As highlighted above in the article an oscilloscope measures signals in the time domain while a spectrum analyzer captures and measures signals in the frequency domain. When comparing both an oscilloscope and a spectrum analyzer, one should keep in mind that it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison however, there are key differences between the two. So, what is the core difference? Rigol DS1104Z Plus 4 Channel Oscilloscope is Being Used A spectrum analyzer is capable of measuring signals in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The main purpose of a spectrum analyzer is to measure noise, power, amplitude, frequency response, and distortion in RF and audio circuits. It is also used in the designing of amplifiers, filters, oscillators, mixers, etc. Due to the limited bandwidth of an oscilloscope, a standalone spectrum analyzer is preferred as it offers higher bandwidth making it easy for users to observe high-frequency signals.Ī spectrum analyzer is typically used in the Radio-Frequency industry where RF circuits such as transmitters and receivers are designed. Even though some high-end oscilloscopes do come with the FFT feature (Fast Fourier Transform) allowing users to view the signals in the frequency domain. – Spectrum Analyzerįor measuring signals in the frequency domain, a spectrum analyzer is used. It’s always recommended to have at least 4 channels on an oscilloscope, you may never know when you might need to analyze more than 2 signals at once. Check our top 10 selected oscilloscopes as they come at least with 2 channels. Mathematical functions such as addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, derivation, and integration can also be implemented on the signals and they can be measured and displayed.Īn average oscilloscope usually comes with 2 channels for the probes to connect to, allowing users to measure two different signals at the same time. Just by probing the point of interest on the circuit, a user can easily measure the amplitude, frequency, peak-to-peak voltage, and other relevant information. An oscilloscope usually comes with an LCD screen allowing users to see and interact with the signals being analyzed. To analyze signals simply probe the part of the circuit that you want to analyze. Unlike a digital multi-meter, an oscilloscope plots a series of continuous waves to show the output response of an electrical system. It allows users to analyze how their circuit is behaving when a certain input voltage is applied. An oscilloscope is typically used when designing or debugging a circuit. Core Differences – Oscilloscopesįor an electrical engineer, an oscilloscope is a vital testing instrument capable of measuring voltage signals in the time domain. This article hopefully helps you know which instrument to use when it comes to designing a certain circuit (RF, analog, and digital). In this post, we are going to differentiate another electronic testing instrument spectrum analyzer from oscilloscopes. In the previous article, we have discussed the differences between oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. As highlighted above in the article, an oscilloscope measures signals in the time domain while a spectrum analyzer captures and measures signals in the frequency domain.
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