Spectrum Analyzer

Change of paradigms in measurement technology

With the introduction of the modern HMS series spectrum analyzers, HAMEG started a change of paradigms in the design lab. Until a short time ago, this measurement technology was unaffordable for most users. HAMEG Instruments puts an end to this exclusivity by offering the HMS series – according to its tradition of delivering high performance measurement technology at a fair price. During the design, a practically oriented concept of instrument operation took highest priority so that the user can forget about the complex theory behind spectrum analysis. The increasing wide-spread use of wireless applications as well as the requirement for minimizing electromagnetic emissions from high performance digital systems caused a change of approach in design labs and test sites. While signal analysis in the time domain is well established, spectrum analysis is now starting to find its place on the lab bench.

The scope of applications of a spectrum analyzer in R & D, test sites, service and EMI testing is wide. Spectrum analyzers can display signals up into the GHz range. By employing the superhet receiver principle and using logarithmic signal processing and a logarithmically scaled display, their sensitivity exceeds that of oscilloscopes by more than 3 orders of magnitude and the dynamic range is markedly larger (>80 dB).

Caution – the sensitive measuring input is 50 ohms and easily destroyed! (Observe the maximum input power whenever measuring higher power signals!) It is hence recommended, whenever analysing unknown signals, to provide protective measures, e.g. to insert an attenuator of sufficient power rating at the input. When measuring signals with spectrum analyzers in the frequency domain, the phase information is lost, but in many practical applications this information is not required.

Spectrum analysis with HAMEG spectrum analyzers features a frequency range of up to 3 GHz and a large dynamic range; for transmission measurements instruments with a tracking generator are available which are easy to operate. Integrated interfaces for fast data communication with an external pc including free software for EMI pre-compliance test measurement functions, as well as the availability of a vast range of optional accessories (e.g. near-field probes for diverse measurements) promote HAMEG spectrum analyzers to be the „ideal partners“ for a variety of applications including EMI tests and measurements on wireless systems such as UMTS, GSM, TETRA, DBV-T, Bluetooth, WLAN etc, ...