dB,
indicating that this is now a relative
measurement.

9 To change the normalized reference position:

Press [MEAS] > {Normalize} > {Norm Ref Posn} > {8} >

[ENTER]

10Place the reference marker at the specified

cutoff frequency:
Press [MARKER] > {Normal} > {370} > MHz

11 Set the second marker as a delta frequency of

37 MHz:

Press {Delta} > 37 >MHz

12In this example, the attenuation over this

frequency range is 19.16 dB/octave (one octave
above the cutoff frequency).

13Use the front- panel knob to place the marker at

the highest peak in the stop band to determine
the minimum stop band attenuation. In this
example, the peak occurs at 600 MHz. The
attenuation is 51.94 dB.

Figure 19 Minimum Stop Band Attenuation

50 N9340A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 3

Making a Reflection Calibration Measurement

The following procedure makes a reflection
measurement using a coupler or directional bridge
to measure the return loss of a filter. This example
uses a 370 MHz low- pass filter as the DUT.
The calibration standard for reflection
measurements is usually a short circuit connected
at the reference plane (the point at which the
device under test (DUT) is connected.) See Figure

19. A short circuit has a reflection coefficient of 1
(0 dB return loss). It reflects all incident power
and provides a convenient 0 dB reference.

1 Connect the DUT to the directional bridge or

coupler as shown below. Terminate the
unconnected port of the DUT.

Figure 20 Reflection Measurement Short Calibration Test

Setup

Short
Circuit

Or

DUT

Coupled
Port

If possible, use a coupler or bridge with the correct test

NOTE

port connector for both calibrating and measuring. Any

SYS MODE MEAS TRACE

N9340A

HANDHELD SPECTRUM ANALYZER

100 kHz - 3.0 GHz

2

DEF3GHI1ABC

5

MNO4JKL6PQR

VWX7STU9YZ_

8

LIMIT

0

SAVE

ESC/CLR

MARKER

PRESET

ENTER

BW/

FREQ SPANAMPTD

SWP

adapter between the test port and DUT degrades
coupler/bridge directivity and system source match.

Ideally, you should use the same adapter for the
calibration and the measurement. Be sure to terminate the
second port of a two port device.

N9340A User’s Guide 51

3 Making Measurements

2 Connect the tracking generator output of the

analyzer to the directional bridge or coupler.

3 Connect the analyzer input to the coupled port

of the directional bridge or coupler.

4 Press [Preset] to perform a factory preset.

5 Turn on the tracking generator and if necessary,

set the output power to –10 dBm:

Press [Mode] > {Track Generator} > {Amplitude (On)} >

–10 > {dBm}

Excessive signal input may damage the DUT. Do not

CAU-CAUTION

exceed the maximum power that the device under test can
tolerate.

6 Set the start and stop frequencies and resolution

bandwidth:

• Press [FREQ] > {Start Freq} > 100 > {MHz}

• Press [FREQ] > {Stop Freq} > 1 > {GHz}

• Press [BW/Avg] > {RBW} > 1 > MHz

7 Replace the DUT with a short circuit.

8 Normalize the trace:

Press [MEAS] > {Normalize} > {Store Ref (1 → 4)}>
{Normalize (On)}

This activates the trace 1 minus trace 4 function
and display the results in trace 1.
The normalized trace or flat line represents 0
dB return loss. Normalization occurs each
sweep. Replace the short circuit with the DUT.

Since the reference trace is stored in trace 4, changing

NOTE

trace 4 to Clear Write invalidates the normalization.

52 N9340A User’s Guide

Figure 21 Short Circuit Normalized

Making Measurements 3

N9340A User’s Guide 53

3 Making Measurements

Measuring Return Loss Using the Reflection Calibration Routine

This procedure uses the reflection calibration
routine in the proceeding procedure “Making a

Reflection Calibration Measurement" on page 51 to

calculate the return loss of the 370 MHz low pass
filter.

1 After calibrating the system with the above

procedure, reconnect the filter in place of the
short circuit without changing any analyzer
settings.

2 Use the marker to read return loss. Position the

marker with the front- panel knob to read the
return loss at that frequency.

Rotate the knob to find the highest peak and
the readout is the maximum return loss.

