Spectrum analyzers are critical tools in various fields, from telecommunications to electronics testing. Among them, the UTS3000B/T series stands out with its advanced features, including the innovative 6-trace capability. In this post, we'll explore the 6-trace feature in depth, covering its use cases and advantages.

What is the UTS3000B/T Series Spectrum Analyzer?

The UTS3000B series spectrum analyzer offers extensive frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 8.4 GHz, featuring advanced all-digital IF technology for superior performance. With a 10.1-inch touch screen and up to 40,001 scanning points, it provides detailed frequency domain analysis. Key specifications include a 1 Hz to 3 MHz RBW and impressive phase noise of -98 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, along with a DANL of -161 dBm. This versatile tool is ideal for various applications including electronics manufacturing, wireless communication, RF microwave testing, electromagnetic compatibility pre-scanning, and semiconductor measurement.

What is the 6-Trace Feature?

The 6-trace feature in a spectrum analyzer, such as those in the UTS3000B/T series, allows users to simultaneously display up to six distinct traces on the screen. Each trace represents a different set of measurement data or signal characteristics. This feature enables users to observe and compare multiple signals or signal parameters in a single view.

Key Aspects of the 6-Trace Feature:

1. Multiple Traces: Up to six separate traces can be displayed, each with its own configuration and measurement settings.
2. Customization: Each trace can be customized with different parameters such as frequency range, amplitude scale, and bandwidth.
3. Overlay and Comparison: Traces can be overlaid on top of each other, allowing for direct comparison and analysis.

Where You Can Use the 6-Trace Feature

1. Signal Comparison:

   • Telecommunications: Compare carrier signals with their harmonics, spurious signals, or adjacent channel interference. This is crucial for ensuring signal integrity and compliance with communication standards.
   • Broadcasting: Analyze multiple broadcast frequencies simultaneously to ensure there is no interference between different channels or frequencies.

2. Interference Analysis:

   • Wireless Communication: Monitor multiple wireless signals to identify sources of interference and assess their impact on system performance.
   • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Compare emissions from different sources to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and minimize interference.

3. Troubleshooting:

   • Electronic Devices: Examine various signal paths within a device to locate faults or performance issues. For example, you can monitor different stages of a signal path to identify where a distortion or anomaly occurs.
   • Network Testing: In a complex network setup, monitor different network signals and their interactions to diagnose network issues or verify signal integrity.

4. Design Validation:

   • R&D: During the development phase, use multiple traces to verify that different design aspects are performing as expected. For instance, compare prototype signals with theoretical models or specifications.

Advantages of Having 6 Traces in Your Spectrum Analyzer

1. Comprehensive Analysis:

   • Enhanced Visibility: With six traces, you can simultaneously view multiple signal characteristics or different signals. This comprehensive view helps in identifying interactions and dependencies between signals that might not be apparent when viewed individually.
   • Detailed Insights: The ability to overlay and compare multiple traces provides detailed insights into signal behavior, helping to identify complex issues more easily.

2. Increased Efficiency:

   • Reduced Measurement Time: Instead of performing multiple separate measurements and manually comparing results, the 6-trace feature allows you to view all relevant data at once. This reduces the time spent on analysis and speeds up decision-making.
   • Streamlined Troubleshooting: Directly comparing multiple traces can expedite the process of diagnosing issues by providing immediate visual correlations.

3. Versatility and Flexibility:

   • Customizable Views: Tailor each trace to specific measurement needs, such as different frequency ranges or signal types, and switch between views as needed. This flexibility is particularly useful in complex or multi-faceted signal environments.
   • Simultaneous Monitoring: Monitor different aspects of a signal or multiple signals from different sources simultaneously, which is valuable for applications requiring real-time analysis and monitoring.

4. Improved Accuracy:

   • Precise Comparisons: The ability to overlay traces allows for more accurate comparisons, reducing the potential for human error in manual analysis. Precise markers and cursors can be used to measure and compare signal attributes across traces.

5. Enhanced Documentation:

   • Data Presentation: When documenting results, having multiple traces visible in a single capture provides a clearer and more comprehensive picture of the measurement scenario, which is useful for reports and presentations.

Video Demonstration

To see the 6-trace feature in action, watch our detailed video demonstration below. This video will guide you through setting up and using the 6-trace feature on the UTS3000B/T series spectrum analyzer, showcasing practical applications and benefits.

Conclusion

The 6-trace feature of the UTS3000B/T series spectrum analyzers is a powerful tool for advanced signal analysis. By allowing users to simultaneously view and compare up to six different traces, it enhances the ability to analyze complex signal interactions, troubleshoot issues efficiently, and validate designs effectively. This feature not only improves the depth and accuracy of analysis but also accelerates the overall measurement process, making it a valuable asset in both routine and specialized applications.