A spectrum analyzer or spectral analyzer is a device used to examine the spectral composition of some

electrical, acoustic, or optical waveform. It may also measure the power spectrum.

A spectrum analyzer is a laboratory instrument that displays signal amplitude (strength) as it varies by signal
frequency. The frequency appears on the horizontal axis, and the amplitude is displayed on the vertical axis. To
the casual observer, a spectrum analyzer looks like an oscilloscope and, in fact, some lab instruments can
function either as oscilloscopes or spectrum analyzers.

Types
There are analog and digital spectrum analyzers:

 An analog spectrum analyzer uses either a variable band-pass filter whose mid-frequency is
automatically tuned (shifted, swept) through the range of frequencies of which the spectrum is to be
measured or a superheterodyne receiver where the local oscillator is swept through a range of frequencies.
 A digital spectrum analyzer computes the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), a mathematical process that
transforms a waveform into the components of its frequency spectrum.
Helical antenna
A helical antenna is an antenna consisting of a conducting wire wound in the form of a helix. In most cases,
helical antennas are mounted over a ground plane. The feed line is connected between the bottom of the helix
and the ground plane. Helical antennas can operate in one of two principal modes: normal (broadside) mode or
axial (or end-fire) mode.

In the normal mode helix, the dimensions of the helix (the diameter and the pitch) are small compared with
the wavelength.

B: Central Support,

C: Coaxial Cable,

E: Spacers/Supports for the Helix,

R: Reflector/Base,

S: Helical Aerial Element

where R is resistance in ohms, C is the circumference of the helix, and λ is the wavelength.

The maximum directive gain is approximately:

where N is the number of turns and S is the spacing between turns.

The half-power beamwidth by:

The beamwidth between nulls by: