Agilent / HP 3562A Dynamic Signal Analyzer

The HP 3562A Dynamic Signal Analyzer is a dual-channel fast Fourier transform-based network, spectrum and waveform analyzer which provides analysis capabilities in both the time and frequency domains. The dc-to-100 kHz frequency range, 150 dB measurement range and 80 dB dynamic range of the analyzer makes it a powerful solution for testing and analysis in electronics, mechanics and electromechanical control systems.

Product Information
Two high performance input channels and a built-in signal source (noise and sine signals) address network analysis on the bench or in a test system. Zoom analysis with frequency resolution to 25.6 µHz plus a powerful AM, FM and PM demodulation function makes the HP 3562A a versatile spectrum analyzer. For transient or waveform analysis, signals can be sampled, digitized then stored in an internal memory, or directed via HP-IB to an external disc drive (without a computer). The stored waveforms can be recalled and analyzed in the time and frequency domains (baseband and zoom analysis).

Additional features include a full range of data analysis capabilities such as vector averaging, block-operation Waveform Math, a 40-pole/40-zero Curve Fitter and Frequency Response Synthesis. Front panel operations can be automated without a computer with built-in Auto Sequence programming, or with computers through complete HP-IB programmability. For documentation of results with hardcopy or mass storage, the HP 3562A can control digital plotters and external disc drives directly via HP-IB.

Network Analysis
Accurate, high resolution frequency response measurements of electronic and mechanical systems can be performed with Linear Resolution FFT, Logarithmic Resolution and Swept Sine Analysis. A built-in signal source provides a variety of random noise and sinewave signals to meet the requirements of the system under test.

Linear Resolution is the measurement technique common to all Dynamic Signal Analyzers. In the HP 3562A, 2048-point time records are Fourier-transformed in to 801-line frequency spectra. For network analysis, frequency response magnitude and phase, as well as input and output power spectra, can be measured with 801 lines of resolution. Accuracy for the frequency response magnitude and phase is ± 0.1 dB and ± 0.5°.

Logarithmic Resolution uses the speed of Linear Resolution FFT measurements to create frequency responses similar to a log-sweep swept sine test. Linear Resolution points are combined internally (rather than just reformatted), on the fly, to create 80-point-per-decade measurements over 1 to 5 decades. Start and stop frequencies can be selected in a 1-2-5 sequence from 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz (for a 0.1 Hz start frequency the maximum stop frequency is 10 kHz - 5 decades).

The Swept Sine mode reconfigures the HP 3562A as a powerful swept sine frequency response analyzer. The source can generate linear or logarithmic sweeps with increasing or decreasing frequency; user-selectable sweep rate and resolution are also standard source functions. Input channel functions include user-selectable averaging and integration time; automatic input ranging can be activated to provided over 130 dB of dynamic range for measurements of high performance systems.

Spectrum Analysis
On-line analysis of distortion, drift, modulation and phase noise can benefit from the speed and accuracy of the HP 3562A. High resolution measurements are typically 100 times faster than tuned spectrum analyzers - and, since the HP 3562A is an FFT-based analyzer, you can see transient events that a tuned analyzer would probably miss.

The HP 3562A is essentially a dual-channel spectrum analyzer which provides resolution to 25.6 µHz anywhere within the dc-to-100 kHz measurement range. Single channel accuracy is ± 0.15 dB with 80 dB of dynamic range. Modulation analysis can be performed on either or both channels with harmonic and sideband markers as well as with the built-in demodulation capability: zoom measurements can be AM, FM, or PM demodulated with carrier frequencies up to 99.9 kHz.

Waveform and Transient Analysis
Perform complete analysis of waveforms and transients in the time and frequency domains. Sampled and digitized waveforms can be stored in internal memory (signal-channel Time Capture) or on disc in an external disc drive (single- or dual-channel Time Throughput). Data can be recalled for time domain analysis as single time records or as a compressed display of up to 10 time records (Time Capture mode). Data can also be recalled for baseband and zoom analysis in the frequency domain, with vector averaging if needed.

A complete array of triggering capabilities are included to enhance both waveform recording modes. Pre- and post-trigger delays can be specified to capture the rising edge of a transient or to compensate for delays in the system under test.

Data Throughput to a Disc Drive
When access to prototypes is limited, make your test time more efficient with the Time Throughput capability: through direct control of external disc drives, the HP 3562A can store time data directly to disc without a computer. Set up a measurement and specify the quantity of single- or dual-channel data to be collected. Time data will be sampled, digitized and stored on disc for later analysis as individual time records or as baseband and zoom frequency spectra.

Hardcopy and Mass Storage with Plotters and Disc Drives
To speed and simplify documentation of results, direct control of plotters and disc drives via HP-IB is a standard feature in the HP 3562A. Literally anything displayed on the analyzer screen can be plotted or saved on disc: measurement results, setup state tables, synthesis tables, curve fit tables and Auto Sequence or Auto Math program listings. Plotting is enhanced with user-selectable line types, pens and paging controls. For mass storage operations, files can be given 8-letter user-defined names; and disc catalog can be recalled and displayed to show file name, type (data, setup, etc.) and date and time of storage.

Automation for Improved Productivity
Versatile automation capabilities and a wide range of response-only or stimulus/response measurement functions in the HP 3562A help you create productive solutions for your automated testing needs. As a standalone solution, the analyzer can "learn" a series of keystrokes and then perform them on command (Auto Sequence programming). Up to five Auto Sequence programs can be stored internally, with additional programs stored in an external disc drive.

For networked HP-IB systems, the HP 3562A provides complete HP-IB programmability. Custom display graphics and messages can be created through direct programming of the high resolution vector display - user-defined soft key menus can also be created to simplify interactive testing. Rear-panel outputs for large screen displays are also standard.