Tutorial

How to Use Markers in RF View

Guide to all RF View marker modes: Single, Table, Delta, BW Marker, and FN (Flat Noise) markers. How to place, read, and use markers for bandwidth, isolation, and rejection measurements.

RF View Marker Types Overview

Marker ModeFunctionBest For
Single MarkerRead frequency + level at one pointQuick spot-reading
Table MarkerRead all loaded traces at marker frequencyMulti-file comparison
Delta Marker (Δ)Read difference from reference markerBandwidth, rejection measurement
BW MarkerAuto-find −X dB bandwidth around a peak or valleyFilter bandwidth, antenna BW
FN MarkerFlat noise: find frequency range within ±X dB of averageAmplifier gain flatness

Single Marker Usage

  1. Tap marker icon → tap on trace at desired point
  2. Marker bubble shows: frequency (MHz/GHz) + parameter value (dB/VSWR/etc.)
  3. Drag marker to different frequency
  4. Read value: e.g., "1815 MHz → S21 = −1.83 dB"

Table Marker for Multi-File Comparison

  1. Load 3–8 .s2p files in S-Parameter Plot
  2. Activate Table Marker → tap on chart at design frequency
  3. Table shows all loaded traces' values at that frequency:
     File 1: S21 = −1.83 dB
     File 2: S21 = −2.14 dB
     File 3: S21 = −1.96 dB
  4. Move marker → table updates in real time for all files

BW Marker Detailed Usage

  BW Marker finds the bandwidth around a peak (for S21 passband)
  or around a valley (for S11 matching depth).

  For filter passband (S21):
  1. Select S21 display → activate BW Marker
  2. Set threshold: −3 dB (default), −10 dB (for S11 antenna BW)
  3. BW Marker outputs:
     - Peak frequency f₀
     - Lower crossing f₁
     - Upper crossing f₂
     - Bandwidth = f₂ − f₁
     - Q_L = f₀ / BW
  4. Change threshold: set to −10 dB for VSWR<2 antenna bandwidth

Delta Marker for Rejection Measurement

  Measure filter stopband rejection relative to passband:
  1. Place Marker 1 at passband center (S21 peak)
     e.g., 1815 MHz → S21 = −1.8 dB
  2. Activate Delta Marker (Δ mode) relative to Marker 1
  3. Move Δ marker to stopband frequency (e.g., 1750 MHz)
     Reads: Δf = −65 MHz, ΔdB = −50.3 dB
  4. Stopband rejection = 50.3 dB relative to passband ✓
RF View Markers: All five marker modes (Single, Table, Delta, BW, FN) work across all plot types: S11 dB, S21 dB, VSWR, phase, group delay, and Smith chart. Free on Android.

Related Topics

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