Spectrum analyzers offer digital demodulation for wireless network analysis

Digital demodulation in the 3280 Series is easily operated in one of two modes. Full-frequency mode links the rear panel IF output at 421.4MHz to the demodulator input, allowing the user to demodulate signals over the full frequency range of the spectrum analyzer (3GHz, 13.2GHz or 26.5GHz). Dual-channel mode links directly from the instrument’s front panel or optionally via a rear panel connector to create a unique dual-channel instrument. The frequency range for the direct input of the demodulator is 300MHz to 3GHz.

Although the 3280 Series’ digital demodulation hardware option does not include direct I&Q outputs, users who require it can access a direct digital I&Q output in streaming serial format by adding the optional low-voltage data signal (LVDS) output cable. This optional cable is fitted internally between the demodulator LVDS output and the spectrum analyzer rear panel.

The 3280 Series 3Hz to 26.5GHz spectrum analyzers are known for providing performance far beyond the price tag - offering impressive RF and microwave specifications, exceptional connectivity and many ease-of-use features at an affordable price.

The 3280 Series has an extremely high level of accuracy, ±0.15dB up to 3GHz. Other performance features include an excellent local oscillator (LO) phase noise <-115dBm/Hz, 1GH/ 10kHz offset and +18dBm third order intermodulation performance. Digital intermediate frequency (IF) offers resolution bandwidths from 5MHz to 1Hz.

The Windows XP operating system, internal hard drive and built-in CD-ROM make the 3280 Series extremely easy to use and allow for a wide range of interfaces, including LAN access, USB interface, RS-232, IEEE 488 (GPIB) and VGA outputs. Centronics parallel ports are provided for printer, mouse and keyboard connectivity.

The 3280 Series has a large 26.5cm TFT LCD display with ample viewing area, so data can be easily seen, even in split screen mode, or with multiple windows open. Three traces can be displayed per window and as many as nine markers can be selected with a marker table viewable in an alternate window.

Built-in functions can simplify the evaluation of many common measurements and the 3280 Series offers several of these, including: channel power, adjacent channel power, occupied bandwidth, spectrum emission mask, TOI measurement, harmonic distortion, X dB down and phase noise measurement.

Delivery for the 3280 Series is 10 weeks upon receipt of order. Digital demodulation hardware (Option 2) is currently available for all existing 3280 Series spectrum analyzers. One software measurement suite is available free of charge with a hardware purchase. The software provides a graphical user interface (GUI) within the spectrum analyzer menus to display the required suite of user selectable parameters. A WLAN software suite supporting 802.11a, b and g is available now and additional measurement suite options will be coming soon.