Whitepaper
Enhance EMC Testing with Digital IF
This Keysight application note details the advantages of Digital IF (Intermediate Frequency) architecture in EMC testing equipment compared to traditional analog IF designs. Analog IF systems suffer from amplitude errors due to RBW switching uncertainty (up to ±0.5 dB), gain inaccuracies (±1dB), and log amplifier non-linearity (up to ±0.85dB). Digital IF significantly reduces these uncertainties—RBW switching is <0.05dB, gain steps have near 0dB error, and display scale fidelity improves to ±0.15dB – leading to more accurate measurements as required by standards like CISPR 16-1-1. This improved accuracy translates to increased throughput during EMC testing (by reducing the need for manual peak signal adjustments) and lessened reliance on highly experienced operators while maintaining compliance with industry standards.