Instrument Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Analyzers
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Instrument Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Analyzers are electronic devices used to observe and measure signal levels and distortions. They provide a visual representation of the magnitude of the Fourier transform of input signals, mapping time-domain signals into the frequency domain as a set of sines and cosines. These analyzers are capable of examining amplitude versus frequency of a given signal source, antenna, or signal distribution system, offering insights into signal stability, distortion, amplitude, and modulation quality.
Working Principle
Spectrum analyzers work by converting a time-domain signal into its frequency components using the Fourier transform. This transformation allows engineers to view the frequency content of signals, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring machinery and electronic systems. The superheterodyne spectrum analyzer, a common type, functions as a frequency-selective, peak-responding voltmeter calibrated to display the RMS value of a sine wave. Digital technology has enhanced these devices, enabling them to perform fast Fourier transforms (FFT) and display signals in the frequency domain, which is particularly useful for characterizing single-shot phenomena and measuring both phase and magnitude.
Applications
Spectrum analyzers are widely used in RF communication to locate and analyze interference problems. They are essential tools for noise and signal-to-noise measurements, choosing modulation frequencies, and tracking down spurious signals and interferences. In the manufacturing sector, they enable complex measurements to be made quickly and accurately, facilitating compliance with regulations regarding emissions. They are also used in the R&D lab for examining wide spectrum widths and closely analyzing signals of interest.
Advantages over other Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Analyzers
Modern spectrum analyzers, particularly those using digital technology, offer enhanced capabilities such as the ability to perform FFTs, which allow for the characterization of single-shot phenomena and the measurement of both phase and magnitude. This provides a significant advantage over traditional analog filters, which were limited in their ability to analyze sound and vibration in machinery. Additionally, the integration of spectrum analyzers into communication analyzers, or service monitors, has made them more accessible and easier to use for technicians without extensive engineering backgrounds.
Limitations
Fourier analyzers, while advantageous in certain applications, have limitations in frequency range, sensitivity, and dynamic range compared to superheterodyne spectrum analyzers. They are typically used in baseband signal analysis applications up to 40 MHz, which may not be suitable for all types of signal analysis needs.
Considerations
When considering the purchase and use of spectrum analyzers, factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, durability, accuracy, and maintenance costs should be taken into account. The availability of surplus and used equipment can make sophisticated spectrum analyzers more accessible to users who cannot justify the high cost of new equipment. However, users should be aware that scaled-down versions incorporated into other equipment may lack the features of standalone units. Regular maintenance and calibration are essential to ensure accuracy and reliability over time.
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
SIGLENT SHA850A, a handheld portable spectrum analyzer and cable-and-antenna analyzer, is a powerful and flexible tool for those field and outdoor RF applications. With a frequency range up to 7.5 GHz, the analyzer delivers reliable automatic measurements and multiple modes of operation. A spectrum... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from Maury Microwave
The HA7162C Real Time Phase Noise Analyzer is the industry leader with respect to proven accuracy, high reliability, automation and flexibility; offering extremely fast measurement speeds to reduce product development time and/or optimize ATE manufacturing throughput. Measured noise floors. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.00E-4 to ?
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
The SIGLENT SSA3000X Plus series spectrum analyzers are powerful and flexible tools for RF signal and network analysis. With a frequency range to 7.5 GHz, the analyzer delivers reliable automatic measurements and multiple modes of operation: spectrum analyzer the base, optional functions include RF... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 1.50E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- User Interface: Front Panel
from Maury Microwave
The HA7162D Real Time Phase Noise Analyzer delivers proven accuracy, high reliability, automation and flexibility. The real time engine covers the full measurement bandwidth with extremely fast measurement speeds to reduce product development time and optimizes ATE manufacturing throughput. Measured... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.00E-4 to ?
