Datasheet

Spectrogram

The 3 Series MDO includes a spectrogram display which is ideal for

monitoring slowly changing RF phenomena. The x-axis represents

frequency, just like a typical spectrum display. However, the y-axis

represents time, and color is used to indicate amplitude.

Spectrogram slices are generated by taking each spectrum and "flipping it

up on its edge" so that it's one pixel row tall, and then assigning colors to

each pixel based on the amplitude at that frequency. Cold colors (blue,

green) are low amplitude and hotter colors (yellow, red) are higher

amplitude. Each new acquisition adds another slice at the bottom of the

spectrogram and the history moves up one row. When acquisitions are

stopped, you can scroll back through the spectrogram to look at any

individual spectrum slice.

Spectrogram display illustrates slowly moving RF phenomena. As shown here, a signal

that has multiple peaks is being monitored. As the peaks change in both frequency and

amplitude over time, the changes are easily seen in the Spectrogram display.

Ultra-wide capture bandwidth

Today's wireless communications vary significantly with time, using

sophisticated digital modulation schemes and, often, transmission

techniques that involve bursting the output. These modulation schemes can

have very wide bandwidth as well. Traditional swept or stepped spectrum

analyzers are ill equipped to view these types of signals as they are only

able to look at a small portion of the spectrum at any one time.

The amount of spectrum acquired in one acquisition is called the capture

bandwidth. Traditional spectrum analyzers sweep or step the capture

bandwidth through the desired span to build the requested image. As a

result, while the spectrum analyzer is acquiring one portion of the spectrum,

the event you care about may be happening in another portion of the

spectrum. Most spectrum analyzers on the market today have 10 MHz

capture bandwidths, sometimes with expensive options to extend that to

20, 40, or even 160 MHz in some cases.

In order to address the bandwidth requirements of modern RF, the 3 Series

MDO provides up to 3 GHz of capture bandwidth. The spectrum is

generated from a single acquisition, thus guaranteeing you'll see the events

you're looking for in the frequency domain.

Spectral display of a bursted communication both into a device through Zigbee at

900 MHz and out of the device through Bluetooth at 2.4 GHz, captured with a single

acquisition.

Spectrum traces

The 3 Series MDO spectrum analyzer offers four different traces or views

including Normal, Average, Max Hold, and Min Hold.

Normal, Average, Max Hold, and Min Hold spectrum traces

3 Series MDO