Thurlby Thandar Instruments PSA2701T, PSA1301T User Manual

PSA1301T & PSA27 01T

PSA-T Series

1.3GHz & 2.7GHz RF Spectrum Analyzers

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Table of Contents

1.Supplied Items 16

2.Using This Manual & Meaning of Terms 19

3.Initial Operations 23

3.1. Charging the Batteries 23

3.2. Initialising th e Pa lm T|X 24

3.3. Software provided by Palm on CD 25

3.4. Linking to a Personal Computer 27

4.First Use of the Spectrum Analyzer 29

4.1. Quick Start Guide 30

4.2. Detailed Operating Guide 38

5.Product Description and Capabilities 39

6.Specification 47

6.1. Frequency Measurement 47

6.2. Amplitude Measurement 54

6.3. Sweep 62

6.4. Signal Input 64

6.5. Demodulation (Zero Span mode) 65

6.6. Display 67

6.7. Memory Storage 71

6.8. Connectors 74

6.9. Power Sources 76

6.10. Mechanical 81

6.11. Environmental and Safety 83

7.Declaration of Conformity 85

8.EMC 93

9.Safety 101

10.Connections 109

10.1. RF Signal Input 109

10.2. DC Power Input 111

10.3. Demodulated Audio Output 114

10.4. USB ‘through’ Connector 115

11.Stylus 118

12.Memory Card 120

12.1. Removing and Inserting the Card 123

12.2. Using an Alternative Card 125

12.3. Card Storage Capacity 127

13.Removing and Re-fitting the Palm T|X 129

14.Re-initialising the Pa lm T|X 134

14.1. Procedure for Re-Initialising 135

14.2. Technical Note about the O FF stat e 138

15.Language Choice for the Palm T|X 141

16.Turning On and Turning Off 143

16.1. Palm T|X On/Off 143

16.2. PSA1301/2701 On/Off Control 150

16.3. Operation Delay after Turning On 151

17.Battery and AC Power 152

17.1. Battery Operation 153

17.2. AC Power Operation 159

17.3. Extended Periods Without Use 161

18.Using the PSAnalyzer Application 163

18.1. Initial Conditions 163

18.2. Selecting and Leaving the Application 166

18.3. Touch Screen or Hard Key operation 168

18.4. The PSAnalyzer Screen 172

18.5. Operation and Navigation 174

18.6. Turning Off / Power Saving 176

19.The PSAnalyzer Menu System 178

19.1. Home Menu 178

19.2. Menus Summary 181

19.3. Mode Menu 186

19.4. Centre Menu 192

19.5. Step Value Sub Menu 198

19.6. Span Menu 202

19.7. Start Frequency Menu 206

19.8. Stop Frequency Menu 210

19.9. AM/FM Menu 214

19.10. Level Menu 218

19.11. Markers Menu 222

19.12. Sweep Menu 230

19.13. Traces Menu 235

19.14. Stores Menu 241

19.15. System Menu 248

19.16. Exit Menu 254

19.17. Quick Menu 258

20.PSAnalyzer Operating T echniques 267

20.1. Menu Navigation 268

20.2. Frequency Setting 271

20.3. Performing Sweeps 283

20.4. Level Measurements 289

20.5. The PRESET Key 293

20.6. Using Markers 295

20.7. Reference Trace 300

20.8. Store, Recall and Copy 302

20.9. Creating and Displaying Limit Lines 306

20.10. Screen Resolution and Trace Thickness 316

20.11. Changing the Palm Input Area type 318

20.12. Adjusting the Display Brightness 320

21.Help Screens 322

22.Functions outside of PSAnalyzer 325

22.1. Viewing a Stored Screen Image 325

22.2. Printing a Stored Screen Image (using a printer connected t o a PC) 329

22.3. Transferring PSAnalyzer Files to a Personal Computer 331

23.PSAnalyzer Files and Defaults 338

23.1. Factory Default Settings f or PSAnalyzer 338

23.2. File Locations for PSAnalyzer data files 342

23.3. File Structures for PSAnalyzer data files 344

24.Maintenance, Calibration and Repair 350

24.1. Screen Protection 350

24.2. Cleaning 353

24.3. Maintaining Battery Condition 354

24.4. Calibration 356

25.Trouble Shooting 357

25.1. Correcting Unexpected Conditions in PSAnalyzer 357

25.2. Resetting the Palm T|X 360

25.3. Reinstalling or Updating the PSAnalyzer application 365

25.4. Optional Accessories 370

25.5. Creating a Shortcut to PSAnalyzer 372

1. Supplied Items

The PSA1301T or PSA2701T portable spectrum analyzer is made up of three main items:

