Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator - do I have what it takes?

Hi Guys and Gals,
I need to profile the response of some filters in an ultrasonic bit of hardware. I've been told that a Spectrum Analyzer with a Tracking Generator will do what I want in a short space of time, but I don't have one. Problem is I don't know what a spectrum analyzer is (beyond the obvious - analyses the frequency spectrum response).
I have a 100MHz Arbitrary Function Generator under LV control and I have a LeCroy 600MHz Oscilloscope under LV control and I know a bit about writing LV.
The question is, can I use the AFG, the Oscilloscope and LabVIEW to make myself a Spectrum Analyzer to do the job?
Any suggestions or pointers gratefully received.
Dr Phil

I believe a Network Analyzer will be of use to you, and fortunately you have the makings of one. A NA will tell you the amplitude and phase response. The easiest thing to do is to split the signal from the AFG (use a T) and send one signal straight to the scope and the other to the input of the DUT (device under test). Connect the DUT output to the second channel of the scope. Simply measure the ratio of the amplitudes and the relative phase of the two channels and you are all set. The scope probably has these functions built in, otherwise acquire the time series and let LabVIEW do the work (you can also take the power spectrum if you really want a spectrum analyzer). If you want to be careful, make sure that the cable lengths in the two paths are equal, but at ultrasonic frequencies I wouldn't worry about it at all.
-Darin

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Spectrum analyzer with sim and DAQ IV File

Hello..
i have a project that i need to design a Spectrum analyzer with simulation mode and DAQ option. ( so you can generate input signal from LabView and DAQ.
all i look for is a modern Spectrum anlyzer VI file for reference and education purposes
i know there are examples out there in LabView but, i need a modern one with a lot of options and features ( like Impulse respond, marker... filters.....)
there is something i found here on the website, it happen long time ago, and some proffessor from Vietnam created such project. its not with DAQ, but its great for me.
here is the link:
http://digital.ni.com/worldwide/singapore.nsf/web/all/42B390E4624228D486257249001A5349
this kind of Spectrum anlyzer looks great
most appreciate for any help

Hi Eldad,
Thanks for posting and welcome to the NI forums!
The
application you have linked uses LabVIEW to control a Tektronix TDS220
over RS232 (a.k.a. serial port). The TDS220 has a 1GHz sample rate
with a 100 MHz bandwidth--the specs on our DAQ devices don't go nearly
this high, our High Speed Digitizers
would be a better option if you need something comparable. Also, the
programming of the two devices (TDS220 vs. DAQ) is going to be quite
different, so I am not sure how helpful the code from the link would be
for your application. I don't have access to the code or permission to
post it here, but you could always try contacting the original author
(his contact info is in the link you provided, not sure if it's up to
date or not). Again, I'm not really sure how helpful the code would be
for you.
You might want to take a look at the following example to see if it does what you need:
NI-DAQmx: Benchtop Spectrum Analyzer
There
are also numerous examples that are installed with the DAQmx Driver to
help you get started with the API. You can access them from LabVIEW by
going to:
Help >> Find Examples... >> Hardware Input and Output >> DAQmx
There
may not be a ready-made example that will do everything that you
require, but the above should give you a good starting point for
implementing the necessary features yourself. If you run into any
specific issues while trying to program, please don't hesitate to post
to the forum and we'll be more than happy to help out.
-John
John Passiak

Do I have what it takes?

