ECE 159
Microwave Engineering II
Lecture 2: Spectrum Analyzer
2s1516
Revision January 2016
Spectrum Analyzer
Analyzes the spectrum of a signal (?)
Measures power vs. frequency
Feed signal to the input port, plot its spectrum
Harmonic Distortion from a transmitter
Two-tone test of an RF power amplifier2
Signal Analyzer Types
1. Superheterodyne Spectrum Analyzer
Frequency is swept, measures power at each sweep
point
Most common type
Rhode and Schwarz FSP 9 kHz-7 GHz
2. Fourier Analyzer
Records time domain signal, digitizes it, then
performs FFT
Can see single-shot phenomenon or burst signals
Limited by digitizing process
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Signal Analyzer Types
3. Vector Signal Analyzer
Records time domain signal, extracts I and Q data
NI PXIe 5663 VSA
Useful for modulated signals
Limited by digitizing process
Superheterodyne SA
Block diagram of a classic* superheterodyne SA
*Old, low-tech
Superheterodyne SA
Prevents input signal from
exceeding limits
fsig = fLO + fIF
Sets resolution BW
Amp with logarithmic
gain; converts V to dB
scale
Smoothens the
display depending on
video BW
Sweeps fLO such
that fsig covers
fstart to fstop
*Old, low-tech
Block diagram of a classic* superheterodyne SA
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SA Display
IF signal envelope
being plotted!
dB
fstart
fstop
Before video filter
After video filter
Modern SA Operation
Digitally tuned or
complete digital
implementation
Digital sweep
generation
*Old, low-tech
Digital, softwaredefined, can do FFT
Block diagram of a classic superheterodyne SA
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Blind Time
What if
LO is at f2
A signal suddenly appears at f1
Will the SA be able to see this new signal?
More difficult to detect bursty signals
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Resolution Bandwidth
3 dB bandwidth of IF filter
Larger RBW faster filter response time
shorter sweep time required
What if at the IF stage
RBW
IF Stage
IF filter response
Two adjacent sinusoids
fIF
f
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Resolution Bandwidth
RBW
IF Stage
IF filter response
Two adjacent sinusoids
Display
One sinusoid? Or two?
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Resolution Bandwidth
RBW
IF Stage
IF filter response
Two adjacent sinusoids
Display
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Resolution Bandwidth
Smaller RBW higher resolution resolve
adjacent signals better
Smaller RBW slower filter response time
longer sweep time longer sweep time
more information missed
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Video Bandwidth
Video filter removes rapid fluctuations in the
spectrum
A form of averaging
Vs. signal fluctuations and internal SA noise
Degree of smoothing depends on VBW:RBW
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Video Bandwidth
Degree of smoothing for VBW-to-RBW ratios of 1:3, 1:10, and 1:100
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Demonstration
Later at Room 404
Safety Precautions
1. Only use a power cord and electrical outlet
with an earthing contact (3 prongs).
2. Do not exceed the power rating of the input
port.
3. Do not feed signals with a DC component to
the input port.
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References
Spectrum Analysis Basics. Agilent Application
Note 150.
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