Skip to main content
  • Investors
  • Partners
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Back
  • United States
  • 中国
  • 日本
  • Brasil
  • СНГ
  • Deutschland
  • España
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Mexico
VIAVI Solutions
Back
  • United States
  • 中国
  • 日本
  • Brasil
  • СНГ
  • Deutschland
  • España
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Mexico
Search icon
    • Lab and Manufacturing
      • Lab and Manufacturing
        • AI RAN Scenario Generation
        • Application Emulation
        • Automation and Orchestration
        • UE Emulation
        • Cloud UE Emulation
        • Core Emulation
        • Core Test
        • O-CU Simulator
        • O-CU Test
        • O-DU Test
        • O-RU Test
        • Security Validation
        • Test as a Service (TaaS)
        • Ethernet Test
        • High-Speed Networks
        • Optical Manufacturing Test
      • Compute, Storage, Transport
        • Compute, Storage, Transport
        • PCI Express
        • SAS and SATA
        • Fiber Channel, Ethernet, FCoE, NVMeoF
        • Protocol Analyzers
        • Exercisers and Generators
        • Jammers
    • Network Deployment and Maintenance
      • Network Deployment and Maintenance
        • Antenna Alignment and Monitoring
        • Asset and Data Management
        • Cell Site Installation and Maintenance
        • Cable and Antenna Analyzer
        • Interference Hunting
        • RF Analysis
      • Fiber
        • Fiber
        • Asset and Data Management
        • Attenuators
        • Bit Error Rate
        • Copper, DSL, WiFi and Broadband Test
        • DOCSIS Test
        • Essential Fiber Optic Testers
        • Ethernet Test
        • Fiber Characterization
        • Fiber Identifiers
        • Fiber Inspection and Cleaning
        • Fault Locators
        • Fiber Optic Sensing
        • Fiber Optic Light Sources
      • Fiber (cont.)
        • Fiber (cont.)
        • HFC Test
        • MPO Testing
        • Optical Multimeter
        • Optical Power Meters
        • Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA)
        • OTDR Testing
        • PON Testing
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
        • Virtual Test and Activation
        • AIOps
        • Core Network Assurance
        • Ethernet Assurance
        • RAN Assurance
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
      • Service Assurance
        • Service Assurance
        • 5G Service Assurance and Analytics
        • AIOps
        • Fiber Service Assurance
        • HFC and Cable Service Assurance
        • Transport Assurance
      • Lab and Manufacturing
        • Lab and Manufacturing
        • Automation and Orchestration
        • Cloud UE Emulation
        • Core Emulation
        • Core Test
        • O-CU Simulator
        • O-CU Test
        • O-DU Test
        • O-RU Test
        • RIC Test
        • Security Validation
        • Asset and Data Management
        • Network APIs
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
        • Virtual Test and Activation
        • AIOps
        • Ethernet Assurance
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
    • Railway and Mission-Critical
      • Railway and Mission-Critical
      • Drive Test
      • ERTMS and FRMCS Monitoring
      • Mission Critical Assurance
      • Railway Cybersecurity
      • Performance and Threat Visibility
        • Performance and Threat Visibility
        • End-User Experience
        • Enriched Flow Collection
        • Packet Analysis
        • Packet Capture Collection
        • Packet Meta-Data Collection
      • Test and Certification
        • Test and Certification
        • Bit Error Rate
        • Ethernet Test
        • Fiber Identifiers
        • Fiber Inspection and Cleaning
        • Fiber Optic Sensing
        • MPO Testing
        • Optical Power Meters
    • Land Mobile and Military Radio
      • Land Mobile and Military Radio
