The Radioman's Manual of RF Devices, Principles and Practices
Dealing with the RF aspects of radio communication, this is an indispensable book for anyone involved in land mobile radio, ham radio, marine radio or aviation radio.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Radioman's Manual of RF Devices, Principles and Practices
3.3: Features and Characteristics
3.3 Features and Characteristics
To cover all of the features and characteristics of a spectrum analyzer would require much more space than this chapter would allow. However, the most important features and characteristics of a spectrum analyzer are presented here.
3.3.1 Frequency range
The frequency range is the first feature that must be checked to determine whether the analyzer is suitable for a particular purpose. This is simply the range of frequencies over which the spectrum analyzer will operate. If you need to use the spectrum analyzer at 800MHz do not buy one that only operates over a range of 1MHz to 300MHz. In fact, if you are dealing with a fundamental frequency of only 300MHz, you still would need a frequency range up to 900MHz in order to see the third harmonic of the 300MHz fundamental. Do not confuse frequency range with maximum scan width or frequency span. Some spectrum analyzers use external mixers to further extend the operating frequency. Get an analyzer with the most frequency range you can afford. You never know what frequency you might need to view in the future. More is better!
3.3.2 Frequency stability
There are two issues relating to frequency stability: frequency drift and residual FM, or phase noise. Frequency drift refers to the slow drifting of the local oscillator as the spectrum analyzer warms up. Some residual drift remains even after a long warm-up period. When the analyzer is set to relatively large frequency spans, the drift may not be very...
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