Spectrum analyzer

A spectrum analyzer is an instrument which shows the signal amplitude graphically as a function of the frequency, in the frequency domain. It shows which frequency components are present in a signal, and how strong they are.

Not all electrical systems can be described equally well in the time domain. Circuits like filters, amplifiers, oscillators, mixers, modulators and detectors can sometimes be better described by their frequency behavior. This frequency response is obtained most easily by looking at the electrical signals in the frequency domain. To show the frequency domain an instrument is needed which can distinguish different frequencies from each other and can determine the amplitude at different frequencies. An instrument which can display the frequency domain is the spectrum analyzer.

The frequency domain includes information which is not available in the time domain. As a result, the spectrum analyzer has in some cases advantages to an oscilloscope:

• Clearly displaying small harmonic distortion to a signal
• Analysis of noise signals
• Determination of carrier frequency, modulation frequency, modulation depth and modulation distortion of a modulated signal (AM and FM)

Air-Parts offers the spectrumanalysers made by GWInstek.

GW Instek

Founded in 1975, Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd was the first professional manufacturer in Taiwan specializing in electrical test & measurement instruments. GW Instek began as a manufacturer of power supplies and quickly expanded into the development of high precision electronic test and measurement instruments. With a strong focus on high quality, economical measurement solutions for the educational and industrial manufacturing markets, Good Will Instrument has developed a solid brand image and reputation for reliability, integrity and innovation.

Features:

• High end models up to 3GHz bandwidth
• Basic models up to 1GHz bandwidth
• In combination with probes also suitable for EMC analysis
• Optional tracking generator available
• Via software suitable for long time monitoring