troubleshooting EMI like a pro

Four Useful Tips for Using Affordable Benchtop Spectrum Analyzers

By Dr. Min Zhang
O

ver the past few years, several equipment manufacturers have launched affordable benchtop spectrum analyzers that are useful for several aspects of EMI troubleshooting and pre-compliance work. These units are often priced between $1000 and $3000 (USD), depending on the frequency range and model types. In addition, some models include a few paid add-on options, such as a tracking generator, EMI filter, reflection loss bridge, etc. Among these options, the tracking generator and EMI filter are worth having if you do pre-compliance EMI work.

Wyatt has many blog articles on this subject including [1], and his “EMC Troubleshooting Trilogy” presents guidelines for selecting a spectrum analyzer. Another useful resource is Mayerhofer’s “How to correctly use spectrum analyzers for EMC pre-compliance tests” [3]. Engineers can check out these articles (including the manufacturers’ application notes) to familiarize themselves with a spectrum analyzer’s basic and advanced functions.

In this column, we discuss several important features of a spectrum analyzer not covered in previous articles that are worth your consideration.

Tip #1: Always perform a quick pre‑check
Low-cost benchtop spectrum analyzers are particularly popular with small-to-medium companies that often don’t have an EMC test engineer. But these EMI spectrum analyzers can often be “abused” in the following ways:
  • When performing an EMI scan, the spectrum analyzer is connected to the LISN when the unit is turned on and off. This can be a problem because an inductive load’s “kickback” voltage could introduce a significantly high level of transient voltage that may potentially damage the RF front of a spectrum analyzer. This also applies when the spectrum analyzer is connected to an RF current probe clamped on a motor winding.
  • The EMI spectrum analyzer is used to measure conducted emissions from 150 kHz. Engineers notice the “ADC overload” measurement error during the measurement, but the measured signals often seem to be within the limit. This is most likely due to the high spurious levels of noise at relatively low frequencies. If the analyzer is left on during the measurement, there is a risk of damaging the analyzer.
The components that often get damaged in low-cost benchtop spectrum analyzers are ESD-protective devices and the GaAs switches. The problem with a damaged front end is that the spectrum analyzer will appear to function okay because there will be readings across the spectrum. But the readings will be wrong (in terms of amplitude), and wrong harmonics also appear if the front-end ESD suppressors get destroyed.

Therefore, a quick pre-check of the spectrum analyzer is necessary. The procedure is simple and quick to perform. There are two ways of performing a pre‑check.

  • If the spectrum analyzer has enabled the tracking generator (TG) function, simply connect the TG output and the spectrum input using a coaxial cable and perform a TG scan. One should see a flat, straight line across the whole frequency range at the supplied TG power level (often between -20 dBm and 0 dBm). This is shown in Figure 1.
  • If the spectrum analyzer does not feature the TG function, simply connect a function generator/signal generator to test a few selected frequency points. This requires a high-performance generator (to ensure the output waveform is sinusoidal).
Tip #2: Use transient limiters/high pass filters/external attenuators
Knowing the potential risks of damaging the RF input stage of a spectrum analyzer, engineers often need to protect the equipment using some passive devices.
A grey spectrum analyzer machine on top of a desk with its screen showing a yellow flat line in the TG (tracking generator) result reading and a blue plus grey transient limiter laid out in front of the spectrum analyzer
Figure 1
The popular device choices are transient limiters, high pass filters, and external attenuators. Effective as they are, consider the following issues when using these passive devices.
  • Transient limiters and high-pass filters can introduce measurement errors and should be used cautiously [4].
  • External attenuators do not have diode clipping issues, but they raise the spectrum analyzer’s noise floor, reducing the system’s sensitivity.
When using these passive devices, a “software” compensation value must be applied to the final measurement results. A common mistake is that the external factor is not scaled into the final result, causing a 10 dB or more difference in measurement.
Tip #3: “Zoom in” and reduce the RBW
An oscilloscope allows us to zoom in on the details of a time-domain signal. A spectrum analyzer can also be “zoomed-in,” so a great detail hidden in the spectrum plot can be reviewed.

A typical case involves a radiated emission test, in which a resonance peak is observed in the frequency range of 60 and 80MHz in the plot of 30 – 300 MHz. To find the noise source that resonates at this frequency range, we can reduce the measurement range to this narrow frequency region and reduce the resolution bandwidth (RBW), as shown in Figure 2. In this case, a switching frequency of 1.8 MHz was observed, which pointed to a switched-mode power supply on the board under test.

A spectrum analyzer screen showcasing a radiated emission test displaying a resonant peak between 60 and 80 MHz versus reduce the frequency span and RBW (resolution bandwidth) graph results
Figure 2

Engineers should always be aware that spectrum analyzers produce RF noise. The mains cable of the spectrum analyzer conducts and radiates RF noise in the frequency range of 1 MHz and 300 MHz.

Tip #4: Be aware of the noise generated by the spectrum analyzer
Inexpensive benchtop spectrum analyzers are infrequently used in an anechoic chamber, so the measured results are always subject to ambient noise. Ambient noise is generated by nearby equipment, lighting in the room, and cables connected to the mains power supply.

There are effective ways of reducing ambient noise, which we’ll discuss in detail in our next “Troubleshooting” column. But, in brief, engineers should always be aware that spectrum analyzers produce RF noise. The mains cable of the spectrum analyzer conducts and radiates RF noise in the frequency range of 1 MHz and 300 MHz. This can be measured by connecting an RF current probe on the mains cable.

Engineers who perform the test should differentiate the noise from the DUT and the test equipment used. In one case, when the author was testing a motor drive cable noise, the RF noise from the spectrum analyzer was coupled to the motor cable being measured, which led to misleading information.

References
  1. K. Wyatt, “Choosing an Affordable Spectrum Analyzer,” SIJ, 25 May 2022. https://www.signalintegrityjournal.com/blogs/17-practical-emc/post/2613-choosing-an-affordable-spectrum-analyzer
  2. K. Wyatt, “EMC Troubleshooting Trilogy.” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B4KB8YJS.
  3. M. Mayerhofer, “How to correctly use spectrum analyzers for EMC pre-compliance tests.” https://www.tekbox.com/product/AN_spectrum_analyzers_for_EMC_testing.pdf
  4. T. Williams, “Measurement Error Caused by the Transient Limiter.” http://www.elmac.co.uk/EMC_Zurich_limiter-hazard.pdf
Share this story:
Min Zhang portrait in black and white

Dr. Min Zhang is the founder and principal EMC consultant of Mach One Design Ltd, a UK-based engineering firm that specializes in EMC consulting, troubleshooting, and training. His in-depth knowledge in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design has benefitted companies worldwide. Zhang can be reached at info@mach1desgin.co.uk.

Back to Issue