Instructions

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9.2.3 Trace Files
A trace file represents the swept trace as appears upon the screen. A trace file can be recalled
to the screen as a reference trace (purple).
The file consists of a set of 271 values representing the trace amplitude from left to right across
the screen in CSV (comma separated variable) format, plus additional information that defines
the frequency span, RBW, VBW and reference level. Values are always in dBm.
The latter information is referred to as the State. When a trace file is recalled, the user can
choose to recall the whole file (Recall Trace & State), the trace amplitude values only (Recall
Trace) or the State values only (Recall State). Whenever the State is recalled, the spectrum
analyser set-up is changed to match the parameters within the recalled file.
Trace files are small being a few kilobytes each. Within the instrument they use an 8.3 naming
format with the extension .CSV. A maximum of 999 files can be stored within the internal
memory of the instrument. Trace files can be copied to a PC and imported into graphing
programs such as Excel, MathCad etc.
Trace files can also be displayed using PSA-Manager software which is supplied on the
accompanying disk or freely available to download from the web site.
9.2.4 Screen Image Files
A screen image file represents a "snapshot" of the whole of the screen excluding the key area.
A screen file can be recalled in a similar way to an image on a digital camera, whilst sweeping
of the spectrum analyser is suspended (Paused). It can also be exported to a PC and printed
for documentation purposes.
Screen files are indexed colour bitmaps of about 50 kilobytes in size. Within the instrument
they use an 8.3 naming format with the extension .BMP A maximum of 999 files can be stored
within the internal memory of the instrument. Screen files can be copied to a PC and imported
into photo viewing and editing programs such as Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, Paint,
Photoshop etc.
Image files can also be displayed using PSA-Manager software which is supplied on the
accompanying disk or freely available to download from the web site.
9.2.5 Setup Files
A setup file records the complete state of the instrument at the point that it was saved, including
marker positions, the view trace and the reference trace.
When option U02 is installed, additional files such as Limit Patterns and Compensation Tables
are also included.
A setup file contains all of the parameters listed within the Factory Default Setup listing (see
Appendix B section 18) with the exception of screen brightness and Auto power-off timer
settings.
Setup files are small being a few kilobytes each. Within the instrument they use an 8.3 naming
format with the extension .SET. A maximum of 999 files can be stored within the internal
memory of the instrument. Setup files can be copied to a memory stick or onto a PC for backup
purposes, but have no function outside of the instrument.
9.2.6 Other File Types
When Option U02 is fitted (see section 6) five other file types can exist. These are Scan files,
Compensation Table files, Limit Pattern files, Channel Marker files, and Logging files. Details of
the functions are provided within section 6 of the manual.
9.2.6.1 Scan Files
Scan files are created when the analyzer is in Scan Mode (see section 8.1). Scan files are
similar to Trace files but can contain much more data (up to 210,000 entries).
Scan files are located in the TRACES folder, but have a file name that always starts with a $
symbol. A full explanation of Scan files is provided in section 8.2.3.3.