A guide to the world of spectrum analyzers

A spectrum analyzer is a simple device to measure the signal strength in comparison with the full signal range of the device. The basic use of a spectrum analyzer is to measure the power of all signals -- known as well as unknown. They are an invaluable test equipment that is used in maintenance, test and design field of radio frequency circuitry. To a layman, a spectrum analyzer might look like an oscilloscope. But there is a basic difference between the oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer. While oscilloscope measures the signals in time domain, the spectrum analyzer measures them in the frequency domain.

Types of spectrum analyzer:

1. Real-time
   Real-time spectrum analyzers compile the real-time bandwidth from the incoming signals in a limited time. They convert the information with the FFT algorithm. As the information is collected in real-time, there are no gaps in the calculated spectrum. To collect the range as far as Ku-band i.e. 14 GHz, an L-band spectrum analyzer is required.
   
   
2. FFT/ Fast Fourier transform
   FFT spectrum analyzer is also called the Fast Fourier transform spectrum, analyzer. It has its own unique way of transforming a signal into their individual frequencies. The FFT analyzer requires the signal at least twice the bandwidth. Many individuals prefer to use the L-band spectrum analyzer to gather the maximum signal strength.
   
   
3. Swept or superheterodyne
   A swept spectrum analyzer works best with a smaller bandwidth. With smaller bandwidths, it gives the maximum spectral resolution. This feature allows the full frequency range to be clearly analyzed and filtered accordingly.
   
   
4. Audio
   Audio Spectrum analyzers are the wavelengths analyzers that are used by the sound engineers. It offers various volume levels of the frequency making it audible to humans. The method is aimed to give the engineers various audio sounds to analyze the harmonics of the signal.

How does a spectrum analyzer work?

Spectrum analyzer provides the users the opportunity to stop, center and start the frequency. The center frequency is the midpoint between the stop and start signals. It is also the axis for the range between the two. Different types of spectrum analyzer measure different signals in their own ways.  While it is difficult to find a good L-band spectrum analyzer that is also cost-effective, AVCOM has a huge range of reasonably priced spectrum analyzers.