How does a spectrum analyzer differ from a conventional oscilloscope?

A spectrum analyzer is specifically designed to analyze the frequency components of electrical signals, providing a visual representation of how much of the signal's power is present at different frequencies. This allows users to identify various characteristics of the signal, such as bandwidth, harmonics, and any unwanted frequency components (like noise or interference).

In contrast to an oscilloscope, which displays signals in the time domain, a spectrum analyzer presents the data based on frequency. This functionality makes it essential for tasks that involve communications, RF design, and signal integrity analysis. In practical terms, when you connect a signal to a spectrum analyzer, you obtain a plot that shows signal amplitude against frequency, highlighting how the signal behaves over that range.

The distinction in focus—time domain for oscilloscopes and frequency domain for spectrum analyzers—underlines the intended use of each instrument, particularly in specialized fields like telecommunications and electronics. Such differences help engineers and technicians tackle specific challenges based on the nature of the signals they are working with.