Measuring the Return Loss of the Filter

54 N9340A User’s Guide

Agilent N9340A
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

4
System Setting

Agilent Technologies

55

4System Setting

Visual and Audio Adjustment

Quick Display Adjustment

The analyzer provides you a quick adjustment for
both brightness and contrast.

Press [SYS] > {Display} to toggle the screen display
status between

Manual Display Adjustment

Adjusting Brightness

Press [SYS] > {Brightness} then rotate the knob to
adjust screen brightness.

Adjusting Contrast

Press [SYS] > {Contrast} then rotate the knob to
adjust screen contrast.

Setting Key Beep

Activates the key beep function as an indicator of
key operation.

Key Access: [SYS] > {More (1 of 3)} > {Key Beep}

Normal and Light.

56 N9340A User’s Guide

System Setting

Includes general system settings, displayed
language setting, and external input setting.

General system settings

Provides the following system setting options:

Time/Date

Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {General} > {Time/Date} to set
the date and time of the analyzer.
The analyzer requires you to input the time in a
HHMMSS format, and the date in a YYYYMMDD
format.

Power Manager

Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {General} > {Power manager} to
select a power saving mode from the followings.
The three modes provide a choice for setting the
idle time limit as 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30
minutes or 4 hours.

• Backlight

The analyzer turns off the backlight of the

LCD screen after a pre- defined idle time.

Press any key to re-activate the backlight after

the backlight power-saving mode has been

triggered.

• LCD

The analyzer turns off the LCD display after a

pre- defined idle time. Press any key to

re- activate the LCD display after the LCD

display power- saving mode has been triggered.

• Backlight & LCD

The analyzer turns off the both the LCD

display and the backlight after a pre- defined

idle time. Press any key to re-activate the

backlight and LCD display after the backlight

and LCD power-saving mode has been

triggered.

System Setting 4

N9340A User’s Guide 57

4System Setting

Ext Input

The external Ref and Tri g functions are not available at the

NOTE

same time.

Toggles the channel for external input between Ref
and Tr ig . Ref refers to a 10 MHz reference signal; Tri g
refers to a TTL signal.

Key Access:

External Reference (Ref)

Use the external reference function as follows:

1 Input a 10 MHz signal to the EXT TRIG IN/REF IN

connector.

2 Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {Ext Input} > {Ref}

the external reference signal input.

The analyzer then turns off its internal reference.

External Trigger (Trig)

When an external TTL signal is used for triggering
function, the analyzer uses the inner reference as
default.

Use the external trigger function as follows:

1 Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {Ext Input} > {Trig} to enable

the external TTL signal input.

2 Press [SPAN] > {Zero Span} to activate the Tr ig ge r

function.

3 Access the associated softkeys to select the

rising edge (Ext Rise) or the falling edge (Ext Fall)
as the trigger threshold

The trace will halt in external trigger mode till the trigger

NOTE

threshold is met or the free run function is activated.

[SYS] > {Setting} > {Ext Input}

to enable

58 N9340A User’s Guide

System Setting 4

Quick saving or loading a system setup

Quick saving a setup

Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {Save Setup} to save the
current system settings.

Refer to “File Type" on page 60 for more information about
file types.

This quick saving utility of system state is equal to the system

NOTE

state saving utility under the [SYS] > {File}.

Quick recalling a setup

• Load default

Press [SYS] > {Setting} > > {Recall Setup} > {Load
default} to recall the factory default setup.

•User Setup

Press [SYS] > {Setting} > {Recall Setup} > {User Setup}
to recall a customized setup that has been saved
previously.

N9340A User’s Guide 59

4System Setting

File

Pressing [SYS] > {File} accesses to the menu that
allows you to manage the file saving and loading.

A USB memory stick of FAT32 or FAT16 format and with only

NOTE

one memory zone is primarily required when using USB
memory stick for file saving and loading.

File Type

Pressing [SYS] > {File} > {File Setup} > {File type} allows
you to select a file type from one of the following:

• Trace (*.DAT)
A trace file records trace data and controls.

• Screen (*.JPG)
A screen file records graphic information of the
current screen.

• State (*.STA)
A state file records the current controls and
settings of the analyzer.

• Pattern (*.PTN)
A pattern file records the limit line settings.

