Handheld 8-lb RF-spectrum analyzers boast 43-GHz frequency coverage
Dan Strassberg, Senior Technical Editor -- EDN, September 9, 2010
Anritsu’s new MS272xC series of
Spectrum Master handheld RFspectrum
analyzers provide frequency
coverage to 43 GHz in units that
weigh less than 8 lbs. The series also
includes a variety of applications for testing
the RF physical layer, making it easier for
engineers, field technicians, and monitoring
agencies to track over-the-air signals,
locate interferers, and detect hidden transmitters.
The family comprises five models
that cover 9, 13, 20, 32, and 43 GHz.The units eliminate the need to carry heavy benchtop spectrum analyzers into the field to measure signals at frequencies beyond 20 GHz, such as those in microwave-backhaul applications. To further lighten the load, you can order the new units with a channel scanner and an interference analyzer, with which you can perform all common field measurements, thereby eliminating the need for multiple instruments. The handheld instruments easily incorporate several 3 and 4G (third- and fourth-generation) options to allow measurement of signals that comply with such standards as LT E (long-term evolution), HSPA+ (evolved high-speed packet access), WCDMA (wireless code-division multiple access), EVDO (evolution data-optimized) CDMA, GSM (global system for mobile communication), EDGE (enhanced data rates for global evolution), TD -SCDMA (time-division-synchronous CDMA), HSDPA (high-speed downlink-packet access), and WiMax (worldwide interoperability for microwave access).
The MS2726C takes 27 seconds to sweep a 43-GHz span with a 30-kHz RBW (resolution bandwidth). The units do not sacrifice accuracy for speed, however; they deliver phase noise of −100 dBc/Hz and dynamic range of 101 dB at a 10-kHz offset from a 1-GHz carrier. With a broadband preamplifier to detect small signals, the analyzers also offer high sensitivity. For example, the MS2726C’s sensitivity is −159 dBm at 1 GHz and −145 dBm at 43 GHz. An intuitive menu-driven display simplifies all measurements.
An analysis package and Anritsu’s Master software tools let you conduct detailed evaluation of measurement data. You can easily identify interference sources using built-in reporting and mapping tools, spectrogram folders, and 3-D spectrograms. These tools eliminate the need for more expensive, larger, heavier benchtop instruments as well as third-party spectrum-monitoring software.
The series uses the field-proven Spectrum Master architecture. A rugged housing withstands the day-to-day operations of field use, and the units’ light weight makes them easy to carry when a user is climbing towers. They have a field-replaceable long-life battery and an operating-temperature range of −10 to +55°C. A large, daylight-viewable display eases the viewing of test results in any environment. Display modes include a red nightvision mode, a black-and-white mode, and two full-color modes. US prices start at $15,950.
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