Why Use Scalar Mode - Agilent Technologies 89410A Operator's Manual

Choosing an Instrument Mode

Why Use Scalar Mode?

If you've used a spectrum analyzer before, you should have no trouble making
scalar measurements with this analyzer. And even if you haven't used a spectrum
analyzer before, you'll find this analyzer quite easy to learn.
Scalar measurements are implemented differently than measurements in the
traditional swept-tuned spectrum analyzer, but the results will appear familiar to
you. For more details on the implementation of scalar measurements see "What
Makes this Analyzer Different" and "Fundamental Measurement Interactions".
Scalar Measurements provide displays of amplitude versus frequency for both
narrow and wide spans. Use Scalar Mode when you need:
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Very narrow resolution bandwidth with high speed
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Very low noise floor with wide spans
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High signal-to-noise dynamic range
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Maximum flexibility of span, resolution bandwidth, and speed
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Spans greater then 7 MHz
Specific examples of applications for which you would use Scalar Mode include:
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Looking at spurious signals or noise
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Looking for low level distortion products
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