Instructions

Page 60
8.1.4 Saving, Recalling and Exporting Scan Mode Files
The files created from scan mode can be saved in a similar way to trace files. These can be
recalled to the display of the PSA or can be exported to a PC for display and analysis using
PSA-Manager or third party software.
Scan files are saved to the TRACES directory of the PSA, and are distinguished from trace files
by having a file name that starts with a $ symbol. Exported files use a CSV format and can be
chosen to include header information or to omit it.
8.2 Scan Mode Operation
8.2.1 Setting up the Analyzer
The analyzer should be set up prior to entering scan mode. It should be set up in a similar way
as for normal sweep mode with the exception of RBW. Auto RBW would cause the RBW to be
set to a value appropriate for the span in normal sweep mode. For scan mode, the RBW
should be set manually to the value required to achieve the greater frequency resolution
desired.
The narrower the RBW, the larger will be the number of points in the scan file and the longer
the scan will take to complete. The number of points = (3 x Span/RBW) +1.
The time taken to perform a scan is slightly longer than the time to perform a normal sweep at
the same span and RBW/VBW. This time can be seen within the Sweep/BW menu. For
narrow RBW/VBW settings, the sweep can be speeded up using the Sweep Time function –
see section 7.5.4.
The maximum span of the analyser in scan mode is 10MHz to 3600/6000MHz, however if a
Sweep Mode of D.C. 1 or D.C. 2 has been set, it will be necessary to set the mode back to
Normal if a start frequency below 30MHz is required.
8.2.2 Entering Scan Mode
Scan mode is selected from the Sweep/BW menu (Sweep/BW > Sweep Control > Scan Mode)
and creates a sub-menu as shown below.
Upon entering scan mode, the existing set-up of the analyzer is saved and will be restored
when exiting back to normal operation. A Help key provides explanatory information specific to
scan mode.
Many functions become inoperative within scan mode, these include multiple trace displays,
sweep triggering, frequency counter, vertical scaling and offset, limit actions, data logging and
automatic measurements.
8.2.3 Using Scan Mode
Scan control enables the scan to be started or stopped. If the number of points that
would be created by the scan is below 541 or above 210,000 it will be flagged as
invalid and it will not be possible to start the scan.
starts the scan operation. The progress of the scan through the chosen span is
indicated by a horizontal yellow line at the base of the graticule moving from left to
right. The approximate scan time is shown at the top right of the graticule once the
scan has commenced. The scan time can be reduced from the sweep time function – see
section 4.3.2.
Unlike the normal sweep, the scan can not be set to automatically repeat. Note that the
Run/Stop hard key can also be used to start the scan, but not to abort it.
Scan
Control
Zoom/
Pan
Marker
Store/
Recall
Cancel/
Exit
Scan
Control
Start
Scan