USB-based real-time spectrum analyzers target design, spectrum management and wireless transmitter installation and maintenance applications. The new RSA500 and RSA600 series of analyzers from Tektronix offer frequency coverage from 9 kHz up to 7.5 GHz with 40 MHz acquisition bandwidth, a measurement dynamic range from -161 dBm/Hz Displayed Average Noise Level, and up to +30 dBm maximum input.
The new USB-based spectrum analyzers join the 6.2 GHz RSA306 analyzer introduced last year. Both the RSA500 and RSA600 also have an optional tracking generator with an integrated internal bridge for basic device, cable and antenna testing.
Tektronix says compared to traditional spectrum analyzers, its USB-based instruments cost about 40% less while having comparable performance. Through a standard USB 3.0 connection, the instruments operate from a desktop PC, laptop or tablet using an updated version of a software suite called SignalVu-PC – included at no additional cost – that provides 17 measurements, real-time DPX signal processing, and a range of application-specific add-on modules for in-depth analysis.
The new instruments target applications that include spectrum management, interference hunting and network troubleshooting. The battery powered instruments are qualified to MIL-STD 28800 Class 2 for shock and vibrations and rated IP52 for water ingress.
Other features include a GPS receiver with locked frequency accuracy up to ± 0.025 ppm and an available tracking generator for cable and antenna testing with measurements like Return Loss and Distance to Fault*. The instruments let operators see extremely short-duration signals for fast identification of problems or interfering signals.
The RSA600 series instruments including the 3 GHz RSA603A and the 7.5 GHz RSA607A match the performance levels of portable units but are designed to use line-cord power and have a desktop form factor. These analyzers can handle design applications such as testing Internet of Things (IoT) modules and component using SignalVu-PC measurement packages for everything from Bluetooth LE and Bluetooth EDR to WLAN standards testing through 802.11ac. Antenna and gain/loss testing capabilities help speed system integration.
The Signal Vu-PC software has expanded support for signal classification, channel navigation, and support for mapping. Floating licenses are also now available as well as node locked licenses to give users more flexibility to deploy the software and USB Spectrum Analyzers widely. Record and playback for long signals is also an available feature.
Engineers who need programmatic access to their instrument can choose either the SignalVu-PC programmatic interface or use the included application programming interface (API). Tektronix says real-time processing capability provided by SignalVu-PC when using recommended PC hardware is about 1,000 times faster than for spectrum analyzers from other major suppliers.
The RSA500 and RSA600 Series of USB spectrum analyzers have a U.S. MSRP starting at $5,900 for 3 GHz models and $9,900 for 7.5 GHz models. More information: tek.com/usb-spectrum-analyzer
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7.5 GHz with 40 MHz capture bandwidth appeared first on Test & Measurement Tips.
