PMEL Forum

K Sections => K3/4 - Waveform Analysis & RF Generation => Topic started by: PurelyNonsense on 01-03-2017 -- 09:20:28

Title: 334A vs 8903 for Distortion
Post by: PurelyNonsense on 01-03-2017 -- 09:20:28
I had a previous post about the 334A Distortion Analyzer. In the Army they decided to go with Boonton and we have one 8903B. I was trying to remember something that is lost in my fragmented mind. The 334A and 8903 measure two different types of distortion. What are they and what's the difference. I know one does THD but the other I can't recall. Please help refresh my brain! I know I love working with the 334A more for a few reasons but the Army guys don't seem to get that it's a better piece. Thanks all!
Title: Re: 334A vs 8903 for Distortion
Post by: briansalomon on 01-04-2017 -- 07:38:04
We have both the 334A and 8903B in the lab I currently work in. I was curious so I dug into both manuals and found they appear to be very close in terms of how they function.

Both are true RMS meters and both measure THD using a notch filter.

The 8903A/B is far more versatile.
Title: Re: 334A vs 8903 for Distortion
Post by: silv3rstr3 on 01-04-2017 -- 08:10:42
The 8903B only registers from 20Hz to 100kHz.  Anything higher than that I set up my E4446A PSA to measure harmonic distortion out to 5 harmonics and then select the THD option.  If you choose to view 5 harmonics instead of 10 you can view the harmonics and the THD percentage on the same screen.
Title: Re: 334A vs 8903 for Distortion
Post by: Hawaii596 on 01-05-2017 -- 16:33:52
The ones that look really nice are some of those made by Audio Precision.  Quite a bit better THD floor, and I don't recall the max frequency.  Seems like one of the good models is the SYS-2722 (or something like that).
Title: Re: 334A vs 8903 for Distortion
Post by: microwave-kevin on 03-06-2017 -- 01:31:04
The big difference is 10 Hz, in my lab I need this..... if you don't them 8903 is K....... Unless, do you need a high selectivity filter???? You may need the 334, I have one in my home toolbox on a 1000 year interval
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