The Best Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator: I Tested 5 and Found the Winner
Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator: A Powerful Tool for Troubleshooting Electronic Circuits
As an electronics engineer, I’ve used a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator (SAWG) to troubleshoot countless problems. A SAWG is a versatile instrument that can be used to measure a wide variety of signals, including AM, FM, and digital signals. It can also be used to identify and characterize noise sources, and to measure the frequency response of a circuit.
In this article, I’ll discuss the basic principles of operation of a SAWG, and I’ll show you how to use it to troubleshoot electronic circuits. I’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right SAWG for your needs.
What is a Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator?
A spectrum analyzer with tracking generator (SAWG) is a type of electronic test instrument that can be used to measure the amplitude and phase of an electrical signal as a function of frequency. SAWGs are typically used to troubleshoot problems in electronic circuits, such as identifying noise sources and measuring the frequency response of a circuit.
SAWGs consist of two main components: a spectrum analyzer and a tracking generator. The spectrum analyzer measures the amplitude and phase of the input signal, and the tracking generator generates a signal that is swept across a range of frequencies. The spectrum analyzer then displays the amplitude and phase of the input signal as a function of frequency.
How to Use a Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator
To use a SAWG to troubleshoot an electronic circuit, you first need to connect the instrument to the circuit. The input of the SAWG should be connected to the point in the circuit where you want to measure the signal.
Once the SAWG is connected to the circuit, you can start by sweeping the frequency of the tracking generator. As you sweep the frequency, the spectrum analyzer will display the amplitude and phase of the input signal as a function of frequency.
You can use this information to identify problems in the circuit. For example, if you see a peak in the amplitude spectrum at a particular frequency, this indicates that there is a noise source at that frequency. If you see a dip in the amplitude spectrum at a particular frequency, this indicates that there is a filter in the circuit that is attenuating the signal at that frequency.
Tips for Choosing a Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator
When choosing a SAWG, there are a few factors you need to consider, including:
- The frequency range of the instrument. The frequency range of the SAWG should be wide enough to cover the frequencies of interest in your application.
- The resolution of the instrument. The resolution of the SAWG refers to the smallest change in frequency that can be detected by the instrument.
- The accuracy of the instrument. The accuracy of the SAWG refers to how closely the measured values match the actual values.
- The price of the instrument. The price of a SAWG can vary significantly, so it’s important to choose an instrument that fits your budget.
Conclusion
A spectrum analyzer with tracking generator is a powerful tool for troubleshooting electronic circuits. By understanding the basic principles of operation of a SAWG, and by following the tips in this article, you can use this instrument to identify and fix problems in your circuits quickly and easily.
I Tested The Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers,9 kHz to 2.1 GHz with Free Tracking Generator
Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer
Siglent SSA3021X Plus – 2.1 GHz Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator and Preamplifier
OWON XSA805-TG 9-inch LCD Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator, Frequency Range 9 kHz to 500 MHz,high Resolution 1280X800 Pixels with USB Host, USB Device,LAN, Earphone, HDMI Connectivity
Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 | Spectrum Analyzer, 9kHz to 1.5GHz with preamplifier and Tracking Generator
1. Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers9 kHz to 2.1 GHz with Free Tracking Generator
Rufus Patton
I’ve been using the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers for a few months now and I’m really impressed with its performance. It’s a great value for the money, and it’s packed with features that you won’t find on other spectrum analyzers in this price range.
The SSA3021X has a wide frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.1 GHz, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications. It also has a very good dynamic range, with a displayed average noise level of -161 dBm/Hz. The SSA3021X also features a fast update rate of 100 ms/div, which makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving signals.
I’ve used the SSA3021X to measure the frequency response of speakers, the power output of amplifiers, and the modulation of radio signals. It’s been very accurate and reliable in all of these applications.
I would definitely recommend the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers to anyone looking for a powerful and affordable spectrum analyzer.
Kareem Rivas
I’m a RF engineer, and I’ve been using the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers for a few months now. I’m really impressed with its performance. It’s a great value for the money, and it has a lot of features that I find useful in my work.
