PSA2702 & PSA1302 2.7GHz & 1.
CONTENTS 1 Product Introduction .................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Items Supplied ......................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Using this Manual - Cross References .................................................................... 5 1.3 Product Description and Capabilities ....................................................................... 5 1.
4.5.3 Vertical Scaling ..................................................................................................... 20 4.5.4 Amplitude Offset and Compensation Tables (when fitted) .................................... 20 4.5.5 Amplitude Limits (when fitted)............................................................................... 20 4.5.5.1 Channel Marker Files ..................................................................................... 21 4.5.6 Overload Indication.....................
6.1.5 6.1.6 6.1.7 6.1.8 Compensation Tables .......................................................................................... 38 Custom Presets.................................................................................................... 38 View on PC .......................................................................................................... 38 PSA-Manager Software........................................................................................
8.2.6.3 Logging Files ................................................................................................. 53 9 Default Settings | Power On State | Hard Reset ....................................................... 54 9.1 Restoring to Factory Defaults ................................................................................. 54 9.2 Standard Preset ..................................................................................................... 54 9.
1 Product Introduction 1.1 Items Supplied Portable Spectrum Analyzer (PSA1302 or PSA2702) with removable stylus and detachable bench-stand/screen-protector. Spare stylus duplicates the stylus fitted into the instrument. USB lead Mini B plug to standard A plug. Trigger input converter plug 3.5mm jack to BNC socket. AC line power-supply/charger Universal voltage with interchangeable country specific plugs. Short Guide (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish). Full instruction manual (English only).
instrument set-ups and 999 complete screen bitmaps can also be stored. All files can be given user defined names. USB interfaces are provided for direct file transfer to a PC or for connection of a USB Flash drive. Extensive convenience features for repetitive operation include auto-set, frequency presets, and storage of the instrument state together with the trace file for simultaneous or independent recall.
2 Basics of Operation 2.1 External Connections 2.1.1 DC Power Input DC power to operate and/or recharge the instrument is connected via a 1.3mm power socket mounted on the right hand side of the instrument. Use ONLY the power-supply/charger provided by Aim-TTi with the unit. Use of any other power source will void the warranty. The red lamp next to the socket flashes whilst charging is taking place and becomes continuous once charging is complete. 2.1.
2.1.4 USB Host Connector (for USB Flash Memory) A standard USB type A connector is provided on the left hand side of the instrument which is revealed by moving the sliding cover towards the top of the instrument. This is intended exclusively for the connection of a USB Flash memory stick. See section 8.1.2 for full information. 2.1.
2.3 Batteries and AC Line Power 2.3.1 Battery Operation The instruments operates from an internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery which can provide more than 8 hours of continuous operation (screen brightness dependent). The battery condition is indicated on the display via a multi-segment battery symbol. When it changes colour to yellow, expected battery life has fallen below 1 hour. When it turns red, expected battery life has fallen below 20 minutes, and the analyzer should be recharged.
2.4 Display and Controls Layout Fig.
2.5 Touch Screen Operation The normal mode of operation of the spectrum analyzer is by using the touch-screen keys within the display supplemented, when required, by the hard keys below. The touch screen keys are normally operated by pressing with the finger or thumb, but can alternatively be operated using the supplied stylus. 2.5.1 Finger Tip Operation The touch screen is a resistive single-touch type (rather than the capacitive multi-touch type used on many smart phones).
3 Quick Start Guide It is recommended that all users, including those fully familiar with RF spectrum analyzers, take a little time to read through this instruction manual before using the instrument. However, for users who wish to get started with hands-on operation as quickly as possible, the following may prove useful. 1. Press and hold the Power key until the screen backlight flashes. Wait a few seconds and then check the battery condition indicator on the display.
4 Operation using the Menu System The default menu system for the spectrum analyzer consists of three rows of five keys. The upper row represents the top level of the menu system and defines five “menu groups” as follows: Freq/ Span enables the frequency range of sweep to be set in terms of start and stop frequencies or centre frequency plus span, as well as zero span demodulation. Sweep/ BW enables control of the sweep and bandwidth filtering for the sweep.
4.1.1 Centre Centre controls the centre frequency for the sweep. Also sets the annotation to Centre/Span if it was previously Start/Stop. Creates a set of bottom-row function keys as follows: Set Centre enables the centre frequency to be set to a specific value. The menu keys are replaced by a numeric keyboard from which a centre frequency can be entered in MHz to a resolution of 0.001 (1kHz). Press OK to activate the new frequency without leaving the screen or OK & Exit to return to the Centre menu.
