Test and measurement specialist Tektronix has introduced what it calls a new class of affordable spectrum analysers based on a USB architecture. The RSA306 range, which is claimed to set a new price/performance threshold for spectrum analyzers, covers frequencies ranging from 9kHz to 6.2GHz and boasts a real time bandwidth of 40MHz.
Dean Miles, EMEA technical marketing manager, said: "While the overall spectrum analyser sector hasn't grown by more than 2% a year in the recent past, demand for devices costing less than $18,000 is growing more quickly. People want low cost spectrum analysers to support their needs; they don't want to pay $100,000 to look at signals and Tektronix asked how it could address this demand."
The RSA306, Tektronix' first USB spectrum analyser, will be followed by similar devices that take advantage of desktop computers and laptops with USB 3.0 interfaces and sufficient processing power to handle complex test and measurement analysis.
Miles added: "The RSA306 can process up to 10,000 spectra per second, compared to the 500 or 1000 processed by competitive devices."
The device is supplied with SignalVu Essential, a stripped down version of the software which runs on the company's other spectrum analysers and oscilloscopes. This runs on the host PC and can be upgraded to offer additional functionality.
Miles believes the device will disrupt the low cost spectrum analyser market. "Users will get more performance for the same price as competitive devices," he said.
Target markets include: budget conscious RF design and development; mobile radio network installation and maintenance; interference hunters; and education.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk