Multichannel digitisers.

Spectrum Instrumentation presents new flagship digitisers with 12-bit resolution and a maximum of 6 channels at 10 GS/s or 12 channels at 5 GS/s acquisition speed. Their new DN6.33x digitisers* belong to the company’s Netbox series, an easy-to-use instrument line that requires only an Ethernet cable to be controlled from any PC, laptop, or network. A comprehensive software package and a number of hardware features make them ideal for automated testing applications, capturing signals on multiple, perfectly synchronised inputs. With 15 new variants, Spectrum now offers a total of 94 different digitiser Netboxes, ranging from 5 MS/s to an ultrafast 10 GS/s sampling speed.

Oliver Rovini, CTO at Spectrum Instrumentation for 25 years, reports: “The DN6.33x series combines speed, resolution, and ease of integration. These digitisers are ideal for MIMO, in communications or radar, or anywhere that time-correlated measurements may be needed, e.g. in aerospace, scientific research, photo-voltaic analysis and semiconductors. Each unit comes with a 5-year warranty, lifetime software/firmware updates, and support directly from our design engineers. For long-term test platforms, our 15 years of committed service and parts availability offer peace of mind”.

Each channel of the new DN6.33x digitisers features a 12-bit ADC with sampling rates of 3.2, 6.4, or 10 GS/s, and related analog bandwidths of 1, 2, or 3 GHz. Models are available with 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 channels, giving users flexibility without overspending on unneeded performance. If only 1 or 2 channels are required, the smaller DN2.33x series is available.

Key hardware features:

• Perfect synchronous sampling across all channels
• Four independent programmable input ranges (±200 mV to ±2.5 V) per channel with programmable offset, on-board calibration, and precise timing alignment
• The standard memory allows 200 ms capture duration at full speed, expandable to 800 ms
• Front panel connectors for external clocks, triggers, and digital I/O are standard

Flexible acquisition modes - like transient, multiple, and optional block averaging – combine with advanced trigger capabilities to allow the precise capture of rare or complex events. Each trigger has its own timestamp, making it possible to time between acquisitions that may be separated by hours, or just fractions of a microsecond.

All units ship together with their powerful SBench 6 Professional software for acquisition, display, analysis and documentation. SBench 6 handles large data files with ease, offers a wide choice of time and frequency display modes and provides an easy way to control Netbox instruments. When embedding a unit into automated testing systems, developers can create their own programs using the free SDKs, compatible with C++, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and more. Optional accessories include a high-speed pulse generator with four programmable outputs, and 19" rack mounting kits.

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*Link to the product video (4 min).

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Arbitrary Waveform Generators with Ethernet control.

Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced four new Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) in its DN2.63x NETBOX series, delivering output rates up to 10 GS/s with 16-bit resolution. With easy control via Ethernet, these high-speed instruments connect directly to PCs, laptops or even the company network. Designed for automated and remote testing, they are ideal for wideband signal generation from DC to 2.5 GHz.

The compact and lightweight AWGs just use a standard Ethernet/LXI cable to connect to any PC or network. High-resolution 16-bit DAC technology delivers waveforms with excellent purity and low-noise, making these AWGs ideal for use in stimulus-response or closed-loop type testing situations. Each AWG channel features its own DAC and can be used in single-ended or differential output modes with fully programmable output ranges. In single-ended mode, waveform amplitudes go up to ±500 mV into 50Ω, in differential mode they go up to ±1 V into 100Ω. With high impedance termination, the output levels are doubled, offering up to ±2 V.

Available in single- or dual-channel configurations, the DN2.63x models include 2 GSamples (4 GB) of standard memory, expandable to 8 GSamples (16 GB). This enables long waveform playback - up to 800 ms at 10 GS/s - without interruption. Users can select between several smart trigger functions and generation modes, including single-shot, repeated, multiple replay and FIFO streaming. The FIFO mode enables new data to be uploaded to the AWG while replaying a stored waveform.

Each unit comes with Spectrum’s SBench 6 software for waveform creation, control, and analysis. Customers can define waveforms from equations, use the built-in function generator, or import data from digitizers, oscilloscopes, or simulation tools. For custom development, SDKs are included for C++, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and more.

Integration into automated systems is seamless with front panel connectors for external clock and trigger signals, as well as multi-purpose I/O lines serving as marker outputs, for status flags, or synchronous/asynchronous signaling. A digital pulse generator option is also available. Weighing under 7 kg and with optional rack-mount kits, these units are ideal for mobile, benchtop and rack-based setups.

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Truly handheld RF Spectrum Analysers

Aim-TTi have launched a new series of handheld RF spectrum analysers, the PSA Series II. Available in 1.3GHz and 2.7GHz versions, the new instruments are smaller, lighter and have longer battery life than other handheld RF products.

Whereas a typical “handheld” spectrum analyser weighs over 2kg (4.4lb) and is considerable wider than a hand width, the PSA Series II weighs only 560 grms (20oz) and is just 9.2cm (3.6”) wide, fitting perfectly into the hand.

Despite their small size, the analysers incorporate a 4.3” (11cm) backlit TFT colour display with touch screen. A high capacity rechargeable Li-ion battery gives more than 8 hours operation from a charge.

The PSA1302 has a frequency range of 1MHz to 1300MHz whilst the PSA2702 operates up to 2700MHz. Dynamic range is 80dB with a noise floor approaching -100dBm. Resolution bandwidth is selectable down to 15kHz. Sweep modes include continuous, single, peak hold and sweep average. Sweep parameters can be set in terms of centre plus span or start plus stop to 1kHz resolution. A zero span mode with AM or FM audio demodulation is also provided using a built-in speaker.

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 or track peaks. Up to three traces can be displayed (Live, View and Reference) clearly differentiated by colour. Traces or complete screen images can be saved to files.

