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Network Analyzer

Network Analyzer

Overview

The Network Analyzer is a tool for measuring the frequency response (amplitude and phase characteristics) of equipment and systems. It features two modes: "Stepped Sine," which measures by changing a sine wave incrementally, and "Fast Chirp," which measures the entire band instantaneously.

Primary uses:

  • Measuring frequency response (f-response) of amplifiers and filters.
  • Measuring characteristics of speakers and headphones.
  • Measuring phase difference and delay between two signals.

Basic Operation

Starting Measurement

  1. Set the measurement range (Start/End Freq) and Amplitude in the "Sweep Settings" tab.
  2. Click the "Start Sweep" button to begin measurement. Progress is shown on the progress bar during measurement.
  3. Click the button again to stop the measurement midway.

Selecting Measurement Mode

Two modes can be selected according to the application.

  • Stepped Sine: Measures by changing the frequency one by one in steps. Although it takes more time, it has a high S/N ratio and allows for very high-precision measurements.
  • Fast Chirp: Uses a signal (chirp signal) that changes rapidly from low to high frequencies. Since measurement of the entire band can be completed in just a few seconds, it is convenient for measuring while making adjustments.

Routing and XFER Mode

Input/Output Settings

  • Output Ch: Select the channel to output the measurement signal.
  • Input Mode: Select where to receive the signal returning from the measurement target.
    • Left (Ch1) / Right (Ch2): Measures the signal of the selected channel as is (absolute level measurement).
    • XFER (Transfer Function Mode): Uses the Left channel as a "reference signal" and the Right channel as the "measurement signal," calculating their ratio (H = Meas / Ref). This allows for measuring pure device characteristics by canceling out the inherent traits of the audio interface itself (relative measurement).

Display and Analysis (Display)

Customize the graph display in the "Display Settings" tab.

Graph Types

  • Magnitude Response: Displays gain (amplification factor) for each frequency. Units can be selected from dBFS, dBV, dBu, etc.
  • Phase Response: Displays the phase shift for each frequency.
  • Group Delay: Displays the delay time for each frequency, calculated from the slope of the phase (check "Show Group Delay").

Display Options

  • Smoothing: Smooths out fine jaggedness (noise) in the graph. Selectable from Light/Medium/Heavy.
  • Limit Max/Min: Limits the frequency range displayed on the graph.

Calibration

Latency

Press the "Calibrate Latency" button to measure the input/output delay time of the system. It is recommended to perform this in advance with a loopback connection to ensure accurate phase measurement (especially at high frequencies).

Reference Trace

Saves the current measurement result as a "reference" to compare with subsequent measurements or to subtract it.

  • Store Reference: Saves the current graph as a reference.
  • Apply Reference: Subtracts the saved reference from the current measurement result and displays it (useful for checking changes from a flat state).