Page 37
Note that it is possible to place files with long filenames into the folders provided that the
extension is correct and the files themselves are valid - see section 5.6.1.1.
The link can be closed by pressing the EXIT hard key. When this happens, the instrument re-
checks its filing system in order to ensure that changes have not been made that would cause
system problems. This may take several seconds.
When this has been completed, normal spectrum analyzer operation resumes.
5.7 File Types
The basic instrument uses three file types: Traces, Images and Setups. If option U01 is
installed, several further file types become available.
5.7.1 Trace Files
A trace file represents the swept trace as appears upon the screen. A trace file can be recalled
to the screen as a reference trace (purple).
The file consists of a set of 271 values representing the trace amplitude from left to right across
the screen in CSV (comma separated variable) format, plus additional information that defines
the frequency span, RBW, VBW and reference level.
The latter information is referred to as the State. When a trace file is recalled, the user can
choose to recall the whole file (Recall Trace & State), the trace amplitude values only (Recall
Trace) or the State values only (Recall State). Whenever the State is recalled, the spectrum
analyser set-up is changed to match the parameters within the recalled file.
Trace files are small being a few kilobytes each. Within the instrument they use an 8.3 naming
format with the extension .CSV. A maximum of 999 files can be stored within the internal
memory of the instrument. Trace files can be copied to a PC and imported into graphing
programs such as Excel, MathCad etc.
Trace files can also be displayed using PSA-Manager software which is supplied with
Option U01.
5.7.2 Screen Image Files
A screen image file represents a "snapshot" of the whole of the screen excluding the key area.
A screen file can be recalled in a similar way to an image on a digital camera, whilst sweeping
of the spectrum analyser is suspended (Paused). It can also be exported to a PC and printed
for documentation purposes.
Screen files are indexed colour bitmaps of about 50 kilobytes in size. Within the instrument
they use an 8.3 naming format with the extension .BMP A maximum of 999 files can be stored
within the internal memory of the instrument. Screen files can be copied to a PC and imported
into photo viewing and editing programs such as Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, Paint,
Photoshop etc.
Image files can also be displayed using PSA-Manager software which is supplied with
Option U01.
5.7.3 Setup Files
A setup file records the complete state of the instrument at the point that it was saved, including
marker positions, the view trace and the reference trace.
Setup files are small being a few kilobytes each. Within the instrument they use an 8.3 naming
format with the extension .SET. A maximum of 999 files can be stored within the internal
memory of the instrument. Setup files can be copied to a memory stick or onto a PC for backup
purposes, but have no function outside of the instrument.