The PSA1301/PSA2701 spectrum analyzer unit manufactured by TTi and incorporating a Palm T|X handheld computer. The PSAnalyzer software application created by TTi to run on the Palm T|X. An SD (or MMC) Memory Card for storing and transferring data

The following support items are also provided by TTi:

“Read This First” leaflet. Universal mains adaptor/charger. USB lead (mini B plug to standard A plug). SD/MMC USB Card Reader Printed instruction manual (English only). Support CD containing multi-language manual and backup s of tware. M2.5 security screws to prevent easy removal of the Palm T|X (if required). Transparent storage case for memory card.

The spectrum analyzer is supplied with the Palm T application pre-installed. The memory card is fitted into the Palm T

Note: The SD/MMC USB Card Reader and other small items may be packed inside the shipping box.

X mounted into it, and the PSAnalyzer software

2. Using This Manual & Meaning of Terms

Cross References within this Manual

This manual is also provided as multi-language PDF files. The manual includes many cross references which are shown as follows - see section X.X.

Within a PDF file, t he boxed number is a hyperlink to that section number, thus enabling the user to jump rapidly the section referred t o and t hen jump back to continue reading the text.

TTi

TTi is used throughout this manual as the abbreviation for Thurlby Thandar Instrum ents Ltd.

Handheld Computer and PDA

Devices such as the Palm T PDAs (personal digital assistants). The term ‘handheld computer’ is used throughout this manual.

PSA1301/2701

This is used to describe the spectrum analyzer unit excluding the Palm T

X are commonly described as handheld computers, palmtop computers or

X handheld computer.

PSA1301/2701T

This is used to describe the complete spectr um analyzer unit including the Palm T

X handheld computer.

3. Initial Operations

3.1. Charging the Bat teries

It is probable that the batteries will be discharged when the product is r ec eived. Conseq uent ly the first action should be to charge the unit using the s upplied mains adapt or. To fully charge t he bat t eries it should be left charging for 4 hours.

3.2. Initialising the Palm T|X

If the battery has been fully discharged, the Palm T|X handheld computer will have to be re-initialised before the spectrum analyzer can be used. Details of how to re-initiali se i t are given in section 14.

Note: The PSA1301/2701 spectrum analyzer adaptor does not require any manual initialisation. 4

3.3. Software provided by Palm on CD

The software and support inform at ion pr ovided by Palm assumes that you will want to link your Palm T|X to a personal computer on a regular basis. The Palm “Read this Fir st” manual instructs you to load the CD software immediately as part of the initial set up.

Users of the PSA1301/2701T do not need to do this unless they choose to. TTi recommends that user s read the relevant sections of the Palm documentation and consider t heir own use of the product before deciding whether to install to Palm software.

Note: Do NOT make a USB connection between the PSA1301/2701T (or the Palm T unless the Palm software has already been installed.

X) and a PC

3.4. Linking to a Per sonal Computer

The following applies to both the PSA-T and the Palm T|X by itself. (The mini USB connection on the side of the spectrum analyzer is a direct through connection to the USB port of the Palm T|X).

Although the Palm T|X was designed to be USB connected to a PC using Palm Desktop software, this software is now obsolete and will not work with 64-bit operating systems.

It is NOT necessary ever to link the PSA1301/2701T to a personal computer. It is a self contained instrument which can perform its primary function of RF spectrum analysis without linkage to other devices. TTi provides a USB linked memory card reader in order that PSAnalyzer files can be transferred to a PC where this is requir ed.

4. First Use of the Spectrum Analyzer

After charging the battery and initialising the Palm T|X, it will then be possible to use the Spectrum Analyzer by launching the PSAnalyzer application.

TTi recommends that you should read this manual in full before using the PSA1301/2701T.

