Abstract: A test and measurement instrument includes a display having a time domain graticule and a frequency domain graticule. A processor is configured to process an input signal to generate a time domain waveform for display in the time domain graticule, the input signal being correlated to a time base. The processor is also configured to process a second input signal and generate a frequency domain waveform for display in the frequency domain graticule, the second input signal being correlated to the same time base. The frequency domain waveform is correlated to a selected time period of the time base. The processor is also configured to generate a spectrum time indicator configured to graphically illustrate a transform parameter, a location and the selected time period in the time domain graticule with respect to the frequency domain waveform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test and measurement instrument that includes a signal input structured to receive a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal under test and a demodulator structured to extract a digital signal from the received modulated RF signal. The extracted digital signal has a measurable parameter. The instrument also includes a display controller structured to display the extracted demodulated signal at one of at least two different intensities based on the measured parameter of the digital signal. In other embodiments the signal need not be an RF signal. Methods of operation are also described.

Abstract: A locking foldable foot includes a mounting plate, a first member, and a second member. The proximal end of the first member is attached to the mounting plate at a pivot. The second member is coupled to the first member and is structured to move parallel to the first member. The proximal end of the second member is structured to be capable of engaging the mounting plate to prevent rotation of the first and second members about the pivot. A test and measurement instrument includes the locking foldable foot. A method of preventing unintentional closure of a foldable foot on a test and measurement instrument includes locking the foldable foot in an open position in response to the weight of the test and measurement instrument being applied to the foldable foot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for searching IQ-based time-domain traces for events, marking the events, and analyzing intervals of interest at or around the events on a display unit of a test and measurement instrument. The test and measurement instrument can include an input terminal to receive an RF signal, an ADC to digitize the RF signal, a digital downconverter to produce I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband component information from the digitized RF signal, an acquisition memory to acquire and store a record, a trace generation section to generate one or more IQ-based time-domain traces, and a search unit to scan the IQ-based time-domain traces for one or more events. The search unit can locate and mark the events for display on a display unit of the test and measurement instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for triggering an oscilloscope is disclosed. The oscilloscope is configured to process a first signal in a first domain and a second signal in a second domain. The method includes choosing a different domain for processing each of the first and second signals, respectively. A desired trigger type is selected for one of the chosen domains. The first and second signals are acquired in response to an occurrence of a trigger of the selected trigger type. The first and second signals are processed according to the selected different chosen domains. The method may also include displaying a result of said processing on a display screen.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument including a plurality of input ports; an acquisition system coupled to the input ports and configured to acquire frequency domain data from the input ports; a user interface configured to present frequency domain controls for at least two of the input ports; and a controller configured to adjust frequency domain acquisition parameters of the acquisition system in response to the frequency domain controls such that frequency domain acquisition parameters associated with a first input port can be different from frequency domain acquisition parameters associated with a second input port.

