Utilization of PC logging software for spectrum analyzer

How to convert log data recorded by logging software (MAS 510) to CSV file.

Application

Logging software is PC application software for controlling spectrum analyzer (MSA 500 series) by PC via USB communication and recording spectral data for a long time. It is ideal for monitoring abnormal signals during day and night, disturbances, interfering radio waves, and for long-term unattended data recording. The log (spectral) data is recorded in binary format and can be used in Excel and other tools by converting it to CSV file.

Application note:Site survey in introduction of 2.4GHz band wireless equipment

Solution

Specify the log file

[Measured waveform by logging software]

Specification of extracted frames

Specify the range of frames to be output to the CSV file among the frames recorded in the log file.
Slide the track bar of each start and end frame to the left or right, or specify a frame number in the Edit box. When not changing, all frames are output.

Perform conversion

Perform the conversion.
A progress dialog is displayed during conversion.

Contents of CSV file

The CSV file is largely divided into a measurement condition part and a waveform data part.
CF : Center frequency
SPAN : Frequency span
REF : Reference level
SWP : Sweep time
DET : Detection mode
RBW : Resolution bandwidth
VBW : Video bandwidth
SCALE : Display scale
LmtLv : Limit level
TRACE : Spectral data points

Measurement conditions and waveform data of the spectrum analyzer[Heading (frequency) on the first line, Measurement date and time and waveform data on the second and subsequent lines]