Hey guys, I have blogged about this. Please read this and comment in my blog if you like, or here.
In short : I want to learn programming, but I ask you, What is your motivation? Is there any recommendations you can give to help me become a programmer? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
My Blog post will give you a better understanding of what I'm talking about, if you feel is easier to comment in here, please do.
- Thanks

I'm in a similar situation. I'm 27 (practically 28) and I only recently decided to seriously try my hand at programming. I chose to start with Java for various reasons, and I've been learning for approximately 7 weeks (mainly with a book, but also with some tutorials from the Java site). I feel that I'm learning (and retaining) most of the things I have studied, but nothing can replace practice (just like any language, including spoken languages). But I also wonder whether or not I have what it takes. I have always done well in math courses, but it has been a while since I've taken any, so I would have to review a lot to understand/implement more advanced problem-solving strategies common in programming. In addition to that, I'm also uncertain about my attention span (I tend to jump from one interest to another). However, at this point I've decided to not worry about that - I will finish studying and at some point I'll decide whether or not to continue (working with Java or learning another language down the line).
My motivation for learning is simple: to create. I want to be able to produce programs on my own - to solve my own problems. Is it necessary? Probably not, since there are so many talented programmers out there. But if I can learn, why not? I also like learning languages (specifically spoken languages) so this is just an extension of that desire to communicate effectively. Anyway, the only way to know for certain is to do it. You'll figure it out at some point.

Spectrum Analyzer with NI-6111

I am trying to build a two channel (simultaneous) spectrum analyzer using Labview 7.0 and the PCI-6111 DAQ. I can make one channel work but it is very slow, but cannot find a method to acquire the second channel while the first is running. Are there any samples that might be useful? Attached is what I have so far. Is there anything I can do to speed it up? Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.
Attachments:
Acquiring_a_Signal_with_FFT_&_DAQ_&_THD_&_OCTAVE_&_TAB_&_CASE.vi ‏452 KB

I've attached an example that I've thrown together that acquires from two channels and performs an FFT of one or both channels (selectable). I didn't have a problem performing frequency analysis on multiple channels simultaneously. One thing to keep in mind though -- the more analysis you do while performing buffered acquisition, the more likely your CPU will run into trouble with transferring data. I hope my example helps.
Regards,
Todd D.
Attachments:
Example.vi ‏201 KB

How can I directly communicate with an apple employee or app developer about improving the "reminders" app. I have a few suggestions that I think have what it takes to work themselves into a new update!

I just want to email someone who can actually change the app for the better in the next update

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

WCS 4.2: Will Fluke spectrum Analyzer work with WCS?

Does anyone know if WCS can use (as a Spectrum Expert) Fluke's Spectrum Analyzer software (The same OEM as Cognio)?

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I can find no 'page' that has that info.

GPIB readout from spectrum analyzer HP4195a

Does someone know how I can readout a HP 4195a spectrum analyzer with GPIB? I have a GPIB-USB cable. I can't readout the flopy disk from the spectrum analyzer in my PC.
Thanks, Ruben

Hi
I have a very old "generic" driver for this one
see attachment
greetings from the Netherlands
Attachments:
hp_network_analyzer.zip ‏408 KB

E4402B Spectrum analyzer driver and sample programming

I need help on the E4402B Spectrum analyzer with VSA . Someone know how to comunicate using labview 6 ?

I couldn't find an instrument driver for the E4402B on NI's website, so I would first suggest contacting the vendor. If you get an instrument driver, it will be much easier to program. If they do not have one, you will need to make bus calls. For instance, if it's GPIB, you will need to know that commands which the device accepts and then make 488.2 or VISA calls to the instrument.
J.R. Allen

Agilent Spectrum Analyzer USB Issues

We are using an Agilent N9320 Spectrum Analyzer with USB communication.
I am seeing the SA lose communication with the rack about every 25 th run or so, requiring the operator to reboot the device. This si getting really annoying fast. I am not having issue with any of the other Agilent USB equipment attached to the rack. We have tried going from a powered USB hub, to just plugging the SA in directly to the computer.
When it "loses" communication, the red Remote light is still light, but you cannot send it any commands, it does not respond.
I tried doing both the reinitialize the connection after each test run or only once per opening of the application.
Has anyone else had any issues with this equipment?
Kenny