However, if immediate use of the spect r um analyzer is requir ed, t he following procedure can be

used to start making measur em ents quickly.

4.1. Quick Start Guide

Before commencing - the batter ies m ust have been charged and the Palm T|X initialised as

described in sections 3.1 and 14

1. Connect the signal to be measured - connect signal to the SMA connector at the top of the spectrum analyzer. The maximum allowable signal without damage is +20dBm (+127dBuV or

2.2 V rms). The maximum measurable signal is 0dBm (+ 107dBuV or 223 m V r m s) . If there is a possibility of the signal exceeding these levels, add suitable in-line attenuation.

2. Launch the PSAnalyzer application - enter the Applications screen (by pressing the Home key

once or twice). Press the PSAnalyzer icon on the touch screen of the Palm T|X, (the touch screen can be operated with a fingertip or the s t ylus of the Palm T|X).

3. Select the Mode Menu - press the on-screen Mode key.

respectively.

4. Select Preset – press the Preset key. This sets Quick Menu mode, Span maximum, Attenuation on, Highest RBW, Sweep mode normal, Marker M1 on at the centre of t he sweep.

5. Observe the Sweep - the s weep time will be slow because of the wide span.

6. Adjust the Attenuator – If the peak signal is below the –20dBm g r at icule line, pr ess t he Attenuator

On/Off key to tog gle the attenuator to Off thus increasing the sensitivity.

7. Move the Marker – use the 5-way navigator to move the marker to the area of interes t and pos ition it

at the centre of the sig nals t o be obs er ved.

8. Centre the Sweep -. pr ess t he Set C= M1 key to re-centre the sweep around the new marker position (Note: the span will be reduced to the maximum that can be achieved with the new centre frequency)

9. Zoom the Span – Press the Zoom-In key successively to create a narrower span that shows more detail of the signals of interest.

The above procedure should be sufficient to get star t ed. Thereafter adjustments can be made to s weep parameters, attenuator, resolution bandwidth, etc. as may be appropriate to the signals being obs er ved.

Basic on-screen help information for every menu is available by pressing the Help hard k ey. Some general information reg ar ding the capabilities of the unit is available from the Info key on the Exit menu.

4.2. Detailed Operati ng G uide

To fully understand the operat ion of the PSA1301/2701T and PSAnalyzer, it is necessary to read this manual.

From an operating point of view, the key sections are “Using the PSAnalyzer Application” section18 “The PSAnalyzer Menu System” section 19, and “PSAnalyzer Operating Techniques” section 20.

5. Product Description and Capabilities

Brief Summary

The PSA-T series (PSA1301T and PSA2701T) are fully portable spectrum analyzers incorporating a

handheld computer (a Palm T handheld instrument and has a typical battery life of four hours from each char ge. Alternatively they can be used as bench instruments using the supplied mains adaptor/c har ger. They can be set horizontally or vertically, or at an angle of about 25 degrees using the built-in tilt stand.

X). They are sufficiently small and lightweight to be operated as a

The spectrum analyzer has a frequency rang e of 0.15 MHz to 1300 MHz (PSA1301T) or 1MHz to 2700MHz (PSA2701T). The span can be set anywhere between 0.320 MHz and 1299.850 MHz (PSA1301T) or 2699.000 MHz (PSA2701T) with a resolution of 1kHz. Start, stop or centre frequencies can be set to the same resolution. The resolution bandwidth is selectable as 280 kHz or 15 kHz (PSA1301T) or 1 MHz, 280 kHz or 15 kHz (PSA2701T).

The on-screen amplitude range is 80 dB with a refer enc e level of -20dBm or 0dBm. Amplitudes can alternatively be displayed in dBµV. Vertical magnification to 5dB/div can be selected. Average noise floor is better than -90dBm at -20dBm reference level and 15 kHz RBW.

Sweeps can be continuous, single shot, peak hold or average (2 to 256 sweeps). Sweep time is defined by the span and resolution bandwidth, and varies between 0.1 sec and 30 sec. A zero span mode is available with AM or FM audio demodulation.

Twin vertical marker lines are available giving a readout of frequency and amplitude to a resolution of 0.1 kHz and 0.1 dB. Markers can be manually positioned or automatically peak finding and tracking.

