An Amplitude Processing Approach Based on Gradient Measurement to Improve Resolution Bandwidth in Spectrum Analysis

This paper describes a Gradient-Based amplitude processing algorithm to achieve high-resolution bandwidth in spectrum analysis. The structure in which this method is applied is hybrid analog/digital spectrum analyzer that includes an analog down-converter section and a digital processing unit. The superheterodyne stage operates as a down converter block and translates consecutive frequency spans to the bandwidth of IF filter which contributes to having a wide input frequency range from 0.5 to 6 GHz. In digital section, the output of IF filter is sampled and processed during a gradient measurement algorithm. By performing this algorithm we improved the frequency resolution to 0.5 MHz for a 10 MHz-bandwidth IF filter as well as optimizing the time duration that is required to sweep the whole spectral span.