Field portable spectrum analyser suits RFID site surveys

5th June 2007

ES Admin

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TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has further developed its PSA1301T handheld spectrum analyser to improve specification points such as phase noise, making it an ideal tool for companies making site surveys for UHF RFID applications. The PSA1301T provides installation and maintenance engineers with the tool that they need to ensure that all transmitters are operating correctly within the required limits. Unwanted RF noise and transmissions within the RFID band will degrade the performance of the system, and the PSA1301T can help the engineer to identify any noise source or unwanted transmissions.

As well as being lower in cost, the PSA1301T is considerably smaller and lighter, and has lower power consumption, than other RF spectrum analysers currently available. Despite this, it offers a high-resolution (480 x 320 pixel) backlit colour TFT display.

It achieves this combination of features by incorporating a handheld computer within the analyser. This provides the display, control, calculation, mass storage and external interface capabilities of the
product.

The PSA1301T has a frequency range of 150 kHz to 1.3 GHz with selectable resolution bandwidth down to 15 kHz. Sweep modes include continuous, single, peak hold and average (up to 256 sweeps). Sweep parameters can be set in terms of centre plus span or start plus stop to 1 kHz resolution. A zero
span mode with AM or FM demodulation is also provided.

Dual markers are incorporated with simultaneous readout of absolute amplitude and frequency plus difference values. Markers can be scrolled manually, or set to automatically find and track peaks.

A reference trace can be displayed simultaneously with the live trace, clearly differentiated by colour. The reference trace is automatically shifted and scaled to match the current sweep parameters when they are changed.

The PSA1301T weighs less than 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) and measures 170 x 97 x 47 mm (6.7 x 3.8 x 1.85 inches). The weight and dimensions make it a true handheld instrument, unlike other portable spectrum analysers which can be up to four times the size and weight. The PSA1301T costs £795 (plus VAT).