MS2718B FAQ- Anritsu

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What are Absolute and Relative limit lines in the MS272xB the MS271xB spectrum analyzers, and the MT8222A BTS Master? When would I choose one over the other?

Answer:

An Absolute limit line is one that, when recalled from memory, returns to the frequency at which it was created. A Relative limit line, when recalled, is automatically centered on the spectrum analyzer's current center frequency. If your measurements are always at one frequency than using Absolute limit lines is sensible. If you make measurements at many different frequencies then Relative limit lines make your job easier because when you create a limit line (also called emission mask) once, you can use it at any desired frequency without having to recreate it each time.

Question:

I'm making a field strength measurement and see an area of the display that is much higher than the rest. Why does it do that?

Answer:

The field strength measurement algorithm in the MS272xB, MS271xB, MT8222A, MS2711D and S332D takes the antenna factor of the selected antenna into account to calculate field strength. This causes the increase you see over the bandwidth of the antenna. Measurements of field strength are only valid in that region since the performance of the antenna outside of its specified bandwidth isn't known.

Question:

I need to see both the maximum and the minimum of a signal at the same time; how do I do that?

Answer:

The MS272xB, MS271xB and MT8222A have three traces available. The best way to see the maximum and minimum simultaneously is to set Trace A to Normal, Trace B to Max Hold and Trace C to Min Hold.

Question:

Why does my MS2721B give me an input saturation warning when other instruments don't?

Answer:

The MS272xB, MS271xB, MS2711D, MT8222A and MS20x6A are equipped with a broadband detector that is designed to sense signal levels at the input to the first mixer that may cause inaccurate measurements due to saturation. Most competitive instruments don't have a method to deliver such a warning and allow the user to take measurements that likely are inaccurate. These inaccuracies can include lower amplitude values and the generation of signal harmonics due to mixer saturation.