A reference trace can be displayed in addition to the live trace. Limit lines can also be created and displayed.

The graticule is fully controllable. Any number of traces can be stored to permanent memory for recall to the screen or for data export. Limit lines, inst r ument set-ups and complete screen bitmaps can also be stored.

Battery life depends upon screen brightnes s, but is around four hours of continuous operation from a charge. To conserve the battery, auto-sleep mode can be selected whereby the unit turns off automatically after a defined period fr om the last key press. All data is retained when off.

Pressing the Help hard key brings up a help screen r elevant to the current menu position. Full details of the product capabilities are given with the Specification section 6

PSAnalyzer Application section 18 onwards.

and Using the

6. Specification

6.1. Frequency Measurement

Frequency Span

Frequency Range: 150 kHz to 1300 MHz in one range (PSA1301)

1 MHz to 2700 MHz in one range (PSA2701) Setting Modes: Centre frequency plus Span, or Start frequency plus Stop frequency Maximum Span: 1299.85 MHz [150 kHz to 1300 MHz] (PSA1301)

2699 MHz [1 MHz to 2700 MHz] (PSA2701) Minimum Span: 320 kHz, or Zero Span with demodulation Setting Resolution: 1 kHz at any frequency Setting Accuracy: Reference Frequency Accuracy for Start, Stop & Centre (Zero-Span) frequencies

Reference Frequency A ccuracy

Initial Accuracy: Better than ± 10 ppm at 20oC Stability: Better than ± 10 ppm over 10 Ageing: Better than ± 3 ppm per year

C to 30oC

Phase Noise

Phase Noise: Typically -100dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset at 500MHz (PSA1301)

Typically -90dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset at 500MHz (PSA2701)

Resolution Bandwidth

RBW: Selectable as 280 kHz or 15 kHz (PSA1301)

Selectable as 1 MHz, 280 kHz or 15 kHz (PSA2701) Video Filtering: Selectable independently of RBW setting

Frequency Markers

Number of Markers: One, Two, or None Marker Resolution: 0.1 kHz at all frequencies Marker Accuracy: 1/320 Frequency Readout: Display of absolute and difference frequencies f or both markers

of Frequency Span ± 0.1kHz + Reference Frequency Accuracy

6.2. Amplitude Measurement

Amplitude Range

Display Range: 80 dB Measurement Units: dBm or dBµV (dB milliwatts or dB micro volts) Reference Level: Selectable as -20 dBm or 0dBm (87 dBµV or 107 dBµV)

Limit lines are created from lists of am plit ude & frequency points. Straight lines

Amplitu de A ccuracy

Ref. Level Accuracy: Better than ± 1 dB at 50MHz at 10dB below reference level (20oC ± 5oC) Level Flatness: Bet t er than ± 1.5 dB relative to 50MHz over 500kHz to 1300MHz (PSA1301)

Better than ± 1.5 dB relative to 50MHz over 1MHz to 2700MHz (PSA2701)

Amplitude Linearity: Better than ± 1 dB over 50dB range down from r eference level

Noise Floor

Noise Floor: Better than -93 dBm average displayed noise floor (PSA1301)

(reference level = –20 dBm, RBW = 15 kHz) Better than -93 dBm average displayed noise floor f or F > 3MHz (PSA2701) (reference level = –20 dBm, RBW = 15 kHz)

Distortion and Spurii

3rd Order Intermod.: < –60dBc for two signals (500MHz and 501MHz) at 10dB below reference level

(PSA1301) < –60dBc for two signals (500MHz and 502MHz) at 10dB below reference level

(PSA2701) Harmonic: < –60dBc at 10dB below reference level (100MHz) 1st & 2nd Image: <– 55dBc, typically <– 60dBc Residual Spurii: Below noise floor (PSA1301)

<3dB above noise floor (PSA2701)

Amplitude Markers

Number of Markers: One, Two, or None Marker Resolution: 0.1 dB Amplitude Readout: Display of absolute and difference amplitudes for both m ar kers

Limit Lines

Displayed Lines: One, two (or none) differentiated by colour. Line Storage Any number of limit lines can be stored.

are drawn between these points.

