VOLTCRAFT DSA Series Spectrum Analyzer User Manual

DSA Series Spectrum Analyzer

User Manual

DSA-115 DSA-136

General Warranty

We warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase of the product by the original purchaser from our company. The warranty period for accessories is 12 months. This warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable to a third party.

If the product proves defective during the warranty period, we will either repair the defective product without charge for parts and labour, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by our company for warranty work may be new or reconditioned like new. All replaced parts, modules and products become the property of our company.

To obtain service under this warranty, the customer must notify our company of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the designated service centre, a copy of the customer's proof of purchase is also required.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. We shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other than our company representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of not our supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.

Please contact the nearest Sales and Service Offices for services or a complete copy of the warranty statement.

Excepting the after-sales services provided in this summary or the applicable warranty statements, we will not offer any guarantee for maintenance definitely declared or hinted, including but not limited to the implied guarantee for marketability and special-purpose acceptability. We should not take any responsibilities for any indirect, special or consequent damages.

Table of contents

List of figures........................................................................			iii
List of tables..........................................................................			iii
1. General Safety Requirements ..........................................			1
2. Safety Terms and Symbols...............................................			4
3. Document Overview..........................................................			5
4. Quick Start..........................................................................			6
4.1	General Inspection..........................................................		6
4.2	Safety Precaution before Operation.............................		6
4.3	First Time to Power on....................................................		9
4.4	Front Panel.....................................................................		10
4.5	Rear Panel......................................................................		16
4.6	User Interface ................................................................		18
4.7	Build-in Help...................................................................		19
4.8	Basic Measurement ......................................................		20
5. Menu Interpretation .........................................................			24
5.1	FREQ Frequency...................................................		24
5.2	SPAN ......................................................................		27
5.3	AMPTD Amplitude.................................................		28
5.4	Auto Auto Tune ......................................................		32
5.5	BW Bandwidth........................................................		32
5.6	Trace .......................................................................		34
5.7	Detector ..................................................................		36
5.8	Display ....................................................................		37
5.9	Sweep ....................................................................		39
5.10		Trig ........................................................................	40
5.11 Source ..................................................................			40
5.12		Demod Demodulation.........................................	42
5.13		Peak .....................................................................	43
5.14		Marker ..................................................................	45
5.15		Marker→ ..............................................................	48
5.16		Marker Fctn Marker Function ............................	50
5.17		Meas Measurement ............................................	51
5.18		Meas Setup .........................................................	55
5.19		System .................................................................	56

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5.20		File ........................................................................	61
5.21		Print ......................................................................	61
5.22 Save .....................................................................			62
6. Specification ....................................................................			64
6.1	Frequency.......................................................................		64
6.2 Amplitude........................................................................			65
6.3 Sweep .............................................................................			67
6.4	Tracking Generator .......................................................		67
6.5	Demodulation.................................................................		68
6.6	Frequency Counter .......................................................		69
6.7	Inputs and Outputs........................................................		69
6.8	General Specification....................................................		70
7. Warranty ...........................................................................			72
7.1	Troubleshooting .............................................................		72
7.2	Spectrum Analyzer Repair ...........................................		73
8. Appendix...........................................................................			74
Appendix A: Enclosure........................................................			74
Appendix B: General Care and Cleaning .........................			74

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List of figures
Figure 4-1	Front panel..............................................................	10
Figure 4-2	Function Keys.........................................................	11
Figure 4-3	Numeric Keypad.....................................................	14
Figure 4-4	The knob .................................................................	15
Figure 4-5	Direction keys.........................................................	15
Figure 4-6	Rear Panel..............................................................	16
Figure 4-7	User interface .........................................................	18
Figure 4-8	Full Span .................................................................	21
Figure 4-9 Set frequency span................................................		22
Figure 4-10 Set reference level .................................................		23
List of tables
Table 4-1 Working Power Variation Range.............................		7
Table 4-2 Front Panel Description ..........................................		10
Table 4-3 Function Key Description .......................................		11
Table 4-4	Rear Panel Description...........................................	16
Table 4-5	User interface Description......................................	18
Table 5-1	Detector type comparison ......................................	36
Table 5-2	[Factory] Settings.....................................................	57

iii

1.General Safety Requirements

1. General Safety Requirements

Before use, please read the following safety precautions to avoid any possible bodily injury and to prevent this product or any other connected products from damage. To avoid any contingent danger, ensure this product is only used within the ranges specified.

Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord supplied with the product and certified to use in your country.

Product Grounded. This instrument is grounded through the power cord grounding conductor. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be grounded. The product must be grounded properly before any connection with its input or output terminals.

Check all Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, check all ratings and markings on this product. Refer to the user manual for more information about ratings before connecting to the instrument.

Use Proper Overvoltage Protection. Make sure that no overvoltage (such as that caused by a thunderstorm) can reach the product, or else the operator might expose to danger of electrical shock.

Do not operate without covers. Do not operate the instrument with covers or panels removed.

Avoid exposed circuit. Be careful when working on exposed circuitry to avoid risk of electric shock or other injury.

Do not operate if any damage. If you suspect damage to the instrument, have it inspected by qualified service personnel before further use. Any maintenance, adjustment or replacement especially to circuits or accessories must be performed by qualified service personnel.

Use your Oscilloscope in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the instrument installed with proper ventilation.

Do not operate in damp conditions. In order to avoid short

1

1.General Safety Requirements

circuiting to the interior of the device or electric shock, please do not operate in a humid environment.

Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere. In order to avoid damages to the device or personal injuries, it is important to operate the device away from an explosive atmosphere.

Keep product surfaces clean and dry. To avoid the influence of dust or moisture in air, please keep the surface of device clean and dry.

Electrostatic Prevention. Operate the instrument in an electrostatic discharge protective environment to avoid damage induced by static discharges. Always ground both the internal and external conductors of cables to release static before making connections.

Protect the Input Terminals of Instrument. Do not bend or hit the input terminals and the connected devices, (such as filter, attenuator, etc.) as such stress may cause damages to devices and the instrument. Do not mix the use of 50Ω and 75Ω connectors and/or cables.

Do Not Overload the Input. To avoid damaging the instrument, the signals at input terminal must be less than 50V DC voltage components and 30 dBm (1 W) AC (RF) components.

Appropriate Use of Power Meter. If you are not sure of the characteristics of signal under measure, follow these recommendations to ensure safe operations: if a RF power meter is available, use it to measure the power level of this signal first; or add a rated external attenuator between signal cable and input terminal of the instrument. Maximum attenuation, reference level and maximum span frequency should be selected, so as to make the signals displayed within the screen.

Know About the Specification Conditions of the Instrument. For maximum performance of the instrument, use the analyzer under specified conditions.

2

1.General Safety Requirements

Handling Safety. Please handle with care during transportation to avoid damages to buttons, knob, interfaces and other parts on the panels.

3

2.Safety Terms and Symbols

2. Safety Terms and Symbols

Safety Terms

Terms in this manual (The following terms may appear in this manual):

WARNING

!Warning indicates conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION

!Caution indicates the conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.

Terms on the product (The following terms may appear on this product):

DANGER Indicates an immediate hazard or injury possibility. WARNING Indicates a possible hazard or injury.

CAUTION Indicates potential damage to the instrument or other property.

Safety Symbols

Symbols on the product (The following symbols may appear on the product):

					!
Hazardous	Chassis				Refer to
Voltage	Ground				Manual

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3. Document Overview

Quick Start

This chapter states the matters need to attention before first power on, how to power on at first time, introduces spectrum analyzer’s front/rear panel and user interface, explains how to use the instrument with a measurement example demonstration.

Menu interpretation

This chapter offers spectrum analyzer’s front panel menu and button interpretation.

Specification Parameter

This chapter lists spectrum analyzer’s specification parameter.

Trouble Shooting

This chapter helps to implement the troubleshooting and deal with after sale repair.

Appendix

This chapter introduces accessories of spectrum analyzer and how to maintain device.

Convention on button and menu key format:

Button: Button character + bold bracket, e.g. FREQ stands for FREQ button.