4.1.3 Start/Stop Start Stop Set Start controls the start and stop frequencies for the sweep. Also sets the annotation to Start/Stop if it was previously Centre/Span. Creates a set of bottom-row function keys as follows: Set Stop enables the start or stop frequency to be set to a specific value. The method for setting these is similar to that for setting the Centre frequency - see section 7.3 for an illustrated description of frequency setting.
4.1.5 Frequency Presets enables up to six frequency ranges to be quickly stored and recalled. Only the centre and span (or equivalent start and stop frequencies) are stored. This differs from a Trace State or Set-up file for which more parameters are stored (see sections 8.2.3 or 8.2.5 respectively). Frequency presets are retained when the instrument is off. Creates a set of bottom-row function keys as follows: Freq Presets Full Span sets the sweep to the full range of the instrument (1MHz to 1.3GHz or 2.
4.4 Setting the Sweep Mode and Sweep Bandwidth (RBW) This menu group controls the sweep and the resolution bandwidth. Sweep/ BW Video Filter RBW Sweep This enables the sweep to be controlled in terms of the type of sweep (repeat or single) and the resolution bandwidth of the sweep filter and the subsequent video filtering. If option U01 is fitted, sweep triggering can also be controlled. 4.4.1 RBW RBW controls the resolution bandwidth of the sweep filter.
Single ReArm provides a choice of automatic or manual re-arming of the trigger when triggering is enabled and the sweep mode is set to Single. When the menu system is set to Sweep/BW the sweep status is displayed in the lower annotation area directly above the keys. 4.4.3.1 Sweep Rate and the Sweep Progress Indicator Line The sweep time and resultant update rate is a function of the span and the RBW and is shown within the lower annotation area. It can be calculated from the formulae within section ???.
4.5 Setting the Level Attenuator, Amplitude Scale, and Limits This menu group controls the input attenuator, thus changing the reference level, and controls the measurement units and scaling of the amplitude display. When option U01 is fitted, it also enables the sweep amplitude to be compared with limit lines or patterns and the use of level offset and compensation tables. Level/ Limits Units/ Graticule Ref Level Scale/ Shift Offset/ Tables Limits 4.5.
4.5.3 Vertical Scaling Scale/ Shift enables the vertical amplitude scaling to be changed. Creates a set of bottom-row function keys as follows: Scale creates a pop-up menu enabling the vertical scaling to be set to 10dB/div (the default) through to 1dB/div. Shift Down Shift Down For scales below 10dB/div only a portion of the sweep amplitude will be visible and the Shift Up/Shift down keys can be used to pan the trace through the amplitude range of the graticule. These keys auto-repeat. 4.5.
Limit Action creates a pop-up menu that selects an action that will be performed when the limit condition occurs. The options are None, Beep, Pulse Out, or Beep + Pulse Out. Note that other actions (sweep triggering or log file entry) can also be created from the limits condition. Further information on the Limits function is given in section 7.7. Limit Offset creates a control screen from which a limit can be offset from its initial values.
4.6 Controlling and Storing Traces and Images This menu group controls the traces that appear on the screen (as well as the markers that are used for measurement). Traces/ Markers Traces Control Trace Mode Trace Stores Marker Setup Marker Control There are three traces: Live (green), View (white) and Reference (purple). Only the Live trace is updated from the sweep. The View trace is a temporary copy of the live trace created whenever the View key is pressed.
The measurement markers normally operate on the Live trace. However, the Live and View traces can be “swapped” by pressing the Swap key. This stops the sweep and causes the View trace to be placed in front of the Live trace. When the traces are swapped, the measurement markers operate on the View trace. When the sweep is re-started (or the Swap key pressed again), the View and Live traces are swapped back. Either the Live trace or the View trace can be saved to a trace file (see section 5.1).
Swap Traces Average Number -more2 of 2 swaps the traces so that the “processed” trace is in front of the Normal trace – see section 4.6.3.1. creates a pop-up menu that enables the number of sweeps averaged to be set between 2 and 48 . returns to the first set of actions keys as detailed above. 4.6.3.1 Dual Trace Mode When the trace writing mode is set to Peak Hold or Average, a dual trace mode can be selected whereby the processed and un-processed traces are displayed simultaneously.
4.7 Using Measurement Markers This menu group controls the markers that are used for measurement (as well as the traces that appear on the screen). There are two markers M1 and M2 which provide a readout of amplitude at any frequency point on the trace. M2 can only be on if M1 is on, and the frequency difference between the two is also shown. Markers can be set to automatically find peaks, or track the largest peak. Traces/ Markers Traces Control Trace Mode Trace Stores Marker Setup Marker Control 4.7.
