Vicom Resources - Reference Guides, Primers & Handbooks

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 1. Oscilloscopes

ABCs of Probes

Probes are vital to oscilloscope measurements. To understand how vital, disconnect the probes from an oscilloscope and try to make a measurement. It can’t be done. There has to be some kind of electrical connection, a probe of some sort between the signal to be measured and the oscilloscope’s input channel.

Tektronix, June 2018

 2. Signal Sources & Analysers

XYZs of Signal Generators

Many engineers look at tasks like troubleshooting and design verification as purely “measurement” challenges, and tend to think reflexively of their oscilloscope or logic analyzer as the whole solution to the problem. But these acquisition instruments have an important partner in their work: the stimulus instrument – the signal generator.

Tektronix, July 2016

25 Common Things You Can Do with an Arbitrary Function Generator

The arbitrary function generator (AFG) serves a wide range of stimulus needs and is actually the prevailing signal generator architecture in the industry today. The AFG offers unique strengths, and, moreover, it offers a way to modulate the signal from internal or external sources, generate frequency sweeps or output signal bursts. This Tektronix primer shows 25 common applications for which an AFG can be used.

Tektronix, 2020

Fundamentals of RealTime Spectrum Analysis

This document describes how the RealTime Spectrum Analyser works and provides a basic understanding of how it can be used to solve many measurement problems associated with modern RF signals.

Tektronix, March 2018

Fundamentals of Radar Measurements

Modern radar design has created complicated pulses that present significant measurement challenges. Improvements to range, resolution and immunity to interference have required phase modulated pulses, frequency chirped pulses and very narrow pulses, with many of these exhibiting high bandwidth. This primer addresses the needs for pulse generation and measurements, the automated measurements that are available, explanation of just how the automated measurements are made, and how pulses are generated.

Tektronix, 2016

Analysing Radar Signals

Analyzing modern radar signals requires careful attention to test set-up. This primer will help you understand more about analysing radar signals and the measuring methods involved.

Tektronix, January 2018

Introduction to VNA Basics

This paper discusses why VNAs are used and how they are unique compared to other RF test equipment. S-Parameters, the fundamental VNA measurement, are defined along with how best to use them when evaluating your Device-Under-Test or DUT. Various VNA calibration techniques are reviewed showing how VNA user calibrations help achieve the best accuracy possible. Finally, the paper reviews typical VNA measurements such as swept frequency measurements, time domain measurements, and swept power measurements and how they're used and why they are important.

Tektronix, March 2017

 3. Electrical Measurements

Data Acquisition Primer: An Introduction to Multi-Channel Measurement Systems

The purpose of this document is to explain signal generators, their contribution to the measurement solution as a whole and their applications. Understanding the many types of signal generators and their capabilities is essential to your work as a researcher, engineer or technician. Selecting the right tool will make your job easier and will help you produce fast, reliable results.

Tektronix (Keithley), April 2018

Low Level Measurements Handbook

Precision DC Current, Voltage and Resistance Measurements.

Tektronix, February 2016

 4. Optical Fibre Construction & Test

Reference Guide to Fibre Optics, Vol. 1

Volume 1 is aimed at fiber optic installers, project managers, technicians and engineers that need to understand, apply, and correctly measure and record the performance of fiber infrastructures. This volume reviews the basics in systems, standards, and network architectures and focuses on how to make the most of Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs) to install, turn-up, and maintain fiber optic networks. The book covers:

• Basic system and fiber infrastructure design
• Basic fiber infrastructure testing
• Basic OTDR testing
• Advanced OTDR testing

VIAVI Solutions, May 2018

Reference Guide to Fibre Optics, Vol. 2

Volume 2 is aimed at fiber optic installers, project managers, technicians and engineers that need to understand, apply, and correctly measure and record the performance of fiber infrastructures. This volume reviews basics of the three main Fiber Characterization parameters as well as associated methods for measurement and reporting. The book covers:

• Fiber Characterization Chromatic Dispersion (CD) – definition, cause, effects & measurement
• Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) – definition, cause, effects & measurement
• Attenuation Profile (AP) – definition & measurement
• Characterizing fiber links and networks – definition, measurement & reporting

VIAVI Solutions, May 2018