Are you using the driver from the link below to control your device?
http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.download_page?p_id_guid=60ED9B6E489D2045E0440003BA7CCD...
What version of NI-VISA do you have installed?
Try to reproduce the problem while NI I/O trace is running, so you can log the driver calls. You can take a look at the KB below to learn how to perform a trace:
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/282C5D41E2BA04F2862574BA007803B9
Wan L
Applications Engineer
National Instruments
http://www.ni.com/support

I Need some info about interfacing the PC or laptop to Spectrum analyzer using Labview

we need to control the spectrum analyzer using an interface that will be developed using Labview .
Spectrum analyzer will be connected to tha PC using RS 232C and the waveform observed will be seen in the PC interface of spectrum analyzer.
Pls send some info regarding dis.

Using a spectrum analyzer with LabVIEW is a pretty common application, my first program 15 years ago did this. What we need to know to help you though is what model spectrum analyzer are you planning on using? Most of the ones I'm familiar with use the GPIB interface rather than RS232, but that isn't a major issue, the spectrum analyzers command set is the important one. There are a lot of LabVIEW drivers available for a larger number of analyzers, here on the National Instruments' site. Although most use the GPIB interface (or ethernet), they can be used as a starting point to develop an RS232 driver if one isn't available, assuming that there is a driver for the model that you have, or a closely related one (manufacturers frequently use similar command sets within a model type).
So, what type analyzer are you using, and what types of things are you planning on doing with it?
Putnam
Certified LabVIEW Developer
Senior Test Engineer
Currently using LV 6.1-LabVIEW 2012, RT8.5
LabVIEW Champion

Comparing documents with Track Changes on

We're currently using Acrobat Pro 8.1.6 with Word 2003 (11.8307.8221) SP3.
We create PDFs with Track Changes on (showing).
We're testing and will soon be implementing Acrobat 9.1.3
Here's the issue:
We have a large number (10,000+ documents) created in Word, with Track Changes showing.
We create a PDF using Acrobat 8.1.6.
As long as we continue using Acrobat 8.1.6 we can compare documents with Track Changes on.
However, now we're moving to Acrobat 9.1.3.
We can open these existing documents, and edit them (delete pages, add comments, etc.) but when we try to compare an 8.1.6 file that has Track Changes on, we're getting an error message:
"These dots conform to PDF/A standards and do not allow editing. Please modify PDF/A secumenttings to allow editing and try again."
In Word, our Adobe PDF settings DO NOT HAVE "Create PDF/A-1a:2005 compliant file" checked (for kicks we tried it with this option on and off...same results). We have also DISABLED "Enable Accessibility and Reflow with tagged Adobe PDF."
This is only an issue taking 8.1.6 files into 9.1.3. If we create a PDF in 9.1.3 with Track Changes on, we have no problems. It appears to be a disconnect with 8.1.6 and 9.1.3.
I've gone through the forums and the web, and cannot find this issue anywhere else.
I can also recreate the issue at will.
Anyone out there have any ideas? We can't recreate the old 8.1.6 PDFs in 9.1.3...too many files, too little time, too much trouble.
Thank you!

Open the old pdf in Pro 3.? using file open. Under "Advanced" select "Preflight", under "PDF/A compliance" select "Remove PDF/A information" and save the pdf. We had to do this to both old and new pdf's before we could compare without the mentioned error. It sucks though, having to convert the documents and save them before compare. Hope this helps!

HP Spectrum Analyzer LabVIEW Driver/Example

I'm trying to use LabVIEW to control an HP E4403B spectrum analyzer. The LabVIEW I installed is 2009, the drive/example I downloaded is from the link below:
http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.download_page?p_id_guid=309EBE8FF8BC0E76E0440003BA7CCD...
I tried all the example program but none of them worked. Some commands like *IDN workes okay, but if I run the example programs, it will cause the spectrum analyzer "Undefined header" error.
Any one with experience of using HP spectrum analyzer can give me some clue about what's wrong?
Best regards,
Guangde

