Everything You Need to Know About Spectrum Analyzer

Spectrum analyzer is a device that is used for measuring the magnitude of an input signal (strength) as it varies by frequency within its frequency range (spectrum). The frequency appears on the horizontal axis (X) and the input signal is displayed on the vertical axis (Y).

The primary use of this device is to measure the power of the spectrum of the unknown and known signals. It looks very similar to oscilloscopes, in fact, some of the devices can be used either as a spectrum analyzer or an oscilloscope.

Continue to read till the end to learn more about this instrument.

The Value of Spectrum Analyzers

Today, wireless communications and radio frequency signals are universal thanks to the availability of WiFi, mobile networking and communications, traditional radios, wireless IoT device sensors and more.

In order to conduct tests and design such circuits and systems, it comes handy for experts to view the complete signal spectrum along with other factors such as modulated signal width, noise, spurious signals, etc. Instruments like vector signal analyzers or swept signal analyzers don't have these capabilities to perform.

Additionally, these instruments can only offer snapshots of the signals either modulation domain or frequency, which are unable to describe the transient and dynamic nature of advanced RF signals.

The use of Spectrum Analyzers compensates all of these gaps and performs the much-needed functions.

What Does a Spectrum Analyzer Measures?

A spectrum analyzer measures and displays the spectrum of signal amplitudes at varied frequencies. It allows analysis that helps in determining whether signals fall within needed limits or not.

It shows complex waveforms, spurious signals, nois and rare short-duration events. This device is also capable of analyzing capture burst transmissions and glitches, transient signals and displays if weaker signals are masked by stronger signals.

Spectrum analyzers are used frequently to examine the dynamic frequency spectrum of advanced RF and audio signals that tends to alter over time. They are able to display individual elements of signals and  the overall performance of the circuits generating them.

They are also used to determine what modifications may be required to eliminate interference and in the process enhance performance of the wireless routers and WiFi systems.

Types of Spectrum Analyzers

The below enumerated are some of the main types of spectrum analyzers that are categorized in reference to their architectures. They are -

Swept Spectrum Analyzers (SA)

It is a traditional architecture spectrum analyzer that is best suited for the observance of controlled static signals.

Vector Signal Analyzers (VSA)

Signals that carry digital modulations require analysis that can conduct vector measurements offering both magnitude and phase information. A VSA digitizes all of the RF power within the instrument’s passband and keeps the digitized waveform into memory.

Real-time Spectrum Analyzers (RSA)

This type of spectrum analyzer performs signal analysis by using the real-time digital signal processing that is completed before the memory storage. With the help of real-time processing, it is possible for users to detect events that are invisible to other architectures and also to trigger on those events enabling their selective capturing into memory.

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