What is the difference between network analyzer and spectrum analyzer?

Time：2022-12-13                88277

　　Many people are not very clear about the difference between network analyzer and spectrum analyzer. Now, AGITEK SERVICE Maintenance is a professional instrument maintenance engineer. Let's take a look at the difference between network analyzer and spectrum analyzer. I believe you can help you after reading this article, so that you won't go astray!  

　　Generally, spectrum analyzer has two main structures: scanning type and FFT. Due to the limitation of measurement frequency in FFT structure, it is only used for low frequency, while sweep type is widely used in RF and microwave fields.

　　The advantages of frequency scanning to FFT are: wide frequency range, low DANL, large dynamic range, etc.

　　Compared with frequency scanning, FFT has the advantage of real-time measurement.

　　Of course, some spectrum scanners also have FFT functions, such as PSA, universal spectrum analyzer, and AD acquisition of signals received at the back end, which are then processed by DSP, to realize VSA (vector signal analyzer) functions, such as ESA+89601A.

　　Of course, the functions of the current spectrum analyzer can also be expanded, such as NF test, phase noise test, digital modulation test, etc., but these are usually used as options, which means that additional funds are required.

　　The spectrum analyzer is mainly used to observe the spectrum of various modulated signals, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, etc., so as to realize the investigation of modulation level and modulation quality. In addition, the spectrum analyzer can currently measure the single sideband phase noise in various signal sources, check the harmonic distortion in the signal, and monitor the radio signals within a certain frequency range, etc.

　　There are two kinds of network analyzer: vector and scalar. At present, it is mainly vector. It can simultaneously measure transmission, reflection amplitude and phase information. The network analyzer has its own signal source and receiver, but if it is understood as a combination of signal source and spectrum analyzer, it is problematic, because the current standard network analyzer can only measure linear parameters. It scans at the same frequency. For example, when VNA scans f1, the receiver also measures the transmission and reflection of the F1 signal and calculates the S parameter again.

　　Of course, the functions of VNA have been expanded. Generally VNA has frequcney option. In this way, the scanning test of a frequency offset device such as Mix can be completed. Of course, this frequency offset can also be used for nonlinear testing of devices, such as harmonic parameter testing.

　　Another major extension of VNA is testing differential equipment. With the wide application of differential topology, VNA also introduced such as four port VNA. However, the signals generated by VNA are not physical differences, but logical differences. It mainly completes the test of four port network, and then performs mixed S parameter conversion. The differential performance of DUT is obtained, but the VNA of four ports is usually twice that of two ports.

　　As for the vector network analyzer, because it has a signal generator, it can scan a frequency band. If it is a single port measurement, add the excitation signal to the port, and judge the impedance or reflection by measuring the signal amplitude and the phase of the network analyzer. For dual port measurement, transmission parameters can also be measured.

　　I hope that the above will help a wide range of instrument enthusiasts to understand the difference between network analyzer and spectrum analyzer. If you find a fault with the electronic load meter, as an Aetna maintenance engineer, you should find a professional person to repair it, otherwise your improper operation may lead to more serious spectrum meter maintenance and network analyzer faults. Wuhan AGITEK SERVICE Testing Equipment Maintenance Co., Ltd., as a professional instrument maintenance company, has been deeply involved in the network analyzer maintenance and spectrum analyzer maintenance industry for 14 years, not limited to oscilloscope maintenance, spectrum analyzer maintenance, network analyzer maintenance, power supply maintenance, thermal imager maintenance, signal source maintenance, power amplifier maintenance, etc., to help you solve any instrument maintenance problems. Please feel free to consult!

　　Contact information of Wuhan AGITEK SERVICE Instrument Rental and Maintenance Center:

　　Tel.: 17037027802

　　Company website: http://www.agitekservice-wh.com/