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
Siglent's SSA3000X family of spectrum analyzers offer a frequency range of 9 KHz to 2.1/3.2 GHz. With their light weight, small size, and friendly user interface, the SSA3000s present a large, bright easy to read display, powerful and reliable automatic measurements, and plenty of impressive... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 2.10E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- User Interface: Front Panel
from Maury Microwave
The HA7163A is a heterodyne downconversion system that is designed to seamlessly integrate with Holzworth ’s real time phase noise analysis products as a calibrated frequency extension. The HA7163A provides for both absolute and residual (additive) measurements to 50GHz, making it the only... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
The SIGLENT SSA3000X-R real-time spectrum analyzers are powerful and flexible tools for complex RF signal monitor and analysis. With a capability of 40 MHz analysis bandwidth and 7.2 µs 100% POI, the analyzer can provide multi-dimensions data displays, advanced triggering, and RF data capturing, to... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 3.20E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- User Interface: Front Panel
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
The SIGLENT SSA5000A spectrum analyzers are powerful and flexible tools for complex RF spectrum and signal analysis. With the capability of real-time spectrum analysis, the analyzer can provide multi-dimensions data displays, and advanced triggering to solve modern RF spectrum challenges, like... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
SIGLENT'S SSG5000X series of signal generators can generate analog and vector signals, and have a frequency range of 9 kHz to 4 GHz/6 GHz. They feature the industry-leading performance in phase noise, spectral purity, bandwidth, EVM, output power. The internal IQ modulation generator and waveform... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 4.00E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- User Interface: Front Panel
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
The SIGLENT SVA1000X series spectrum & vector network analyzers are powerful and flexible tools for broadcast and RF device testing. With a wide frequency range from 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz, the analyzer delivers reliable automatic measurements and plenty of features including a tracking generator and... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 1.50E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- User Interface: Front Panel
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
The SIGLENT SNA5000A series of Vector Network Analyzers have a frequency range of 9 kHz to 8.5 GHz and 100 kHz to 26.5 GHz, which support 2/4-port scattering parameter, differential-parameter, and time-domain parameter measurements. The SNA5000A series of VNAs are effective instrumentation for... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 4.50E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- User Interface: Front Panel
from Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc./FIS
Includes analysis software, carrying case, recharge/ replaceable battery [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld
- Frequency Range: 100 to 3.00E6
from Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
middot; Frequency Range from 9 kHz up to3.6 GHz. · -160dBm Displayed Average Noise Level. · Phase Noise -82dBc/Hz @1Gz and offset at 10KHz. · Total Amplitude Accuracy <1.5dB. · 10Hz Minimum Resolution Bandwidth (RBW). · Standard GPS receiver. · EMI... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld
- User Interface: Touch Screen
from OROS
OR35 is the portable real-time multi-analyzer that integrates the best of sound & vibration analysis technology in a truly mobile instrument. OR35 is the synthesis of the ultimate OR3x technology and OROS' wealth of experience of measurement. Designed to be the best for field operations, OR35 takes... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC (optional feature)
- Test Type: Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
Keithley 2400 Graphical Series SMU instruments offer four-quadrant precision voltage and current source/load coupled with measurement now on an intuitive touchscreen user interface. These instruments can simultaneously source and measure current from 10 fA to 10 A pulse and/or voltage from 100 nV to... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SDRlab 122-16 External clock is based on the SDRlab 122-16 model that is modified to be used with an external clock oscillator, which is important especially for RF applications that operate at other frequencies, require better quality clock or clock synchronization. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from Wayne Kerr Electronics
A frequency response analyzer measures the gain and phase response characteristics with respect to frequency of the device or system under test, by applying a frequency swept sine-wave to it and examining its response signal. The FRA5022 supports for measurement frequencies of 0.1 mHz to 100 kHz. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.00E-7 to 100
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Dynamic Range: 120
from RIGOL Technologies, Inc.
Rigol's DSA700 series spectrum analyzer makes radio, IoT, and educational/hobbyist measurements more accessible than ever with value analyzers designed for lower frequency RF test. The DSA700 shares the popular mechanical package of the DSA800 series analyzer with a focus on measurements below 1... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
from AvaLAN Wireless Systems, Inc.
The AvaLAN AW2400-SPEC uses our 2.4 GHz radio receiver and spectrum analysis functionality to provide you with a sensitive site survey tool in a rugged weatherproof enclosure. Now you can take the mystery out of wireless technology through the use of a network addressable spectrum analyzer offered... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Fixed
- Frequency Range: 2.40E6
from Teledyne LeCroy
Teledyne Test Tools new T3SA3000 family of Spectrum Analyzers offers a frequency range of 9 KHz to either 2.1/3.2 GHz alongside many impressive features. With their light weight, small form factor, and user friendly interface, these Spectrum Analyzers take powerful and reliable automatic... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Distortion
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform
from Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
The R &S ®FSH spectrum analyzer is rugged, handy and designed for use in the field. Its low weight, its simple, well-conceived operation concept and the large number of measurement functions make it an indispensable tool for anyone who needs an efficient measuring instrument for outdoor... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 2.00E7
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld
- User Interface: Hand-held Programmer
from VIAVI Solutions, Inc.
