Measurement Guide
Agilent Technologies
ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers
GSM Measurement Personality
This manual provides documentation for the following instruments:
ESA-E Series
E4402B (9 kHz - 3.0 GHz)
E4404B (9 kHz - 6.7 GHz)
E4405B (9 kHz - 13.2 GHz)
E4407B (9 kHz - 26.5 GHz)
Manufacturing Part Number: E4401-90140
Printed in USA
March 2000
© Copyright 2000 Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.
Agilent Technologies makesno warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent
Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against
defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from
date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies
Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove
to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a
service facility designated by Agilent Technologies. Buyer shall prepay
shipping charges to Agilent Technologies and Agilent Technologies
shall pay shipping charges to return the product to Buyer. However,
Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products
returned to Agilent Technologies from another country.
Agilent Technologies warrants that its software and firmware
designated by Agilent Technologies for use with an instrument will
execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that
instrument. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation
of the instrument, or software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or
error-free.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied
software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation
outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper
site preparation or maintenance.
ii
NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT
TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
iii
Safety Information
The following safety notes are used throughout this manual.
Familiarize yourself with these notes before operating this instrument.
WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of the instrument. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective
earth ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug
shall be inserted only in a socket outlet provided with a
protected 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 No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock do not remove
covers.
CAUTION Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this product.
Failure to ensure adequate grounding may cause product damage.
iv
Contents
1. GSM Use Model
Cellular Communications—Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
The Fault Finding Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Identifying Interfering Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Examples of Interference Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
2. Preparing to Make GSM Measurements
GSM Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Basic Key Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Preparing to Make Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Initial settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
How to make a measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
How to Save Measurement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
3. Making GSM Base Station Measurements
Chapter Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Making the Output RF Spectrum (ORFS) Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Measurement Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Making the Phase and Frequency Error Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Measurement Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Making the Power Vs Time Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Measurement Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
Power vs Time Custom Masks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Changing the View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Changing the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Making The Power Steps Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Measurement Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
Making the Transmitter Power Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
Measurement Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22
v
Contents
4. Making GSM Air Interface Measurements
Chapter Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Making the Monitor Band/Channel Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Measurement Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Making the Out-of-Band Spurious (OOBS) Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Measurement Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Inspecting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Making The Transmitter Receive (Rx) Band Spurious Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
Measurement Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-110
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-111
Inspecting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-112
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-112
Making the Transmitter Transmit (Tx) Band Spurious Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-113
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-113
Measurement Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-113
Making the Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-113
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-114
Inspecting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-115
Troubleshooting Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-115
Making the Transmitter Power Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-116
5. Making GSM Cable and Antenna Measurements
Chapter Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Making cable fault location measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Making return loss measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Making the measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
Making loss/gain measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Making the measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15
vi
1 GSM Use Model
1-1
GSM Use Model
Cellular Communications—Overview
Cellular Communications—Overview
Figure 1-1 Cellular Site Components
Wireless Digital communications systems are made up of five parts: a
central phone switching system, a microwave or landline link, a base
transceiver station (BTS), an antenna and preamplifier system, and the
air interface with the mobile device. The ESA is designed to verify the
satisfactory operation of the base station system which includes the
microwave link, the base transceiver station, the antenna and
preamplifier system, and the air interface with the mobile device. The
measurements in this guide are divided into chapters according to the
subsystems that each tests.
1-2 Chapter1
GSM Use Model
The Fault Finding Process
The Fault Finding Process
Fourkey elements,shown in Figure 1-2, can contribute to degraded cell
performance:
• The transmitter is often described as the hardest working
component of the cell site. Linear power amplifiers generate high
power radio signals and run at high temperatures. Insufficient heat
dissipation in humid climates can cause the transmitters to
overheat, or extremes of cold can cause transmitter heat sinks to
crack. As a result, specified performance will be degraded, causing
low power transmissions, impaired modulation, and poor adjacent
channel performance.
• Cables and antennae are directly exposed to the elements.
Weather-damaged antennas, cables, and the connectors can further
degrade performance. Sometimes a low noise amplifier close to the
antenna is used to boost the signal or microwave radio transceivers
are used to link the cell site to the communications network. These
components are just as exposed to the same harsh environmental
conditions making them prone to failure.
• When a mobile sitetransmits, other radio systems caninterfere with
the propagated signal resulting in a degraded signal at the cell site
receiver. On the journey, interference from other radio systems can
degrade the signal. Tall buildings and hills can deflect the signal
away from the antenna and signal degradation can result.
