FFT and frequency analysis using an oscilloscope

Overview:
Digital designers measure signals in the time domain using oscilloscopes however analyzing signals in the frequency domain can reveal detail that is not readily visible in the time domain. Most digital oscilloscopes include basic spectral analysis for this purpose which is implemented in software using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Frequency domain analysis provides the ability to measure small signals buried within complex time domain waveforms but there are also more traditional frequency domain measurements such as channel power and total harmonic distortion that are possible. The benefit of using an FFT for these traditional measurements is that both steady state and transient (burst mode) signals can be measured. This webinar will review some of the basics of using FFT analysis as well as a unique implementation of frequency domain analysis using a real time digital down converter and FFT which allows both high dynamic range and real time processing.

• Review of FFT basics: sample rate, resolution bandwidth, windowing and record length
• Signal acquisition considerations for FFT dynamic range and accuracy
• Digital down conversion and overlap processing
• FFT measurement examples
  • Channel power/adjacent channel power
  • Total harmonic distortion
  • Correlating time domain and frequency domain measurements

This is a one-hour seminar

Presenter:
Michael Schnecker, Business Development Manager, Rohde & Schwarz
Mike Schnecker has a BS from Lehigh University and an MS from Georgia Tech both in electrical engineering. He has 22 years of experience in the test and measurement industry in applications, sales and product development roles and has specialized in signal integrity applications including jitter using oscillosocpes and other instruments. Prior to joining Rohde & Schwarz, Mr. Schnecker held positions at LeCroy and Tektronix. While at LeCroy, he was responsible for the deployment of the SDA series of serial data analyzers.