Menu key words+bracket, e.g.[Center frequency] stands forFREQ function’s center frequency item, that is common called softkey menu item.

Related document:

Related documents including: Quick guide, User manual, programme guide and etc.

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4. Quick Start

This chapter states the matters need to attention before first power on, and how to power on at first time, introduces spectrum analyzer’s front/rear panel and user interface, explains how to use the instrument with a measurement example demonstration.

4.1 General Inspection

When you receive your new instrument, it is recommended that you check the instrument following these steps:

1.Check for transportation damage.

If it is found that the packaging carton or the foamed plastic protection cushion has suffered serious damage, do not throw it away until the complete device and its accessories have been electrically and mechanically checked.

2.Check the Accessories

The supplied accessories are described in the "Appendix A: Enclosure" of this Manual. Please ensure that all the listed accessories are present and undamaged, if any problems are found please contact your distributor or our local office.

3.Check the Complete Instrument

If there is any physical damage, operational fault, or performance issue please contact your distributor or our local office. If there is any damage to the instrument please ensure you keep the original packaging. Ideally you should always keep the original packaging if the instrument must be returned for repair.

4.2 Safety Precaution before Operation

4.2.1 Check Power Supply

The analyzer is equipped with a three-wire power cord in accordance with international safety standards. The product must be grounded properly before being powered on, as floating or improper ground may cause damage to the instrument or personal injury.

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Make sure the grounding conductor of the spectrum analyzer is grounded before turning on the instrument. After which the AC power cord can be connected. Do not use a non-ground power cord.

4.2.2 Allowed Variation Range of Supply Power Parameters

The spectrum analyzer is compatible with 100V~240V, 50Hz-60Hz AC power, Table 4-1 lists the power requirement to run the spectrum analyzer.

Table 4-1 Working Power Variation Range

Power Supply Parameter	Compatible Range
Voltage	100 - 240 VAC
Frequency	50 - 60 Hz ±10
Power	22 W

To prevent or lower the risk of damage to the spectrum analyzer from power interference between instruments, especially from peak pulses produced by large power consumption instruments, a 220V/110V AC regulated power supply is recommended.

4.2.3 Power Cord Selection

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 must be rated greater than 250Vac and 2A.

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WARNING

!Improper grounding may cause damage to the instrument, or result in personal injury. Make sure the grounding conductor of the spectrum analyzer is grounded before turning on the instrument.

Always use a well-grounded power source. Do not use an external power cable, power cord or an auto transformer without grounded protection. If this product is to be powered via an external auto transformer for voltage reduction, ensure that its common terminal is connected to a neutral (earthed pole) of the power supply.

WARNING

!Make sure the supply power is stable before turning on the analyzer to protect it from damage. Refer to “First Time to Power on" section 3.

4.2.4 Electro-static Discharge (ESD) Protection

ESD is an issue often ignored by users. Damage from ESD on the instrument is unlikely to occur immediately but will significantly reduce the reliability of it. Therefore, ESD precautions should be implemented in the work environment, and applied daily.

Generally, there are two steps to manage ESD protection:

1)Conductive table mats to connect hands via wrist bands

2)Conductive ground mat to connect feet via ankle straps

Implement both protection methods will provide a good level of anti-static protection. If used alone, the protection will not be as reliable. To ensure user’s safety, anti-static components should offer at least 1MΩ isolation resistance.

WARNING

!The above ESD protections measures cannot be used when working with over 500V!

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Make good use of anti-static technology to protect components from damage:

1)Quickly ground the internal and external conductor of the coaxial cable before it is connected with the spectrum analyzer.

2)Staff must wear anti-static gloves before touching the connector cord or doing any assemble work.

3)Assure all the instruments are grounded properly to avoid static storage.

4.3 First Time to Power on

Connect the three-pin AC power cord into the instrument. Insert the plug into a power socket provided with a protective ground.

WARNING

!Check the power source before turning on the spectrum analyzer, to protect the device from damage.

1)Press the power switch on the bottom left of the front panel.

