All-purpose signal spectrum analyzer operates in real-time mode

Measurement without blind times is a major advantage for developers of RF components for commercial transmission systems such as LTE, WiMAX, WLAN, Bluetooth and RFID, and for general RF applications such as radar and frequency hopping transmission.

To enable this, the FSVR real-time spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz is the first instrument to combine the functions of an all-purpose signal and spectrum analyzer with a real-time spectrum analyzer. Three models are available up to 7GHz, 13GHz and 30GHz.

In real-time mode, the R&S FSVR detects everything, from sporadic events to ultrashort signals.

Compared with a conventional spectrum analyzer, which sweeps across the entire input frequency range of several GHz, a real-time spectrum analyzer measures the spectrum around a user-selectable input frequency. The FSVR seamlessly acquires the applied signal with the selected span and displays its spectrum. Even ultrashort and very sporadic signals are detected.

The device allows the behavior of signal sources when the frequency changes or the impact of digital switches, for example, to be analyzed.

In the real-time mode, the R&S FSVR seamlessly captures RF signals with a bandwidth of up to 40MHz, computes up to 250,000 spectra per second and displays the result graphically.

In the persistence mode, the R&S FSVR outputs a color-coded display of the probability distribution of occurring frequencies and amplitudes over the length of time selected by the user (persistence period). This gives the user an impression of the behavior of signals over time. Fast frequency hops of a transmitter and significant short-term amplitude changes are made visible. This type of signal behavior is very difficult to detect with conventional analyzers.

The spectrogram function displays the spectrum in the time domain. Seamless monitoring of frequency bands is useful for developers who are trying to find intermittent interference. Users also need this function for wireless transmissions which have frequent changes in frequency. Typical examples are RFID and Bluetooth. The R&S FSVR makes it easy to track these frequency hops and to characterize the transmitter.

The R&S FSVR provides a frequency trigger designed especially for very sporadic signals. This frequency mask trigger (FMT) responds to definable events in the spectrum. The R&S FSVR analyzes each individual spectrum and compares it with a predefined mask. The impact of interference from RF transmitters or frequency changes can be quickly and specifically analyzed. The user either defines the mask for the FMT on the R&S FSVR touch screen or lets it be created automatically.

The R&S FSVR also supports mobile radio standards such as GSM/EDGE, WCDMA, TD SCDMA, WLAN, WiMAX and LTE.

- Colin Holland
EE Times