Measurement tools for digital video transmission

An overview of test equipment and applications targeted specifically for digital broadcast signal distribution is given. The vector generator and analyzer evaluate the constellation accuracy, give direct conclusions with regard to the source of impairments, and allow SER (symbol error rate) estimates. Peak power and peak-to-average power ratio, key parameters in digital broadcasting, are monitored with the digital video power analyzer. The power distribution functions of the power analyzer may prove useful as an economic tool for linearity and group delay adjustments. The effects of potential impairments in the transmission path, like reflections, multipath signals, or Doppler effects from antenna sway, can be evaluated with a channel simulator. The bottom line assessment of a total system's transmission quality is delivered by BER (bit error rate) measurements from modulator input to receiver demodulator output