Types of spectrum analyzers with their usage

Spectrum analyzers are the simplest form of devices that are capable of measuring the power of the spectrum and unknown signals. These devices are helpful in measuring the magnitude of the input signal (at the transmitter) versus frequency within the full frequency range of the instrument. The analysis result/report of electronic signals for power, distortion, harmonics, bandwidth and dominant frequency is especially helpful in transmitting wireless signals undistorted. With increasing demand in various industries, nowadays spectrum analyzers are available in different forms and with dozens of new features. Whether you are looking for a benchtop, portable, handheld or single, dual, triple or multi-input spectrum analyzer, you can find them at reputed electronic shops.

Here are a few types of spectrum analyzers along with the features that you can make the best use to serve your purpose.

Multi-input spectrum analyzer

• Choice of two or three independent spectrum analyzers packaged together
• 1U rackmount chassis
• Allows for simultaneous monitoring and control of two or three separate carriers at the same time
• Ideal where rack space is limited
• Precise and accurate amplitude and frequency response

Portable

• An optional battery-powered operation to allow the user to move freely outside.
• Clearly viewable display to allow the screen to be read in bright sunlight, darkness or dusty conditions.
• Light-weight (usually less than 15 pounds (6.8 kg)).

Handheld

• Very low power consumption.
• Battery-powered operation while in the field to allow the user to move freely outside.
• Very small size
• Lightweight (usually less than 2 pounds (0.9 kg)).

Networked analyzer

• Network-efficient data transfer
• Low power consumption
• The ability to synchronize data captured across a network of analyzers
• Low cost to enable mass deployment.

These are a few types of spectrum analyzers that you can consider for your business to enjoy the impeccable benefits of the analyzer. 

Difference between Spectrum Analyzer and Oscilloscope

In electronic laboratories or some field areas, they are one of the most vital electric equipment used very regularly. Both Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope are essential tools for analyzing and viewing electric signals. They serve a purpose in viewing and analyzing signals from a microphone, radios, TVs, cell phones or other electronic devices. Before we understand the difference between a spectrum analyzer and an oscilloscope, let’s first see what are the functions they both perform. 

What is a spectrum analyzer?
A spectrum analyzer is used to determine the magnitude of an input signal versus frequency. It is in the form of electronic equipment that measures the magnitude of an input signal against the frequency range of the instrument. This means it measures the spectrum powers of both the known and unknown signals in electrical equipment.

A spectrum analyzer can be used for different types of measurements in field services or in test laboratories.

What is an oscilloscope?
An Oscilloscope is an electric equipment that measures the magnitude of an input signal versus time. The primary purpose of an oscilloscope is to give a signal’s voltage Vs time graph. Mainly, it gives all-inclusive information about the timing relationships of various identified signals.

It finds out the relative delay of timings between two separate signals.

Difference between Spectrum Analyzer and Oscilloscope

When you want to identify all characteristics of an electric signal, the oscilloscope is not ideal electronic equipment. To identify and analyze the characteristics of mixers, detectors, amplifiers, frequency, spectrum analyzers are needed by the engineers. However, the oscilloscope is the most preferred choice for real-time bandwidth measurement.

Spectrum analyzers Vs  Oscilloscope functionalities

• Oscilloscope measures amplitude in volts
• It can evaluate low voltage and frequency.
• An oscilloscope can measure transient signals.
• Preferable for real-time bandwidth measurement
• Spectrum analyzers evaluate amplitude in DBM
• Used for measuring long-term short term frequency stability.
• It may not be suitable to measure some transient signals.
• Spectrum analyzers are superior when it concerns with higher sensitivity

To know when to use these two, you should be familiar with the functions of each equipment.