RFRF Spectrum Analyzer: Applications, Selection Guide & Manufacturers
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RF spectrum analyzers are crucial tools for analyzing signal frequencies, power levels, and interference within communication systems. Selecting the right analyzer depends heavily on factors like frequency range, resolution, and dynamic range.
Some of the leading manufacturers in the RF spectrum analyzer market include Signal Hound, National Instruments, Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz, Tektronix, SIGLENT, and VIAVI Solutions.
What is an RF Spectrum Analyzer?
A spectrum analyzer is an instrument used for frequency domain measurements of spectrum characteristics, such as harmonics, spurious signals, and sidebands. An RF spectrum analyzer specifically operates at radio frequencies.
The following diagram illustrates the internal components of a typical spectrum analyzer:
The analyzer converts time domain signals into the frequency domain for analysis and display. Its primary function is to measure power levels at various frequencies. Spectrum analyzers are invaluable for discovering unwanted signals and conducting phase noise measurements.
RF Spectrum Analyzer Selection Guide
When selecting an RF spectrum analyzer, consider the following parameters:
- Type of spectrum analyzer: (FFT based, Super-heterodyne, Real-time, USB)
- Frequency range: The intended measurement range for your testing.
- Frequency accuracy: How precise the frequency measurements need to be.
- Amplitude accuracy: The accuracy required for amplitude measurements.
- Sweep time and Sweep type
- Reference power
- Phase noise
- Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) and Video Bandwidth (VBW)
RF Spectrum Analyzer Manufacturers
The following table provides an overview of RF Spectrum Analyzer manufacturers, along with specific models, part numbers, and key technical features.
| RF Spectrum Analyzer Manufacturers | Description |
|---|---|
| Signal Hound | |
| • Model : SA44B (Frequency support upto 4.4 GHz ) • Model : BB60C (Frequency support From 9 KHz to 6 GHz) • Model : SA124B (Frequency support upto 12.4 GHz ) • Model : SM200B or SM200C (Frequency support From 100 KHz to 20 GHz) • Company offers USB based spectrum analyzers at affordable prices which can be interfaced with PC/laptop. • Company offers RF signal generators (2.5 GHz, 6 GHz options) and tracking generators (4.4 GHz , 12.4 GHz) with various frequency range. • Website : RF spectrum analyzers from Signalhound.com | |
| National Instruments | |
| • Model : NI PXI 566x series • PXI chassis can be interfaced with monitor to analyze the frequency range for signal analysis and other advanced signal processing tasks. • Cover measurements of devices with different wireless standards viz. GSM, WCDMA, LTE, WLAN, Bluetooth, 5G etc. • For example, Model PXI-5660 supports following features, frequency (9 KHz to 2.7 GHz), Bandwidth (20 MHz), Onboard memory (32 MB) and so on. • Model PXIe-5668 supports frequency (20 Hz to 26.5 GHz), Bandwidth (765 MHz), Memory size (2 GB) and so on. • Various models are available at different prices with different technical specifications, Visit: Website : RF spectrum analyzers from NI.com | |
| Anritsu | |
| • Offers handheld spectrum analyzers from 9 KHz to 170 GHz range. Refer following models for more information on Anritsu website : Anritsu.com • Model : MS2090A (Frequency : 9 KHz to 54 GHz) • Model : MS2760A (Frequency : up to 170 GHz) • Model : MS2720T (Frequency : Various models are available from 9 KHz to different max. values i.e. 9GHz/13GHz/20GHz/32GHz/43GHz) • Model : MS2711E (Frequency : 9 KHz to 3 GHz) • Model : MS2712E (9 KHz to 4 GHz) • Model : MS2713E (9 KHz to 6 GHz) | |
| Rohde & Schwarz | |
| • Model : R&S ® FSL Spectrum analyzer • Frequency range: From 9 KHz to 3GHz/6GHz/18GHz • Signal analysis bandwidth upto 28 MHz • Models are available with and without tracking generator • Wireless standards : HSPA, WiMAX, CDMA/1xEV-DO • Website : RF spectrum analyzers from www.rohde-schwarz.com | |
| Tektronix, Inc. | |
| • Model : RSA306B USB spectrum analyzer • RSA306B supports frequency from 9 KHz to 6.2 GHz, bandwidth upto 40 MHz and dynamic range from -160 to +20 dBm • Model : RSA7100B wideband real-time spectrum analyzer • RSA7100B supports frequency upto 14 GHz or 26.5 GHz, bandwidth upto 320/800 MHz, SFDR 65 dBc • Model RSA500 series supports analysis of frequency from 9 KHz to 18 GHz with BW of 40 MHz • Website : RF spectrum analyzers from tek.com | |
| SIGLENT | |
| • Model SSA3021X ( Frequency range : 9 KHz to 2.1 GHz) • Model SSA3032X ( Frequency range : 9 KHz to 3.2 GHz) • Model SSA3075X ( Frequency upto 7.5GHz ) • Model SSA3050X-R (Frequency from 9 KHz to 5 GHz) • Website : RF spectrum analyzers from siglent.eu | |
| VIAVI Solutions | |
| • Model : CellAdvisor JD746/JD786B • Frequency range : 100 kHz to 4 GHz (JD746B) and 9 kHz to 8 GHz (JD786B) • Measurements : channel power, occupied bandwidth, spectrum emission mask, ACP (Adjacent Channel Power), Spurious emissions, Field Strength, AM/FM , PIM detection etc. • Website : RF spectrum analyzers from viavisolutions.com |
Conclusion
Selecting an advanced RF spectrum analyzer is critical for ensuring precise signal measurement. By exploring options from top manufacturers, you can find the best solution for your specific needs.
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