Optimize Spectrum Analyzer Settings for TOI Measurements
Application Notes
One of the more common measurements made with a spectrum analyzer, also known as a signal analyzer, is the determination of the third-order-intercept (TOI) point for a device under test (DUT), such as an amplifier. The TOI point is a parameter used to evaluate the linearity of components that are utilized in applications where nonlinear effects can cause distortion in analog and digitally modulated signals. This measurement can be challenging, as uncertainties vary significantly based on the spectrum analyzer’s settings. To optimize these settings using traditional, manual measurement techniques, the engineer often has to make difficult tradeoffs between dynamic range, measurement time, repeatability, and uncertainties.