Figure 1-2 Sources Of System Degradation
Chapter 1 1-3
GSM Use Model
The Fault Finding Process
To help identify which component of the cell site is contributing to
performance problems, a fault finding process is needed. Essentially,
once the radio signal is modulated and transmitted, it is prone to
degradation. The once perfect, error corrected, monitored digital signal,
now has all the characteristics of any analog radio signal. What you
want to do is ensure its transmission path is clear and presents no
barriers that will hinder its performance. Starting at the transmitter,
as indicated in Figure 1-3, you need to check that the correct signal is
being generated.
You then need to ensure that it passes through the various cables and
connectors without degrading itsquality. Oncetransmitted through the
antenna, a clear interference free radio band is required to ensure the
handset receives the signal correctly.Then in reverse,you need to verify
the reception band is clear and the path from the antenna to the
receiver presents no obstacles to the radio receiver equipment, which
will decode the signal and convert it back into digital data.
When troubleshooting, you need to ask ourselves a set of basic
questions. The first thing to question is the transmitter operation
where the signal originates. If this is operating satisfactorily, then you
need to determine that intermediate components are not attenuating
the signal. Finally, you need to ensure that maximum power is being
transferred into the antenna feed and array. On the receive side, you
again need to ensure that maximum power is being transferred from
the antenna to the BTS. You also need to ensure that intermediate
components do not over-attenuate the received signal.
Figure 1-3 Fault Finding Process
1-4 Chapter1
GSM Use Model
The Fault Finding Process
Use Table 1-1 to help determine which measurement to perform when
troubleshooting your cell site base transceiver system.
Table 1-1 Troubleshooting Your Cell Site Base Transceiver System
System
Component
BTS
Air Interface
Cables and
Antenna
Fault Symptom Related Measurements Analyzer
Power Levels Transmitter power
Power vs time
Modulation Quality Phase and frequency error
Interference with other
systems
In-channel interference Transmitter power
In-band interference Monitor band/channel
Out of band interference Out of band spurious
Amplitude flatness Loss/gain
Reflection Responses Return loss (VSWR)
Output RF spectrum (ORFS)
Power Steps
Monitor band/channel
Transmit band spurious
Receive band spurious
(manual measurement)
(manual measurement)
Mode
GSM
GSM
SA
Cable defect Cable fault location
(manual measurement)
GSM
Chapter 1 1-5
GSM Use Model
Identifying Interfering Signals
Identifying Interfering Signals
To identify interfering signals, you must first locate them in the
cdmaOne frequency band. This is best done by using the Monitor Band
measurement. Sensitivity should be optimized to locate and view small
interfering signals.
Tooptimize the spectrum analyzer for best sensitivity when identifying
interference signals, three main parameters need to be understood:
resolution bandwidth, internal attenuation, and internal
pre-amplification:
• Resolution bandwidth: Choose the lowest possible resolution
bandwidth filter. The noise floor decreases as resolution bandwidth
decreases. This is because noise is a broadband signal, and as you
reduce resolution bandwidth, less noise reaches the detector. Sweep
speed is inversely proportional to the square of the resolution
bandwidth and increases as resolution bandwidth decreases. To
optimize speed, the smallest span and largest bandwidth possible
should be used that still separates the signals and allows visibility of
all signals of interest. Using monitor channel reduces the span by
focusing on a specific channel instead of an entire band.
• Attenuation: Set the internal input attenuator to the least possible
amount of attenuation, normally 0 dB. However, if the input signal
total power is greater than −10 dBm for 0 dB attenuation, the
analyzer may generate internal distortion. To determine if the
analyzer is internally generating the distorted signals seen on the
display, increase the attenuation and see if the displayed signals
change in amplitude. If no amplitude change is evident, the
distortion is caused by the unit under test and not the analyzer.
• Noise floor: Turn on the internal preamplifier (Option 1DS). This
will drop the noise floor and allow you to view the signals that were
previously below the analyzer noise floor.
Use this procedure and the following examples of interfering signals to
help you identify the source of interfering signals and achieve the best
sensitivity.
1-6 Chapter1
GSM Use Model
Identifying Interfering Signals
Key Press Procedure Remarks
Step Front-Panel Key Menu Key
1 Measure More The Monitor Band function is used to
2 Monitor Band/Channel
3 Meas Setup Method Band
4 Band Setup
5 Res BW Man As the resolution bandwidth gets
6 ⇓ (Down Arrow)
7 Input/Output RF Input Range Man
identify low-level signals that may be
interfering in the up- and down-link
bands. The sensitivity of this
measurement is improved by reducing
the resolution bandwidth and removing
the analyzer attenuation through
Meas Setup.
smaller, the sweep time gets longer.
