R&S®Essentials | Spectrum analyzers fundamentals

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Understanding basic spectrum analyzer operation

Author: Paul Denisowski, Test & measurement expert

The following is an introduction to basic spectrum analyzer operation.

Spectrum analyzers are frequency-domain instruments, showing power versus frequency. This is also the most fundamental measurement on a spectrum analyzer: a plot of power versus frequency.

Most spectrum analyzers automate certain power versus frequency type measurements, like AM modulation depth or third order intercept. These measurements could be done manually but automating them increases efficiency and accuracy. Other measurements like occupied bandwidth or adjacent channel leakage ratio, would be difficult or impossible to manually measure.

There are four essential parameters needed to operate a spectrum analyzer. These four parameters are

• Center and span
• Reference level
• Resolution bandwidth
• Video bandwidth

These settings are used when making almost any kind of spectrum measurements.

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Center and span

Center and span define the frequency range to be measured by setting the stop and start frequencies.

As an example, to measure power between 840 MHz and 860 MHz. These values could be entered into a spectrum analyzer as start and stop frequencies, but center and span are used more commonly. The names are self-explanatory: center is the frequency in the middle of the display, and span is the width of the display. The range 840 MHz to 860 MHz is the same as a center of 850 MHz and a span of 20 MHz. Most often the center frequency of the signal of interest is known, and by using span it’s easier to zoom in and zoom out by just increasing or decreasing the span.

Is it possible to analyze complex signals with a tool that can fit in the palm of your hand? This might sound like a trick question, but it's the reality for engineers and technicians working with the latest advancements in spectrum analysis. Gone are the days when analyzing signals meant being tethered to a bulky benchtop machine. 

Today, handheld spectrum analyzers (HSAs) bring the power of detailed signal analysis directly to the field, marrying the convenience of portability with the precision of traditional models. This leap in technology empowers professionals in telecommunications, network maintenance, and beyond, to perform complex diagnostics and troubleshooting on the go.

Imagine being able to quickly diagnose and fix problems in the field without having to make multiple trips to the lab or deal with bulky equipment.

HSAs make this possible.

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