Types of spectrum analyzers
Spectrum analyzers originally measured only amplitude. These swept-tuned, super heterodyne analyzers evolved over time with the communications industry. With the need for phase measurements, signal analyzers took the place of their more basic counterparts. Spectrum analyzers measure the magnitude of an input versus signal frequency. Vector signal analyzers measure the magnitude and phase of an input signal at a single frequency. Today’s signal analyzers combine functionality of the earlier evolutions of spectrum analyzers, such as analog, vector, and FFT (fast Fourier transform) measurements. Along with these new high-functioning signal analyzers, more compact options have come about, such as the
Keysight FieldFox and
modular spectrum analyzers. While the terms signal analyzer and spectrum analyzer are not interchangeable, they often refer to the same measurements and concepts. Many people use “spectrum analyzer” to refer to signal analyzers.