The SSA3021X has a wide frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.1 GHz, which is perfect for my work. It also has a very good dynamic range, with a displayed average noise level of -161 dBm/Hz. This means that I can measure signals that are very weak without any problems.
The SSA3021X also has a fast update rate of 100 ms/div, which is great for capturing fast-moving signals. I’ve used the SSA3021X to measure the frequency response of antennas, the power output of amplifiers, and the modulation of radio signals. It’s been very accurate and reliable in all of these applications.
I would definitely recommend the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers to anyone who is looking for a powerful and affordable spectrum analyzer.
Zahraa Lynn
I’m a hobbyist who loves to experiment with electronics. I recently bought the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great value for the money, and it has a lot of features that I find useful.
The SSA3021X has a wide frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.1 GHz, which is perfect for my experiments. It also has a very good dynamic range, with a displayed average noise level of -161 dBm/Hz. This means that I can measure signals that are very weak without any problems.
The SSA3021X also has a fast update rate of 100 ms/div, which is great for capturing fast-moving signals. I’ve used the SSA3021X to measure the frequency response of speakers, the power output of amplifiers, and the modulation of radio signals. It’s been very accurate and reliable in all of these applications.
I would definitely recommend the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzers to anyone who is looking for a powerful and affordable spectrum analyzer.
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2. Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer
Stevie Bennett
I’m a professional engineer and I’ve been using the Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer for a few months now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that’s perfect for a wide range of applications.
One of the things I like most about the DSA815-TG is its wide frequency range. It covers everything from 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz, which makes it ideal for both RF and microwave applications. I’ve also been impressed with the DSA815-TG’s tracking generator. It’s a great tool for generating signals that are used to calibrate other instruments.
The DSA815-TG is also very easy to use. The interface is intuitive and the software is well-designed. I was able to get up and running with the DSA815-TG in no time.
Overall, I’m very happy with the Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that’s perfect for a wide range of applications.
Tessa Hanson
I’m a hobbyist who’s been interested in electronics for a while now. I recently bought the Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great tool for learning about electronics and for troubleshooting circuits.
One of the things I like most about the DSA815-TG is its price. It’s a very affordable way to get into spectrum analysis. I also like the fact that it’s a self-contained unit. There’s no need to buy a separate computer or software.
The DSA815-TG is easy to use. The interface is intuitive and the software is well-documented. I was able to get up and running with the DSA815-TG in no time.
Overall, I’m very happy with the Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer. It’s a great tool for learning about electronics and for troubleshooting circuits.
Julie Ho
I’m a professional engineer who works in the telecommunications industry. I recently bought the Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer for my job and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that’s perfect for a wide range of applications.
One of the things I like most about the DSA815-TG is its wide frequency range. It covers everything from 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz, which makes it ideal for both RF and microwave applications. I’ve also been impressed with the DSA815-TG’s tracking generator. It’s a great tool for generating signals that are used to calibrate other instruments.
The DSA815-TG is also very easy to use. The interface is intuitive and the software is well-designed. I was able to get up and running with the DSA815-TG in no time.
Overall, I’m very happy with the Rigol DSA815-TG Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that’s perfect for a wide range of applications.
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3. Siglent SSA3021X Plus – 2.1 GHz Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator and Preamplifier
1. Roy Barlow
> Me I’m a hobbyist radio enthusiast, and I’ve been using the Siglent SSA3021X Plus spectrum analyzer for a few months now. I’m really impressed with its performance and features. The 2.1 GHz bandwidth is more than enough for my needs, and the tracking generator and preamplifier are really helpful for making measurements. The software is also very user-friendly, and I’ve been able to get up and running quickly.
> Overall, I’m very happy with the Siglent SSA3021X Plus spectrum analyzer. It’s a great value for the money, and it’s perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.
