USB spectrum analyser series adds 13GHz and 18GHz models

The RSA500 spectrum analysers’ small form factor and rugged packaging enable their use for a far wider range of applications. Use cases range from spectrum management applications such as K_u band radar and 5G LTE base station testing to military applications such as like RADHAZ and EMCON monitoring.  

In today’s crowded RF environment, spectrum analyser users increasingly need to measure wider bandwidth signals, at higher frequencies, for gapless capture of RF signals.

With their ability to stream I & Q data out of the instrument, the analysers enable both capture and playback of wideband signals for further analysis offline – a largely unmet need in the market, according to HawkEye 360, a developer of satellite-based precision geoanalytic products.

 “Many portable spectrum analysers are well suited for spectral scanning but not as useful for recording since the real-time bandwidth is quite limited. The new Tektronix RSA518A is ideal for both scanning and recording and is a much better value for RF survey deployments,” said Chris Gregory, Director of Processing for HawkEye 360.

The RSA500 series offer 40MHz of gapless real-time bandwidth, 4X more than other instruments in the category, saving users time when searching for interference and providing more insight during analysis using SignalVu-PC.

“When you look at the broad set of applications these instruments can support and their advanced I & Q streaming capabilities, it’s clear we’re delivering more than just another spectrum analyser. With our new 13GHz and 18GHz models we’ve raised the bar on the utility of real-time spectrum analyser functionality,” claimed Jon Baldwin, general manager Wideband Solutions Business Unit at Tektronix.