How do I choose a spectrum analyzer?

What Is a Spectrum Analyzer?

A spectrum analyzer is a tool used to visualize and analyze the spectral content of signals. It accomplishes this by measuring the magnitude of the input signal versus its frequency over the entire frequency range.

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Think of this as a means to see a signal's "frequency fingerprint." This fingerprint will help you determine the signal power of an instrument and how that signal makes up different frequency components.

Spectrum analyzers usually consist of a display, a sweep generator, and a filter.

• The display shows the strength of the signal at each frequency. You can then determine the contents of a signal and identify any problems that may be present.
• The sweep generator produces a signal that sweeps across the desired frequency range.
• The filter only allows the portion of the signal within the desired range to pass through to the display. This process works in conjunction with digital signal processing.

Thanks to technological advances, modern spectrum analyzers are smaller and more affordable than ever. They are also more accurate and have more features than their predecessors.

Whether you are an engineer or a hobbyist experimenting with electronics, a spectrum analyzer is a valuable tool to have.

An engineer would use a spectrum analyzer to run tests on electronic equipment like cell phones, radios, and TV towers to ensure they function as intended with no interference from other devices. A hobbyist might use a spectrum analyzer to check the quality of an audio signal or track down interference sources.

Spectrum Analyzers vs. Oscilloscopes

While spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes are both essential for understanding the behavior of electronic signals, they work in different ways.

• Oscilloscopes measure the shape or amplitude of a signal over time. They are best suited for analyzing time-varying signals, such as those produced by transistors and motors. They also observe the rise and fall of voltage levels and the shape of waveforms.

26 May, 2023

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Author: Raza Rabbani

Introduction
Technicians that work in the fields of radio frequency engineering, electronics, aerospace, and telecommunications all find spectrum analyzers to be highly useful tools in their toolkits.

Because they make it possible to study and measure electromagnetic signals with a high degree of accuracy throughout a wide variety of frequency ranges, these devices are highly valuable. The frequency ranges that they can study, and measure vary from very low to very high.

On the other hand, there are so many spectrum analyzers available on the market today that selecting the appropriate one could seem to be a difficult process.

This purchasing guide was put together with the intention of supporting you in picking the spectrum analyzer that will be of the greatest use to you by offering an overview of the most important factors to keep in mind throughout your search.

Frequency Range and Resolution Bandwidth
When looking for a spectrum analyzer, one of the most important considerations to make is the frequency range that the instrument offers. It is vital to choose models that give coverage for a number of frequencies in order to ensure that the device will function correctly.

This may be accomplished by shopping around. Make sure that the frequency range of the analyzer covers the frequencies that you will be dealing with, including both the low frequencies and the high frequencies, and check that it does.

The resolution bandwidth of a frequency analyzer is the narrowest frequency range that the device is able to discern between. This is measured in hertz (Hz). As a consequence of this, the precision with which signals that are relatively close to one another may be differentiated from one another is lowered.

You may choose a kind of analyzer that will provide you with a suitable degree of flexibility for your measurements if you give some attention to the resolution and bandwidth choices before making your selection.

Dynamic Range and Sensitivity
Investigate how well a spectrum analyzer can recognize signals with varying intensities by looking at its “dynamic range.” This is the one measure that tops the list as the most essential to examine. The difference between the strongest input signal that may conceivably be detected by the device and the lowest signal that might be detected by it is what constitutes the dynamic range of an analyzer.

An analyzer can detect signals that vary from very weak to very powerful. With a wider dynamic range, it is feasible to analyze weaker signals, even while they are competing with stronger ones, which would not have been possible without the wider range.

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The lowest signal level that can be consistently detected by the analyzer is referred to as the sensitivity, and it has a direct association to the dynamic range that is examined. In other words, the sensitivity is directly proportional to the dynamic range.

A greater sensitivity makes it feasible to perform analyses on low-level signals, which is especially advantageous in conditions where the investigation of such signals is crucial. This is particularly beneficial since it makes it possible to do studies on low-level signals. Before you go out and buy a spectrum analyzer, you need to make sure that it has a dynamic range and sensitivity that are enough for the kinds of tests that you plan on doing.

Real-Time Analysis vs. Swept-Tuned Analysis
It is possible to divide spectrum analyzers into two basic groups: those that operate in real time and those that sweep through a variety of frequency ranges. Applications such as RF signal monitoring, which need continuous monitoring and analysis, are a natural match for real-time analyzers as a result of their ability to record and analyze signals in real time.

Due to the presence of this functionality, real-time analyzers are very adaptable. On the other hand, swept-tuned analyzers scan and analyze signals in a progressive way via a sweeping mechanism, which shows frequency components in an extraordinarily detailed manner. This kind of analyzer was developed by National Instruments.

You may choose whether real-time analysis or swept-tuned analysis is more suited to satisfy the needs of the application by taking into consideration the application’s requirements.

Real-time analyzers are capable of measuring data at a quicker rate, but swept-tuned analyzers may measure the same data at a greater resolution at a lower cost. Swept-tuned analyzers are superior than real-time analyzers in terms of their ability to do detailed signal analysis, as well as their higher level of resolution.

Connectivity Options and Additional Features
In addition to the various features and benefits of the spectrum analyzer, be sure to take into account its portability. There are a number of methods, such as wireless connections, USB connections, and Ethernet connections, that may be used in order to establish a connection with other electronic devices and computer systems.

A few of the extra functions that many modern spectrum analyzers give include the capability to do analysis of modulation, demodulation of signals, and complicated measuring methods.

After doing an analysis to establish whether or not these additional abilities are needed, you should consider whether or not they are required based on the requirements of your application to see whether or not they are required.

Price and Long-Term Support
The cost of the spectrum analyzer is one of the factors that should be taken into account when making a purchase, even if it shouldn’t be the sole one. Examine the cost in light of the many features and parameters that are provided by competing manufacturers and see how it stands up. It is of the utmost importance to find a solution that not only has a cheap cost but also a high level of effectiveness.

Take into account the ways in which the designer may be able to assist you in the foreseeable future as well. Spectrum analyzers need regular maintenance, which may involve tasks such as equipment calibration and the installation of updated software.

Make sure that the company that makes your instrument provides continual customer support, calibration services, and software upgrades. Because of this, you will be able to get more usage out of your instrument throughout the course of its lifespan, which will result in an improvement in its accuracy.

Conclusion
Before making a purchase, a spectrum analyzer should first have all of its characteristics, including its frequency range, resolution bandwidth, dynamic range, sensitivity, analysis type, connection options, and other features, thoroughly analyzed.

You will be able to make an educated decision that is tailored to your requirements if you give careful consideration to the requirements of your application as well as the features and capabilities of numerous different models.

Remember how important it is to strike a balance between performance and affordability, and give some thought to LISUN’s commitment to providing long-term support. With the assistance of a spectrum analyzer, you will be able to reliably measure and evaluate electromagnetic waves in your area of expertise.

Lisun Instruments Limited was found by LISUN GROUP in 2003. LISUN quality system has been strictly certified by ISO9001:2015. As a CIE Membership, LISUN products are designed based on CIE, IEC and other international or national standards. All products passed CE certificate and authenticated by the third party lab.

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