C
CALIBRATION
Adjustment of the spectrum analyzer to ensure maximum accuracy of level and frequency measurements. The RF input section, IF amplifier and the resolution filters are the main sources of measurement error and should be calibrated before making measurements. Many spectrum analyzers are equipped with automatic calibration facilities (autocal) which make use of builtin reference sources and thus frequently do not need any calibration signal. The Willtek 9101 with its innovating digital IF has no need for calibration.
CENTER FREQUENCY
The frequency which corresponds to the center point of the frequency span.
COMPRESSION
Nonlinear behavior caused by overdriving (overloading) the analyzer. This results in measurement error, since the output level from the input or IF stages can no longer linearly track the input signal level. The 1 dB compression point is normally specified; this is the point at which the analyzer indicates a level of 1 dB less than it would if it still worked in the linear mode. Background: The analyzer shows a difference of just 9 dB between a signal whose level corresponds to the "1 dB compression point" and a signal which is smaller by 10 dB.
Compression
CONTINUOUS WAVE
This term describes a signal which is continuous as opposed to a pulse signal. This is the most common type of signal encountered in analog telecommunications, particularly with respect to amplitude (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) techniques.
CROSSTALK
Unwanted coupling of signals between the various sections of the device circuitry. In network analysis, this term is generally used to describe internal and external coupling between the generator and detector of the analyzer.
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