The AXIe Modular Products set a new standard in performance and function. VIAVI Solutions formerly Cobham/Aeroflex is pleased to announce its new modular line of products based upon the latest AXIe standard. The new Cobham AXIe chassis is the world ’s first to support both the Wide PCI Express... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Fixed
- Frequency Range: 1000 to 6.00E6
from Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc./FIS
Deploying, maintaining, troubleshooting wireless stations & Wi-Fi [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld
- Frequency Range: 9 to 7.10E6
from Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
Frequency Range from 9 kHz up to 7.5 GHz. - -160dBm Displayed Average Noise Level. - Phase Noise -98dBc/Hz @1Gz and offset at 10KHz. - Total Amplitude Accuracy <1.5dB. - 10Hz Minimum Resolution Bandwidth (RBW). - EMI Pre-compliance Test Kit, optional EMC test software. - Standard Pass/Fail... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from OROS
OR36 models are intended for advanced needs in acoustic and vibration analysis measurements, for R&D as well as for testing. OR36 is a synthesis of components usually used separately for measurements. OR36 includes an acquisition front-end, with conditioning and sampling, a time domain recorder and... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC (optional feature)
- Test Type: Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
Keithley ’s Series 2600B System SMU instruments are the industry standard current-voltage source and measure solution for highly automated production test applications. Both dual- and single-channel models tightly integrate a precision power supply, true current source, DMM, and electronic... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SDRlab 122-16 was developed specifically for software-defined radio and more demanding RF applications. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from Wayne Kerr Electronics
A frequency response analyzer measures the gain and phase response characteristics with respect to frequency of the device or system under test, by applying a frequency swept sine-wave to it and examining its response signal. The FRA5087/FRA5097 supports for measurement frequencies of 0.1 mHz to... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.00E-7 to 15000
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Dynamic Range: 140
from RIGOL Technologies, Inc.
Rigol's DSA800 Series spectrum analyzers redefine the product category by setting new standards for performance and price. The DSA800 family features a widescreen display, compact design, and easy-to-use interface making it ideal for benchtop or field apps in RF and wireless testing and production. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.50E6
from AvaLAN Wireless Systems, Inc.
The AvaLAN AW900-SPEC uses our 900 MHz radio receiver and spectrum analysis functionality to provide you with a sensitive site survey tool in a rugged weatherproof enclosure. Now you can take the mystery out of wireless technology through the use of a network addressable spectrum analyzer offered by... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Fixed
- Frequency Range: 879000 to 945000
from Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
The R &S ®Spectrum Rider FPH is a versatile, user-friendly instrument in a rugged and appealing design. The frequency range of the basic analyzer is 5 kHz to 2 GHz. The upper frequency limit can easily be extended to 3 GHz or 4 GHz via keycode. Key Facts. Frequency ranges from 5 kHz to 2/3/4... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 5 to 4.00E6
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld
- Resolution: 1
from Fiber Instrument Sales, Inc./FIS
Designed to locate & identify RF cable feed line and antenna system faults [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld
- Frequency Range: 25000 to 4.00E6
from Fujian Lilliput Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
Frequency range 9kHz - 1.5GHz. - -160 dBm Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL). - Phase noise -80 dBc/Hz @1GHz and offset at 10 kHz. - Total amplitude accuracy <0.7 dB. - 1 Hz minimum resolution bandwidth (RBW). - EMI pre-compliance test kit, optional EMC test software. - Optional tracking... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Host Connection: USB
from OROS
OR38 models are intended for advanced needs in acoustic and vibration analysis measurements, for R&D as well as for testing. OR38 is a synthesis of components usually used separately for measurements. OR38 includes an acquisition front-end, with conditioning and sampling, a time domain recorder and... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC (optional feature)
- Test Type: Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
The System SourceMeter ® 10 µsec Pulser/Source Measure Unit (SMU) Instrument combines the power of a high current/high speed pulser with measure and the full functionality of a traditional SMU in a single instrument. Its impressive 10 A @ 10 V at 10 μs pulse width and full 1 MS/s... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SIGNALlab 250-12 is most sophisticated Red Pitaya product, built for more demanding industrial applications and research, where robustness and performance matter more than cost. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from Wayne Kerr Electronics
ZGA5920 was developed as a comprehensive analyzer for measuring impedance and gain-phase, and for accurately determining the responses and performance of measurement objects. To provide the measurement information that researchers and engineers need, we offer a measurement environment that achieves... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.00E-7 to 15000
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Dynamic Range: 140
from RIGOL Technologies, Inc.