Advanced features include data logging for traces, data points or screen images. Up to 10,000 entries per file can be stored with triggering from a manual key press, internal timer, external trigger, or the limits comparator. The 1.8GB of internal memory enables many large files to be stored.

Limit lines and limit patterns can be displayed with a full limits comparator enabling audible warnings, output pulses, halting of the trace, or entries into logging files. Compensation tables for antennae or other external transducers can be created and loaded.

The instruments have a full filing system capable of storing up to 1,000 each of traces, screen images, set-ups, logging files, limit patterns or compensation tables under auto incrementing names or user-defined names. USB host and device connectors allow the connection of USB Flash drives or direct connection to a PC.

Control of the analyser is provided by finger operated soft keys created on the touch screen. These form a hierarchical menu system that gives rapid access to the menu functions. Alternatively, all functions can be operated using the hard keys alone.

The ruggedized casing incorporates rubber protection buffer and includes a bench stand and screen protector. For bench-top use, the instrument can be operated continuously from its AC charger. For portable use, the long battery life of eight hours can be further extended by selecting auto-off which turns the instrument off after a delay of 5 to 60 mins. from the last key press whilst retaining all data.

The PSA Series II will offer RF service engineers a cost effective and highly portable tool that will make it practical to a carry a spectrum analyser to areas that have traditionally been difficult to access with bench top instruments and not cost effective when using existing portable products offered by other manufacturers. This can reduce the need for a return visit when it is suspected that a spectrum analyser is required.

Other engineers working on the bench will appreciate the low cost of the products enabling them to justify the purchase of an RF spectrum analyser for tasks where the cost would have been previously been difficult to justify.

New high-end spectrum analyser

The R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz outperforms all comparable high-end instruments on the market in both RF performance and bandwidth. For the first time, developers are able to view multiple measurement applications at a glance as well as analyze signal interactions – two important features that make complex measurement tasks significantly easier.

The high-end R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer comes in three models that cover the frequency ranges 2 Hz to 8 GHz, 13 GHz or 26.5 GHz. The R&S FSW was specially designed to meet the requirements of development laboratories in the aerospace, defense and communications industries. The result is reflected in its excellent technical features.

The practical 12.1" touchscreen is the first feature that catches users' attention. The MultiView function allows users to display the results of different applications on the touchscreen at the same time, enabling them to keep track of even the most complex signal analyses and find errors more easily. An additional benefit is the elimination of time-consuming switching between measurement applications.

At 10 kHz carrier offset, the R&S FSW achieves a phase noise specification of less than
–137 dBc (1 Hz), which is up to 10 dB less than comparable instruments on the market. This is especially important for developers of RF components and complete systems for radar applications. By taking advantage of the analyzer's excellent phase noise specification, they can achieve more stable radar signals. Equipped with the R&S FSW-K6 option, the R&S FSW also supports comprehensive analysis of pulsed signals, e.g. for radar applications. Its broad analysis bandwidth of up to 160 MHz allows the R&S FSW to measure wideband, hopping and chirp signals, which makes it ready today for the requirements of tomorrow's wireless standards such as the 802.11ac. Developers can also detect spurious emissions extremely quickly with the R&S FSW thanks to its low inherent noise and its ability to rapidly analyze wide frequency ranges, even when using narrow resolution bandwidths.

The R&S FSW is the perfect instrument for developers of wireless communications base stations and components. They especially appreciate the analyzer's broad 160 MHz demodulation bandwidth and multi-standard radio analysis function: The combination of these two features in a single instrument makes it possible for the first time to simultaneously measure multiple mobile radio and wireless standards at different frequencies. Users can easily spot signal interaction among the standards.

Josef Wolf, Director of the Spectrum Analysis, Network Analysis and EMC Subdivision at Rohde & Schwarz, points out: "These measurements are essential for multi-standard base stations of the future. That is why we have integrated the multi-standard radio analyzer into the R&S FSW. This feature, combined with the large touchscreen display, provides functionality that is unique on the market. The optimum analyzer for tomorrow's developments is now available today."

Spectrum Anylsr

Optical spectrum analyser for measurements on LEDs and laser light sources

The new Yokogawa AQ6373 is an optical spectrum analyser designed to carry
out measurements over the wavelength range from 350 to 1200 nm, including
the visible light spectrum from 380 to 780 nm.

In addition to its world-class optical performance in areas such as
resolution, accuracy, sensitivity, measurement speed and dynamic range, the
AQ6373 features a colour analysis function which makes it ideally suited to
measurements on LEDs and laser light sources.

Key performance parameters include a wavelength accuracy of ±0.05 nm, a
wavelength resolution down to 0.01 nm, and a sensitivity of –80 dBm,
switchable to a choice of high dynamic-range modes.

High-speed measurements result from a standard sweep time down to one second
(0.5 sec in automatic mode), while the free-space optical input makes the
instrument applicable to use with single-mode, multimode, and
large-diameter-core fibres. A built-in light source is also provided to aid
optical alignment.

The AQ6373 offers excellent functionality and operability, with ease of
operation and data handling. The large (10.4-inch) bright display features
an intuitive graphical user interface, and operation can be controlled via
USB mouse and keyboard as well as panel keys.

A large (128 Mbyte) internal memory is backed up by USB memory support, and
a variety of built-in functions including filtering, automatic measurements
and pass/fail testing provide easy data analysis. Fast remote operation is
available via GP-IB, RS-232 and Ethernet.

Key application sectors for the AQ6373 are in the R&D evaluation and
production testing of high-performance short-wavelength lasers filters and
LEDs: devices that are used in a wide variety of sectors including medical
analysis and treatment, biological microscopy, industrial machining,
telecommunications, optical rangefinding and interferometry, and consumer
electronics.