• Spectrum Mask (*.MSK)
A mask file records the spectrum mask settings.
You can use the N9340A PC software to edit a
mask file and transfer the mask to your N9340A.

• Setup (*.SET)
A setup file records the system setting
information, such as language, date/time, and
power saving mode.

Saving Path

Pressing [SYS] > {File} > {File Setup} > {Save Path} allows
you to select a path from one of the following:

• Local memory

• External USB memory stick

60 N9340A User’s Guide

System Setting 4

Saving a file

After you select a file type, you need to edit a file name by

NOTE

pressing the numeric and alphabetic hardkeys on the right
side of the analyzer’s front panel.

Refer to the following three steps to save a file:

1 Press [SYS] > {File} > {File setup} to select the save

path and file type.

2 Edit a file name.

A file name can be consist of letters and digits.
A single key stroke on the numerical keypad
inputs a digital number; and consecutive key
stroke selects and inputs a letter.

3 Press {Save} to save the file.

When a file saving completes, the message “File
Saved” displays on the bottom line of the screen.

If you toggle the saving path to USB, files are automatically

NOTE

saved into a folder named as N9340DATA in the root directory
of the USB memory stick.
If the USB memory stick connection can not be updated,
remove the USB memory stick, then cycle the power and
re-insert the USB memory stick again.

Quick saving a trace or a screen

Pressing [ESC/CLR] > [Save] allows you to quickly
save a trace or a screen to either the local memory
or an external USB device, depending upon the
setup of the save path. For more information about
file setup please refer to “File Type" on page 60 and

“Saving Path" on page 60.

Three steps for saving a trace or a screen:

1 Press [SYS] > {File} > {File Setup} > {Shortcut Type} to

indicate the shortcut type to either a trace or a
screen copy.

2 Press [SYS] > {File} > {File Setup} > {Save Path} to either

local memory or an external USB disk.

N9340A User’s Guide 61

4System Setting

3 Press [ESC], [Save] to save a trace or a screen copy to your

pre-defined memory. The trace or screen will be
automatically assigned with a default file name. A trace
will be assigned with a file name, such as HYTRACE,
HYTRACE_1, and consecutive decimal numbers appended.
A screen copy will be assigned with a file name, as
HYSCREEN, HYSCREEN_1 and consecutive decimal
numbers appended to the alphabetic file name.

To quick save or load a setup, please refer to “Quick saving

or loading a system setup" on page 59.

Viewing file list

Refer to the following two steps to view file list:

1 Select the directory you wish to view.

Press [SYS] > {File} > {View} to toggle the displayed
file list from local memory or an external USB
memory stick.

2 Select the file type you wish to view.

Press [SYS] > {File} > {File setup} > {File type} to
select a file type.

62 N9340A User’s Guide

Deleting a file

A deleted file can NEVER be recovered. Carefully

CAU-CAUTION

BE

decide whether you need to delete the file(s).

1 Press [SYS] > {File} > {View} to select a directory.

2 Press [SYS] > {File} > {File setup} > {File type} to

select a file type.

3 Rotate the knob to highlight a file.

4 Press {Delete} to delete a selected file.

Loading a file

A screen file (*.JPG) can not be loaded onto the

NOTE

analyzer.

1 Press [SYS] > {File} > {View} to select a directory.

2 Press [SYS] > {File} > {File setup} > {File type} to

select a file type.

3 Rotate the knob to highlight a file.

4 Press {Load Now} to recall a pre- saved file.

System Setting 4

N9340A User’s Guide 63

4System Setting

Show System

Displays the following hardware, software and
battery information of your analyzer:

Machine Model Power Source

MCU Firmware Version Battery Info

DSP Firmware Version Name

FPGA Firmware Version Serial NO.

RF Firmware Version Capacity

RF Module S/N Temperature

KeyBoard Module S/N Charge Cycles

Elapsed Time Voltage

Whole Times Current

This Run Time Charge Status

Temperature Remain Time

Source Voltage Host ID

Key Access: [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Show system}

64 N9340A User’s Guide

Show Error

Accesses a list of the 30 most recent error
messages reported by the analyzer. The most recent
error will appear at the bottom of the list. If the
error list is longer than 30 entries, the analyzer
reports an error message [–350, Query
overflow]. When in remote control, and the error
list is greater than 30 entries, the error display is
halted and a message at the bottom of the list
informs the user that error exceed 30.

