Modern spectrum analyzer theory and applications

This book is currently out of print, and much of the specific product-oriented discussions are now obsolete (my copy has a 1984 copyright). Still, this is an excellent little book with lots of information that is time invariant. I found it worth while, and believe it deserves a spot in any RF engineer's library.Throughout the book the author uses clear and intuitive examples and diagrams to illustrate principles. The first chapter is a basic overview describing how to construct a spectrum analyzer. The author gives brief examples of tuned-filter, filter bank, and swept-signal spectrum analyzers as well as those based on ffts applied to time-domain waveforms.Chapter two is a review of the mathematics related to transforms connecting the time and frequency domains. This chapter has a nice, intuitive section on orthogonal functions that leads naturally to the subject of Fourier transforms and the fft algorithm. Some of the explanations are a little elementary, but I found the intuitive descriptions interesting. Chapter three is devoted exclusively to Fourier analysis. Engelson presents the Fourier series and applications in a characteristically simple and straightforward manner. He touches upon a number of interesting subjects related to Fourier analysis such as superposition and the Gibbs phenomenon. After describing continuous and discrete transforms, Engelson spends considerable time trying to (in his words) "reconcile theory and measurement." I found Engelson's practical, down-to-earth explanations useful. This chapter also has a table of time and frequency relationships that are sure to be referenced regularly. Typographical errors are relatively rare in this book, though on page 61 there is some confusion by misnumbered equations.The book spends considerable time on modulation theory, describing AM and FM modulation techniques and measurement methods. There is lots of useful information regarding modulation techniques in chapters 4 (general information), 7 (AM modulation), and 8 (FM modulation). The only real complaint I have about these chapters is that the reproductions of spectrum analyzer front-panel displays are often hard to read and interpret. Also, I would have placed chapters 4, 7, and 8 consecutively instead of splitting them up with chapters 5 and 6.Chapter 5 describes the sweeping signal spectrum analyzer, which is the basis for most of the book's discussion and examples. Chapter 6 is especially practical in that it deals with typical measurement problems. If you use a spectrum analyzer in your work, you will not want to miss chapter 6.The book ends with a chapter on pulses. This chapter covers lots of topics, including how the frequency domain changes with minor changes in pulse shape, the differences in the single pules and repeated pulse spectra, and the effects of FM. As in other chapters, Engelson brings the reader back to earth with repeated examples correlating the m