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Spectrum Analysis Application Notes

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New Spectrum Analysis Basics!

After more than 10 years, Agilent's most popular application note, Spectrum Analysis Basics, has been updated.

This comprehensive look at spectrum analysis includes the following topics.

  • Chapter 1: Introduction
    Frequency domain versus time domain. What is a spectrum? Why measure spectra? Types of measurements and types of signals
  • Chapter 2: Spectrum analyzer fundamentals
    RF attenuator; low-pass filter or preselector; tuning the analyzer; IF gain; resolving signals; residual FM; phase noise; sweep time; envelope detector; displays; detector types; sample detection; peak (positive) detection; negative peak detection; normal detection; average detection; EMI detectors: average and quasi-peak detection; averaging processes; time gating
  • Chapter 3: Digital IF overview
    Digital filters; the all-digital IF; custom signal processing IC; additional video processing features; frequency counting; more advantages of the all-digital IF
  • Chapter 4: Amplitude and frequency accuracy
    Relative uncertainty; absolute amplitude accuracy; improving overall uncertainty; specifications, typical performance, and nominal values; the digital IF section; frequency accuracy
  • Chapter 5: Sensitivity and noise
    Sensitivity; noise figure; preamplifiers; noise as a signal; preamplifier for noise measurements
  • Chapter 6: Dynamic range
    Dynamic range versus internal distortion; attenuator test; noise; dynamic range versus measurement uncertainty; gain compression; display range and measurement range; adjacent channel power measurements
  • Chapter 7: Extending the frequency range
    Internal harmonic mixing; preselection; amplitude calibration; phase noise; improved dynamic range; pluses and minuses of preselection; external harmonic mixing; signal identification
  • Chapter 8. Modern spectrum analyzers
    Application-specific measurements; digital modulation analysis; saving and printing data; data transfer and remote instrument control; firmware updates; calibration, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair