SPECTRUM ANALYZER

Spectrum analyzer

2009-12-09T02:20:00.001-08:00

A spectrum analyzer or spectral analyzer is a device used to examine the spectral composition of some electrica, acoustic, or optical waveform. It may also measure the power spectrum.

There are analog and digital spectrum analyzers:

An analog spectrum analyzer uses either a variable band-pass filter whose mid-frequency is automatically tuned (shifted, swept) through the range of frequencies of which the spectrum is to be measured or a superheterodyne receiver where the local oscillator is swept through a range of frequencies.
A digital spectrum analyzer computes the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), a mathematical process that transforms a waveform into the components of its frequency spectrum.

Some spectrum analyzers (such as "real-time spectrum analyzers") use a hybrid technique where the incoming signal is first down-converted to a lower frequency using superheterodyne techniques and then analyzed using fast fourier transformation (FFT) techniques.

Operation

A real time analysis of a song. This spectrum analyzer output features frequency on X (horizontal), magnitude on Y (vertical), and moves through time in sequence with the song

Frequency spectrum of the heating up period of a switching power supply (spread spectrum) incl. waterfall diagram over a view minutes. Recorded with Spectran spectrum analyzer 5030

Usually, a spectrum analyzer displays a power spectrum over a given frequency range, changing the display as the properties of the signal change. There is a trade-off between how quickly the display can be updated and the frequency resolution, which is for example relevant for distinguishing frequency components that are close together. With a digital spectrum analyzer, the frequency resolution is $Δν = 1 / T$ , the inverse of the time T over which the waveform is measured and Fourier transformed. With an analog spectrum analyzer, it is dependent on the bandwidth setting of the bandpass filter. However, an analog spectrum analyzer will not produce meaningful results if the filter bandwidth (in Hz) is smaller than the square root of the sweep speed (in Hz/s), which means that an analog spectrum analyzer can never beat a digital one in terms of frequency resolution for a given acquisition time. Choosing a wider bandpass filter will improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the expense of a decreased frequency resolution.

With Fourier transform analysis in a digital spectrum analyzer, it is necessary to sample the input signal with a sampling frequency $ν s$ that is at least twice the highest frequency that is present in the signal, due to the Nyquist limit. A Fourier transform will then produce a spectrum containing all frequencies from zero to $ν s / 2$ . This can place considerable demands on the required analog-to-digital converter and processing power for the Fourier transform. Often, one is only interested in a narrow frequency range, for example between 88 and 108 MHz, which would require at least a sampling frequency of 216 MHz, not counting the low-pass anti-aliasing filter. In such cases, it can be more economic to first use a superheterodyne receiver to transform the signal to a lower range, such as 8 to 28 MHz, and then sample the signal at 56 MHz. This is how an analog-digital-hybrid spectrum analyzer works.

For use with very weak signals, a pre-amplifier can be used, although harmonic and intermodulation distortion may lead to the creation of new frequency components that were not present in the original signal. A new method, without using a high local oscillator (LO) (that usually produces a high-frequency signal close to the signal) is used on the latest analyzer generation like Aaronia´s Spectran series. The advantage of this new method is a very low noise floor near the physical thermal noise limit of -174 dBm.

Acoustic uses

In acoustics, a spectrograph converts a sound wave into a sound spectrogram. The first acoustic spectrograph was developed during World War II at Bell Telephone Laboratories, and was widely used in speech science, acoustic phonetics and audiology research, before eventually being superseded by digital signal processing techniques.

E4440A PSA Series Spectrum Analyzer, 3 Hz - 26.5 GHz

2009-12-09T02:19:00.001-08:00

The Agilent E4440A PSA high-performance spectrum analyzer measures and monitors complex RF and microwave signals up to 26.5 GHz. With optional external mixing, the frequency coverage expands to 110 GHz by Agilent external mixer, and to 325 GHz by other vendors' mixer. Agilent external mixer offerings.

View: PSA product brochure

Migration from PSA to PXA:
The PXA N9030A, Agilent’s next-generation high-performance signal analyzer, combines the PSA’s technical excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, making it an ideal form-fit-functional replacement for the PSA (up to 26.5 GHz). The new PXA N9030A offers greater performance, wider analysis bandwidth, and more powerful connectivity.

N9000A CXA Signal Analyzer

2009-12-09T02:18:00.000-08:00

Expect more with the CXA

The Agilent CXA signal analyzer is a versatile, low-cost tool for essential signal characterization. It helps you accelerate product testing and development on multiple levels; cost reduction, throughput, design enhancement and beyond. Get essential capability with X-Series expandability in the CXA – and expect more.

We can’t predict the future, but Agilent can help you shape it with our future-ready test assets. The X-Series is an evolutionary approach to signal analysis that spans instrumentation, measurements and software. It gives you the flexibility to satisfy your business and technical requirements across multiple products and programs—now and in the future.

N9030A PXA Signal Analyzer

2009-12-09T02:16:00.000-08:00

Drive your evolution with the PXA

The Agilent N9030A PXA signal analyzer is the highest-performance member of the Agilent X-Series signal analyzers and is the evolutionary replacement for your current performance signal analyzer. It provides frequency coverage up to 26.5 GHz and ensures present and future flexibility through optional measurement capabilities and hardware expandability. The PXA’s advanced performance, flexibility, capability and expandability enable you to address demanding applications in aerospace, defense, commercial communications and more. In addition, the PXA includes extensive remote language compatibility features that make it easier to replace existing Agilent or HP performance spectrum analyzers. Learn why to migrate

As the flagship of the X-Series signal analyzers, the PXA signal analyzer delivers exceptional performance that reduces measurement uncertainty and reveals new levels of signal detail, starting with up to 75 dB spurious-free dynamic range at the 140-MHz analysis bandwidth. Industry-leading specifications include –128 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 kHz offset (1 GHz), ±0.19 dB absolute amplitude accuracy, and sensitivity of –172 dBm displayed average noise level (DANL) at 2 GHz (with preamplifier and Noise Floor Extension technology).

We can't predict the future, but Agilent can help you shape it with our future-ready test assets. The X-Series is an evolutionary approach to signal analysis that spans instrumentation, measurements and software. It gives you the flexibility to satisfy your business and technical requirements across multiple products and programs—now and in the future.

SPECTRAN® NF-5030*** (1Hz to 1MHz / 20MHz / 30MHz)

2009-12-09T02:13:00.000-08:00

Same as SPECTRAN NF-5010. In addition:
• Vastly expanded range
• Measurement range up to DIN/VDE 0848
• 65 MSPS (Option 005)
• Lots of options
• Frequency range: 1Hz to 1MHz (30MHz)**
• Typ. level range E-Field: 0,1V/m to 20kV/m**
• Typ. level range H-Field: 0,1nT to 2mT**
• Typ. level range DDC H-Field: 1pT to 2mT**
• Typ. level range DDC Analog in: 200nV to 200mV** / -150dBm (Hz)
• Typ. accuracy: 3%**

Our EMF spectrum analyzer for the professional at an unbeatable price!
Ultra broad range and high accuracy. Range according to complete ICNIRP (public)!
The optional Active Differential Probe for the NF-5030 is a "must have" for direct cable-measurements on DSL, ADSL, free running oszillators, mains etc.
As an option: ISOTROPIC! 3D static magnetic field sensor for differential measurement of static magnetic fields of magnets, the geomagnetic field (geophysical assessment of anomalies in the earth's magnetic field), and others***

Absolutely essential: The optional high-performance multi-channel 65MSPS 12Bit DDC frequency filter (option 005) allows fast, extremely sensitive and super crisp frequency measurement of even the weakest signals down to 1pT (0.001nT) at an incredible price! Just one example of the added possibilities is measurement of the 125-135kHz RFID band (decoder software already in development).

By adding the 20MHz or 30MHz frequency extensions, wholly new applications become possible: for example, assessment of the 13.56MHz RFID and VDSL2 frequency bands. A MUST-HAVE for EMC measurement. An ideal solution for technicians and authorities for ACCURATE examination of signal sources up to 30MHz.
AC analog input with high sensitivity (down to 200nV).

OPTIONS :
• Option 001 1MB Memory expansion
• Option 005 Multichannel 65MSPS 12Bit DDC Frequencyfilter. Allows measurement of magnetic field starting at 1pT!
• Option 006 3D! Earth's Magnetic and STATIC Magnetic Field Sensor. Range: 100G-6G (10nT-0,6mT)***
• Option 008 20MHz frequencyrange
• Option 009 24Bit! resolution for static magnetic fields (Option 006)
• Option 010 30MHz frequencyrange
• EMC Probe-Set (EMC Sniffer) with opt. 40dB PreAmplifier
• Active Differential Probe (Measure DSL, circuits, mains etc. from DC to 30MHz.)
• Detailed Calibration Certificate