M Format

The M format is for sending trace data only. It formats the trace data in the internal format
used by the spectrum analyzer, also known as measurement units.
Refer to Figure 3-1. The displayed amplitude of each element falls
on
one of 8000 vertical
points with 8000 equal to the reference level. For log scale data, each point is equal to 0.01
dB.
The peak of the signal in Figure 3-l is equal to -20
dBm,
or two divisions below the reference
level. In measurement units, it is equal to 6000 (8000
-
2000 = 6000). In linear mode, each
point has a resolution of [reference level in volts divided by
SOOO].
The range of internal data
is -32,768 to
+32,767.
In practice however, the range limits can be reached during trace math
operations only.
+32,767

-

7

8160-

Y

4

8000
-
O-
\y
LOG
10
DB/
J
ii
-32,768-
I
/
5
cull9e
Figure 3-1. Measurement Unit Range and Trace Amplitudes
3-26
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