Key Access: [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Show Error}

For more information, refer to “Error Messages" on

page 143.

System Setting 4

N9340A User’s Guide 65

4System Setting

Perform a Time Base Calibration

As soon as the calibration function triggers, it
interrupts the current measurement is interrupted
and a gauge displays on the LCD. The gauge simply
indicates calibration action rather than calibration
course, as the calibration time is unpredictable.
When the calibration is finished, the LCD displays
a calibration, and the interrupted measurement
restarts.

Time base calibration takes during a short time only when the

NOTE

inner temperature is stable. When the inner temperature is
increasing, calibration takes a long-time course or will fail. If
the input reference signal is abnormal, the calibration cycle
will take a long and unpredictable time to exit, and the LCD
displays an error message.

Key Access: [SYS] > {More (2 of 3)} > {Calibration}

66 N9340A User’s Guide

Factory Default Settings

Parameter Default Setting

Center Frequency 1.5 GHz
Start Frequency 0.0 Hz
Stop Frequency 3.0 GHz
Span 3.0 GHz
Reference Level 0.0 dBm
Attenuation Auto (20 dB)
Scale/DIV 10 dB/DIV
Scale Type Log
RBW Auto (1 MHz)
VBW Auto (1 MHz)
Average Type Log Power
Sweep time Auto
Sweep Mode Normal
Trace 1 Clear write
Trac e 2 B l a n k
Trac e 3 B l a n k
Trac e 4 B l a n k
Trac e 1 Detect ion Pos Peak
Trace 2 Detection Pos Peak
Trace 3 Detection Pos Peak
Trace 4 Detection Pos Peak
Trace Average All Off
Marker All Off
File Type Trace
Save Path Local
Mode Spectrum Analyzer
External Input type Trigger in (TTL signal input)

System Setting 4

For more information about saving a user-defined
preset, refer to “Selecting a preset type” and

“Saving a User-defined Preset" on page 22.

N9340A User’s Guide 67

4System Setting

68 N9340A User’s Guide

Agilent N9340A
Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

5
Key Reference

Agilent Technologies

69

5Key Reference

Amplitude

Activates the reference level function and access
the associated softkeys to set functions that affect
the way data on the vertical axis is displayed or
corrected.

Ref level

Activates the reference level function.

The reference level is the amplitude power or
voltage represented by the top graticule on the
display. Changing the value of the reference level
changes the absolute amplitude level (in the
selected amplitude units) of the top graticule line.
To change the reference level, use the arrow keys,
the knob, or the numeric keypad. Pressing any
digit (0 through 9) on the numeric keypad brings
up the terminator menu.

Key access: [AMPTD]

Attenuation

Toggles the input attenuation between Auto or Man.

The input attenuation ranges from 1dB to 51 dB
and allows you to set the attenuation level in 1 dB
increments when Attenuation is set to Man.

The input attenuator, normally coupled to the
reference level control, reduces the power level of
the analyzer input signal at the input mixer. The
attenuator is recoupled when Attenuation is set to
Auto.

To prevent damage to the input mixer, do not exceed a

CAU-CAUTION

power level of +33 dBm at the input. A granted power
level for stable sensitive measurement is less than 20
dBm.

Key access: [AMPTD]

70 N9340A User’s Guide

Preamp

Toggles the internal preamp between On and Off.

Preamp results in a correction being applied to
compensate for the gain of the preamp at 20 dBm
so that amplitude readings show the value at the
input connector.

When the preamp is on, a PA indication appears on the left

NOTE

side of the display.

The preamp is set to on in frequency bands from
1 MHz to 3 GHz, otherwise the correction is not
applied even though the PA indication still appears.

Key access: [AMPTD]

Scale/DIV

Sets the logarithmic units per vertical graticule
division on the display.

The Scale/Div function is only available when the Scale Type

NOTE

key is set to Log.

Key access: [AMPTD]

Scale Type

Key Reference 5

Toggles the scale type of vertical graticule divisions
between logarithmic and linear.

When Scale Type is set to Log, a Logarithmic units
is activated ranging from 1 to 10 dB per division.

