TIMEBASE Frequency-reference source or frequency standard from which the synthesizer output signal and therefore the measurement frequency or output frequency of the analyzer is derived. Since the reference frequency and the output frequency are directly related, the stability of the analyzer is directly attributable to the stability of the timebase.
TRACKING Identical phase and level behavior of various signal paths in network analysis (e.g. reference and test channels).
TRACKING GENERATOR A swept signal generator which is synchronous with the receive frequency of the spectrum analyzer. This technique allows a spectrum analyzer to be used for scalar network analysis in order to measure e.g. reflection losses of DUTs such as antennas, amplifiers, filters, etc. At the same time the tracking generator in conjunction with the spectral analyzer and appropriate software allow impedance mismatches in cables to be localized. Such impedance mismatches are caused e.g. by mechanical damage to the cable. This fault localization is frequently called Distance to Fault (DTF) measurement.
