User`s guide

scale factor
The per-division calibration of the vertical axis of the display.
scan (frequency span) linearity
The measured accuracy of the horizontal axis of the analyzer display. When two horizontal
points are set with analyzer controls, then measured, the linearity is the calculated error
between the two points compared with the analyzer settings.
selectivity
See bandwidth selectivity.
sensitivity
The level of the smallest sinusoid that can be observed on a spectrum analyzer, usually
under optimized conditions of minimum resolution bandwidth, 0 dB input attenuation, and
minimum video bandwidth. Hewlett-Packard defines sensitivity as the displayed average
noise level. A sinusoid at that level appears to be about 2 dB above the noise.
serial prefix
Serial numbers that identify an instrument begin with a five-character prefix. The prefix in
this case represents the version of firmware that particular instrument was shipped with.
For HP 70000 Modular Measurement Systems, file numbers saved by the user in memory
are preceded with letters that define the file type. Refer to the HP 70000 system operation
manual for detailed information.
shape factor
Refer to bandwidth selectivity.
signal resolution
The ability of the spectrum analyzer to resolve two separate input signals. Closely spaced
signals are more difficult to resolve than signals spaced far apart. Refer also to resolution
bandwidth and shape factor.
signal identification
A routine that identifies whether or not a particular Fourier transform response on the
spectrum analyzer’s display is at the correct frequency. The displayed signal may be aliased
by the FFT calculation because of inadequate sample rate. The signal identification routine
indicates if the signal is being displayed at the wrong frequency.
single-sweep mode
The spectrum analyzer sweeps once when trigger conditions are met. Each sweep
is initiated by pressing an appropriate front-panel key, or by sending a programming
command.
sinusoid
A wave whose electric-field vector is proportional to the sine (or cosine) of an angle that is
a linear function of time, or distance or both.
softkey
Key labels displayed on a screen or monitor which are activated by mechanical keys
surrounding the display, or located on a keyboard. Softkey selections usually evoke menus
that are written into the program software. Front-panel key selections determine which
menu (set of softkeys) appears on the display.
span
Span equals the stop frequency minus the start frequency. The span setting determines the
horizontal-axis scale of the spectrum analyzer display.
Glossary-14