Tektronix RSA518A

The RSA518A 9 kHz to 18.0 GHz, 40 MHz Acquisition Bandwidth Portable USB Real Time Spectrum Analyzer was built to bring real-time spectrum analysis to solving the problems of spectrum managers, interference hunters and network maintenance personnel who need to track down hard to find interferers, maintain RF networks and keep records of their efforts. The heart of the system is the USB-based RF spectrum analyzer that captures 40 MHz realtime bandwidths with great fidelity in harsh environments. With 70 dB spurious free dynamic range and frequency coverage to 18.0 GHz, all signals of interest can be examined with high confidence in your measurement results. The USB form factor moves the weight of the instrument off of your hands, and replaces it with a lightweight Windows tablet or laptop. Holding a light PC instead of a heavy spectrum analyzer means you can move faster for longer and get your work done faster.

The optional tracking generator (Option RSA518A 04) enables gain/loss measurements for quick tests of filters, duplexers and other network elements, and you can add cable and antenna measurements of VSWR, return loss, distance to fault and cable loss as needed.

SignalVu-PC Software Offers Rich Analysis Capability in the Field

The Tektronix RSA518A operates with SignalVu-PC, a powerful program used as the basis of Tek's traditional spectrum analyzers. SignalVu-PC offers a deep analysis capability previously unavailable in high performance batteryoperated solutions. Real-time processing of the DPX spectrum/ spectrogram is enabled in your PC, further reducing the cost of hardware. Customers who need programmatic access to the instrument can choose either the SignalVu-PC programmatic interface or use the included application programming interface (API) that provides a rich set of commands and measurements directly. Basic functionality of the free SignalVu-PC program is far from basic. Base version measurements are shown below.

The RSA518A Combined with SignalVu-PC Offers Advanced Field Measurements

With 40 MHz of real-time bandwidth, the unique DPX spectrum/ spectrogram shows you every instance of an interfering or unknown signal, even down to 15 μs in duration. The following image shows a WLAN transmission (green and orange), and the narrow signals that repeat across the screen are a Bluetooth access probe. The spectrogram (upper part of the screen) clearly separates these signals in time to show any signal collisions.