Engineers integrating WiFi, Bluetooth and other modern RF technologies are confronted with complex challenges like frequency hopping signals, channel conflict, and spectrum interference. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers bring the dimension of time to RF Analysis making it easier to monitor and... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 1.50E6
from Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
The high-performance R &S ®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer was developed to meet demanding customer requirements. Offering low phase noise, wide analysis bandwidth and straightforward and intuitive operation, the analyzer makes measurements fast and easy. Key Facts. Frequency range from 2... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 0.0020 to 8.50E7
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
- Resolution: 1
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
The 2606B High Density System SourceMeter (SMU) Instrument offers four 20-watt SMU channels in a 1U high form factor chassis. As manufacturers need to optimize plant floor space and reduce test time and costs, the 2606B improves density by 3 times, increases throughput, and minimizes the need to add... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SIGNALlab 250-12 is most sophisticated Red Pitaya product, built for more demanding industrial applications and research, where robustness and performance matter more than cost. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from RIGOL Technologies, Inc.
Engineers integrating WiFi, Bluetooth and other modern RF technologies are confronted with complex challenges like frequency hopping signals, channel conflict, and spectrum interference. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers bring the dimension of time to RF Analysis making it easier to monitor and... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 3.20E6
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
Keithley ’s Standard Series 2400 Source Measure Unit (SMU) Instruments offer four-quadrant precision voltage and current source/load coupled with measurement. Each SMU instrument is both a highly stable DC power source and a true instrument-grade 6 ½-digit multimeter. The power source... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 4 Inputs is based on STEMlab 125-14 board, but instead of 2 inputs and 2 output channels offers 4 Input channels that with improved performance. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
Keithley instrumentation makes it easy to build a LIV (light-current-voltage) system to test laser diode modules cost-effectively. 2520 Pulse Laser Diode Test System: Synchronizing test system providing sourcing and measurement capability for pulsed and continuous LIV test. TEC SourceMeter SMUs,... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 is our most versatile and popular product, which was introduced to the market in 2013 when Red Pitaya was established. Since then it has been used in a wide variety of contexts, from hobbyists and ham radio operators to industry, research, and space applications. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
The 2650 Series High Power SourceMeter SMU Instruments are designed specifically for characterizing and testing high voltage/current electronics and power semiconductors, such as diodes, FETs, and IGBTs, high brightness LEDs, DC-DC converters, batteries, solar cells, and other high power materials,... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 is our most versatile and popular product, which was introduced to the market in 2013 when Red Pitaya was established. Since then it has been used in wide variety of contexts, from hobbyists and ham radio operators to industry, research and space applications. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
The RSA306B USB spectrum / signal analyzer might be small but it packs a big punch. It ’s loaded with features you ’d expect from spectrum analyzers twice the size and twice the price. Perfect for everyday tasks. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 6.20E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 Edu Pack is based on Red Pitaya's best-selling DAQ platform and with the chosen accessories a perfect fit for educational purposes. [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned
from EA Elektro-Automatik Inc.
Find signals of interest and take the necessary actions to resolve issues with industries best ruggedized, portable USB Real-time Spectrum Analyzer, packed with features for your most common tasks out in the field. Highlights: Enable precise, real-time measurements with the RSA500 spectrum analyzer... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument
- Frequency Range: 9 to 3.00E6
- Special Instrument Type: Portable
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 External clock is based on the STEMlab 125-14 model that is modified to be used with an external clock oscillator, which is important especially for RF applications that operate at other frequencies, require better quality clock or clock synchronization. With this modification, users... [See More]
- Analyzer Type: Instrument; PC
- Test Type: Modulation; Distortion; Noise
- Special Instrument Type: Handheld; Portable
- Analysis Type: Fast Fourier Transform; Swept-Tuned