Log Mag and Linear Mag (Trace Format)

Selecting the Log Mag or Linear Mag trace format selects logarithmic- or linear-magnitude data for the active trace.

Select Linear Mag to show the trace on a linear Y-axis scale. This means that the y-axis value for a point is sqrt( I^2 + Q^2 ).

Select Log Mag to show the trace on a logarithmic (decibel) Y-axis scale.

Select Log Mag (lin) to show the trace on a logarithmic Y-axis scale. The difference between Log Mag (lin) and Log Mag is that the Y-axis annotations are shown in linear units (Vrms, for example) when Log Mag (lin) is selected instead of logarithmic units (dBm deciBels referenced to a milliWatt: dB relative to 1 milliwatt dissipated in the nominal input impedance of the analyzer, for example).

Characteristics

Here are some characteristics you should know: