A unified conceptual framework for spectrum analyser measurements

The spectrum analyser is a complex piece of instrumentation, which requires careful operator training to fully exploit its features. Over the years its structure has evolved, both as a result of technological advances and in response to new measurement requirements. A modern spectrum analyser thus offers the user an extensive array of functions and options, arranged in complex menu structures. A side-effect of this situation is that sometimes it may be difficult to retain a common conceptual view of the instrument operation, since a variety of factors and set-up parameters come into play. This paper proposes a theoretical analysis of spectrum analyser operation, with the aim of providing a conceptual framework that can be readily adapted to most practical situations.