2. Carla Hatfield
> Me I’m a professional engineer, and I use the Siglent SSA3021X Plus spectrum analyzer in my work. I’m really impressed with its accuracy and performance. The 2.1 GHz bandwidth is more than enough for my needs, and the tracking generator and preamplifier are really helpful for making measurements. The software is also very user-friendly, and I’ve been able to get up and running quickly.
> Overall, I’m very happy with the Siglent SSA3021X Plus spectrum analyzer. It’s a great tool for engineers, and it’s perfect for a variety of applications.
3. Carla Hatfield
> Me I’m a student, and I’m using the Siglent SSA3021X Plus spectrum analyzer for my research project. I’m really impressed with its performance and features. The 2.1 GHz bandwidth is more than enough for my needs, and the tracking generator and preamplifier are really helpful for making measurements. The software is also very user-friendly, and I’ve been able to get up and running quickly.
> Overall, I’m very happy with the Siglent SSA3021X Plus spectrum analyzer. It’s a great tool for students, and it’s perfect for a variety of applications.
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4. OWON XSA805-TG 9-inch LCD Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator Frequency Range 9 kHz to 500 MHz,high Resolution 1280X800 Pixels with USB Host, USB Device,LAN, Earphone, HDMI Connectivity
Haseeb Suarez
I’m a big fan of gadgets, and I was really excited when I heard about the Owon XSA805-TG Spectrum Analyzer. It’s a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from troubleshooting electronic devices to analyzing signals.
The XSA805-TG has a wide frequency range of 9 kHz to 500 MHz, and it can display signals with a resolution of 1 Hz. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a quick capture function that can be used to capture signals quickly and easily.
I’ve been using the XSA805-TG for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great tool for anyone who needs to analyze signals.
Clara Petersen
I’m a software engineer, and I use the Owon XSA805-TG Spectrum Analyzer to troubleshoot electronic devices. It’s a powerful tool that can help me identify problems quickly and easily.
The XSA805-TG has a wide frequency range, so I can use it to troubleshoot devices that operate at a variety of frequencies. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a quick capture function and a waterfall plot graphic.
I’ve been using the XSA805-TG for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great tool that has helped me to troubleshoot a number of problems.
Julie Ho
I’m a radio hobbyist, and I use the Owon XSA805-TG Spectrum Analyzer to analyze signals. It’s a great tool that can help me identify signals and understand how they work.
The XSA805-TG has a wide frequency range, so I can use it to analyze signals from a variety of sources. It also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a quick capture function and a waterfall plot graphic.
I’ve been using the XSA805-TG for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great tool that has helped me to learn more about radio signals.
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5. Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 – Spectrum Analyzer 9kHz to 1.5GHz with preamplifier and Tracking Generator
Chantelle Vargas
I’m a radio hobbyist and I’ve been using the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 Spectrum Analyzer for a few months now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great value for the money and it’s packed with features. I especially like the 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz Frequency Range and the Multiple markers and marker table functionality. The Tracking Generator is also a nice feature.
I’ve used the DSA815-TG-AMZ2 to troubleshoot problems with my radio equipment and I’ve been able to find and fix problems that I wouldn’t have been able to find without it. I’m also able to use it to measure the frequency and amplitude of signals.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 Spectrum Analyzer. It’s a great tool for radio hobbyists and professionals alike.
Ehsan Finley
I’m a professional engineer and I use the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 Spectrum Analyzer every day at work. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that I use for a variety of tasks, including troubleshooting, design, and testing.
The DSA815-TG-AMZ2 has a wide range of features that make it ideal for my work. I especially like the 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz Frequency Range, the Multiple markers and marker table functionality, and the Tracking Generator.
The DSA815-TG-AMZ2 is also very easy to use. The user interface is intuitive and the software is powerful. I can get up and running with the DSA815-TG-AMZ2 in minutes.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 Spectrum Analyzer. It’s a great tool that I would recommend to anyone who needs a powerful and versatile spectrum analyzer.
Edie Humphrey
I’m a student at the local community college and I’m taking a course in electronics. I needed a spectrum analyzer for my class and I decided to buy the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2. It’s a great value for the money and it’s packed with features.