When Scale Type is set to Lin, the vertical divisions
are linearly scaled and the default amplitude units
are volts. The top of the display is set to the
reference- level value and the bottom graticule
becomes zero volts. (Each division of the tragically
is one- tenth of the reference level in volts.)

Key access: [AMPTD] > {Scale Type}

N9340A User’s Guide 71

5Key Reference

Ref Offset

Adds an offset value which ranges from -327.6 dB
to +327.6 dB to the displayed reference level.

Reference-level offsets are only entered by using the numeric

NOTE

keypad. Entering an offset does not affect the trace or the
attenuation value.

Reference- level offsets are used when gain or loss
occurs between a device under test and the
analyzer input. Thus, the signal level measured by
the analyzer may be referred to as the level at the
input of an external amplitude conversion device.
When an amplitude offset is entered, its value
appears in the lower left corner of the display.

Key access: [AMPTD]

Y Axis Units

Sets the amplitude units.

Amplitude units are maintained for both logarithmic and linear

NOTE

modes depending on the Scale Type setting.

Key access: [AMPTD] > {Y Axis Units}

72 N9340A User’s Guide

BW/SWP

Activates the bandwidth function and accesses the
associated softkeys to control resolution bandwidth,
video bandwidth and sweep time.

RBW

Changes the 3- dB resolution bandwidth on the
analyzer from 30 Hz to 1 MHz in a 1, 3, 10
sequence using the knob, step keys or the numeric
keypad.

If an unavailable bandwidth is entered using the numeric

NOTE

keypad, the closest available bandwidth in the 1, 3, 10
sequence is used.

As the resolution bandwidth is decreased, the
sweep time is modified to maintain amplitude
calibration. Resolution bandwidth is also related to
span. As span is decreased, resolution bandwidth
decreases. As the resolution bandwidth changes,
the video bandwidth, if in auto couple mode,
changes to maintain the VBW/RBW ratio.

In non-zero span mode, the value of RBW is determined by

NOTE

whether the setting for RBW is Auto or Man (manual).

Key Reference 5

A “#”mark appears next to RBW on the display
when it is not coupled.

Key access: [BW/SWP]

N9340A User’s Guide 73

5Key Reference

VBW

Changes the analyzer post- detector filter from
3 Hz to 1 MHz in a 1, 3, 10 sequence using the
knob, the step keys, or the numeric keypad.

If an unavailable bandwidth entered using the numeric

NOTE

keypad, the closest available bandwidth in the 1, 3, 10
sequence is used.

As the video bandwidth is decreased, the sweep
time is increased to maintain amplitude calibration.

A “#”mark appears next to RBW on the display
when it is not coupled.

Key access: [BW/SWP]

VBW/RBW

Selects the ratio between the video and resolution
bandwidths.

If signal responses near the noise level are visually
masked by the noise, the ratio can be set to less
than 1 to lower the noise. The knob and step keys
change the ratio in a 1, 3, 10 sequence.

When preset is set to default, or VBW/RBW is set to Auto,

NOTE

the ratio is set to 1.

Key access: [BW/SWP]

Avg Type

Accesses the functions to automatically or
manually choose from one of the following
averaging type:

74 N9340A User’s Guide

Key Reference 5

Log Pwr

Averages the data as appropriate for the
logarithmic scaled y axis.

When average type is set to Log Pwr, “LgAv”
appears on the left side of the display.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Avg Type}

Pwr

Converts the scale from logarithmic to linear power
units, and then averages the power trace data.

With average type set to Pwr, “PAvg” appears on
the left side of the display.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Avg Type}

Voltage

Averages the data as appropriate for the linearly
scaled y- axis scale.

With average type set to Voltage, “VAvg” appears on
the left side of the display.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Avg Type}

There are actually four types of averaging
processes within an N9340A. All, except VBW
filtering, are affected by this setting. They are
listed as follows:

• Trace averaging

Averages signal amplitudes on a trace- to- trace
basis. (Press Log Pwr or Pwr)

•Average detector

Averages signal amplitudes during the time or
frequency interval represents the result as a single
measurement point.

•Noise marker

Averages signal amplitudes across measurement
points to reduce variations for noisy signals.

