I have not used an analog spectrum analyzer for quite some time and don't know if this is a problem or not.
When displaying a stable carrier from a ref locked RF signal generator, the displayed peak jumps back and forth a little. For example, when measuring a 1.5 GHz carrier it moves back and forth randomly +/- 50 or 100 kHz or so. The input RF level seems to make no difference but I have been using -20 to -60 dBm.
If I use Peak Marker, it goes to peak but then the peak moves slightly and may or may not return. The marker signal tracking keeps the peak centered but shows the slight frequency changes.
The displayed frequency of the carrier is well within specs and self-calibration works without any hitches.
Other members of this group have been using this spectrum analyzer much longer than I and I am hoping for advice or comments.
Thanks
When displaying a stable carrier from a ref locked RF signal generator, the displayed peak jumps back and forth a little. For example, when measuring a 1.5 GHz carrier it moves back and forth randomly +/- 50 or 100 kHz or so. The input RF level seems to make no difference but I have been using -20 to -60 dBm.
If I use Peak Marker, it goes to peak but then the peak moves slightly and may or may not return. The marker signal tracking keeps the peak centered but shows the slight frequency changes.
The displayed frequency of the carrier is well within specs and self-calibration works without any hitches.
Other members of this group have been using this spectrum analyzer much longer than I and I am hoping for advice or comments.
Thanks
The 8590A is about a 25 year old spectrum analyzer. This model has a free running 1st L.O., meaning it is not phase locked to any reference. You’ve referenced the specifications, so you are probably aware of the frequency accuracy and drift specifications. If the 1st L.O. shifts or drifts in frequency, the RF input signal will do the same. This is just the nature of an unlocked ¼ century old spectrum analyzer.
Modern day spectrum analyzers have sophisticated phase lock loops that make the spectrum analyzer frequency accuracy and stability extremely good.
I hope this helped -