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Getting Started
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3.2 Taking Measurements
To perform accurate measurements, the following is a minimum list of things you should know about the signal that you
wish to measure.
Signal Frequency
The center frequency of the carrier must be known to allow sensor frequency response compensation.
Modulation Bandwidth
If the signal is modulated, know the type of modulation and its bandwidth. Note that power sensors respond only to
the amplitude modulation component of the modulation, and constant envelope modulation types such as FM can be
considered a CW carrier for power measurement purposes.
3.2.1 Continuous Mode
Continuous mode is best for measuring repetitive signals. Since this mode performs a continuous measurement, it does
not differentiate between the times a pulsed or periodic signal is off, and the times it is on. If you wish to make
measurements that are synchronous with a period of a waveform, consider using Pulse mode instead.
Continuous mode is best for the following types of measurement:
• Moderate signal level (above -40 dBm for Peak sensors and -60 dBm for CW sensors).
• Signal that is CW or continuously modulated with a modulation bandwidth that is less than the VBW of the sensor
in use.
• Signal modulation may be periodic, but only non-synchronous measurements are needed (overall average and peak
power).
• Noise-like digitally modulated signals such as CDMA and OFDM when only average measurements are needed.
The measured result is the average power of the signal. Since the graphic display would basically just show a straight
line, measurements in Continuous mode are best viewed using the Text Display mode. Figure
shows a two-channel
measurement displaying an average, minimum, and maximum power in Continuous mode.
Figure 3.1
Average
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