8 AMPLITUDE
Y Scale
9 ⇓ (Down Arrow)
10 Peak Search The marker is used to determine the
11 FREQUENCY
Channel
12 Meas Setup Method Channel The spectrum shape of the suspect signal
13 Input/Output Int Preamp On For very low level signals, use the
CAUTION Use a simple attenuator test to determine whether displayed distortion
Attenuation To achieve 0 dB attenuation, you must
enter the value using the numeric key
pad. This is a safe guard against
inadvertent front-end overload.
Channel Freq and enter
the marker frequency.
frequency of the suspected interference
signal.
can now be seen.
built-in preamplifier to amplify the input
so that the signals appear above the
noise floor of the spectrum analyzer.
components are true input signals or internally generated signals
caused by mixer overload. Press
AMPLITUDE, Attenuation, and ⇑ to
increase the attenuation. If the amplitude of the suspected signal
changes, then it is internally generated. Continue increasing the
attenuation until the displayed distortion does not change, then
complete the measurement.
Chapter 1 1-7
GSM Use Model
Identifying Interfering Signals
Examples of Interference Signals
Use these signal examples to help assess the bandwidth and spectral
shape of the interfering signal to determine the type of transmission
causing the interference. Best sensitivity is achieved using narrow
resolution bandwidths and minimum attenuation with the built-in
preamplifier Option 1DS. The resolution bandwidth used must be
larger than the signal bandwidth to display the amplitude accurately.
As the resolution bandwidth decreases, the amplitude of the broadband
signal decreases. Use the settings in the following examples to identify
the various signals.
Using Monitor Band/Channel to Look for Interfering Signals
Using Monitor Band and Channel feature can help you quickly identify
interfering signals within your transmission and reception bands or
channels. Simple visual inspection, peak hold, and markers can help to
determine the type of interference that may be causing network
problems.
Commercial AM/FM Broadcast Signal
Press
Method Channel
MEASURE, More, Monitor Band/Channel, Meas Setup,
A narrow bandwidth signal within a channel could be caused by
AM/FM channels. In SA mode use the built-in AM or optional FM
(Option BAA) demod to determine the source of the transmission.
1-8 Chapter1
Commercial TV Broadcast Signal
GSM Use Model
Identifying Interfering Signals
Press
MEASURE, More, Monitor Band/Channel, Meas Setup, Method Band
An interfering TV signal can be quickly visually verified by its unique
spectral characteristics (two large carriers 4 to 6 MHz apart). In SA
mode, use TV Trigger and Picture on Screen, and FM Demodulation
(Options BAA and B7B) to determine the transmission source.
Chapter 1 1-9
GSM Use Model
Identifying Interfering Signals
GSM Signals
Press
MEASURE, More, Monitor Band/Channel, Meas Setup, Method Band
Adjacent interfering GSM signals will have this type of spectral
characteristic.
1-10 Chapter1
GSM/PCS Signal
GSM Use Model
Identifying Interfering Signals
Press
Chan Setup, Max Hold On
MEASURE, More, Monitor Band/Channel, Meas Setup, Method Band,
GSM/PCS networks can cause in-band interference. A GSM signal will
have this type of spectral characteristic.
Chapter 1 1-11
2 Preparing to Make GSM
Measurements
This chapter introduces the basic measurement procedure including
mode setup and changing measurement frequency.
2-1
Preparing to Make GSM Measurements
GSM Measurements
GSM Measurements
The following GSM measurements are available in GSM mode and
described in this document:
❏ Monitor band/channel on page 4-3.
❏ Out of band spurious on page 4-6.
❏ Output RF spectrum (ORFS) on page 3-3.
❏ Phase and frequency error on page 3-11.
❏ Power steps on page 3-18.
❏ Power vs time on 3-14.
❏ Receive (Rx) band spurious on page 4-9.
❏ Transmit (Tx) band spurious on page 4-13.
❏ Transmitter power on page 3-20.
These are referred to as one-button measurements.When you press the
key to select the measurement it becomes the active measurement,
using settings and a display unique to that measurement. Data
acquisitions automatically begin provided trigger requirements, if any,
are met.
In addition to the above, the following manual measurements
(measurements which are not activated by a single key-press) are also
described in this document:
❏ Cable fault location (available in SA mode) on page 5-3.
