spectrum analizer reference level law

[yefj]

Hello, What is the logic of desiding the reference level of spectrum analizer?
Is there some rule of thumb?
i know that it could be compressed but i cant find why our mixer could be compressed because of that?
As shown in the spectrum analizer diagrm bellow.

 

[G4BCH]

Make sure that the total peak power input is less than the reference level you have set and you should be OK.

 

[yefj]

Hello , there is some logic with the atten parameter .
what value of ATTEN should i keep ?
thanks.

 

[vfone]

The first mixer dictates the dynamic range of the spectrum analyzer.
The input attenuator should be set in the way that the mixer to have the optimum level (for 2nd and 3rd order dynamic range).
See Fig.12 in the link below:

Agilent Technologies - 8 Hints for Spectrum Analysis

Agilent Technologies - 8 Hints For Better Spectrum Analyzer Measurements. This application note provides eight useful tips covering the fundamentals of using a spectrum analyzer and optimizing your spectrum analysis measurements.

rfmw.em.keysight.com