How is impulse noise characterized when observed on a spectrum analyzer?

Impulse noise is characterized on a spectrum analyzer as random spikes of energy across the frequency spectrum. This type of noise appears as brief bursts of energy that can occur at widely varying intervals and can affect different frequencies without a predictable pattern. The randomness of impulse noise is key; it does not exhibit consistent periodicity or tonal quality.

When impulse noise occurs, it can interfere with a wide range of frequencies, leading to irregular spikes in the spectrum that do not conform to the attributes of continuous tones or periodic signals. This characteristic makes it distinct from noise types such as continuous signals, which would show as uniform levels, or steady levels with intermittent dropouts, which would not reflect the chaotic nature of impulse noise. Understanding this can aid in diagnosing issues in communication systems where impulse noise might be a factor, such as in digital data transmission where it can cause errors.