The GW Instek MDO2102EG is multi-functional mixed domain oscilloscope with a built-in spectrum analyzer and a dual channel 25MHz arbitrary waveform generator.

While entering the spectrum mode, the MDO-2102EG will display a full screen of frequency domain. Users can input Center frequency, Span, Start frequency, and Stop frequency based upon test requirements to rapidly and intuitively observe required frequency range that allows users to experience the user interface of a real spectrum analyzer.

While observing frequency domain display, engineers can observe waveform characteristics, which are not easily seen from time domain waveforms, for instance, the harmonic composition of a waveform and the frequency characteristics of a modulation signal. Compared with oscilloscope' FFT, the MDO-2102EG allows engineers to effectively conduct signal measurements on frequency domain.

Conventional DSO's FFT always calculates the entire signal bandwidth up to half the sampling rate (Fs). However, the insufficient calculation capability can't conduct FFT calculation with more points. Users can't have the signal's detailed frequency information due to the insufficient frequency resolution from the calculation result. Whereas the MDO2102EG analyzes signal spectrum of interest. Compared with oscilloscope' FFT, the MDO-2102EG allows engineers to effectively conduct signal measurements on frequency domain.

The MDO-2102EG series frequency domain also includes Spectrum Trace Type settings (Normal, Max-hold, Min-hold, and Average). Users can freely select various Spectrum Traces for simultaneous display. Detection method (Sample, +Peak, -Peak, and Average) can be individually set for each Trace. Additionally, users, via Cursor, can manually mark the corresponding positions to reflect Frequency and Amplitude. The Search function can also be applied to log spectrum's Peak Table. Amplitude is displayed with dB and Marker can obtain measurement data. Users can use the Search function to search and mark the amplitude and frequency of spectrum signal. Search methods include Max. peak and threshold. Measurement results can be displayed and saved.

Compared with the general spectrum analyzer, the spectrum function of the MDO-2102EG can test below-9kHz signals, which is applicable to the frequency domain analysis of audio frequency and vibration. You can also test the frequency domain signal with DC component without damaging the instrument. The MDO-2102EG is faster than the general spectrum analyzer because it utilizes digital circuit and software to calculate FFT. The general spectrum analyzer can only process the signal of a narrow frequency bandwidth at a time by frequency sweeping. Each sweeping will take several ms to dozens of ms. Hundreds and thousands of frequency sweepings are gathered to form a spectrum. Therefore, the displayed spectrum is not obtained at the same time. The MDO2102EG obtains spectrum display at the same time by utilizing digital circuit and software to calculate FFT that is faster than the frequency sweeping method. The FFT settings of oscilloscopes are based upon horizontal scale (sample rate) setting, which is totally different from the frequency range setting. Most instruments will have insufficient frequency resolution due to insufficient FFT points while conducting spectrum measurement by FFT. Compared with the FFT of oscilloscopes, the MDO-2102EG satisfies users with signal measurement requirements under 9kHz; a better setting interface, measurement resolution and measurements speed.