• VBW filtering

Performs a form of averaging of video signal.

N9340A User’s Guide 75

5Key Reference

Sweep Time

Selects the length of time the analyzer takes to
tune across the displayed frequency span (or, in
zero span, the time the analyzer takes to sweep the
full screen) using the knob, the arrow keys, or
numeric keypad.

Reducing the sweep time increases the sweep rate.

NOTE

Key access: [BW/SWP]

In non-zero spans:

When the sweep time is auto- coupled, the analyzer
selects the optimum (shortest) sweep time ranging
from 10 ms to 1000 s for the current settings. This
selection process is influenced by three factors:

• Frequency Span

• The selected Resolution Bandwidth

• The selected Video Bandwidth

Note that changing one of the three factors above
changes sweep time. The sweep time is in direct
ratio to frequency span and is in reverse ratio to
the selected resolution bandwidth and video
bandwidth when auto- coupled.

With sweep time set to a value less than the minimum

CAU-CAUTION

auto-coupled value, an annotation “Data out of range”
appears in the active function block and the sweep time is
automatically converted to the minimum auto-coupled
value.

In zero span:

The auto- coupled status is invalid in zero span.
You can only set the sweep time manually. The
sweep time ranges from 6 s to 200 s in zero span.

76 N9340A User’s Guide

µ

Key Reference 5

In FFT Mode

In FFT mode, the sweep time is auto- coupled as
default. And the submenu of sweep time is invalid
in FFT mode.

Sweep

Activates the sweep mode function and accesses
associated softkeys to set functions that affect the
way a trace sweeps across the display.

Sweep

Toggles the analyzer between the continuous sweep
mode and the single sweep mode.

• Sweep (Single)

Puts the analyzer in a single sweep mode. In this
mode, pressing [BW/SWP] > {Single Sweep} enables
a sweep.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Sweep}

• Sweep (Cont)

Performs one sweep after another as soon as it
is triggered. Pressing [Preset] (When Preset Type
is set to Default) or turning the power on, sets
the sweep mode to continuous sweep as default.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Sweep}

Sweep Mode

An N9340A provides two sweep modes to meet
different sweep time requirements:

•Normal

Activates the sweep mode as default.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Sweep} > {Sweep Mode}

N9340A User’s Guide 77

5Key Reference

•Fast

Activates the fast sweep mode.

Fast sweep mode provides a fast measurement
function that decreases the sweep time. However,
this mode brings a decrease of amplitude accuracy.

Fast sweep is valid only when span is no less than 50 MHz.

NOTE

Measurement data is not ganruanteed in fast sweep mode.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Sweep} > {Sweep Mode}

Single Sweep

When the analyzer is in continuous sweep mode
and not in a measurement mode ([MEAS] > Measure
Off), pressing [BW/SWP] > {Single Sweep} convert the
continuous sweep to single sweep and executes a
sweep after the trigger condition is met. If the
analyzer is already in single sweep, pressing
[BW/SWP] > {Single Sweep} executes a new sweep as
soon as the trigger condition is met.

If Average is on ([TRACE] > {More (1 of 2)} > {Average}
> On), pressing [BW/SWP] > {Single Sweep} halts
averaging of the current value, and continue
averaging from the current count number as soon
as a single sweep function triggers.

Key access: [BW/SWP] > {Sweep}

78 N9340A User’s Guide

Enter

Key Reference 5

• Terminates date entry and enters into the
analyzer a numerical value keyed from numeric
keypad on the front panel.

• Terminate filename entries.

N9340A User’s Guide 79

5Key Reference

ESC/CLR

Provides mainly two types of functions:

Clear

• Clears any numeric entry and cancels the active
function.

• Clears any title entry and cause the title to
revert to the previous name.

• Clears input or output overloads

• Clears error messages from the status line along

the bottom of the display.

Association with other functions

Provides a permitted setting for triggering other
functions as follows:

• Activates LIMIT function for pass/fail judgements.

• Activates SAVE function for current trace saving.

When pressing [ESC/CLR], a current parameter

CAU-CAUTION

annotation in the lower left corner disappears which is an
indicator of available settings of LIMT and SAVE.

80 N9340A User’s Guide

Frequency

Activates the center frequency function, and
accesses the menu of frequency functions. The
center frequency, or start and stop frequency
values appear below the graticule on the display.