      • Communications Service Monitors
      • Land Mobile Radio Test
      • Military Radio Test
      • Modular Instrumentation
      • Software Defined Radio and System Solutions
    • Avionics
      • Avionics
      • ADS-B Compliance
      • Aircraft Fuel Quantity Test Sets and Interfaces
      • Antenna Couplers
      • Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
      • Fiber Optic Avionics
      • GPS Signal Simulators
      • Military Avionics
      • Modular Instrumentation
      • Navigation and Communication
      • Radio Altimeters (RADALT)
      • Radio Frequency Automatic Test Equipment (RF ATE) Systems
      • Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN)
      • Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
      • Transponder and Interrogator
    • Position, Navigation and Timing
      • Position, Navigation and Timing
      • GNSS Disciplined Oscillators
      • GNSS/GEO/LEO Grandmaster Clocks
      • GNSS/GEO/LEO Receiver Modules
      • GPS Simulator
      • RF Transcoder
      • Resilient GEO/LEO Timing Services
    • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • Custom Optics
        • Custom Optics
        • Custom Optical Filters
        • Light Shaping Optics
        • MicroNIR Spectrometers
      • Pigments
        • Pigments
        • Brand Protection
        • ChromaFlair Pigments
        • Security Pigments
        • SpectraFlair Pigments
    • All Products
      • All Products
      • All Products
      • Products by Family
      • Discontinued Products
    • Services
      • Services
      • Instrument Care Plans
      • Refurbished Equipment
      • Repair and Calibration
      • System Maintenance and Contracts
      • Training and Certification
      • VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR)
      • Order Services
      • Wireless
        • Wireless
        • 5G Solutions
        • 5G Security
        • 5G Synchronization
        • 6G Forward
        • AIOps
        • Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN
        • Cell Site Installation
        • Cloud-Based Testing
        • Interference Hunting
        • MU-MIMO Test
        • Network Digital Twin
        • Non-Terrestrial Networks
        • Open RAN
        • Private 5G
        • RAN Intelligence Solutions
      • Wireline
        • Wireline
        • AIOps
        • DWDM
        • Ethernet Service Activation Test
        • Fiber Construction
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Network Solutions
        • Fiber Sensing
        • FTTx
        • HFC Network Test
        • MPO Connector Testing
        • Passive Optical Network (PON)
        • Rural Broadband
        • Test Process Automation (TPA)
        • Transport Network Operations
        • Hyperscale
        • Data Center Interconnect
        • MPO Connector Testing
        • Tier 1 (Basic) Fiber Optic Certification
        • Tier 2 (Extended) Fiber Optic Certification
    • Network Equipment Manufacturers
      • Network Equipment Manufacturers
        • 5G Security
        • 5G Network Equipment Manufacturers
        • 6G Forward
        • Analytics Enablement
        • Cloud-Based Testing
        • Non-Terrestrial Networks
        • Open RAN Security Test
        • O-RU Commercialization
        • Private 5G
        • Coherent Optics Testing
        • Field Deployment
        • Scalable Manufacturing
        • Technology and Service Introduction
        • Test and Development
      • AIOps
      • Fiber Sensing
      • Open RAN
      • Private 5G
      • Public Safety
      • Solutions for Operations Managers
      • Test Process Automation (TPA)
      • Threat Forensics and Remediation
        • Open RAN Security Test
        • Open RAN Security and Firewall Test
        • Threat Forensics and Remediation
        • Fiber Sensing
    • Government, Aerospace and Defense
      • Government, Aerospace and Defense
        • Electromagnetic Warfare
        • Field Test
