Fundamentals of Spectrum Analysis

INTRODUCTION One of the most frequent measurement tasks in radiocommunications is the examination of signals in the frequency domain. Spectrum analyzers required for this purpose are therefore among the most versatile and widely used RF measuring instruments. Covering frequency ranges of up to 40 GHz and beyond, they are used in practically all applications of wireless and wired communication in development, production, installation and maintenance efforts. With the growth of mobile communications, parameters such as displayed average noise level, dynamic range and fre quency range, and other exacting requirements regarding functionality and measurement speed come to the fore. Moreover, spectrum analyzers are also used for measurements in the time domain, such as measuring the transmitter output power of time multiplex systems as a function of time. This book is intended to familiarize the uninitiated reader with the field of spectrum analysis. To understand complex measuring instruments it is useful to know the theoretical background of spectrum analysis. Even for the experienced user of spectrum analyzers it may be helpful to recall some background information in order to avoid measurement errors that are likely to be made in practice. In addition to dealing with the fundamentals, this book provides an in-sight into typical applications such as phase noise and channel power measurements.