Spectrum Analyzers

The electronic instrument, used for analyzing waves in frequency domain is called spectrum analyzer. Basically, it displays the energy distribution of a signal on its CRT screen. Here, x-axis represents frequency and y-axis represents the ampptude.

Types of Spectrum Analyzers

We can classify the spectrum analyzers into the following two types.

Filter Bank Spectrum Analyzer

Superheterodyne Spectrum Analyzer

Now, let us discuss about these two spectrum analyzers one by one.

Filter Bank Spectrum Analyzer

The spectrum analyzer, used for analyzing the signals are of AF range is called filter bank spectrum analyzer, or real time spectrum analyzer because it shows (displays) any variations in all input frequencies.

The following figure shows the block diagram of filter bank spectrum analyzer.

The working of filter bank spectrum analyzer is mentioned below.

It has a set of band pass filters and each one is designed for allowing a specific band of frequencies. The output of each band pass filter is given to a corresponding detector.

All the detector outputs are connected to Electronic switch. This switch allows the detector outputs sequentially to the vertical deflection plate of CRO. So, CRO displays the frequency spectrum of AF signal on its CRT screen.

Superheterodyne Spectrum Analyzer

The spectrum analyzer, used for analyzing the signals are of RF range is called superheterodyne spectrum analyzer. Its block diagram is shown in below figure.

The working of superheterodyne spectrum analyzer is mentioned below.

The RF signal, which is to be analyzed is appped to input attenuator. If the signal ampptude is too large, then it can be attenuated by an input attenuator.

Low Pass Filter (LPF) allows only the frequency components that are less than the cut-off frequency.

Mixer gets the inputs from Low pass filter and voltage tuned oscillator. It produces an output, which is the difference of frequencies of the two signals that are appped to it.

IF amppfier amppfies the Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal, i.e. the output of mixer. The amppfied IF signal is appped to detector.

The output of detector is given to vertical deflection plate of CRO. So, CRO displays the frequency spectrum of RF signal on its CRT screen.

So, we can choose a particular spectrum analyzer based on the frequency range of the signal that is to be analyzed.