        • Military Aviation Testing
        • Payload & Device Optical Elements
        • Radar
        • Research, Development and Manufacturing
        • Secure and Reliable Communications
        • Spectrum Monitoring and Signal Analysis
        • Field Test
        • Private 5G
        • Public Safety
        • Secure and Reliable Communications
        • General Aviation
    • Enterprise and Data Center
      • Enterprise and Data Center
        • Cloud Monitoring
        • End-User Experience Monitoring
        • Integrations and Partner Ecosystem
        • Network Performance Monitoring
        • Private 5G
        • Unified Communications
        • Integrations and Partner Ecosystem
        • Threat Forensics and Remediation
        • Cloud Workflow Management
        • Data Center Interconnect
        • Ethernet Service Activation Test
        • Fiber and Copper Test and Certification
        • MPO Connector Testing
        • Tier 1 (Basic) Fiber Optic Certification
        • Tier 2 (Extended) Fiber Optic Certification
        • WAN Performance Testing
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Sensing
        • Electric Power Operators
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Sensing
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Sensing
    • Contractors and Integrators
      • Contractors and Integrators
      • Cell Site Installation and Commissioning
      • Data Center Contractor Solutions
      • Fiber and Copper Test and Certification
      • Residential Broadband Services Installation
      • Solutions for Field Technicians
      • Solutions for Installers
      • Solutions for Operations Managers
      • Test Process Automation (TPA)
    • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • 3D Sensing
      • Anti-Counterfeiting
      • Automotive
      • Biomedical Applications
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Custom Color Solutions
      • Government and Aerospace
      • Industrial
      • NIR Spectroscopy
      • Spectral Sensing
  • How to Buy
    • Request a Quote
    • Request a Demo
    • Check Order Status
    • Contact Us
    • Equipment Rental
    • Financing Options
    • How to Order Products
    • How to Order Services
    • Locate a Partner
    • Refurbished Equipment
  • Resources
    • Learning Center
      • Learning Center
      • What are Cloud Solutions?
      • What is 5G Energy Consumption?
      • What is 5G Testing?
      • What is a Hyperscale Data Center?
      • What is End-User Experience Monitoring?
      • What is Fiber Construction?
      • What is Fiber Optic Sensing?
      • What is Fiber Testing?
      • What is OTDR Testing?
      • What is Packet Capture?
      • What is PCIe 6.0?
      • What is RF Interference?
      • View All Topics
    • Literature Library
    • Blog Posts
    • Subscription Center
    • Video Library
    • Webinars
    • Customer Support
      • Customer Support
      • Customer Portal
      • Customer Service
      • Technical Support
      • Return Material Authorization (RMA)
      • How-To Videos
      • Knowledge Base
      • Quick Cards and Tech Tips
      • Software Downloads
      • Warranty, Quality and Compliance
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Awards and Recognition
      • Sustainability
      • Leadership
      • Our Locations
      • Together with VIAVI
    • Careers
      • Careers
      • Career Paths
      • Search and Apply
      • Early-Career Program
      • Life at VIAVI
      • What We Value
      • Events
      • In the News
      • News Releases
      • Blog Posts
      • Subscription Center
    • Partners
      • Partners
      • Locate a Partner
      • Partner Portal Login
      • Compliance
      • Data Privacy and Data Security
      • Patents
      • Product Environmental Compliance
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Terms of Use
    • Contact Us
Search icon
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Learning Center

