front-panel key

Keys, typically labeled, and located on the front panel of an instrument. The key labels identify the function the key activities. Numeric keys and step keys are two examples of front- panel keys.

full span

A mode of operation in which the analyzer scans the entire frequency band of an analyzer.

function

The action or purpose which a specific item is intended to perform or serve. The analyzer contains functions that can be executed via front-panel key selections, or through programming commands. The characteristics of these functions are determined by the firmware in the instrument. In some cases, a DLP (downloadable program) execution of a function allows you to execute the function from front-panel key selections.

gain compression

The signal level at the input mixer of an analyzer where the displayed amplitude of the signal is a specific number of dB too low due just to mixer saturation. The signal level is generally specified for 1 dB or 0.5 dB compression and is usually between -3 dBm and - 10 dBm.

gated measurement

See time-gate.

hard copy

Information or data printed onto paper as opposed to its being stored on disk or in the instrument’s memory.

harmonic distortion

Undesired frequency components added to signals as a result of nonlinear behavior of the device (for example, a mixer or an amplifier) through which signals pass. These unwanted components are harmonically related to the original signal.

harmonic mixing

The utilization of local oscillator harmonics generated in a mixer to extend the tuning range of an analyzer beyond the range achievable using just the local oscillator fundamental. The mathematical algorithm is:

F I N = FLO + FIF

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