Hi Dennis,
Thank you for responding to my message.
I deleted some of the commands from two of the subVIs, the error is gone. But the program is still not working right. The following is some details:
The program I used is: Agilent ESA PSA Series Acquire Trace which is an example of Agilent ESA PSA Series.
In the subVI: Configure Sweep Coupling.vi, I deleted WE:TIME:AUTO ON; and :BWID:VID:RAT:AUTO ON; from the following commands:
WE:TIME:AUTO ON;
:BWID:AUTO ON;
:BWID:VID:AUTO ON;
:BWID:VID:RAT:AUTO ON;
In the subVI: Configure Acquisition.vi, I deleted ET:AUTO ON;
:INIT:CONT OFF;ET:AUTO ON;ISP:WIND:TRAC:YPAC LIN;ISP:WIND:TRAC:YDIV 10.000000;
So I can run the program through without an error message. But it doesn't seem it's measuring. Another problem is that it runs very slow, about 2 to 3 seconds per cycle.
Please let me know what I need to do after I deleted the three commands.
Thanks,
Guangde

"agesani Initialize With Options" timeout error on HP E4401B spectrum analyzer

System: Windows XP Pro, LabVIEW 7.1, IVI Compliance Package 3.0, NI-VISA 4.1
I have an HP E4401B Spectrum Analyzer. I'm trying to write some LabVIEW code for it, using the agesani.llb library.
When I try using the agesani Initialize With Options VI, I get the following error:
Error code: BFFF0015
Source: agesani Initialize WIth Options.vi<ERR>Driver Status: (Hex 0xBFFF0015) Primary Error: (Hex 0xBFFF0015) Timeout expired before operation completed.
I've searched the NI Knowlege Base, and haven't found anything that seems useful. What I _have_ found are the following items.
Knowlege Base article "Time-Out Error with the Agesa Instrument Driver Example". This refers to the agesa drivers, not the agesani drivers. It also references an E4440A spectrum analyzer, not an E4401B. The article says one cause could be that a compatibility mode other that SCPI is in use. While the articles says how to fix this on an E4440A, the fix does not appear to apply to the E4401B. In fact, if it is even _possible_ to have a mode other than SCPI on an E4401B, I can't figure out how to do it. A second possibility the article suggests is that the spectrum analyzer is in Phase Noise mode rather than Spectrum Analyzer mode. My E4401B is in SA (spectrum analyzer) mode. I don't even see a way to put it in any other mode - I don't think the required options are installed. Finally, my VI is configured as the article states - ID Query YES, Reset Device YES, etc. I should note that the instrument's GPIB address is 18, and that this matches the resource name GPIO0::18::INSTR.
Some additional information: The spectrum analyzer's screen is indicating the instrument is in Remote (R) mode as a Talker (T). A "Query UNTERMINATED" error message appears at the bottom of the instrument screen.
I've attached the results of a NI Spy capture to this message. (At least, I think I have. I've never tried doing this before, so if it doesn't show up, would some kind soul tell me how to include an attachment to my post?)
Oh, yes. The agesani version is driver version 1.1, updated 17 Aug 2007. (The version that's currently on the NI download site.)
Attachments:
Capture4.spy ‏9 KB