What is a Spectrum Analyzer?

  • What is a Spectrum Analyzer?
  • Types of Spectrum Analyzers
  • Use Cases
  • FAQ
  • View Products
  • View Resources
  • Contact an Expert

The VIAVI portfolio of RF and optical spectrum analyzers exemplify and accelerate this evolution. Ruggedized, 5G-ready portable models and purpose-built solutions for every shielding, WiFi, and optical system application unlock the full potential of today’s technology and bring invisible interference and performance data into the light.  

A spectrum analyzer is a widely used test device that measures and plots signal power (amplitude) over a selected frequency range. In the most general sense, it is a tool for measuring the power and frequency for known and unknown signals. A variety of products have been developed to evaluate a wide range of network and signal behavior. The frequencies and bandwidths of output signals can also be compared to the received input. 

Spectral components observed with a spectrum analyzer include the dominant frequency, harmonics, power, distortion, and noise floor. Common applications include radio frequency (RF) signal analysis, electronic circuit design and test, audio engineering, and fiber optic network activation and maintenance. Advanced digital technology enables a real-time spectrum analyzer to capture transient or elusive events. Programmable test routines, spectrum recording, and intuitive touchscreen displays are hallmarks of the latest generation of handheld instruments.  

Technology has gradually evolved since the first swept-tuned analyzers emerged over 100 years ago. The digital architecture that enabled the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer ultimately led to true real time spectrum analysis (RTSA) with no sampling gaps or ‘blind spots’ in time. The form factors and types of spectrum analyzer now available include every conceivable size, shape, and complexity level. For each specific application, VIAVI has developed a breadth of solutions to support test, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.  

Benchtop
AC-powered analyzers for lab and manufacturing environments are typically designed for a standard 19” rack or tabletop installation for larger equipment. The benefits and features of benchtop models include higher computing power and available real estate for modules, ports, knobs, buttons, and displays. A full spectrum analyzer in the lab is frequently used in conjunction with an oscilloscope or other high-end equipment.

Portable
As the number of applications multiply, portability and durability gain importance. A portable spectrum analyzer is usually battery operated or rechargeable, under 15 lbs., and optimized for use in the field. Compact spectrum analyzers are often ruggedized, incorporating features such as screen glare reduction, weather-proofing, and integrated handles.

Handheld
A new class of small spectrum analyzer that can fit in the palm of your hand has become a reality. Despite advancements in internal design and component performance, these ultra-compact units are not typically required to be high performance tools and so are limited with respect to feature sets, frequency range, and accuracy. Typical uses for a handheld spectrum analyzer include wireless communication interference tracking and signal location in the field.

Integrated
The processing power, memory, and display capabilities of laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones can be made to work in conjunction with modern spectrum analyzers. Advanced measurement features can then be dedicated to optimizing accuracy, bandwidth, and range. This versatility signals a new class of analyzers with the integrated device’s connectivity also leveraged for software upgrades, reporting, and storage.  

The list of applications utilizing the best spectrum analyzer technology continues to grow as the tools become more versatile and compact. In laboratory and production environments, they can be used to design, characterize, and test any product generating (or sensitive to) RF, optical, or sound waves. With wireless capability added to virtually any device through the internet of things (IoT), the applications for field testing are limitless.

Optical Spectrum Analysis: Since light has both inherent frequency and intensity, a spectrum analyzer is the perfect tool for the study of optical spectra and power from numerous light sources. Optical networks in the telecommunications industry are enabled and supported by the capabilities of spectrum analysis. Optical transmission technologies including dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) and reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADM) depend on wave form precision and integrity that must be verified.  

  • Manufacturing Test practices have evolved for a wide range of optical components and systems. General purpose tools are used to design, test, and manufacture passive components, source lasers, and amplifiers. High resolution optical spectrum analysis (OSA) test modules quantify and diagnose fine wavelength features for products like modulated DWDM transmission systems and complex optical sources.  
  • Field Test applications for optical spectrum analyzers continue to expand as the DWDM, C-band transmission, and tight channel spacing previously seen only in high-speed metro/longhaul fiber deployments find their way into access networks. At speeds of up to 800Gb/s per channel, optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) is a valuable test metric for service providers, contractors, and network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) to assess the performance of all optical channels simultaneously or troubleshoot live network issues.

RF Spectrum Analysis: The increased use of Wi-Fi and the rollout of 5G have highlighted the need for state-of-the-art technology in the radio frequency (RF) field. As telecommunication networks expand, spectrum analyzers assess the frequency utilization, interference, and accuracy of wireless transmission and interference.  

  • Cell Tower Installations are a classic field application for RF spectrum analysis. 5G NR technology takes cellular into uncharted territory by utilizing high-frequency bands above 26GHz in the millimeter wave. Cutting-edge 5G transmission modes like time division duplex (TDD) require persistence spectrum analysis features for characterization and troubleshooting. All-in-one cell site installation and maintenance test tools combine over the air spectrum analysis with interference testing, fiber validation, and antenna testing capabilities.  
  • RF Shielding is required for many electronic devices in the vicinity of hospitals and other venues with RF-sensitive equipment such as MRI imaging systems. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is concerned with unwanted emissions that influence existing wired and wireless communications. A purpose-built cable spectrum analyzer or meter can detect escaped signals (egress) and signal leakage into wired cable networks (ingress).
  • WiFi Applications continue to grow in number and complexity. Crowded WiFi frequency bands ranging from 2.4 GHz to 60 GHz are challenged by interference, channel overlap, and capacity issues. The power of spectrum analysis can be used to assess signal strength, channel utilization, and RF interference in real time. These useful metrics help operators to optimize their WiFi loading and performance. 