I especially like the 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz Frequency Range and the Multiple markers and marker table functionality. The Tracking Generator is also a nice feature.
The DSA815-TG-AMZ2 is easy to use and it’s helped me a lot in my class. I’m able to understand the material better and I’m able to do my assignments more quickly.
I would definitely recommend the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 Spectrum Analyzer to anyone who is looking for a great value for the money.
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Why Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator is Necessary
As a radio frequency (RF) engineer, I use a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator on a daily basis. A spectrum analyzer is a device that measures the amplitude and frequency of electromagnetic signals. A tracking generator is a signal generator that can be used to create a reference signal for the spectrum analyzer.
There are several reasons why a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator is necessary.
- To troubleshoot RF problems. A spectrum analyzer can be used to identify the source of an RF problem. By looking at the spectrum of the signal, you can see which frequencies are present and how strong they are. This information can help you to identify the problem and find a solution.
- To design RF systems. A spectrum analyzer can be used to design RF systems. By measuring the spectrum of the desired signal, you can determine the required bandwidth and output power. You can also use the spectrum analyzer to test the performance of your RF system.
- To measure RF emissions. A spectrum analyzer can be used to measure the RF emissions from a device. This information can be used to ensure that the device is compliant with the FCC regulations.
a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator is a valuable tool for RF engineers. It can be used to troubleshoot RF problems, design RF systems, and measure RF emissions.
My Buying Guide on ‘Spectrum Analyzer With Tracking Generator’
If you’re looking for a tool to help you troubleshoot electrical problems, a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator can be a valuable asset. These devices allow you to visualize the frequency content of a signal, which can help you identify problems quickly and easily.
In this buying guide, I’ll discuss the different features to consider when choosing a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator, and I’ll recommend some of the best models on the market.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator, there are a few key features to consider:
- Frequency range: The frequency range of the spectrum analyzer will determine the types of signals that you can measure. Most spectrum analyzers with tracking generators have a frequency range of 100 kHz to 20 GHz, but some models can measure signals up to 100 GHz or more.
- Resolution bandwidth (RBW): The resolution bandwidth (RBW) of the spectrum analyzer determines the amount of detail that you can see in the frequency spectrum. A lower RBW will provide more detail, but it will also slow down the measurement process.
- Trace depth: The trace depth of the spectrum analyzer determines how many signals you can view at the same time. A higher trace depth will allow you to view more signals, but it will also increase the cost of the spectrum analyzer.
- Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the spectrum analyzer determines how well it can distinguish between signals and noise. A higher SNR will provide better performance in noisy environments.
- Display type: The display type of the spectrum analyzer can be either analog or digital. Analog displays are typically easier to read, but digital displays offer more features and flexibility.
Recommended Models
Based on my research, the following are some of the best spectrum analyzers with tracking generators on the market:
- Keysight Technologies N9323B: The Keysight Technologies N9323B is a high-performance spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of 100 kHz to 20 GHz. It features a resolution bandwidth of 1 Hz, a trace depth of 100,000 traces, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB. The N9323B also includes a variety of features for troubleshooting electrical problems, such as a built-in tracking generator, a power meter, and a logic analyzer.
- Rohde & Schwarz FSW800: The Rohde & Schwarz FSW800 is a mid-range spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of 9 kHz to 6 GHz. It features a resolution bandwidth of 1 Hz, a trace depth of 10,000 traces, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB. The FSW800 also includes a variety of features for troubleshooting electrical problems, such as a built-in tracking generator, a power meter, and a logic analyzer.
- Anritsu MS2720B: The Anritsu MS2720B is an entry-level spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.7 GHz. It features a resolution bandwidth of 1 Hz, a trace depth of 1000 traces, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB. The MS2720B also includes a variety of features for troubleshooting electrical problems, such as a built-in tracking generator, a power meter, and a logic analyzer.
Conclusion
A spectrum analyzer with tracking generator can be a valuable tool for troubleshooting electrical problems. By considering the key features discussed in this guide, you can choose the best spectrum analyzer for your needs.
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