• Limit lines and limit patterns with limits comparator
• Data logging of peak values, complete traces or screen images from timer, external trigger or limits comparator
• Level offsets and compensation tables
• Sweep triggering from external trigger or limits comparator
• Capability to show screen contents on a PC

Option U01 is a firmware upgrade that can be purchased and installed by the user at any time. It increases the capabilities of the PSA1302 or PSA2702.

The limits function enables lines and patterns to be displayed for comparison with the swept trace.

Limit lines are simple horizontal lines that can be set to any required amplitude level.

Limit patterns are derived from tables of level against frequency that are stored as files. They can include straight or angled lines, and are automatically interpolated between points. Patterns are created on a PC using PSA-Manager software, and can use imports from CSV files as well as table and graphical editing.

Two limit lines or patterns can be displayed simultaneously.

Limits Comparator*

In addition to visual comparison, a limits comparator can be employed which can be used to halt the sweep, generate an audible warning or output a pulse, or save the trace within a log file. Conditions of above, below, inside or outside can be defined, and the frequency span for comparison can be restricted using markers.

The Logging Function*

The logging function enables information from the sweep to be captured within log files.

The information recorded can be the centre level, the peak level found in the sweep, the whole trace, or the whole screen image. Up to 25,000 entries can be stored per file. The large internal disk (1.8GB) provides enormous log file capacity.

Entries can be made every sweep (continuous) manually (key press), at timed intervals (from seconds to hours), or in response to an external trigger signal or the internal limits comparator.

Entries are time stamped from the real-time clock, and each log file includes a header describing the set-up of the instrument. Log file analysis is done on a PC using PSA-Manager software.

* The Logging function requires option U01.

Fixed Offsets*

Fixed offsets can be added or subtracted from the displayed reference level to compensate for external attenuation or gain. Offsets can be set between +50.0dB and -50.0dB.

75 Ohm Compensation*

Compensation can be made to correct the level indication for signals from a 75 Ohm source.

Compensation Tables*

Compensation tables are normalised lists of level against frequency used to compensate for frequency non-linearity in transducers such as antennae. The tables are stored as files. Tables are created on a PC using PSA-Manager software, and can use imports from CSV files as well as table and graphical editing.

* The Offset and Compensation Tables function requires option U01.

Trigger In/Out*

The analyzer is fitted with an external trigger socket which can act as an input or an output. The socket is a 3.5mm mono jack, and an adaptor is supplied that converts it to a standard BNC socket.

* All Trigger functions requires option U01.

Sweep Trigger*

The analyzer sweep can be externally triggered to start a single sweep or stop a repeating sweep. Automatic or manual re-arming can be selected. Sweep triggering can also be generated from the limits comparator function.

* The Sweep Trigger function requires option U01.

Limits Comparator*

The limits comparator can be set to create a variety of functions including generating an output pulse on the trigger socket.

* The Limits function requires option U01.

Logging Trigger*

The logging function can be set to add entries in response to the external trigger input as an alternative to manual, timer or limits comparator.

* The Logging function requires option U01.

Pressing the Presets/Auto-Set key opens a special menu as shown.

Standard Preset returns the instrument to defined settings which include full span, auto RBW, 0dBm level etc. and which cancel more complex settings such as sweep triggering* and vertical expansion. This is particularly useful when the instrument has previously been used for some other purpose.

User Preset is a customized version of the standard preset in which particular settings have been redefined by the user (e.g. center, span and level). The user preset can also be called up automatically on power-up as an alternative to "last used" settings.

* Sweep triggering requires option U01

The Auto Set function is particularly useful where the user knows that a large signal exists, but does not know its exact location. Auto Set automatically sets the instrument up to display the largest signal that it finds in a full span sweep*, and then set an appropriate span, RBW and level to display it.

* The sweep is not truly full span but starts at 10MHz and extends to 1250MHz or 2650MHz.

Custom Presets allows multiple presets to be saved or recalled simply by entering a number. This enables rapid changes between settings without having to use the normal file recall screen.

Applications for which Custom Presets might be used include frequency selection via channel numbers, or repetitive steps within a test environment.

* Custom Presets requires option U01.

PSA Manager is a free application operating under Windows* that provides useful file display and creation facilities. PSA Manager can display trace files which can then be printed or exported to other applications For instruments with option U01 fitted, PSA Manager provides full display and analysis of logging files, and can create limit pattern files, channel marker lists, and compensation tables.

* Windows is a trademark of Microsoft inc. PSA-Manager is compatible with Windows XP onwards.

PSA View is a further free application that enables the PSA screen to be displayed on a PC at any desired size. PSA View requires option U01.