Basic spectrum analyzer handles reflection and stimulus/response measurements

If you need to characterize RFID tags or make reflection or stimulus/response measurements on antennas or transceiver modules, you might be able to make use of a low-cost basic spectrum analyzer. Agilent Technologies has released three application notes that detail the use of its N9322C basic spectrum analyzer.

“Low Frequency RFID Tag Characterization” notes that the resonance frequency of an RFID tag determines the effective communications distance between a tag and a reader. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to use the N9322C to set up measurement parameters, calibrate the instrument, and use a near-field probe to make the measurement.

“Making Reflection Measurements” provides details on using the N9322C to measure return loss, insertion loss, and VSWR on antennas, RFID tags, or RF Tx modules. The note introduces reflection measurement techniques, and it provides step-by-step instructions on how set up and calibrate the instrument and connect the DUT.

Finally, “Making Stimulus/Response Measurements” describes how to use the N9322C with a tracking generator (N9322C Option TG7) to perform component-level characterization. It describes a tracking generator as “a signal source whose RF output follows the tuning of the spectrum analyzer.” It explains that a tracking generator can stretch your instrument budget by allowing a basic spectrum analyzer to perform scalar network analysis. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to make a transmission measurement.