Improving Dynamic Range; Record Length; Fft Algorithms - LeCroy WaveMaster 8600A Operator's Manual

Window Type Highest Side
Rectangular
von Hann
Hamming
Flat Top
Blackman-Harris

Improving Dynamic Range

Enhanced resolution uses a low-pass filtering technique that can potentially provide for three
additional bits (18 dB) if the signal noise is uniformly distributed (white). Low-pass filtering should
be considered when high frequency components are irrelevant. A distinct advantage of this
technique is that it works for both repetitive and transient signals. The SNR increase is conditioned
by the cut-off frequency of the ERES low-pass filter and the noise shape (frequency distribution).
LeCroy digital oscilloscopes employ FIR digital filters so that a constant phase shift is maintained.
The phase information is therefore not distorted by the filtering action.

Record Length

Because of its versatility, FFT analysis has become a popular analysis tool. However, some care
must be taken with it. In most instances, incorrect positioning of the signal within the display grid will
significantly alter the spectrum. Effects such as leakage and aliasing that distort the spectrum must
be understood if meaningful conclusions are to be arrived at when using FFT.
An effective way to reduce these effects is to maximize the acquisition record length. Record length
directly conditions the effective sampling rate of the scope and therefore determines the frequency
resolution and span at which spectral analysis can be carried out.

FFT Algorithms

A summary of the algorithms used in the oscilloscope's FFT computation is given here in a few
steps:
1. The data are multiplied by the selected window function.
2. FFT is computed, using a fast implementation of the DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform):
where: x is a complex array whose real part is the modified source time domain waveform,
k
WM-OM-E Rev I
FFT Window Filter Parameters
Scallop Loss
Lobe
(dB)
(dB)
-13 3.92
-32 1.42
-43 1.78
-44 0.01
-67 1.13
X-Stream Operator's Manual
ENBW
(bins)
1.0
1.5
1.37
2.96
1.71
Coherent Gain
(dB)
0.0
-6.02
-5.35
-11.05
-7.53
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