When changing both the center frequency and the span,

NOTE

change the frequency first since the span can be limited by
the frequency value.

Center Frequency

Activates the center frequency function which
allows you to set the horizontal center of the
display to a specified frequency.

Key access: [FREQ]

Start Frequency

Sets the frequency at the left side of the graticule.
The left and right sides of the graticule correspond
to the start and stop frequencies. When these
frequencies are activated, their values are
displayed below the graticule in place of center
frequency and span.

Key access: [FREQ]

Key Reference 5

Stop Frequency

Sets the frequency at the right side of the
graticule.The left and right sides of the graticule
correspond to the start and stop frequencies. When
these frequencies are activated, their values are
displayed below the graticule in place of center
frequency and span.

Key access: [FREQ]

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5Key Reference

CF Step

Changes the step size for the center frequency
function. Once a step size has been selected and
the center frequency function is activated, the
arrow keys change the center frequency by the
step- size value. The step size function is useful for
finding harmonics and sidebands beyond the
current frequency span of the analyzer. When
auto-coupled, the center size is set to one division
(10 percent of the span).

Key access: [FREQ]

82 N9340A User’s Guide

Marker

Marker

Normal

Key Reference 5

Accesses the marker control softkeys to select the
type and number of markers. Markers are
diamond- shaped characters that identify points of
traces. Up to six pairs of markers may appear on
the display simultaneously; only one pair can be
controlled at a time. The marker that is controlled
is called the “active” marker. Pressing [MARKER]
activates the Normal menu key.

Selects one of the six possible markers. A marker
that has already been selected will become active
when it is turned on. If a marker has been turned
on and assigned to a specific trace, it will become
active on that trace if that marker is selected.

Key access: [MARKER]

Activates a single frequency marker at the center
of the active trace if a marker is not already
displayed. If a marker is displayed before the
Normal function is enabled, the marker is enabled
at the position of the selected marker. The marker
number is indicated above the marker. The knob
and/or arrow keys move the marker left or right. If
a value is entered from the numeric keypad, the
marker is moved to the trace point nearest to that
value. Annotation in the active function block and
in the upper right corner indicates the frequency
and amplitude of the marker (time and amplitude,
if in zero span.) Pressing Normal turns off the Delta
function and moves the active marker to the delta
marker position.

Key access: [MARKER]

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5Key Reference

Delta

Activates a second marker at the position of the
first marker. (If no marker is present, two markers
appear at the center of the display). The amplitude
and frequency (or time) of the first marker is
fixed. The marker number is indicated above the
delta marker, and the same number is indicated
with an R (for example, 1R) above the reference
marker. Use the data controls to position the delta
marker. Annotation in the active function block
and in the upper- right corner of the display
indicates the frequency (or time) and amplitude
differences between the two markers. The markers
will be turned off if the scale type is changed
between log and linear.

Press Delta again moves the reference marker to the active

NOTE

marker position, so you are allowed to make delta
measurements from differing reference points without having
to turn off the makers and begin again.

The delta marker function permits signal-to-noise

NOTE

measurements provided the signal is a single spectral
component (sinusoid). Place a normal marker on the signal,
press Delta, place the delta marker in the noise, and activate
Marker Noise. The indicated amplitude indicates
signal-to-noise/Hz.

Key access: [MARKER]

Off

Turns off the active function markers.

Key access: [MARKER]

84 N9340A User’s Guide

Key Reference 5

Peak Search

Place a marker on the highest peak based on the
setting of the Search Criteria as follows:

•Peak

Place a marker on the highest peak.

Key access: [MARKER]

•Next LF Peak

Moves the marker to the next peak to the left of
the current marker. The signal peak must exceed
the peak threshold value by the peak excursion
value. If there is no peak to the right, the marker
will not move and the No Peak Found error message
will appear on the display.

Key access: [MARKER]

•Next RT Peak

Moves the marker to the next peak to the right of
the current marker. The signal peak must exceed
the peak threshold value by the peak excursion
value. If there is no peak to the right, the marker
will not move and the No Peak Found error message
will appear on the display.

