Test-and-Measurement » Benefits of Handheld Test and Measurement Devices

Benefits of Handheld Test and Measurement Devices

test equipment handheld device measurement rf measurement field testing

Test and Measurement devices are used in the following scenarios:

  • They are used in the field for installation.
  • Used during periodic, condition-based, or corrective maintenance phase.
  • Used for system monitoring tests.

Handheld test and measurement devices are portable and hence an ideal option for the installation phase of the system. Handheld devices have the following benefits compared to non-handheld devices:

  • They have less weight.
  • They occupy less space.
  • Easy integration with the system in place.
  • Improved measurement range in the newer versions.
  • Targeted for specific applications in mind.
  • Latest handheld devices are coming with higher precision and accuracy, though these features are not always needed in the field.
  • Robust to handle environmental conditions in the field.
  • Enhanced portability due to remote control operation using software or applications running on laptops, desktops, tablets, or smartphones.
  • Less boot-up and warmup times compared to desktop equipment.

The following table covers handheld analyzers and testers from leading manufacturers such as Keysight, Anritsu, and Tektronix. They are used for test and measurement of base stations, mobile stations, cable and antenna testing, network equipment, and network cable testing, etc.

ProductVendor/ModelSpecifications/Features
Passive Intermodulation AnalyzerAnritsu, PIM Master MW82119BIt integrates a 2MHz to 3GHz cable and antenna analyzer. Supports measurements such as PIM vs Time, Swept PIM, return loss, cable loss, VSWR, DTF
Cable and Antenna analyzerAnritsu, Site master seriesCovers frequency from 1MHz to 40GHz, supports VNA measurements, coaxial and waveguide systems can be measured, measurements such as return loss, VSWR, cable loss, DTF, smith chart, 2-port transmission measurements and 2-port cable loss tests can be done.
Base Station analyzerAnritsu, model no. MT8220T, BTS masterSupports 2G, 3G, 4G, WiMAX standards, combines many functionalities in one device
RF and Microwave analyzerKeysight technologies, FieldFox seriesFrequency from 4GHz to 26.5GHz are supported.
Modulation analyzerAnritsu, LMR Master model no. S412ELMR and PMR engineers use this, supports TETRA analysis and TETRA coverage measurements, TETRA display with color codes, location area code, transmit power measurements
R&S Spectrum analyzerModel FSH13 , FSH20This handheld test and measurement equipment houses an amplifier, which can also be brought into the circuit when required, supports frequency range from 9KHz to 13.6GHz and 9KHz to 20GHz, supports LTE-Advanced features
Anritsu Transport testerModel no. Network Master Pro MT1000A, Model no. Network Master Flex MT1100ASupports data rates from 1.5Mbps to 100Gbps, four 100Gbps ports are available, supports testing of ethernet, SDH, SONET, PDH, DSn, OTN and other network equipment at various levels of development
Tektronix Spectrum analyzerModel No. RSA306Supports frequency from 9KHz to 6.2GHz, 40MHz real-time Bandwidth, cheaper than conventional spectrum analyzers, PC-based software helps display advanced measurements