What's the difference between a spectrograph and an oscilloscope?
dynamic rangeDynamic range indicators vary according to their definitions. In many cases, the dynamic range is described as an instrument to measure the level difference between the maximum signal and the minimum signal. When changing the measurement set, ability of large signal and small signal measuring instrument is not the same, such as the spectrum analyzer in different attenuation settings, the distortion caused by measurement of large signal is not the same. Here, we discuss the ability of an instrument to simultaneously measure the size of signals, i.e., the best dynamic range of an oscilloscope and a spectrograph under suitable settings without changing any measurement settings.
Real-time bandwidthFor oscilloscopes, the bandwidth is usually measured in frequency range. The spectrum analyzer has the bandwidth definition such as the intermediate frequency bandwidth and the resolution bandwidth. Here, we discuss real-time bandwidth that can be used for real-time analysis of signals.The spectrum analyzer, the final real-time bandwidth analog IF bandwidth is usually used as the signal analysis, real-time bandwidth analysis most of the spectrum of only a few hertz, real time bandwidth is wide usually tens of MHz, of course FSW spectrum instrument at the widest bandwidth can reach 500 mhz. The real time bandwidth of the oscilloscope is the effective analog bandwidth of the actual time sampling, usually hundreds of megahertz, high up to thousands of megahertz.What should be pointed out here is that most oscilloscopes do not have the same vertical range, but the actual bandwidth may not be the same. When the vertical scale is set to the most sensitive, the actual bandwidth is usually decreased.From the aspect of real time bandwidth, oscilloscope is generally superior to spectrum analyzer, which is especially advantageous for some ultra wideband signal analysis, especially in modulation analysis.
sensitivityThe sensitivity discussed here is the level of the minimum signal that the oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer can test. This indicator is closely related to the instrument setting.The oscilloscope, oscilloscope in the Y axis is set to the most sensitive files, usually 1mV/div oscilloscope can test signal to a minimum, regardless of the port mismatch factor, signal channel oscilloscope noise and the noise caused by the unstable trajectory is the most important factor restricting the oscilloscope sensitivity.