What does a spectrum analyzer measure? 
The spectrum analyzer working principle is used to measure the magnitude (power) of signal input vs. the frequency (wavelength) over a given spectrum range. Visibility into the frequency domain vs the time domain of the signal distinguishes these devices from oscilloscopes. They also provide detailed insight into the signal to noise ratio (SNR), phase, and modulation behavior.

What is the basic functionality? 
Learning how to use a spectrum analyzer is similar in concept to using a basic radio receiver. With the addition of an upgraded mixer, oscillator, and graphical display of the signal strength, wave signatures are translated into a quantifiable, visual format. Over the years, technology has evolved and improved to support more industries and applications. Despite this progress, the basic functionality and display have remained similar.  

How do you use a spectrum analyzer? 
Usage has changed very little since the earliest models. Once the equipment is powered on and an input has been selected, basic settings include center frequency, span width, and reference levels for the amplitude (y-axis). The resolution bandwidth (RBW), video bandwidth (VBW) and sweep time settings are used to control the precision of the measurements and resulting image on the screen.  

Features 

  • Basic features: Control the measurement parameters and determine how the data is analyzed and presented to the user. Digital technology and cloud connectivity continue to enable more diverse and useful features. Simply asking, “what is a spectrum analyzer used for?” in a given application is a good way to sort through the volume of available products and feature lists.  
  • Common Features: The first commercial spectrum analyzers already incorporated practical features like span adjustability, frequency markers, and sweep time settings. Additional features that are helpful for almost any type of application include noise markers, peak search, tracking generators, and additional input ports for multi-channel analysis.
  • Advanced Features: Include demodulators for RF spectrum analyzers that allow the user to “listen” to the signal being analyzed. Spectral masks and programmable phase noise analysis simplify setup and standardize test routines. Advanced features sets also include persistence spectrum analysis, interference analysis, and software enabled features such as touch screen displays, image capture and recall, test process automation (TPA), and cloud connectivity.

What is a network analyzer vs spectrum analyzer? 
Although both are widely used in the electronics and RF industries, there are key differences between them. While a spectrum analyzer measures the behavior and variation of radio or light waves, a network analyzer is used to characterize the response of components like transistors, filters, and mixers within a pre-configured RF circuit. This type of network analyzer is also separate in form and function from the powerful network monitoring and data analysis solutions used to capture, store, and analyze computer network packet data.  

How have spectrum analyzers evolved? 
In the 150 years since James Maxwell gave us our first glimpse into the unlimited potential of radio airwaves, the spectrum analyzer has become an important tool in the electronics, RF, audio, and optical fields. The explosion of new features and functionality over the past decade is on par with the advancement experienced in the mid-1900’s, when FFT-based models created the distinction of analogue swept vs real time spectrum analyzer. Automated workflows, high-definition color graphics, and multi-function capabilities within compact devices have led to higher levels of performance and success.   

Corporate
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Investor Relations
  • News Releases
  • Partners
  • Social Responsibility
Areas of Expertise
  • 3D Sensing
  • 5G Testing
  • Avionics
  • Fiber
  • Service Assurance
Support
  • Customer Service
  • Technical Assistance
  • Technical Support Portal
  • Repair and Calibration
  • Software Downloads
How to Buy
  • Request a Quote
  • Contact Sales
  • Locate a Partner
  • Order Status
viavi logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Subscription Center

© 2025 VIAVI Solutions Inc.

  • Cookie Preferences
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Technical Assistance
  • Request RMA
  • Request a Quote
  • Locate a Partner
  • Customer Portal
  • Contact Us