Key access: [MARKER]

•Auto Search

In non- zero span, pressing Auto Search turns all six
markers on and puts them on the six highest peak
in the current frequency span.

In zero span, the function is not available.

Key access: [MARKER]

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5Key Reference

Marker To

Accesses the following marker function menu keys:

•To Center

Sets the center frequency of the analyzer to the
marker frequency. In Delta mode, pressing [Marker]
> {Marker To} > {To Center} sets the center frequency
to the marker delta value. The function is not
available in zero span.

When the frequency scale is in log mode, the center

NOTE

frequency is not at the center of the display.

Key access: [MARKER] > {To Center}

•To Ref

Changes the reference level to the active marker
value, moving the marked point to the reference
level (top line of the graticule). In Delta mode,
pressing [Marker] > {Marker To} > {To Ref} sets the
reference level to the amplitude difference between
the markers.

Key access: [MARKER] > {Marker To}

Mode

Accesses the following menu keys that allows you
to change the active marker readout mode.

•Normal
Activates the default readout mode.

• Freq Count

Activates a frequency counter mode.

Frequency counter is properly effective only on CW signals or

NOTE

discrete peaks. For a valid reading, the marker must be greater
than 25 dB above the noise.
Freq Count function is not supported under Marker Delta
condition.

86 N9340A User’s Guide

•Noise

Activates a noise readout mode for evaluating
power density.

Noise mode operates only on noise peaks and not supported

NOTE

under Marker Delta condition.

Key access: [MARKER] > {More (1 of 2)} > {Mode}

Marker Trace

Activates a marker on the trace if there are no
markers turned on. If a marker is currently active,
press Marker Trace until 1, 2, 3, or 4 is
underlined. The active marker will be moved to the
selected trace.

Selecting
automatically selected trace. The selection order is
to look for the lowest numbered trace in the
following order of trace modes:

Clear write Max hold

Min. hold View

If there is no trace in any of these modes, it
selects trace 1 as default.

Key access: [MARKER] > {Marker Trace}

Auto will move the marker to the

Key Reference 5

All Off

Turns off all of the markers, including markers
used for signal track and demodulation. Marker
annotation is also removed.

Key access: [MARKER] > {All Off}

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5Key Reference

Meas

In spectrum analysis mode, pressing [Meas] brings
up the menu for a suite of power measurements
such as adjacent channel power, occupied
bandwidth, and channel power.

Refer to “One-button Power Measurement" on
page 43 for more information about these
measurements.

88 N9340A User’s Guide

Span

Key Reference 5

Activates the span function and accesses the
submenu of span functions. Pressing [SPAN] allows
you to change the frequency range symmetrically
about the center frequency. The frequency- span
readout describes the total displayed frequency
range. To determine frequency span per horizontal
graticule division (when the frequency scale type is
set to linear), divide the frequency span by 10.

Span

Allows you to enter a frequency span range value.

Key access: [SPAN]

Full

Changes the span to full span showing the full
frequency range of the analyzer.

Key access: [SPAN]

Zero

Changes the frequency span to zero. In this mode,
the current center frequency is displayed in the
time domain (the x axis is displayed in units of
time), like a conventional oscilloscope.

Key access: [SPAN]

Last Span

Changes the span to the previous span setting.

Key access: [SPAN]

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5Key Reference

TRACE

Accesses the trace keys to store and manipulate
trace information. Each trace comprises a series of
data points in which amplitude information is
stored. The analyzer updates the information for
any active trace with each sweep.

If you have selected Channel Power, OBW, or ACPR
in the MEAS menu, refer to “One- button Power

Measurement" on page 43.

Tr ac e

Selects the trace for current use.

Key access: [TRACE]

Clear Write

Erases any data previously stored in the selected
trace and continuously displays any signals during
the sweep of the analyzer. This function is
activated for trace 1 at power on and factory
preset.

Key access: [TRACE]

Max Hold

Maintains the maximum level for each trace point
of the selected trace, and updates each trace point
if a new maximum level is detected in successive
sweeps.

Changing the vertical scale (Amplitude, Scale Type, Log or

NOTE

Line), or pressing PRESET, or turning averaging on (TRACE,
Average (On)) or switching widow in Zone Span restarts the

held trace.

Key access: [TRACE]

90 N9340A User’s Guide