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How is Zero-Span Implemented When Using the NI PXI-5661/5660?

Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-RFSA
Primary Software Version: 1.5
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: Driver Software>>NI-RFSA
Hardware: Modular Instruments>>RF Measurement Devices, Modular Instruments>>RF Measurement Devices>>PXI-5660, Modular Instruments>>RF Measurement Devices>>PXI-5661

Problem:
I understand that zero-span, a common feature of RF Signal Analyzers, allows users to view an incoming signal with a power versus time display instead of power versus frequency. How is it implemented when using NI PXI-5661/5660 RF Signal Analyzers?

Solution:
Both RF Signal Analyzers use a High Speed Digitizer to acquire IQ data. In order to plot power versus time, convert this IQ data into complex pairs (I + jQ), then convert the complex data to magnitude data via a Cartesian to Polar coordinate conversion (i.e. sqrt(I^2+Q^2)). Finally, apply a dBm calculation to turn the magnitude into power dBm. If using the NI PXI-5660, please see Developer Zone Example: Zero Span Measurement with 5660.

If using the NI PXI-5661, there are shipping examples for both LabVIEW and LabWindows CVI. Launch the NI Example Finder in either development environment by selecting Help » Find Examples from the menu bar.  Browse by task to the following folder: Hardware Input and Output » Modular Instruments » NI-RFSA (RF Signal Analyzer) » IQ Acquisition.

LabVIEW: RFSA Power vs Time (Zero-Span).vi
LabWindows/CVI: PowerVsTime(Zero-Span).prj

Related Links:
Developer Zone Example: Zero Span Measurement with 5660

Attachments:





Report Date: 10/06/2008
Last Updated: 05/29/2009
Document ID: 4Q57C5D2

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