Pulsed Signal Analysis
When analyzing pulsed transmissions, engineers need to understand both the timing and frequency characteristics of those transmissions. Traditional spectrum analyzers can’t provide all this information, since timing measurements are limited to zero-span mode. So, until now, engineers have typically combined a spectrum analyzer and an oscilloscope to make timing measurements.
The Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA) is a single-instrument solution for completely analyzing a pulsed transmission without missing any information. By seamlessly capturing the transmission into memory, you can make typical RADAR measurements like PRI, Rise Time, Pulse Width and FM linearity without having to recapture the signal or interface with another instrument. The RTSA is designed with time-correlated views of frequency, time, and modulation domains so you can quickly and accurately characterize pulsed signals.
Application Information
Advanced Radar Testing with the RSA6100A Series Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer 
(2 MB)
In this application note we explore the performance and features of the RSA6100A Series of Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSA) as applied to advanced radar testing.
Radar Pulse Measurements with the Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
Radar pulse measurements are a critical part of radar, EW and ELINT systems. The Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA) and its unique pulse measurement software offer a comprehensive analysis solution for characterizing the transient radar pulse. The RTSA’s transient signal capabilities can provide analysis displays and performance insights that simply are not available on other analyzers. Overlapping Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs), Frequency Mask Triggers (FMTs) and 20 nS resolution, plus the test industry’s most complete automatic pulse analysis measurement software, can provide the diagnostic detail necessary for efficient troubleshooting of the modern radar, EW or ELINT system. In this application note, we review radar measurements and the test contributions of the modern RTSA.
Recommended Products
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers
Arbitrary Waveform Generators
Additional Resources
- Real-Time Spectrum Analysis Technology
- Transient RF Signal Analysis
- Modulation Analysis
- RFID
- UMTS/W-CDMA Design
- CDMA/CDMA2000 Design
Pulsed Signals with Spurious Interference 
When it comes to finding interference on a pulsed RF signal, traditional spectrum analyzers like the Agilent PSA are no use. How can you find an interfering signal hiding between the pulses when you only make 50 spectrum measurements per second? You can't, but the Tektronix RSA6100A Series can. See how the RSA6100A Series, which makes over 48,00 spectrum measurements per second, can see between the pulses...
View Video: 100k/ISDN | 300k/DSL or faster
Pulsed Signal Analysis
Analyzing a pulsed signal is a complex, time consuming task that used to require multiple instruments. See how the Tektronix RSA6100A Series is the one instrument that provides all the answers...
View Video: 100k/ISDN | 300k/DSL or faster
Pulse Analysis Technical Video Demo
Traditional swept-tune spectrum analyzers have only narrow applications for pulsed RF measurements because of limitations in their architecture. See how the single-box Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer changes how you analyze pulsed signals...
View Video: 100k/ISDN | 300k/DSL or faster
Understanding FFT Overlap Processing A Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Primer
As faster time-varying frequency signals are becoming more widespread, Tektronix has responded to the need to provide more visibility of very short-time events with Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RTSA) employing FFT frames that can be overlapped fully. In this primer, we will show the analysis benefits of this technique. We will also explore how it works, and how you can use it most effectively to see Time-Varying RF signals with greater clarity than ever before.
Evaluating and Optimizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems Using Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
The main purpose of this application note is to demonstrate using a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer to evaluate an RFID system's compliance to ISO/IEC standards as well as government regulations regarding intentional transmitters (i.e. FCC 47 part 15, ARIB STD-T82, and EN 300 330).
Learn More