Considerations for Spectrum Analyzer Harmonics Calibration

Spectrum analyzer users need to be confident the analyzer itself is not significantly contributing to any measured harmonic content during use, consequently a harmonics test is an essential requirement for an adequate spectrum analyzer calibration. The relevant harmonic specifications can be quoted as harmonic suppression (in dBc) for a given mixer level, or as a mixer level independent intercept point (in dBm), or both. Some harmonics calibration procedures measure harmonic suppression under specific conditions quoting the suppression result directly, others determine the intercept point and can place different requirements on the signal source used for the test. This web seminar explores the relationship between spectrum analyzer harmonic specifications, the underlying performance characteristics, and the impact of the test method on requirements for signal sources used for harmonic calibration.