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About the Test Set
How the Test Set Is Used
Methods of Operating the Source
Regardless of which measurement mode is currently selected, the source can be operated using front
panel keys, the virtual front panel, or remote commands, or by initiating the source list sequencer (which
executes a predefined series of signal-generation steps).
The RF output of the source can be modulated by its internal arbitrary waveform generator, which runs
waveform segment files that have been downloaded to the test set and loaded into ARB memory. (If a
source sequence refers to a number of different waveform segments, all of these segments need to be
loaded into ARB memory before the sequence can execute.)
In addition to playing back waveform segments in ARB memory, the source provides basic modulation
functions (AM, FM, and PM).
Waveform Segment Files
A waveform segment can be defined in a set of binary files (an I/Q data file with its supporting header
and marker files) or in a .wfm file (a combined file format which is produced by Agilent Signal Studio).
Playback of .wfm segments requires installation of a Signal Studio license on the test set.
Where the segment is represented by separate binary files, the files need to be placed in the same
directory, and need to follow a naming convention which enables the test set to recognize them: if the I/Q
data file is called "testWaveform.bin", then the header file needs to be called "testWaveform_hdr.bin"
and the marker file needs to be called "testWaveform_mkr.bin". The I/Q data file is the one that is loaded
to ARB memory and is referenced by name in source sequences.
Methods of Operating the Analyzer
When a measurement mode other than Sequence Analyzer mode is selected, the analyzer can be operated
using front panel keys, the virtual front panel, or remote commands. When the analyzer is used in this
way, measurements are made in their native measurement mode (for example, GSM measurements in
GSM/EDGE mode).
In Sequence Analyzer mode, initiating the analyzer list sequencer causes it to execute a predefined series
of acquisitions and measurements. As described in “Software Elements of the Test Set” on page 128
Sequence Analyzer mode incorporates many measurements from other modes; that is, measurements
such as EDGE EVM in GSM/EDGE mode can also be included in a sequence, so that the measurements
are made when the analyzer list sequencer is initiated. The Sequence Analyzer mode also includes four
basic measurements (power, frequency, phase, and I/Q data).
Creating Sequences
A sequence is a set of parameters which defines a series of signals to be generated, or acquisitions to be
analyzed, or both. The parameters can be saved to a text file and later recalled. Initiating the sequencers
causes the source and/or analyzer to execute all steps defined in the sequence. (A series of SCPI
commands can also be used for the same purpose.)
Although it is possible to create and save a simple sequence using front panel keys, the complexity of the
format makes it preferable to use a spreadsheet template or other tool to create a sequence (which is
saved to a text file).
The easiest method is to use Agilent Sequence Studio, a PC application designed specifically to generate