Fast, real-time, DFT instrument based on VMEbus

An emerging class of VMEbus-based test and measurement instruments is benchmarked by a recently introduced digital spectrum analyzer. The instrument performs real-time spectrum analysis in the DC-to-10 MHz range at 5000 spectrums per second. Its architecture is based on the VMEbus and is partly adapted for high-speed pipeline processing. The keyboard and color graphic displays suit basic spectrum analysis, as well as advanced analysis of amplitude vs. both frequency and time. The instrument provides a DSP (digital signal processing) programming environment when an RS232 terminal is attached. With addition of an RF spectrum analyzer, downconverter, and software, real-time analysis is extended to 21 GHz and beyond. Postprocessable spectral output makes the instrument suitable for use in a larger signal analysis or test system. This digital spectrum analyzer, which has 17 boards on the bus, is representative of an emerging class of filled-enclosure instruments.<
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