Terminology » Measurements » Test and Measurement Terminology

Test and Measurement Terminology

test measurement rf signal spectrum analyzer vector signal

This page describes terms related to the Test and Measurement domain.

Test and Measurement Terms

Term	Basic description	RF Wireless World Reference
VSG	The device or equipment used to generate modulated vector signal in time domain. It is the short form of Vector Signal Generator. It houses two parts AWG and RF up conversion. The IQ vector or data can be provided as input to the VSG.
VSA	The device or equipment used to analyze rf vector signal. It digitizes and produces baseband IQ signal. The RF modulated vector can be provided as input to VSA. Or directly IQ signal can also be provided as input for analysis. RF VSA consists of two parts RF down conversion and digitizer.
Spectrum Analyzer	The equipment used to view frequency domain of the time domain signal.
PXI	Stands for PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation, it is based on compact PCI bus. It helps industry to standardize the cards and card holder cabinets.
VXI	Stands for VME eXtensions for Instrumentation, it is based on VMEbus. works with low to high frequency signals.
IQ Vector	IQ vector is baseband signal. I stands for In-phase and Q stands for Quadrature phase. Output of QPSK or QAM modulator usually will be in IQ form. Hence it is known as IQ vector.
RBW vs VBW	RBW is Resolution Bandwidth and VBW is Video Bandwidth, both are used with spectrum analyzer to view the RF signal efficiently on the screen.
EVM	Error Vector Magnitude, the parameter by which modulation quality can be judged. Less it is good for the modulated vector signal.
Phase Noise	The specification by which any RF signal quality can be judged. When we see any frequency in the spectrum analyzer we will find noise at very close to the carrier frequency. This noise is referred to as phase noise. The parameter is usually verified for local oscillators, oscillators and Rf synthesizer devices.
ATE	Automatic Test Equipment
ICT	In Circuit testing
BER	Bit Error Rate, the performance parameter of any wired or wireless system. It is the ratio of bits received in error to the total number of bits used for transmission.
Baseband Impairments	The baseband impairments include IQ gain imbalance, IQ phase imbalance, IQ DC offset etc.

Radome Tester Manufacturers | Radome Test Equipment

A list of radome tester manufacturers and vendors, including Rohde & Schwarz and G Systems, offering equipment for measuring transmission efficiency, beam deflection, reflectivity, and pattern distortion.

radome tester measurement

RF Signal Generator and Vector Signal Analyzer: Block Diagram and Applications

Explore the functions of RF signal generators and vector signal analyzers (VSAs) in wireless communication, including block diagrams and applications in signal testing.

rf signal signal generator signal analysis

Optical vs. Microwave Spectrum Analyzers: Key Differences

Compare optical and microwave spectrum analyzers. Learn about their measurements, plot dimensions, noise levels, sensitivity, and detector types.

spectrum analyzer optical spectrum microwave spectrum

Wireless Network Analysis: VSAT, WLAN, WiMAX, GSM, and LTE

An overview of wireless network analysis for VSAT, WLAN, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, and LTE technologies, covering essential tools and techniques for developers and network engineers.

wireless network network analysis spectrum analyzer

5G OTA Testing Basics and Solutions

Explore the fundamentals of Over-The-Air (OTA) testing for 5G NR, including requirements, test methods, and Rohde & Schwarz solutions for accurate and efficient measurements.

5g ota testing radio frequency