2)Self-initialization takes about 30 seconds, after the boot screen the spectrum analyzer will default to the scanning curve.

3)After power on, let the spectrum analyzer warm up for 30 minutes for stabilization to obtain the most accurate results.

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4.4 Front Panel

1

2

3

4

5

13		12	11	10		9		8	7	6
			Figure 4-1		Front panel
Table 4-2 Front Panel Description
NO.		Description			NO.				Description
		LCD						Numeric keypad
		Menu softkeys						Tracking generator
								output connector
		Function keys						Tracking generator
								output On/Off button
		Knob						Earphone interface
		Arrow keys						USB Host port
		RF Input connector						Power key
								(Push to turn on,
		Unit keys
								long push to turn off)

4.4.1 Front Panel Function Key

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Basic keys

Control keys

Utility keys

			Marker measure
					Advanced
					measure
			Figure 4-2 Function Keys
Table 4-3 Function Key Description
Keys			Description
Basic keys
			Activates the center-frequency function, and
	FREQ
			accesses the frequency function menu.
			Activates the frequency sweep span
	SPAN		function, and set Full Span\Zero Span\Last
			Span.
			Activates the reference level function, and
	AMPTD		accesses the amplitude softkeys, with
			which you set functions that affect data on
			the vertical axis.
			Searches the signal automatically within the
	AUTO
			full frequency range.
			11

Control keys

					Activates the RBW (resolution bandwidth)
					function, and accesses the softkeys that
		BW
					control the bandwidth functions and
					averaging.
					Accesses the softkeys that allow you	to
		Trace
					store and manipulate trace information.
					Accesses the softkeys that allow you	to
	Detector
					configure detector functions.
					Accesses the softkeys that allow you to
	Display
					control what is displayed on the analyzer,
					including the display line, graticule and
					label.
	Sweep				Accesses the softkeys that allow you to set
					the sweep time, select the sweep mode of
					the analyzer.
					Accesses the softkeys that allow you	to
		Trig
					select the trigger mode of the analyzer.
					Accesses the softkeys that allow you to set
	Source
					the tracking generator.
					Accesses the softkeys that allow you to set
	Demod
					the demodulation.
Marker measure					keys
					Places a marker on the highest peak, and
		Peak
					accesses the Peak functions menu.
					Accesses the marker control keys that
	Marker
					select the type and number of markers and
					turns them on and off.
					Accesses the marker function softkeys that
	Marker
					allow you to set other system parameters
					based on the current marker value.
					12

			Accesses the menu of special
	Marker
			such as noise marker, N dB
	Fctn
			measure and frequency counting.
Advanced measure keys

functions, bandwidth

			Accesses the softkeys that let you make
	Meas
			transmitter power measurements such as
			ACPR(adjacent channel power), channel
			power, and OBW(occupied bandwidth), etc.
			Sets the parameters for the selected
	Meas
	Setup		measurement function.
Utility keys
			Sets the system parameters, and accesses
	System
			the calibration menu.
			Accesses the softkeys that allow you to
	File
			configure the file system of the analyzer.
			Resets the analyzer to the factory settings
	Preset
			or user state. This state can be specified in
			System → [PowerOn/Preset►]→
			[Preset►].
			Accesses the softkeys that allow you to set
	Print
			the print parameters.
			Accesses the softkeys that allow you to
	Save
			save current screen, trace data, or user
			state.
			Press the Help key to activate the help
	Help
			system. Press the Help key again to exit.

4.4.2 Parameter Input

Specific parameter values are able to be entered using the numeric keypad, knob, and directional keys.

Numeric Keypad

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Figure 4-3 Numeric Keypad

1.Numeric keys

Numbers 0-9 are available to be used.

2. Decimal point

A decimal point "." will be inserted at the cursor position when this key is pressed.

3. Sign key

Sign key "+/-" is to toggle the sign of a parameter. When pressed the first time, a "-" will be inserted and changed into "+" following the second press.

4.Unit keys

Unit keys include GHz/dBm/s, MHz/dB/ms, kHz/dBmV/μs and Hz/mV/ns. After entering the desired numbers, choose an appropriate unit to complete the input. The specific meaning of unit is decided by the type of input parameter ("frequency", "amplitude" or "time").

