RF analysers target spectrum monitoring applications

20th April 2015

Mick Elliott

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The NRA series of compact rack-mount RF analysers has been expanded by Narda Safety Test Solutions with the introduction of two new ‘RX’ models, which have been specifically designed for spectrum-monitoring applications. The analysers are ideal for short- and long-term observation of all types of RF signals, including pulsed and sporadic transmissions, and will attract oraganisations including communications authorities, broadcast companies, air-traffic control operators and military intelligence.

Available in the UK from Link Microtek, the NRA-3000 RX and NRA-6000 RX analysers cover the frequency bands 9kHz to 3GHz and 9kHz to 6GHz respectively. Both incorporate a new RF module that delivers exceptional performance, with low phase noise and low intrinsic interference.

In addition, the RX units provide an extremely fast sweep rate of 12GHz/s, a maximum channel bandwidth of 32MHz and up to 600,000 sampling points per sweep, allowing the user to measure a wide spectrum at high resolution without needing to tune to different frequency ranges.

Particularly suitable for integration into automated measuring systems, the new RF analysers include an Ethernet 100BASE-TX interface, a 10MHz reference input for synchronisation to the system frequency and a simple ASCII-based command set for remote control. There is also a USB interface for local programming and updates, as well as a 3.5mm audio socket for listening to demodulated analogue signals.

Four different operating modes can be selected: Spectrum Analysis mode with wideband FFT and channel monitoring, Multi-Channel Power mode for rapid evaluation of up to 500 user-definable channels or frequency ranges, Level Meter mode for measurements at a specific frequency, and Scope and I/Q Data mode for high-resolution time-domain analysis.

If I/Q data is streamed to a PC, there are several third-party software packages available for carrying out more detailed analysis, e.g. by creating constellation diagrams and determining parameters such as modulation error ratio and error vector magnitude.

The RF analysers weigh less than 5kg and, at just 1U high, take up little space in a 19in. rack. And with a power consumption of just 20W, there is no need for fan cooling, so silent operation is assured.