Vasona, Frequently asked questions [FAQ]

Vasona, frequently asked questions

Question

Answer

The following page covers, frequently asked questions which have been received, we feel that similar questions will require answering by other engineers and users.

Subject Area : Frequency Range

How do I set the start and stop frequency of the scan ?

Simply load the the Sweep/Setup up window, select sweep details and then enter the start/stop frequencies. A more detailed explanation is as follows:-

1. Load Sweep Window

This can be achieved in many different ways, for example, from the results window, under the pull down menu test, select "Set Up"

2. Sweep Tab

Once the window has loaded select the "Sweep Details" TAB [if required]

3. Changing Frequency Range.
There are several way to change the range, ie

a. Edit the value in the text box.
b. Select 'set full range', this sets the range back to the maximum value.
c. Drag the red 'Frequency Range' bar.

Once you have performed this, select either, apply or ok to make the range active.

Note: the "Frequency Range" also defines the "x-plot axis"

Why are additional steps required during a test, other than the number I have selected ?

Additional scans may be required to cover the desired frequency for the following reasons:-

1. Limitations of spectrum analysers
Spectrum Analyser may have input limitations dependent upon the range.A good example of this is the HP8563EM which can not sweep across 2.9GHz [approx.] hence if you define a scan from 1 to 4GHz utilizing one 3GHz step, then Vasona will actually perform 2 scans:-

1.0GHz >> 2.9GHz
2.9GHz >> 4.0GHz

2. IF Bandwidth requirements
The IF/Resolution BW's of the analyser is defined in CISPR16 dependent upon frequency range. If any given scan crosses one of these boundaries, an additional scan will be performed. The defined scans are as follows:-

Frequency Range [MHz]		IF/Res Bw [kHz]
Start	Stop	-
0.09	0.15	0.2
0.15	30.00	9.0
30.00	1000.00	120.0
1000.00	18000.00	1000.0

Why do I get messages about "frequency limitation" every time I run a test ?

Vasona will only allow you to perform a valid scan dependent upon the frequency range of the main transducer, specification limit and the capability of the spectrum analyser. If any of these parameter limit the desired frequency range then Vasona will warn you.

To remove these messages, ensure that the desired range is covered by the all aspects of the set up. For example GR1089 requires emissions to 10GHz, an HP8546A has a upper frequency limitation of 6.5GHz. Hence if the actual specification limit datatable/file is 10GHz, Vasona will warn you that you can not perform the test fully, hence if you are doing this test often we suggest that you generate an actual file with a limit on 6.5GHz to stop this warning message.

Subject Area : Finding Peaks

If I have performed a preview scan without the "find" peaks option turned on, how can I get this data without 'repeating' the scan ?

From the results window select the following:-

1. Functions
2. Find Peaks
3. From Trace 1 [or From Trace 2]
4. Add to debug list, or overwrite debug list

This function only writes peak data to the debug list !

Why did Vasona not find any peaks ?

There can be many reasons for this, these are the most likely ones:-

1. Captured worst case data.
During the debug cycle, Vasona stores all the relevant data and then finds the peaks from this stored data. If the horizontal data [for example] is lower than the vertical trace, Vasona will only find the vertical data. Hence if you require the frequency and amplitude information from the horizontal trace, perform the find peaks function on trace 1.

2. Margin Function
The margin function operates defining negative signals being below the relevant specification. Hence if you set this value positive of +5dB [for example] and no emission values fail the limit by more than 5dB then no peaks will be found. Therefore +ve signals fail the limit and -ve signals pass the limit.

3. Stores in debug list only
During operation the find peaks function only stores initial peak data in the debug list, your may be looking at the formal peak section.

This confusion could arise because during an assessment if you ask Vasona to measure both the emission profile and the formal peaks, it will copy the peaks from the debug list to the formal peaks list ! During an emission profile assessment "only" test, the peaks are just store in the debug list.

Subject Area : Signal/Data manipulations

How can I add a frequency to the list ?

There are several methods available:-

1. From the clipboard
If you have copied a signal from a table, use the "insert paste" function to insert the contents of the clipboard to the relevant table, see Vasona Training !, for an example of this operation.

2. Typing
Simply click on the relevant signal, under the "frequency" column and type in a value !

A check is performed to ensure you do not accidentally perform this function.

Note : in earlier revisions of the software you had to do a 'Ctrl E' to manipulate a given frequency.

