What Is an Analyzer?
An analyzer is a device or software for analyzing and analyzing input signals, samples, and data.
The term analyzer is often mistaken for measuring instrument, but it is not the same.
Types of Analyzers
There are various types of analyzers:
1. Spectrum Analyzer
A spectrum analyzer analyzes the frequency components of high-frequency signals.
It can analyze radio wave conditions that cannot be seen by the eye. The analysis results are displayed in terms of the magnitude of the components for each frequency. It is a measuring instrument used to inspect radio wave facilities such as cell phone base stations, and in many cases it is taken out and used on site.
The horizontal axis of the analysis screen displays frequency (unit: Hz), and the vertical axis displays amplitude (unit: dB), allowing measurements from very weak signals to strong signals.
2. Network Analyzer
A network analyzer analyzes the characteristics of electronic components and analyzes electronic components modeled as a 4-terminal circuit network.
It measures currents, voltages, etc. at the input and output to obtain transfer characteristics (S-parameters). The gain magnitude at each frequency, phase at each frequency, etc. are output as analysis results. Graphs and Smith charts are used as display formats.
It is possible to measure the attenuation and impedance of input signals in electronic circuits. In a circuit network that handles high frequencies, impedance mismatches that occur between devices or cables can cause power loss or signal distortion, so they are analyzed with an analyzer.
3. Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
Sometimes called a source measure, this analyzer analyzes the input/output characteristics of semiconductors such as transistors. The graph shows the change in output current, voltage, and resistance when the input voltage or current is varied.
Since this graph is generally a curve, it is sometimes called a curve tracer.
4. Power Analyzer
A power analyzer analyzes harmonics, momentary interruptions, overvoltages, and other variations in AC power. It includes functions such as power measurement and waveform display, harmonic analysis (FFT), etc.
It is used for measurements in smart grids (renewable energy) and inverters for electric drives in automobiles.
5. FFT Analyzer
FFT analyzers analyze low-frequency signals.
The 2CH model is used to analyze transfer characteristics. This model is used in the development of automobiles and aircraft. The analysis results are displayed in a graph showing the magnitude of the components at each frequency and the phase at each frequency.
FFT is a method of digitally performing Fourier transforms, and is characterized by its high-speed arithmetic processing. FFT analyzers are included in the broad classification of spectrum analyzers, but FFT analyzers are used at frequencies as low as 100 kHz.
6. Logic Analyzer
Logic analyzers measure signals flowing in logic circuits such as CPUs and analyze logic values (binary logic of 0s and 1s) from the measured signal voltages.
There are two measurement methods: timing measurement and state measurement. It has many measurement channels and can simultaneously measure high-speed digital signals. Recently, the number of digital signals itself is decreasing as digital systems are being integrated into IC chips, and logic analyzers are being used less frequently.
7. Protocol Analyzer
A protocol analyzer analyzes signals handled by digital communications and digital interfaces. In addition to dedicated hardware products, they also include software that runs on a PC. Software tools include LAN analyzers and packet analyzers.
Although we have mainly introduced analyzers in the fields of electricity, electronics, and communications, there are also analyzers in other fields such as chemistry, biology, and medicine.