6.3. Sweep

Sweep Method: Peak detection for 320 points per sweep. The amplitude of t he peak level found

within each sub-span is stored (sub-span = span/320). Sweep Time: Set automatically by Span and RBW.

Typically 200ms + 2ms/MHz of span for RBW = 1MHz (PSA2701 only)

Typically 200ms + 7ms/MHz of span for RBW = 280kHz

Typically 200ms + 75ms/MHz of span for RBW = 15kHz Sweep Modes: Normal (continuous), Single, Peak Hold, or Average (2 to 256 sweeps) Sweep Control: Separate buttons for Run and Stop. Peak Hold and Average are reset whenever

Run is pressed.

∗

6.4. Signal Input

Input Connector: SMA connector, 50 Ohms VSWR: 1.5:1 typical

Absolute Maximum Input Level:

+ 20 dBm or +127 dBµV (2.2V rms) or 15V dc

6.5. Demodulation (Ze ro Span mode)

Demod. Modes: AM or FM Display: Carrier amplitude only (horizontal line). Audio Out: 30 mW into 32 O hm s m ono or s t er eo headphones, adj ustable volume, 3.5mm

jack socket ( mar ked

Audio Filter Selectable low-pass filter to attenuate high frequency interference.

2 pole filter with turnover point at approximately 3 kHz.

) adjacent to the Signal Input.

6.6. Display

Display Ty pe: 3. 7 inch ( 9. 4 c m ) transflective backlit TFT LCD, 480 x 320 pixels total, 16 bit

colour, touch screen. Trace Area: 300 x 320 pixels (high resolution mode). Graticule: 8 x 10 divisions light grey graticule. Selectable as fully on, horizontal lines

only, or off). Displayed Points: 320 points per sweep (peak det ected). Live Trace: Dot-joined t r ace from current or held sweep. Selectable on or off. Reference Trace: Stored trace either recalled from memory or copied directly from live trace.

Selectable on or off. Resolution Modes:

In low resolution mode the trace area becomes 150 x 160 points where each point is a block of 4 pixels. Only 160 sweep points are displayed. This mode is useful in situations where the display could otherwise be difficult to see - e.g. when the instr um ent c annot be viewed at an optimum distance.

Selectable as High Resolution or Low Resolution *

6.7. Memory Storage

Memory Ty pe: Non volatile Flash memory using removable SD or MMC memory cards. Store Trace: Any number of traces can be stored under either default file names or user

entered file names. Traces are stored as tables of amplitude versus frequency and can be imported into other pr ograms, as well as being recalled

to the screen. Recall Trace: Recalls any stored trace to the referenc e t r ac e of the display. Store Set-up: Any number of instrument set-ups can be stored under either default file

names or user entered file names. All settings of the instrum ent ar e saved. Recall Set-up: Recalls any stored set-up, overwriting the existing settings of the instrument.

Store Screen: This function copies the whole screen area to memory as a bit-map. Any

number of screens can be stored under eit her default file names or user entered file names. Screen bit-m aps can be viewed using the “Media” application of the Palm T

X, or transferred to a PC for printing.

Store/Recall Limit Lines

Any number of limit lines can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names, and recalled as requir ed.

6.8. Connectors

RF Input Connector: Standard SMA connector. Power Connector: 1.3 mm dc power socket (centre positive) for 5.2V/1A external AC power

adaptor/charger as supplied by TTi.

USB Connector: Mini USB connector (5 pin mini B) which provides direct access to the USB port

of the Palm T

Audio Connector: 3.5 mm jack socket for demodulated audio out (acc epts m ono or stereo plugs).

6.9. Power Sources

AC Line Operation/Charging

The PSA1301/2701T can be operated from mains power using the AC power adaptor provided by TTi. This powers and recharges both the Spectrum Analyzer and the Palm T

AC A daptor/Charger

Input Voltage Range: 100V to 240V nominal 50Hz/60Hz. Interchangeable plus for UK, Euro, USA

and Australia are supplied.

X simultaneously.

