Patent attributes
A spectrum analyzer is provided with frequency-scalable circuit architectures that extend the bandwidth of the spectrum analyzer using an array of couplers. The array of couplers is distributed along the RF signal path at one end, and interfaced to one or more frequency-translation devices such as mixers or samplers at the other. In a first architecture, a single mixer is employed with an LO signal applied to one input and coupler outputs providing RF signals to another input, with switching controlled to select one coupler's RF output to provide to the mixer. In a second architecture, a separate mixer is used, one for each coupler RF signal, with switches selecting one of the mixer IF outputs to select a desired output frequency. Both the first and second embodiments eliminate switching and its associated loss and frequency limitations from the main RF signal path to enable wideband high-dynamic-range spectrum analysis.
