Being an Industrial WiFi Guy like I am, spectrum analysis is not only critically important to what I do, but also one of my favorite things in wireless. My wife, a 20 plus year veteran elementary teacher, calls me a “visual learner.” Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. If I cannot touch, feel, taste, hear or see a concept, it becomes very difficult for me to wrap my brain around it and comprehend the subject.
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Therein lies the awesomeness of spectrum analysis. The graphic representation of the sheer volume of numbers behind the measurements makes it easy for me to understand what is happening in the raw RF ranges that I am measuring. The peaks, valleys and colors of a density graph, the lines and motion of a waterfall graph, and the clean delineation of a simple utilization graph all make sense to me. These images then make it much easier to explain these concepts to more non-technical clients who then need to make financial decisions based upon this data.
Obviously, I am not the only one who feels this way. However, spectrum analysis tools in general are not cheap! As with anything in this profession, the best tools tend to be pretty expensive, running in the three and four and even five-thousand-dollar range. If you work for a small company or are independent, it can be difficult to acquire them or to just plain justify the expense!
Fortunately, there are options for those of us who do not have the financial backing of a large corporation.
TinySA
The TinySA Spectrum Analyzer by AURSINC is a cool little handheld device that is very inexpensive. I picked the version I have on amazon.com for a whopping $65.00 (and free shipping because it was Prime, yaay me!).
Mine has a frequency range of 100kHz to 960MHz which is great for industrial sensors and robots that utilize these lower RF bands. It has a 2.8-inch screen that is very clear and graphically sharp. This model does not have the ability to record sessions, so it does limit its usefulness to spot checking specific environments to see if there are issues. There is software that you can download to your computer to connect to TinySA, but its visuals are pretty basic and there are not many options. However, it is free so you can’t beat the price!
A surprising feature this device does have is that it is also a signal generator! I have found this very useful when I have various radios or wireless sensors on my workbench to test their abilities to deal with environmentally induced RF interference.
Recently AURSINC released a new model, the TinySA Ultra. It has a frequency range of 100kHz to 5.3GHz! It comes with a 32Gb micro-SD card and can record its sessions! It sports a larger 4-inch screen as well and is also a signal generator (but only for the lower frequencies of 100kHz to 800MHz)
A quick amazon.com check shows its price ranging from $207.00 to $249.00 US.
RF Explorer
RF Explorer Technologies offers multiple models in their handheld RF Explorer series of spectrum analysis devices. These devices are solidly built with metal casings that I though felt good in my hand and were heavier than I expected (I don’t think that’s a bad thing though)
I purchased the WSUB1G model which has a frequency range of 50kHz through 960MHz. I actually bought a small kit that came with a nice case so that it wouldn’t get damaged in my bag along with my other gear. It was $199.00 from amazon.com (yeah yeah, I know I am an Amazon junkie, I blame my wife).
The screen measure approximately 2 and 1/4 inches measured diagonally and is monochrome (black digital graphics on a light blue backlit background)
The RF Explorer can record sessions, but you need to get the $50 license that allows your device to do so. Also, it only records short sessions of a max of 250 spectrum sweeps which equates to about 1 minute and 15 seconds of recording time. Granted it can do multiple recordings, it’s just that each one is short. You can then playback the recording on the device or you can connect it to your computer and playback via RF Explorer for Windows! (Or for macOS or Linux)
The RF Explorer software for your computer is free (I love that price) and has some nice display options for uploaded recordings or live viewings of a physically connected RF Explorer handheld device. Viewing options range from your standard density and waterfall graphs to several nice 3D representations of your recorded data.
Pricing for different models ranges from $149 to $599 depending on what you are looking for.
Chanalyzer
For those not familiar, Chanalyzer by MetaGeek is not like the other analyzers that I have discussed here. It is specialized software that runs on your computer that utilizes a special wireless adapter that connects via USB. Currently the adapters, various versions of the Wi-Spy line, come in 900MHz (WiSpy 900x – discontinued sadly, but I found one on eBay, lucky me) and 2.4GHz / 5GHz (the WiSpy dbx). They will be coming out with a 6GHz version soon along with new updates/versions of the software.
Chanalyzer is my main go-to for spectrum analysis in general. It has a decent spectrum resolution and presents a great interface that is easy to use. It also has a built-in report generator which is great for pulling specific data for wireless assessments.
