Unless you are interested in the spectral purity of the source's output, I wouldn't bother with a spectrum analyser. The frequency resolution would not be sufficient, nor would the frequency accuracy, to make meaningful frequency measurements of a frequency standard.
I would instead go looking for a decent counter. Regards Jason On 23 Mar 2016 08:01, <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi, > > I have another question about test equipment. When using a spectrum > analyzer > to examine the output of a frequency standard, what are the minimum > specification needed? Bandwidth, resolution, sensitivity, etc? > > Looking at spectrum analyzers on eBay, I see quite a bit of difference > between > various models. Some have a resolution of 10Hz but others are 30Hz or even > 100Hz. Some have a minimum frequency of 0.01Hz, 100Hz or even in the kHz > range. Some are only sensitive to 60dBm, but others over 100dBm. > > Are any of the cheaper USB spectrum analyzers worth getting? > > Most of these are appallingly expensive, so knowing what is needed can > certainly help guide a purchase or to minimize cost. And if a "deal" is > found, > knowing that it is or is not adequate can help. > > Clearly, better specifications are preferable, but I'm also sure that the > intended application makes a large difference. What is needed for > examining a > 10Mhz frequency standard might be remarkably different from what is needed > for > high-frequency RF work. > > > Mike > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
