SPECTRUM ANALYZER MYTHS.

Abstract

Conventional explanations of spectrum analyzer operation, which are based on mathematical concepts, have led to misconceptions of the physical time domain phenomena involved. This technical note, using a physical approach, describes the transients that pulsed signals produce in spectrum analyzer circuits, and interprets the resulting 'spectrum displays.: By using a narrow-band communications receiver, it is shown that 'spectral lines,' as generally conceived, do not exist physically. The displays are shown to be a measure of transient responses of the spectrum analyzer I-F amplifier, rather than indicators of the frequency distribution of a radar transmitter output. Proper interpretation of spectrum analyzer displays as time domain action provides useful information concerning pulsed radar transmitter performance. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 15, 1965
Accession Number
AD0460579

Entities

People

  • R. W. Cushman

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analyzers
  • Radar
  • Radar Transmitters
  • Spectra
  • Spectral Lines
  • Spectrum Analyzers
  • Time Domain
  • Transmitters

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.