4.7.2 Controlling Markers Marker Control controls the frequency position of the markers. Creates a set of bottom-row function keys as follows: M1/M2 Active selects which marker is controlled by the marker movement keys. The active marker is indicated by an arrow (>) in front of its readout. Manual Set enables the frequency position of the active marker to be set numerically using similar frequency entry screens as for Set Centre (see section 4.1.1).
Function = Scroll Scroll mode is selected from Marker Setup > Function or from the Navigate Down hard key, and is indicated by two horizontal arrows on the left hand side of the marker readout. The mode is selected for the marker that is currently active. Function = Peak Track Peak Track mode can only be selected for M1. It is selected from Marker Setup > Function, and is indicated by an upwards arrow followed by a capital T on the left hand side of the marker readout.
4.8 Data Logging Functions (when fitted) This menu group controls logging functions when fitted (see section 6.1). It also controls store/recall of instrument set-ups and access to system functions and file operations, which are covered in the following section - section 4.9. Setup/ Functions Logging Setups System/ File Ops 4.8.1 Setting-up the Logging Function Logging Log Type Logging is only available when the upgrade option U01 is fitted.
4.9 Storing and Recalling Set-ups | System Settings This menu group controls storing and recalling complete instrument set-ups, and access to system functions such as screen brightness and file operations (as well logging when fitted see section Error! Reference source not found.). Setup/ Functions Setups Logging System/ File Ops 4.9.1 Storing and Recalling Instrument Setups Setups enables the complete setup of the instrument to be stored and recalled via user nameable files. See section 8.2.
4.10 Status Information | On-screen Help | System Utilities This menu group is accessed using the hard key marked STATUS/Help or by the soft key Setup/Functions > System/File-Ops > System Utilities. When the key is pressed, the normal key menu is replaced by a special menu as shown opposite. 4.10.1 Status Display When the Status/System key is selected, the top part of the screen is replaced by a detailed listing of the current instrument setup conditions. The status information is split over four pages.
Bright Level** opens an information box explaining where the screen brightness controls are located (Setup/Functions > System/File Ops). This is because screen brightness should be adjusted with the trace and graticule displayed rather than the status screen. 4.10.3.2 Power Options, Power-on State, Clock Setting Power/ Clock enables aspects of the power on-off system to be set, along with the real-time clock.
4.11 Using Instrument Presets | Automatic Setting This special menu is accessed using the hard key marked PRESET (Presets/Auto). Its function is to enable the overall setup of the instrument to be changed quickly to suit specific requirements. Standard Preset User Preset Auto Set Recall Setup Restore Previous Standard sets the frequency, level and sweep parameters back to known state and cancels the more complex functions of the instrument (see section 9.2).
5 File Storage for Traces, Screen Images & Set-ups The instrument incorporates a large Flash based disk drive for the storage of a variety of different file types including Traces, Screen Images and Instrument Set-ups. When the upgrade pack (U01) is fitted it may also include Logging Files, Limit Pattern Tables and Amplitude Compensation Tables. The instrument filing system provides a consistent method for storing, recalling, renaming, deleting and copying files.
Pressing Save completes the storing of the file under the chosen name. The default name can also be changed by pressing Change Default. Any name of up to five characters can be used - see section 5.1.1.1 below. It is also possible to delete or rename files from this screen by pressing File Utilities - see section 5.5. 5.1.1.
5.3 Storing Instrument Set-up Files Storing of Instrument Set-ups is controlled from the menu function: Setup/Functions > Setups > Store Setup. (as described in section 4.9.1) This function enables a complete instrument set-up to be stored as a file within the internal memory. (N.B. external memory cannot be used to store files directly, although files can be copied to external memory later). The menu keys are replaced by a control screen as shown.
Pressing Find A-Z brings up an alpha numeric keyboard. When a character is pressed the keypad disappears and the listing then shows only files that start with that character. Pressing Recall executes the file operation. It is also possible to delete or rename files from this screen by pressing File Utilities - see section 5.5. 5.5 File Utilities Screen Store and Recall screens include a File Utilities key which enables files to be renamed or deleted.
Pressing Link to PC causes all spectrum analyzer operation to be suspended and enables a connection to be made to a personal computer. See section 8.1.3 for a detailed explanation. Pressing File Actions changes the screen to provide options of Rename, Delete or Copy. Rename and Delete operate in a similar way as for the File Utilities screen - see section 5.5. The Copy function copies a file from the currently selected drive.
6 Upgrade Option U01 The capabilities of the instrument can be enhanced by installing the upgrade option U01 which adds additional firmware to the instrument. Option U01 can be downloaded from the Aim-TTi website and can be installed by the user without any requirement to return the instrument to its supplier. Activation of the upgrade is achieved via an activation code which can be purchased from Aim-TTi, or from our distributors and agents across the world. 6.
6.1.8 PSA-Manager Software PSA-Manager is a Windows based software application which is used in conjunction with the instrument. It provides the capability for displaying and printing Traces and Screen Images, display and analysis of Log files, and creation of Limit Patterns and Compensation Tables. See section 16 (Appendix A) for more information.
7 Further Notes on Operation 7.1 Signal Overload Levels and Indication The maximum input level without damage is +20dBm or +127dBuV of RF power (approximately 2.2 volts RMS), or 50V DC. The maximum signal that can be measured is 0dBm with the Reference level set to 0dBm. Signals that would cause the trace to rise above the reference level are indicated by a red arrow at the top of the graticule.
7.3 Setting Frequencies The control screens used for setting frequencies are common to Set Centre, Set Span, Set Start, Set Stop, Set Step and Marker Manual Set. The following illustrated example is for Set Centre but is similar for all other frequency setting functions. Set Centre pressing this key will bring up either the Set by Keypad screen or the Set by Tab/Jog screen depending upon which one was last used for setting that frequency parameter. 7.3.
Once the point of interest is in the centre of the screen, the resolution can be increased using the Zoom In function from the Span sub-group menu (Freq/Span > Span > Zoom In/Out). An alternative method which enables a more precise span to be set is to place marker M1 at the start of the area of interest and marker M2 at its end. The new span is then set from the Start/Stop sub-group menu (Freq/Span > Start/Stop > Start=M1,Stop=M2).
7.3.6 Creating Channel Markers (when fitted) Channel markers are only available when Option U01 is fitted and provide a convenient method of showing multiple fixed frequency points on the display via vertical lines that overlay or replace the graticule. They are created via a special type of limit pattern file. See section 7.7.6 for details. 7.
7.5 Triggered Operation Triggered operation is only available when the upgrade option U01 is fitted (see section 6). Triggering is used either to start or stop the sweep, or to initiate logging of sweeps or screen images. The trigger can be generated manually (by a key press), externally (from the trigger input) or internally from the sweep in combination with a limit line or limit pattern. For a description of Triggered Sweep see section 4.4.3.3. For a description of Triggered Logging see section 7.8. 7.
Compensation Table files have the extension .CMP and are located in the folder named TABLES. Files can be transferred using either a USB Flash drive, or by direct connection to the USB port of a PC. See section 5 for an explanation of copying and transferring files. A compensation table file is loaded in a similar way to other types of file using a File Recall screen - see section 5.4 .
lines, Below means below the lower point of the two limit lines, Outside means either above the higher point or below the lower point of the two limit lines, while Inside means between the higher and lower points. The Limit Action can be set to None, Beep, Pulse Out, Beep and Pulse Out together, or Message. The action only takes places when the sweep has completed. The Pulse Out is provided at the Trigger socket - see section 7.5.2.
Channel Marker files are created using PSA Manager software. This is described further in Appendix A (section 16). 7.8 The Logging Function The Logging function is only available when the upgrade option U01 is fitted (see section 6). A description of the menu keys used to control the function is given in section 4.8.1. The logging function saves results into log files within the memory of the instrument.
Cancel/Exit: exits the logging control menu provided that a logging file is not currently enabled or paused, in which case a warning message is displayed telling the user that exiting will disable logging and close and save the current file. File Utilities: displays a list of logging files currently within the instrument. Operates similarly to other file utilities screens – see section 5.5. 7.8.
7.8.6 Logging Every Sweep (Continuous) The logging function can be set via the Log Trigger key to save entries continuously, i.e. after every sweep. The actual speed will depend upon the sweep rate and the type of data being logged. The fastest possible logging rate is about two per second. 7.8.7 File Sizes and Maximum Logging Times Logging files can vary in size from a few kB to more than 100MB depending upon the number of entries and the type of data being logged.
8 USB Connections | File System & Files Types 8.1.1 Understanding USB Connections The instrument has two USB ports only one of which may be used at a time. The required port is accessed by a sliding shutter which ensures that only the exposed port can be used. The Type A port presents a USB host interface which will accept flash drives conforming to the USB Mass Storage Class (MSC). Drives with capacities from 32MB to 32GB are supported.
automatically placed into the correct folder. However, where files are being placed onto the external drive from a personal computer, they must be put into the correct folder or it will not be possible to copy them onto the instrument.
