Tektronix announces portable USB spectrum analyzer
Tektronix Inc. has introduced a new class of affordable spectrum analyzers based on a USB architecture. With a list price of $3,490, the new RSA306 features a 9-kHz to 6.2-GHz frequency range and 40-MHz real time bandwidth. It weighs in at 1.2 pounds. When used with Tektronix SignalVu-PC software, it offers advanced analysis capabilities for such applications as budget-conscious research and development, mobile radio network installation, interference hunting, and university level education.
Spectrum analyzers are inherently expensive, Tektronix notes, and often there are not enough instruments for everyone to use in many labs, field organizations, and universities. The RSA306 puts the power of a Tektronix real-time spectrum analyzer within reach for the entire technical team. In addition, Tektronix is providing its SignalVu-PC software at no cost, giving open access to signal analysis tools that have previously been only available with the purchase of expensive bench instruments.
“As with nearly all areas of electronics design and test, requirements for RF and microwave test are changing quickly leading to the need for new instrumentation approaches,” said Jim McGillivary, general manager of RF and Component Solutions at Tektronix. “As the introduction of RSA306 demonstrates, we’re moving aggressively to address these changing requirements across multiple market segments with innovative, industry-leading test and measurement solutions.”
The RSA306 is Tektronix’ first USB spectrum analyzer and will be joined by similar instruments taking advantage of the availability of affordable desktop computers and laptops with sufficient processing power to handle complex test and measurement analysis along with high-speed USB 3.0 interfaces. At its introductory price point, the RSA306 is a fraction of the cost of a conventional spectrum analyzer while offering comparable or even superior sensitivity, accuracy and dynamic range.
The spectrum analyzer works seamlessly with SignalVu-PC, and an open API allows customers to use their own custom Windows–based interface such as Matlab or Python to manipulate raw data coming from the instrument.
“It looks to me like Tektronix has hit the nail on the head with the RSA306,” said Stuart Nicol, CEO of Aprel. “In our hands-on preview of the product, the RSA306 has plenty of performance for most areas where you would need real-time spectrum analysis such as EMI diagnostics and scanning and low level, fast sweeping capabilities to find spurious signals. At this price, it’s hard to resist.”