Glossary: Frequently Used Terms
R&S
®
ZVA
102
Getting Started 1145.1090.62 ─ 13
Mathematical trace:
Trace that is calculated according to a mathematical expression,
e.g. the one defined in the Define Math dialog. The expression is a mathematical rela-
tion between constants and the data or memory traces of the active setup.
Measurement point:
Result of the measurement at a specified stimulus value (fre-
quency/power/time).
Measurement result:
Set of all measurement points acquired in a measurement (e.g.
a sweep). The measurement result is displayed in a diagram area and forms a trace.
Memory trace:
Trace that is associated to a data trace and stored in the memory.
Data traces and the associated memory traces share the same channel and scale set-
tings. Alternatively, memory traces can be imported from a file.
Mixer:
Device that converts an RF signal at one frequency into a signal at another fre-
quency. The frequency that is to be shifted is applied at the RF input and the frequency
shifting signal (from a local oscillator, LO) is applied to the RF mixer's LO port, resulting
in an output signal at the mixer's Intermediate Frequency (IF) port.
N
NWA:
(Vector) Network Analyzer, in particular the R&S
ZVA.
P
Partial measurement:
Measurement at a specified stimulus value maintaining definite
hardware settings. Depending on the measurement type, several partial measure-
ments may be needed to obtain a measurement point. A full n-port S-parameter mea-
surement requires n partial measurements with n different drive ports.
Peak:
Local maximum or local minimum (dip) on the trace. In the Trace - Search
menu, it is possible to define a minimum excursion that both types of peaks must have
to be considered valid.
Power calibration:
Correction method that eliminates frequency response errors in
the signal path and in the receiver and ensures accurate power levels and readings;
see source power calibration and receiver power calibration.
R
Receiver power calibration:
Correction method that the power readings at a specified
input port of the analyzer agree with the source power level calibrated at an arbitrary
reference plane. Typically, the reference plane is at the input of the receiver so that the
calibration eliminates frequency response errors in the calibrated receiver.
Reflection tracking error:
Frequency-dependent variation of the ratio of the reflected
wave to the reference wave at a test port when an ideal reflection coefficient (= 1) is
measured. The reflection tracking error can be corrected by means of a reflection nor-
malization or one of the more sophisticated calibration methods.
