Data Format


A data format is the way the analyzer presents measurement data graphically. Pick a data format appropriate to the information you want to learn about the test device.

See other 'Setup Measurements' topics

How to set the Display Format

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Press Format > Format 1 or Format 2.

  1. Right-click on the trace status area above the grid box.

  2. Click Format.

  3. Select the desired format.

 

Format dialog box help

Click a link to learn about that format:

Log Mag Polar
Phase / Unwrapped Phase Linear Mag
Group Delay SWR
Smith / Inverse Smith Chart Real
  Imaginary

Format Unit

Only the following Formats allow a Unit selections:

Log Mag - Choose from:

  • dBm (Power)

  • dBmV (dB milli Volts) - used for unratioed receiver measurements.

  • dBmA (dB milli Amps) - used for unratioed receiver measurements.

Lin Mag - Choose from:

  • W (Watts), V, (volts), A (amps)

Rectangular Display Formats

Seven of the nine available data formats use a rectangular display to present measurement data. This display is also known as Cartesian, X/Y, or rectilinear. The rectangular display is especially useful for clearly displaying frequency response information of your test device.

Log Mag (Logarithmic Magnitude) Format

Phase Format

Measures the phase of a signal relative to the calibration reference plane with a range of +/- 180 degrees.

Unwrapped Phase

Note: Phase is unwrapped by comparing the phase from one data point to the next. If the phase difference between two points is greater than 180 degrees, or if the phase of the first data point is greater than 180 degrees from DC, than the phase measurement is probably NOT accurate.

Positive Phase

Displays the phase wrapped between 0 to +360 degrees.

Group Delay Format

See Also:

Group Delay (Measurement)

Comparing the analyzer Delay Functions.

Phase Measurement Accuracy

Linear Magnitude Format

SWR Format

Real Format

Imaginary Format

Polar Format

Polar format is used to view the magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient (G) from your S11 or S22 measurement.

You can use Markers to display the following:

Smith Chart Format

The Smith chart is a tool that maps the complex reflection coefficient (G) to the test device's impedance.

In a Smith chart, the rectilinear impedance plane is reshaped to form a circular grid, from which the series resistance and reactance can be read (R + jX).

You can use Markers to display the following:

Inverse Smith Chart (also known as Admittance)

Same as standard Smith Chart , except:

Interpreting the Smith Chart