Flexible Modulation Analysis With The Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer

The flexible analysis software and wide analysis bandwidth make the instrument ideal for many communications products. RTSA features such as FSK symbol decoding, the frequency mask trigger and time-correlated multi-domain analysis further aid the engineer in developing specialized data links. This application note reviews common data link measurements used in conjunction with traditional modulations in order to provide insight into the general-purpose flexibility of the RTSA and its unique benefits.

We begin with a brief overview of the RTSA and description of its general-purpose modulation analysis capabilities. Then, starting with the modulator and working through the radio link towards the receiver, we will explore how the RTSA can be used to examine a variety of commonly encountered radio link modulation problems.

RTSA overview
The RTSA is designed to address the measurement challenges associated with dynamic RF signals. The fundamental concept of real-time spectrum analysis is the ability to trigger in real-time on an RF signal spectrum, seamlessly capture it into memory, and analyze it in multiple domains. This makes it possible to reliably detect and characterize RF signals that change over time.