❏ Loss/gain (available in SA mode) on page 5-14.
❏ Return loss (VSWR) (available in GSM mode) on page 5-8.
2-2 Chapter2
Preparing to Make GSM Measurements
Basic Key Use
Basic Key Use
The Mode key, allows you choose basic Spectrum Analyzer or cdmaOne
functionality. Next set global measurement defaults in the analyzer
based on your system using
J-STD008. When you select a standard, the analyzer will set
measurement parameters to meet the standard requirements.
The
Channel Frequency or RF Channel keys allow you tune the analyzer
to specific frequencies. You can do this by either setting absolute
frequencies or by setting the channel number when in cdmaOne mode.
You can select a number of previously-configured standards based
measurements to help you troubleshoot a system using the
button. Because all measurement situations are different, Meas Setup
allows you to quickly change some of the measurement parameters.
Finally, if you need to quickly start the measurement again, press
Restart or use Restart under Meas Control.
Mode Setup, for example, IS-95A or
Measure
Figure 2-1 Basic Keys
Chapter 2 2-3
Preparing to Make GSM Measurements
Preparing to Make Measurements
Preparing to Make Measurements
At initial power up, the analyzer is in spectrum analyzer (SA) mode,
with the Meas Off selected in the
Channel menu displayed.
MEASURE menu and the FREQUENCY
To access the GSM measurement personality, press the
panel key and select the
GSM menu key.
MODE front
Initial settings
Before making a measurement, make sure the mode setup,
measurement setup, and frequency channel parameters are set to the
appropriate settings. For further information refer to MODE Setup,
FREQUENCY/Channel and Meas Setup in Chapter 5 of the ESA-E
Series Spectrum Analyzers GSM Measurement Personality User’s Guide.
• Resetting all parameters:
To set all instrument parameters (including mode setup and
measurement setup parameters) to factory default values, press the
Preset front panel key. Note that the mode is changed from GSM to
SA when the
must use the
The
Preset front panel key can also be used to return the instrument
to a set of user preset values.
• Resetting mode setup parameters:
Mode setup parameters apply to all measurements in GSM mode. To
reset them to factory default values, press
Restore Mode Setup Defaults.
Preset front panel key is used. After using Preset you
MODE key to return to GSM mode.
Mode Setup then
• Resetting measurement setup parameters:
Measurement setup parameters affect the current measurement
only. To reset them to factory default values (for the current
measurement only), press
Meas Setup then Restore Meas Defaults.
How to make a measurement
Using default parameters
GSM measurements are intended to be used as “one button”
measurements. This means that the appropriate measurement can be
selected and run by a single key press once the instrument has been
connected to the equipment to be tested. The measurement is made
automatically using default parameters defined by the selected
standard and the tuning plan.
2-4 Chapter2
Preparing to Make GSM Measurements
Preparing to Make Measurements
Using non-default parameters
NOTE Most measurements can be performed satisfactorily using only the
primary keys shown in conjunction with a minimum of set up keys. Be
careful when using measurement setup (
some measurement defaults may affect the accuracy of test results.
When it is necessary to change the default parameters, use the
following four step procedure:
Step Primary Key Setup Keys Related Keys
1. Select and setup mode MODE Mode Setup System
Meas Setup) keys as changing
2. Select and setup
measurement
MEASURE Meas Setup,
Restore Meas Defaults,
FREQUENCY Channel
3. Select and setup view View/Trace Span X Scale,
Amplitude Y Scale
4. Saving and printing
results
File
Print
Print Setup Save
The primary keys required for performing one button measurements
are shown in the following diagram:
, Display
Meas Control
Restart
, Search
Marker
,
Chapter 2 2-5
Preparing to Make GSM Measurements
Preparing to Make Measurements
How to Save Measurement Results
To save measurement results, follow the process shown below. For
additional information on file management in the spectrum analyzer,
refer to the ESA Spectrum Analyzers User’s Guide.
1. Press
2. If you want to change the file name, press
File, Save, Type, More, Measurement Results.
Name, and use the Alpha
Editor the enter the new name. For more information on using the
Alpha Editor, refer to the ESA Spectrum Analyzers User’s Guide.
3. Press
Save Now to complete the file saving process.
4. If you have used the default file name and wish to save additional
measurement results, press Save. The current measurement result
will be saved with the next default file name.
5. If you have not used the default file name and wish to save
additional measurement results, repeat steps 1 through 3.
2-6 Chapter2
3 Making GSM Base Station
Measurements
3-1
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