SNA5000A Vector Network Analyzer User Manual 48
2.8 Avg BW
2.8.1
Overview
The dynamic range is the finite difference between the maximum input power level and
the minimum measurement power level (noise floor) of the analyzer. In evaluating a
characteristic accompanied by a large change in the amplitude (the start and stop band of a
filter for example), it is important to increase the dynamic range. The noise floor can be reduced
by narrowing the IF bandwidth or turning on Sweep Averaging.
For minimizing very low noise, Averaging is more effective than reducing IF bandwidth.
Generally, Averaging takes slightly longer than IF bandwidth reduction to lower noise,
especially if many averages are required. Also, changing the IF bandwidth after calibration
results in uncertain accuracy.
2.8.2
Averaging
Averaging is a feature that the VNA averaging on each data point before stepping to the
next data point. You determine the number of measurements by setting the averaging factor.
The higher the averaging factor, the greater the amount of noise reduction.
Averaging setting:
Press the ”Avg BW” key, then enter the Averaging and Bandwidth menu.
Figure 2-8 Avg BW menu
A. Averaging Enable.
B. Sweep Averaging factor. (an integer between 1 and 999)
C. Averaging Restart. Restart the Sweep Averaging from 1.
Summary of Contents for SNA5000A Series
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