Application Notes
Signals are analyzed in either the time or frequency domain. Mathematically, either Fourier and Laplace transforms connects the two representations. Signals are measured in the laboratory in either domain, but using different instruments. While the oscilloscope is the most common instrument for time domain measurements, the spectrum analyzer is the most common instrument for frequency domain measurements.
Linear systems are characterized by either their time domain impulse response or by their frequency domain transfer function. The transfer function is straightforward; this is because you multiply input signals by the transfer function to produce the output frequency domain representation. With time domain input signals, you must convolve them with the impulse response to produce the output time domain waveform. Spectrum analyzers allow viewing of the frequency domain representation of a signal, and network analyzers provide a direct measurement of the transfer function in the frequency domain. In Lesson 2, you will learn about the basic functionality of a spectrum analyzer and measurements you can make with it.
The FieldFox Fundamentals series is written for Keysight’s FieldFox N9914A 6.5 GHz handheld analyzer. However, you can substitute the N9914A with any of the following models: N9913/15/16/17A, N9918A with adaptors, N9950/51/52A with adaptors, or N991xB.
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