Chris, I am experienced in performing pre-compliance measurements with a spectrum analyzer and preamp. I use a Hewlett Packard 8593EM Spectrum Analyzer and an HP 8447D Pre-Amplifier with god results. As mentioned by another responder, the spectrum analyzer is designed to function as an "EMI Analyzer," not just a spectrum analyzer and allows storing of the preamp's gain factors to allow direct reading of the signal magnitude.
If noise floor is a problem in some band, you always have the option of decreasing the bandwidth of the measurement to increase signal-to-noise. This is usually very effective, in my experience. The new Agilent EMI analyzers (digital, rather than analog) come equipped with an internal preamp. I hope to buy one. Since I no longer believe in the Tooth Fairy, I find it hard to come to grips with statements to the effect that the addition of a $2-20K add-on to a $20-40K spectrum analyzer yields the equivalent of a $100-$250K receiver. Nevertheless, you can do quite well with the spectrum analyzer. Since you are interested in pre-compliance, you can measure at conditions that are not standard and gain the understanding of the product that you desire. Good Luck, Jim ________________________________________________________ Dr. Jim Knighten e-mail: jim.knigh...@ncr.com <jim.knigh...@ncr.com> Technical Consultant - Design NCR 17095 Via del Campo San Diego, CA 92127 http://www.ncr.com <http://www.ncr.com> Tel: 858-485-2537 Fax: 858-485-3788 -----Original Message----- From: Colgan, Chris [mailto:chris.col...@tagmclarenaudio.com] Sent: Friday, March 24, 2000 1:34 AM To: 'Emc-Pstc' (E-mail) Subject: Receivers and spectrum analysers Greetings all I have an Advantest spectrum analyser with a quasi peak detector that I use for pre compliance work. I am having trouble with the high noise floor and I am concerned about my measurements reading low due to overloading the detector (no input attenuation due to the high noise floor etc etc). I have been told (mainly by sales reps) that by using a preamplifier (cheap, not a problem to buy) and a preselector (expensive, could be a problem) I can obtain results that are virtually equivalent to a receiver (very expensive). Has anyone tried the analyser/preselector approach and if so, how have you got on? Regards Chris Colgan EMC & Safety TAG McLaren Audio Ltd mailto:chris.col...@tagmclarenaudio.com ===================================================== Authorised on 03/24/00 at 09:35:59; code 37f48bf3B1A8A7D9. ********************************************************************** The contents of this E-mail are confidential and for the exclusive use of the intended recipient. If you receive this E-mail in error, please delete it from your system immediately and notify us either by E-mail, telephone or fax. You should not copy, forward or otherwise disclose the content of the E-mail. TAG McLaren Audio Ltd, The Summit, 11 Latham Road Huntingdon, Cambs, PE18 6ZU Telephone : 01480 415600 (+44 1480 415600) Facsimile : 01480 52159 (+44 1480 52159) ********************************************************************** ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Jim Bacher: jim_bac...@mail.monarch.com Michael Garretson: pstc_ad...@garretson.org For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Jim Bacher: jim_bac...@mail.monarch.com Michael Garretson: pstc_ad...@garretson.org For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org