Battery Operation

The PSA1301/2701 and the Palm T|X contain their own internal rechargeable battery packs. The PSA1301/2701 is turned off automatically whenever the PSAnalyzer program is exited, or when the Palm T

PSA1301/2701 Spectrum Analyzer

Battery Type: Ni-Mh 3.6V 700mA-hr (3 x AAA cell) Battery Life: > 5 hours continuous operation (PSA1301)

Recharge Time: < 3 hours from fully discharged

Palm T|X

Battery Type: Li-ion 3V 1050mA-hr Battery Life: Typically 4 hours continuous operation (depending on backlight br ightness) Recharge Time: < 4 hours from fully discharged

X is turned off.

> 4 hours continuous operation (PSA2701)

Auto Sleep Mode

To conserve batter y life, the system can be set to automatically switch into sleep mode after a defined time from the last k ey press. This can be set between 5 mins and 60 mins (or never).

6.10. Mechanical

Size: 170mm high x 97mm wide x 47mm deep (including feet) Weight: 495 grms total including Palm T|X. Tilt Stand: Built-in tilt stand for bench use which angles the unit at appr oximately 25

degrees to the horizontal and can alternatively be used as a hook mount.

6.11. Environmental and Safety

Operating Range: +5oC to + 40oC, 20% to 80% RH. Storage Range: -10 Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes to 2000m, Pollution Degr ee 2. Electrical Safety: Complies with EN61010-1. EMC: Complies with EN61326.

C to +50oC

Performance levels achieved are detailed in the user manual.

7. Declaration of Conformity

EC Declaration of Conf ormity

We Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd Glebe Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 7DR England

declare that the

PSA1301T and PSA2701T Portable RF Spectrum Analyzers

meet the intent of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC. Compliance was demonstrated by conformance to the following specifications which have been listed in the Official Journal of the European Comm unit ies.

EMC

Emissions: a) EN61326 (2006) Radiated, Class B Immunity: EN61326 (2006) Immunity Table 1, referr ing to:

a) EN61000-4-2 (2009) Electrostat ic Dischar ge b) EN61000-4-3 (2006) Electrom agnetic Field c) EN61000-4-4 (2004) Fast Transient

Safety EN61010-1 Pollution Degree 2.

CHRIS W ILDING TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

2 January 2013

Spectrum Analy zer

This instrument has been designed to meet the requirements of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC. Compliance was demonstrated by meeting the test limits of the following standards:

Emissions

EN61326 (2006) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use. Test limits used were:

a) Radiated: Class B

Immunity

EN61326 (2006) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use.

Test met hods, limits and performance achieved are shown below (requirement shown in brackets):

a) EN61000-4-2 ( 2009) Elect r os tatic Dischar ge : 4kV air, 4kV contact, Performance A (B). b) EN61000-4-3 ( 2006) Elect r om agnetic Field:

3V/m, 80% AM at 1kHz, 80MHz – 1GHz: Performance B (A) and 1.4G Hz to 2GHz: Performance B (A); 1V/m , 2. 0GHz to 2.7GHz: Performance B (A).

8. EMC

Note: The PSA-T Series spectrum analyzers are extremely sensitive instruments and, as a result, show some susceptibility to high electromagnet ic fields throughout their measurement range. In general, the instrument will operate correct ly but may show the interfering fr equencies on the measurement trace i f the levels are very high.

c) EN61000-4-4 (2004) Fast Transient, 0.5kV peak (signal input), Performance B (B).

Performance Definitions

The definitions of performance criteria are:

Performance criterion A: ‘During test normal performance within the specification limits.’ Performance criterion B: ‘During t est, temporary degradation, or loss of function or

performance which is self-recovering’.

Adaptor/Charger

This AC adaptor/charger has been designed to meet the requirements of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.

Compliance was demonstrated by meeting the test limits of t he following standards:

Emissions

EN55022, radiated and conducted Class B.

Immunity

EN55024:1998/A1:2001/A2:2003, refer r ing to:

a) I EC 61000-4-2 ( 2009) Elect r os tatic Dischar ge. b) I EC 61000-4-3 ( 2006) Electr om agnetic Field. c) IEC 61000-4-11 (2004) Voltage Interrupt. d) I EC 61000-4-4 ( 2004) Fas t Transient. e) I EC 61000-4-5 ( 2006) Sur ge. f) IEC 61000-4-6 (2009) Conducted RF.

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