Modern Oscilloscopes with Spectrum Analysis Functionality

Modern electrical networks at industrial and construction sites, in electrical shops, and other production facilities are saturated with various converters, inverters, and other electronic devices. These devices generate additional interference and introduce harmonics and non-sinusoidal distortions into the power supply network. These parasitic harmonics interfere with the normal operation of any electronic systems, leading to excessive power consumption, unexplained shutdowns, equipment overheating, etc.

Consequently, electricians and power engineers are often tasked with detecting and quantifying these harmonics—the task of spectrum analysis.

While an entire class of instruments exists for this purpose—spectrum analyzers—their cost and configuration complexity often make them a prohibitively expensive solution.

However, there is a more budget-friendly alternative. It is not widely known that all digital oscilloscopes we supply feature a built-in FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) mathematical function. This function acts as a spectrum analyzer by decomposing the signal under test into its constituent harmonics and displaying their respective levels. The resulting visualization is quite informative for most applications (the spectrum is indicated by the red line):

How to enable this feature

Typically, the spectrum analyzer function is "hidden" within the mathematical functions, which electricians rarely use in their daily routine. In various models, this function is usually assigned to a dedicated button on the front panel; however, in some cases, it may be located within a sub-menu.

For example, in the UTD series portable oscilloscopes, the mathematical functions button is conveniently located on the front panel:

The required FFT function is located within this menu.
The result of the FFT function on this oscilloscope is shown below:

Similarly, on the UPO series benchtop oscilloscopes, the mathematical functions access button is located on the front panel:

The FFT function is located within this menu. The result of this function is as follows:

Conclusion

A complex and expensive spectrum analyzer is not always necessary for detecting and evaluating harmonic levels. In most cases, an affordable digital oscilloscope equipped with an FFT function is more than sufficient.

All digital oscilloscope models we supply include this feature, allowing for the spectral analysis of any voltage signal.

Based on materials provided by Test Instruments LLP and the Pribor.kz web portal (https://pribor.kz/), an authorized distributor for BOSCH, ERSA, ELSPEC, Mastech, UNI-T, Pro’sKit, and many others.

At our exhibition stand, you can receive expert consultations from our specialists regarding this equipment, as well as our entire range of supplied instruments.