One needs to distinguish between general purpose spectrum analyzers and those
which have been designed for EMC measurements. A general purpose spectrum
analyzer will probably not have the impulse bandwidths of the IF filters
characterized, may not have the correct IF bandwidths, will not have a
quasi-peak adapter, and may have problems correctly displaying impulsive noise.
Inexpensive spectrum analyzers can have accuracy problems in both frequency and
amplitude.
I have not worked with measuring receivers, so I cannot compare them to spectrum
analyzers designed for EMC work. Presumably, the accuracy of EMC spectrum
analyzers is comparable to measuring receivers, or else they would not be
competitive in the market. They must be accurate enough to be quantitative along
with their qualitative abilities. Modern EMC spectrum analyzers can be tuned as
quickly and accurately as a measuring receiver.
But I do like having an EMC spectrum analyzer. One can watch it sweep and
display emissions as a function of frequency. And if there is an emissions
problem, one can use it as a (surprise!) spectrum analyzer to help solve it.
Don Borowski
Schweitzer Engineering Labs
Pullman, WA
"Muriel Bittencourt de Liz" <[email protected]> on 09/25/2002 11:51:00 AM
Please respond to "Muriel Bittencourt de Liz" <[email protected]>
To: "Lista de EMC da IEEE" <[email protected]>
cc: (bcc: Don Borowski/SEL)
Subject: Difference between Receivers and Spectrum Analyzers
Hello Group,
For EMC measurements (conducted and radiated emissions), electromagnetic
fields measurements (via antennas), what is the difference between using a
EMI Receiver or a Spectrum Analyzer??
Some guesses that I've been thinking are:
- The Receiver is more accurate than the Spectrum Analyzer, so it is more
suitable for EMC measurements that aim to respect the EMC standards.
- For measuring electromagnetic fields (eg electric field) for safety (human
safety standards for man-made electromagnetic fields, like ICNIRP) the
Receiver is suitable because it can give an accurate value to a particular
frequency that is being studied.
- The spectrum analyzer is "qualitative", i.e. it gives an idea of how the
spectra measured is distributed in the frequency range. The receiver is
"quantitative", i.e. it gives accurate amplitude for each frequency swept.
Well, I think this subject is very controversial, and it will generate a lot
of discussions, that will be good for us all.
Best Regards,
Muriel B. de Liz
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