The ThinkRF RTSA's Direct Digitization (DD) mode supports 50MHz IBW of the baseband from the external RF IN.  Its center frequency is at DC (or 0 Hz).  Thus, in this mode, one cannot do frequency tuning; however, the embedded DSP's frequency shift feature could be used to move this center frequency when needed.


For DD mode, use the following commands:

  • :INPUT:MODE DD
  • Optionally, :FREQ:SHIFT to move the center frequency (see the product's Programmer's Guide for the usage details).  Note that this feature will result in the I-only DD data output to become {I,Q} output.  Decimation would, then, be needed with this usage to narrow the BW of interest & avoid IQ artifacts introduced by the frequency shifting.  See Table 2 of the Programmer's Guide to understand what I/Q data format is provided for each RFE mode and when any DSP is applied, including the handling of the IBW.


Do not use :FREQ:CENTER when already set the DD mode, this will cause a SCPI error. Otherwise, all other commands applied to other RFE modes could be used for DD as well.


Note also, when *RST is used with DD, it takes about 2 seconds for DD data to settle.  Hence, avoid reset in this mode if possible.