3. From the graph
This function copies the current "graphical marker" amplitude and frequency into a specified list [default is the debug list]. With the icon over the graph, highlighting a relevant emission, "right" mouse button click.

Hint: use the Zoom function on the graph to improve marker resolution.
Right mouse button click options [on the graph]

Selection of the "Add Freq" function will insert the current marker frequency as an emission in the specified list [default debug].

To change this default use the "Add To ..... " function. Here the current selection is the debug list.

Change 'add to .....' function

How can I update the frequency of an emission ?

There are several ways to update a given frequency, details are as follows:-

1. Typing
Simply click on the relevant signal, under the "frequency" column and type in a value !

A check is performed to ensure you do not accidentally perform this function.

Note : in earlier revisions of the software you had to do a 'Ctrl E' to manipulate a given frequency.

2. From the spectrum analyser
You can update current frequency using the "Update frequency" button. An excellent discussion of this is given in XXXXXXX.

How do I simply measure one frequency using the "formal test" process ?

1. Select a relevant emission, ie left mouse button click anywhere on the emission result.

2. Right mouse button click.

Emission, right mouse button click options

Emission, right mouse button click options

3. Select "Formal Measurement [Full Maximisation].

Vasona will now perform a "Full Formal Measurement" routine.

How do I transfer peaks from the debug list to the formal list ?

An excellent example of this is found at Vasona Training !

How can I quickly set the equipment [antenna, turntable ..] back to the worst case settings given in the list ?

1. Select a relevant emission, ie left mouse button click anywhere on the emission result.

2. Right mouse button click.

Emission, right mouse button click options

3. Select "Quick set equipment" from the selection above.

Vasona will set the following to the status given in the list.

a. Antenna Polarity
b. Turntable Azimuth
c. Antenna Height.

Note: it does not change the analyser status.

How can I sort the emission list in "reverse margin" order, ie the least significant signal is first in the list ?

1. Hold down the Shift Key
2. Click on the Margin Column.

Subject Area : Graphs

Can I print the graph without the peaks ?

You can print without any peaks indicated on the graph, to change printing options use the following:-

1. Load the sweep details window.
2. Select the Misc TAB

Select the Misc Tab.

3. Ensure the "Peak Results" option is not selected, here it is selected..

Can I copy the graph to the clipboard ?

From the results window select the following:-

1. Functions
2. Select Copy Graph Clipboard.

Select Sweep Details TAB

The plots of maximised data, how can I keep a copy ?

You can copy these to the clipboard and paste the results into word processors and spreadsheets .........

From the "Open Site Control" window, select

1. Form
2. Copy
3. Copy Tower Graph > Clipboard, or
Copy Turntable Graph > Clipboard.

Then paste graph to the given application.

Subject Area : File handling

I can not retest using an archive file, why not ? and what can I do to get around the problem ?

There is no option to "SAVE AS" using archive data, this is because the test results do not contain all the relevant test perimaters to ensure that the status of Vasona is identical to that used during testing.

If you are confident that using the results would be valid you can perform the following functions to "re-establish".

1. Configure Vasona as it was during the previous test.
2. Open the "Archive File"
3. Copy and paste the results table from "Archive" to current results table
4. Copy and paste the trace information from "Archive" to current graph.

This can be performed using the "Right" mouse button click when the cursor is over the graph. Select

From the archive file:-
1. Trace.
2. [1] or [2]
3. Copy Trace

From the current file:-
1. Trace.
2. [1] or [2]
3. Paste Trace

You may have to repeat this function twice to cover both traces.

How do I find out the actual filename of a given set of results ?

1. From the main Vasona Menu, Select "View Details" [if required].

2. Select the Radiated TAB.
Select Radiated Emission Results TAB

3. Whilst over one of the results ICONs [example file 2], click on the right mouse button:-
File options [right mouse button click]

4. From the available options, select "Properties":-

File Properties Window

The filename is given in the "Windows Filename" text box.

How can I open a file which has been attached on an email ?

There are several way to achieve this, one of them is the following:-

1. From the main Vasona Menu, Select "View Details" [if required].

2. Select the Radiated TAB.
Select Radiated Emission Results TAB

3. Whilst over one of the results ICONs [example file 2], click on the right mouse button:-
File options [right mouse button click]

4. Select Open From Another Location.

5. This opens the following window:-

File open window

Scroll through the directory structure until you find the relevant file, then click on "Open file".

The other details....