5. Cancel Key

(1)During the editing process this key will clear the inputs in the active area and exit editing mode at the same time.

(2)Turn off the display in the active area.

(3)Exit current test mode while in keyboard test.

6. Back Key

(1)During the process of parameter editing, this key will delete the characters on the left side of the cursor.

(2)While in the process of file name editing, pressing this key will delete characters that have been entered.

7.Enter

When pressed, the system will complete the input process

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and insert a default measurement unit for the parameter automatically.

Knob

Figure 4-4 The knob

The knob function:

During parameter editing, turn the knob clockwise to increase, or counterclockwise to decrease the parameter values at specified steps.

Direction key

Figure 4-5 Direction keys

The directional keys have following functions:

1)Increase or decrease the parameter value at specific steps while editing a parameter.

2)Move the cursor though the directory tree in the File function.

4.4.3 Front Panel Connector

1. USB Host

The analyzer may serve as a "host" device to connect to external USB devices. This interface is available for USB storage devices.

2. GEN Output 50Ω (tracking generator output 50Ω)

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The output of the tracking generator can be connected to a receiver through an N type male connector, users can purchase this option if required.

CAUTION

!Input voltage at RF input port must not be higher than 50 V DC to avoid damage to the attenuator and input mixer tracking generator.

3.RF Input 50Ω

The RF input may be connected to a device via a N type connector

CAUTION

!When input attenuator is higher than 10 dB, the RF port input signal must be less than +30 dBm.

4.5 Rear Panel

1

2

8	7	6	5	4	3
	Figure 4-6		Rear Panel

Table 4-4 Rear Panel Description

NO. Name

Description

16

Handle

Stow the handle for mobile use.

AC power AC: frequency 50Hz±10 , single-phase connector alternative 220V±15 or 110V±15

	Stool	To adjust the angle of the device
	VGA port	provides a VGA signal output which is
		used through a VGA cable or with a
		projector
	LAN	Through this interface, the analyzer can
	interface	be connected to your local network for
		remote control.
	USB Device	This configurable USB port permits
	interface	external USB devices. It supports
		PictBridge printer and remote-control
		connection.
	10MHz	The BNC input or output of the 10 MHz
	IN/OUT	reference clock
	Lock hole	You can lock the spectrum analyzer to a
		fixed location using the security lock
		(please buy it yourself) to secure the
		spectrum analyzer.

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4.6 User Interface

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

20	19	18	17	16	15	14	13	12
		Figure 4-7 User interface
Table 4-5 User interface Description
NO.		Name	Description			Related Key
		Amplitude	Can choose logarithmic			AMPTD →
		Division Type	or linear			[Scale Type]
		Amplitude	Display division scale			AMPTD →
		Division				[Scale/Div]
		Reference level	Reference level			AMPTD →
						[Ref Level]
		Detection type	Display detection type			Detector
		Attenuation	Display input attenuation			AMPTD →
			setting			[Attenuation]
			18

	Marker	Display current activated	Marker
		marker
	Date/time	Display system date and	System →
		time	[Date/Time]
		Display frequency and
	Marker readout	amplitude of current	Marker
		marker
	Menu item	Menu item of current
		function
	Menu title	Function of current menu
		belongs to.
	signLAN access	LAN access sign
	USB storage	Show if USB storage
	device	device is inserted;
	Temperature	Display device internal
	sign	temperature
	Sweep Time	System sweep time	Sweep →
			[Sweep Time]
	Span	Display span width	SPAN →
			[Span]
	Video	Display video bandwidth	BW →
	bandwidth		[VBW]
	Center	Display center frequency	FREQ →
	frequency		[Center Freq]
	Resolution	Display resolution	BW →
	bandwidth	bandwidth	[RBW]
	System status	Display spectrum
		analyzer status

4.7 Build-in Help

The built-in help provides information that refers to every function key and menu key on the front panel. Users can view this help information if required.

1.How to acquire built-in help

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