Signal analyzer having independent analysis and display scales

A signal analyzer has an analysis scale and a display scale that are independently selectable. The signal analyzer receives a first representation of an applied signal and provides from the first representation at least two alternative representations. A first selective input enables a designated one of the alternative representations to be applied to a filter to reduce variance of the designated representation. The signal analyzer then converts the received one of the alternative representations having reduced variance to at least two alternative display scales. A second selective input enables a designated one of the alternative display scales to be displayed on a monitor, display screen or other output device of the measurement instrument or system. Independent control of the first selective input and the second selective input via a user interface enables the analysis scale-the scale, or representation, to which the filter is applied, to be selected independently of the scale on which the representation having reduced variance is displayed.