May-June 2020 Tech Focus

Handheld instruments

Portable electronic test instrumentation has surged for test engineers over the past couple of decades, although benchtop solutions still rule the roost when it comes to instrumentation used, and they comprise more features compared to their portable counterparts. Handheld instruments now contain nearly as many test features as their benchtop cousins, due to natural evolution to smaller form factors. Here are some lighter-weight contenders out there, but they are no lightweights when it comes to the testing arena.

Handheld spectrum analyzers

RF provider Bird expands its highly sought-after SignalHawk family of rugged, handheld spectrum analyzer products with the addition of the SH-60S-AOA Angle of Arrival spectrum analyzer and the SH-60S-TC, offering a balance of price and performance up to a frequency range of 6 GHz. The new SignalHawk SH-60S-TC and SH-60S-AOA provide test coverage for all major wireless systems in an easy-to-use, fully portable test instrument. The SH-60S-TC, RF Analyzer can view RF signals between 9 kHz and 6 GHz. Combines best in class functionality and easy-to-use, intuitive menus and predefined measurements. Higher frequency coverage and spectrogram (waterfall) display. Additional built in functions include: FM demodulation, GNSS Signal Quality Test, Field Strength and Spectrum masking. The SH-60S-AOA, RF Analyzer extends the capability of the SH-60S-TC by adding the ability to triangulate the location of an interferer on a map for signals between 9 kHz and 6 GHz. Triangulation is pivotal move in spectrum analyzers by allowing the user to utilize our Interference analysis and triangular functionality to locate the source within 3 measurements, forming a triangle in the area of the emitter and utilizing a built-in map to find the exact location of the problem. Bird

Field Master Pro MS2090A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

Anritsu's latest innovation in the wireless field test solution market is its introduction of the Field Master Pro MS2090A RF handheld spectrum analyzer. With the highest continuous frequency coverage up to 54 GHz, real-time spectrum analysis bandwidth up to 100 MHz, and a ruggedized design to withstand the demands of field test, the Field Master Pro MS2090A is ideal for a range of current and emerging field applications, including 5G, broadcast, regulatory compliance, aerospace/defense, satellite systems, and radar. Seven models are available with frequency coverage of 9 kHz to 9/14/20/26.5/32/44 and 54 GHz. The family features best-in-class performance, such as Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) of <-160 dBm and Third Order Intercept (TOI) of typically +20 dBm, for more accurate spectrum clearing, radio alignment, and harmonic and distortion measurements. The 100 MHz modulation bandwidth, along with best-in-class phase noise of typically -110 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz offset, permit highly accurate modulation measurements on digital systems to be made. A ±0.5 dB (typical) amplitude accuracy ensures highly confident measurements of transmitter power and spurious signals. Suitable for the rollout of 5G New Radio (5G NR), the Field Master Pro MS2090A supports 5G NR demodulation, including cell ID, beam ID, RSRP/RSRQ, SINR, and EVM in all 5G bands (sub-6 GHz [3.5 GHz] and millimeter-wave [28 GHz and 39 GHz]). It can also be used to conduct compliance testing, including EIRP, spectral emission mask, and time offset, as well as harmonic and spurious testing. Real-time spectrum analysis spans up to 100 MHz are possible for accurate interference monitoring in the cellular bands or full ISM band. Anritsu

Rohde & Schwarz adds new handheld microwave spectrum analyzers to its R&S Spectrum Rider FPH family

Rohde & Schwarz has expanded its successful R&S Spectrum Rider FPH family with three new base models providing frequency ranges from 5 kHz to 6 GHz, 13.6 GHz and 26.5 GHz. The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH was the industry's first handheld spectrum analyzer to offer a capacitive touchscreen and a unique frequency upgrade concept via keycodes. Since upgrades require neither downtime nor recalibration, users can easily upgrade their base models, e.g. from 26.5 GHz to 31 GHz. New higher-frequency models enable the rugged R&S Spectrum Rider FPH to perform a large range of measurement tasks in the field and lab. In combination with a number of useful options, the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH is a handy tool for diverse applications, such as verifying signal transmission over 5G, broadcast, radar and satellite communications links. The instrument will appeal to field technicians and lab engineers alike, as it supports everyday measurement tasks in aerospace and defense, mobile network testing and broadcasting, as well as tasks to be performed by regulatory authorities and tasks in education. Weighing just 2.5 kg, the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH is ideal for mobile use. Its battery lasts more than six hours, making the instrument capable of working a full day without recharging. The analyzer can be remotely controlled via USB or LAN. For even more convenience, the R&S MobileView app for iOS and Android provides wireless remote control of the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH from a mobile device. Rohde & Schwarz