Spectrum analyzer
A spectrum analyzer, or a software-defined radio (SDR) doing the same job, is a field instrument that shows radio signal levels across a wide range of frequencies. In PV work it is used to look into radio frequency interference complaints near solar installations. Capture wideband spectrum screenshots before and after the inverter starts up. Comparing them helps show patterns and which frequencies are affected. Do this check during initial verification, before investigating the inverter itself. It helps confirm whether the interference can be seen on the instrument at all. Use the readings to answer the key questions: which frequency bands are affected, and whether the noise is broadband, periodic pulses or tones. Also check whether the noise level follows inverter operation or PV production, and whether it shows up during the day, at night or both.
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- sentence 1: support check: partial - Passages show spectrum analyzers/SDRs used to view wideband captures, but don't define it as a field instrument showing signal levels across a wide frequency range.
- sentence 4: support check: partial - Initial verification before investigating the inverter is stated, and visibility on analyzer/SDR is a question, but the passage doesn't say this check confirms whether interference is visible at all.
- sentence 5: support check: partial - The questions about affected bands and noise type are listed, but the passage doesn't say the instrument readings are used to answer them.
- sentence 1: review: partial - The passages mention wideband spectrum captures from an SDR or spectrum analyzer, but they never define it as a field instrument that shows signal levels across a wide frequency range. -->