Measuring Frequency Accuracy with a Spectrum Analyzer - RF Cafe Forums

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blazingbadger

Post subject: Measuring Frequency Accuracy with a Spectrum Analyzer

Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:37 pm

Lieutenant

Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:42 pm
Posts: 1

I'm trying to measure the frequency accuracy of a modulator using an Anritsu MS2721B. I've never made this measurement with a SA before. I'm feeding the modulator and SA a GPS 10MHz reference frequency. The modulator is set to CW mode. How do I can configure the SA to (correctly) measure the frequency of the CW? And how can I set it to record this measurement over a period of time, say 30 minutes?

SunshineDesign

Post subject: Re: Measuring Frequency Accuracy with a Spectrum Analyzer

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:20 am

Colonel

Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2008 11:35 pm
Posts: 30
Location: Ramona, CA

One would have to check the frequency resolving power of the Anritsu MS2721B. You should be able to find this in the Equipment Specification for the instrument. From there it is a matter of the display resolution per pixel i.e. RBW bucket it is able to resolve for display. That is your level of frequency resolution. It is poorer than a frequency counter with a high or ultra stable freq reference source.

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