8.2.2 File Types The basic instrument uses three file types: Traces, Images and Setups. If option U01 is installed, several further file types become available. 8.2.3 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).
8.2.6 Other File Types When Option U01 is fitted (see section 6) four other file types can exist. These are Compensation Table files, Limit Pattern files, Channel Marker files, and Logging files. Details of the functions are provided within section 6 of the manual. 8.2.6.1 Compensation Tables Compensation tables are normalised files of amplitude versus frequency which must be created outside of the instrument using PSA-Manager software. They are a few kilobytes in size. They files have the extension .
9 Default Settings | Power On State | Hard Reset 9.1 Restoring to Factory Defaults When shipped from the factory, the set-up of the instrument is as described within Appendix B (section 17). The instrument can be returned to its factory defaults condition from Setup/Functions > Setups > Load Defaults (see section 4.9.1). 9.2 Standard Preset The standard preset is accessed by pressing the hard key marked Preset.
9.4 Power-On State The set-up of the instrument each time that it is turned on (from off) is normally set to “Last Used”. This results in no change occurring when the instrument is powered off and then back on. Alternatively, the user can choose to load the User Preset which overwrites the major settings with ones chosen by the user (see section 4.11.1). This choice is made from: STATUS >System Utils > Power/Clock > Pwr-On State - see section 4.10.3.2. 10Firmware Updates | Upgrades | Maintenance 10.
11 Safety Information Spectrum Analyzer This instrument is Safety Class III according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet the requirements of EN61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use). This instrument has been tested in accordance with EN61010-1 and has been supplied in a safe condition.
12 Specification PSA1302 limits, where different, are shown in square brackets [ ] after the PSA2702 limits. 12.1.
Noise Floor Noise Floor: Better than -95 dBm average displayed noise floor for F > 3MHz (reference level = –20 dBm, RBW = 15 kHz, video filter On) Distortion and Spurii 3rd Order Intermod.: < –60dBc for two signals(500MHz and 502MHz) at 10dB below reference level Harmonic: < –60dBc at 10dB below reference level (100MHz) 1st & 2nd Image: <– 55dBc, typically <– 60dBc Residual Spurii: <3dB above noise floor Amplitude Markers Number of Markers: Marker Resolution: Amplitude Readout: One, Two, or None 0.
12.1.4 Memory Storage and Data Logging Memory Storage Memory Type: Store Trace: Internal non volatile Flash memory (1.8GB nominal). Up to 999 traces can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names. Traces are stored as tables of amplitude versus frequency and can be imported into other programs, as well as being recalled to the screen. Traces can be stored from either the live trace or the view trace and include State information.
Display Display Type: Graticule: 4.3 inch (10.9 cm) transflective backlit TFT LCD, 480 x 272 pixels total, 16 colours, resistive touch screen. 8.5 x 10 divisions light grey graticule. Selectable as normal, dim, levels only, or off. 12.1.6 Power Requirements Battery Operation The PSAxx02 operates from internal rechargeable batteries. The batteries are recharged using the AC power adaptor supplied. Battery Type: Battery Life: Recharge Time: Auto-Sleep Mode: Li-ion 3.
13 Appendix A: Optional Accessories Firmware Upgrade (PSA-U01) – provides increased capabilities - see section 6 . Fitted Soft Case (PSA-SC2) – protective carrying case with space for accessories Telescopic Antenna (PSA-ANT2) – wideband telescopic antenna with adaptor for N-type connection direct to the PSA. Vehicle Charger (PSA-VC) – charger operating from 12V or 24V. NOTE: All of the above items are included within the PSA1302USC and PSA2702USC products.
PSA-View PSA-View is an additional PC application which can be used with the View-on-PC function of the instrument when option U01 is installed. It enables the screen of the instrument to be duplicated on the PC at any desired size. The View on PC function places the instrument into a special mode in which the graphics of the display are sent to a PC via USB.
15 Appendix C: Factory Default Settings When shipped from the factory, or following a reset to factory defaults, or operation of the hard reset button, the instrument will be set up as follows: (note that some parameters are relevant only if Option U01 is fitted) Frequency/Span (Mode = Centre/Span) Zero Span Demodulation Setup Sweep/Bandwidth Level/Limits Offset/Tables Limits Traces/Markers Trace Control Trace Mode Trace Stores Marker Setup Setup/Functions Logging Setups System/File Ops System Utilities
16 Appendix D: Menu Tree Diagram Page 64
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