Understanding RF Instrument Specifications, Part 1

RF instruments have many specifications that characterize the performance of the instrument. Although wireless technologies are always changing, engineers are routinely asked to design and test RF components and devices that may be beyond their level of RF experience. This three-part article is designed to help you understand both basic and advanced RF instrument specifications. The articles cover generic generator and analyzer specifications. Part 1 details specifications including frequency range, instantaneous bandwidth, tuning speed, phase noise, and voltage standing wave ratio. Parts 2 and 3 also describe 1 dB compression point, third-order intercept, dynamic range, and resolution bandwidth specifications.