Application Note: Configuring The Spectrum Analyzer To Measure Low-Level Signals

Measuring low-level signals with a spectrum analyzer is a common challenge. The fundamental reason for this is the noise generated within the spectrum analyzer limits the lowest signal level detectable. Even if a user knows the specified noise level of the spectrum analyzer when terminated with a 50Ohm load (“Displayed Average Noise Level” or “Noise Floor”), he or she may not be fully aware of how to properly configure the analyzer to achieve that specification. Also, the settings required to achieve the terminated DANL specification may not be suitable for every application.