Errors in the measurement of non-Gaussian noise spectra using rf spectrum analyzers

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1142168· OSTI ID:5157993

Anderson, M H; Jones, R D; Cooper, J; Smith, S J ^[1]

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1. Joint Institute of Colorado, Bouldeer, Colorado (USA) National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado (USA)

We discuss the nature of errors which may occur when the spectra of random signals not obeying Gaussian statistics are measured with typical rf spectrum analyzers. These errors depend on both the noise statistics and the process used to detect the random signal after it has been passed through a narrow bandpass filter within the spectrum analyzer. In general, for random signals not obeying Gaussian statistics, the output of the bandpass filter must be measured with a square law detector if the resulting measurement is to be strictly proportional to the power spectrum of the input signal. We compare measurements of the power spectra of non-Gaussian noise using a commerical spectrum analyzer with its resident envelope detector, with measurements by the same analyzer fitted with a square law detector. Differences of about 5% were observed.

• OSTI ID: 5157993
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States), Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States) Vol. 62:11; ISSN RSINA; ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400102* -- Chemical & Spectral Procedures
657002 -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Classical & Quantum Mechanics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHARGED PARTICLES
EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY
FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY
FUNCTIONS
IONS
SODIUM IONS
SPECTRAL DENSITY
SPECTRAL FUNCTIONS
SPECTROSCOPY