Hi MXI Master,
If there's an instrument timeout, I haven't been able to find it yet. Seems like there should be, so maybe I just haven't looked in the right place yet. As for the timeout value on the computer, I'm not sure what you mean by this - could you elaborate, and maybe tell me where to find it?
As far as SCPI mode, if it's possible to put the E4401B in something _other_ than SCPI mode, I haven't figured out how. I can't find any support in the programming manual for anything other than SCPI.
That kind of seques into my next couple points. The NI Spy output indicates that one of the commands that is being sent is "*SRE 32".
The "User's & Programmer's Reference" for the E4401B says (on page 206) "Send the *SRE <number> command (where <number> is the sum of the decimal values of the bits you want to enable plus the decimal value of bit 6). [Bit 6 is the Request Service (RQS) Summary Bit. BP] For example, assume that you want to enable bit 7 so that whenever the operation status summary bit is set to 1, it will trigger a service request. Send the *SRE 192 (128 + 64) command."
This statement would seem to imply that the "*SRE 32" command that is being sent by the agesani "Initialize With Options" command is an illegal command, or at best an ineffective command. In light of that, it is interesting to me that the NI Spy output indicates that the next line , viQuery(GPIB::18::INSTR (0x246E9C8), "%s?","%ld"), is generating an 0xBFFF0015 error. In addition, I can find neither the "%s?" nor the "%ld" commands listed in the Programmer's Reference. I wonder if these could be for a firmware revision later than mine (A.01.03), or for instrument options I don't have (A4H, A4J). Alternatively, I wonder if these are simply mistakes.
The next line in the NI Spy output, Formatted viWrite(CPIB0::18::INSTR (0x0246E9C89),"INST:NSEL?",11,11), also puzzles me. The Programmer's Reference indicates that this is a supported command, to see what instrument application is currently selected. (e.g. spectrum analyzer, GSM, Bluetooth, EDGE, noise figure, etc.) However, when I try to issue this command to my instrument, by using the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI, I get an "Undefined header" error on the instrument's front panel. The instrument's error history shows the same "Undefined header" error. Since my instrument only has the basic spectrum analyzer option installed, I wonder if this command is not valid? (Personally, I wouldn't write instrument firmware code this way, but who knows?) Alternatively, I wonder if this command requires a firmware revision more recent than mine. (The Programmer's Reference is silent about this possibility.)
The next line in the NI Spy output, Formatted viRead(GPIB::18::INSTR (0x0246E9C8),"",4000,0), has another 0XBFFF0015 error associated with it.
Does this information shed any more light on the situation?

Premiere Pro Equalizer with Frequency Spectrum Analyzer?

hi everyone, does anyone have the 411 on how to get a visual spectrum analyzer working with any of the Premiere Pro audio EQ's>? There is a very nice EQ in the audio effects of Premiere, but when i play my files, the playing frequencies are not displayed on the EQ interface ... it's one thing to adjust the EQ by ear, but it would be really helpful to SEE what frequencies are blown out or what have you.
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I think you will have to use audition for that

Iberr = EABO(6) with spectrum analyzer

hello every body
I am new user of labview, I sucess to make the connection between a PC and SPECTRUM ANALYZER R3361C but I cannot read or write data from SPECTRUM. In addition, I tried all the value of time out I dont success to read and write.
After l'execution, I have this message
iberr = EABO
EABO indicates that an I/O operation has been canceled, usually due to a timeout condition after a GPIB read. Before reading from the instrument, verify that the GPIB command you are sending is understood by your device and instructs it to place data in its output buffer.
Please Help Me
best regards.

The first thing to know is whether you are using an NI GPIB board? If you are, I'm assuming that you have already tested it in MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer). After that, did you right click on the board under devices and interfaces and select 'Scan for Instruments'? Does your instrument appear in the list over on the right side of the screen? If it does, is there an instrument description present or does it say something like 'instrument did not repsond to *IDN? query'? If MAX fails to find the instrument, is there another instrument you can connect to determine whether the cable or GPIB board is faulty? If another instrument works, check the manual for the 3361 and see if there is something that needs to be turned on to enable GPIB communication. Some instruments have a menu item that needs to be enabled first. If all of this works, then you can attempt to communicate to the instrument. I have no experience with the 3361 and cannot find it on Advantest's web site. It is the Avantest spectrum analyzer isn't it? If the instrument did respond to the *IDN? query, and you can't get it to repsond to others, then you have a problem with the actual commands you are sending or with the way the instrument is setup.Message Edited by Dennis Knutson on 10-09-2006 07:29 AM

Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator - do I have what it takes?

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