Abstract: A method of grouping multiple waveforms for a single channel of acquired data on a display area uses a graphic icon with the display area. The graphic icon has a first portion with a symbol indicating the single channel and with an indicator defining a baseline for the display area. The graphic icon also has a second portion with symbols indicating which of the multiple waveforms currently are being displayed. The symbol for the single channel and the symbol for a selected one of the multiple waveforms currently being displayed are highlighted. The highlighting may be via color, where the highlight color corresponds to the color of the waveforms currently being displayed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and instruments for performing combinatorial mask triggering. One or more mask triggers can be configured. Combinatorial mask triggering logic can make various determinations about the relationship between a digitized signal and the one or more mask triggers. The various determinations about the relationship can include considerations of both space and time. When the combinatorial trigger criteria have been satisfied, a trigger signal is generated, and the digital data associated with an incoming signal is stored to memory. The combinatorial mask triggering logic can operate on signals in the frequency domain, the time domain, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for triggering an oscilloscope is disclosed. The oscilloscope is configured to process a first signal in a first domain and a second signal in a second domain. The method includes choosing a different domain for processing each of the first and second signals, respectively. A desired trigger type is selected for one of the chosen domains. The first and second signals are acquired in response to an occurrence of a trigger of the selected trigger type. The first and second signals are processed according to the selected different chosen domains. The method may also include displaying a result of said processing on a display screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test and measurement instrument that includes a signal input structured to receive a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal under test and a demodulator structured to extract a digital signal from the received modulated RF signal. The extracted digital signal has a measurable parameter. The instrument also includes a display controller structured to display the extracted demodulated signal at one of at least two different intensities based on the measured parameter of the digital signal. In other embodiments the signal need not be an RF signal. Methods of operation are also described.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument and method for generating IQ-based time domain waveform information and presenting the IQ-based time domain waveform information together with other time domain waveform on a common axis through a user interface. The test and measurement instrument can include, for example, one or more input terminals to receive an electrical signal under test, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to digitize the signal under test, a digital downconverter to produce I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband component information from the digitized signal, a memory configured to store the IQ baseband component information, a user interface, and a controller. The controller can be configured to generate an IQ-based time domain waveform using the IQ baseband component information, and present the IQ-based time domain waveform and a second time domain waveform on a common axis through the user interface.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument and method for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal, digitizing the RF signal using an analog-to-digital converter, downconverting the digitized signal to produce I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband component information, generating one or more IQ-based time-domain traces using the I and Q baseband component information, and measuring and displaying a variety of measurement values of the IQ-based time-domain traces. The IQ-based time-domain measurement values can be automatically generated and displayed, and/or transmitted to an external device.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument includes a display having a time domain graticule and a frequency domain graticule. A processor is configured to process an input signal to generate a time domain waveform for display in the time domain graticule, the input signal being correlated to a time base. The processor is also configured to process a second input signal and generate a frequency domain waveform for display in the frequency domain graticule, the second input signal being correlated to the same time base. The frequency domain waveform is correlated to a selected time period of the time base. The processor is also configured to generate a spectrum time indicator configured to graphically illustrate a transform parameter, a location and the selected time period in the time domain graticule with respect to the frequency domain waveform.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument includes a display having a time domain graticule and a frequency domain graticule. A processor is configured to sample an input signal to generate a time domain waveform for display in the time domain graticule. The processor is also configured to generate a frequency domain waveform for display in the frequency domain graticule, the frequency domain waveform being correlated to a selected time period of the time domain graticule. The processor is also configured to generate a spectrum time indicator configured to graphically illustrate a location and the selected time period of the time domain graticule with respect to the frequency domain waveform.

Abstract: A method of grouping multiple waveforms for a single channel of acquired data on a display area uses a graphic icon with the display area. The graphic icon has a first portion with a symbol indicating the single channel and with an indicator defining a baseline for the display area. The graphic icon also has a second portion with symbols indicating which of the multiple waveforms currently are being displayed. The symbol for the single channel and the symbol for a selected one of the multiple waveforms currently being displayed are highlighted. The highlighting may be via color, where the highlight color corresponds to the color of the waveforms currently being displayed.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument and method for generating IQ-based time domain waveform information and presenting the IQ-based time domain waveform information together with other time domain waveform on a common axis through a user interface. The test and measurement instrument can include, for example, one or more input terminals to receive an electrical signal under test, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to digitize the signal under test, a digital downconverter to produce I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband component information from the digitized signal, a memory configured to store the IQ baseband component information, a user interface, and a controller. The controller can be configured to generate an IQ-based time domain waveform using the IQ baseband component information, and present the IQ-based time domain waveform and a second time domain waveform on a common axis through the user interface.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument and method for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal, digitizing the RF signal using an analog-to-digital converter, downconverting the digitized signal to produce I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) baseband component information, generating one or more IQ-based time-domain traces using the I and Q baseband component information, and measuring and displaying a variety of measurement values of the IQ-based time-domain traces. The IQ-based time-domain measurement values can be automatically generated and displayed, and/or transmitted to an external device.