For Chanalyzer you need to purchase the software and then the adapters separate. It’s a little more than the others mentioned above, but you do get much more for the money spent. The WiSpy dbx runs around $300 and a year subscription for Chanalyzer is $500. However, with that subscription you also get Tonic which is an amazing WiFi troubleshooting tool. So yes, its more, but its still less than all of the scientific models that run thousands and thousands of dollars and are not conducive for field work and you get a ton of real-world productivity out of it.
There are some other SDR USB adapters out there that can also perform spectrum analysis, like the RTL.SDR device, but I have found the software to not be useful enough for me on a professional level. I am always up for looking at new gizmos and gadgets though, so if you know of another inexpensive alternative and have used one in the past, drop me a comment and link and let me check it out!
For more information on the TinySA Spectrum Analyzers, check out their wiki:
https://tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.HomePage
For more information of RF Explorer Technologies, check out their website:
https://j3.rf-explorer.com/menu-models
For more information about Chanalyzer, Check out MetaGeeks website:
https://www.metageek.com/
If you have enjoyed what you have read, follow this blog as I share my experiences, blunders, how-to’s, tips, and opinions in all things OT Wireless from the wonderful world of industrial WiFi!
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Description
The FPC1000 Spectrum Analyzer features extraordinarily low noise floor and high maximum input power combine to provide for the best dynamic range in its class. Resolution bandwidth settings to 1 Hz resolve fine spectral details. In addition, the FPC1000 features the largest and most detailed display in its class at 10.1", WXGA (1366 x 768 pixel) resolution.
Outstanding quality and innovation does not have to come with a high price tag. The R&S®FPC1000 spectrum analyzer delivers unexpected performance at a budget-friendly price. Engineered in Germany and designed to the same quality standards as high-end instruments. Measure with solid RF performance and benefit from a future ready, software-upgradeable feature set. The R&S®FPC1000 has the best display in its class. The R&S®FPC1000 can be controlled via smart wireless remote control software. Excel with these features when using spectrum analysis in education, production, service or basic research.
Investment protection, high resolution and easy virtual control. These characteristics make the R&S®FPC1000 spectrum analyzer the perfect tool for university laboratories, basic research as well as production and service facilities. Investment protection through software upgrade capability. The R&S®FPC1000 base instrument has a frequency range of 5 kHz to 1 GHz. Keycode options unlock higher frequency ranges up to 3 GHz or enable other features when required.
Class-leading RF performance engineered in Germany. Extraordinarily low noise floor and high max. input power combine to provide for the best dynamic range in its class. Resolution bandwidth settings to 1 Hz resolve finer spectral details than any other spectrum analyzer in this class.
See more details with high resolution. The R&S®FPC1000 features the largest and most detailed display in its class at 10.1", WXGA (1366 × 768 pixel) resolution. The display is 26 % larger and has a 160 % higher resolution than other instruments.
Virtual control enables remote control and measurement. The R&S®FPC1000 supports wired Ethernet and wireless Wi-Fi connectivity. R&S®InstrumentView for Windows as well as the iOS/Android app-based R&S®MobileView platforms enable remote control and measurement anytime, anywhere.
10.1" High-Resolution Display
Investment protection
Fully frequency-upgradeable
Buy only what is needed. The R&S®FPC1000 is futureviable thanks to the unique Rohde & Schwarz upgrade path. The base unit covers a frequency range from 5 kHz to 1 GHz, with keycode-activated upgrades available. Effortlessly step up to higher frequency applications with upgrades to 2 GHz or even 3 GHz without additional calibration.
100 % Software-Upgradeable
Buy as needed. Shipping instruments for feature upgrade is inconvenient for rack-integrated measurement setups. The R&S®FPC1000 can be upgraded by simply entering a software keycode. All options are in place and can be enabled by the user. Upgrade effortlessly and conveniently.
No Downtime – instant option availability
Buy when needed. The unique Rohde & Schwarz upgrade path eliminates the need for additional upgrade calibration. Avoid delays and downtime and instantly access additionally required functionality.
Unexpected RF performance
Low Noise Floor
High sensitivity is critical in many applications, e.g. when measuring extremely weak signals. The R&S®FPC1000 provides an extraordinarily low noise floor of –150 dBm (typ.). Add the optional R&S®FPC1000-B22 preamplifier to increase sensitivity even further down to –165 dBm (typ.).
High Max. Input Power
Measure 10 times more power with the R&S®FPC1000. Most entry level spectrum analyzers can measure up to +20 dBm (100 mW). The R&S®FPC1000 is capable of measuring high power signals of up to +30 dBm (1 W). The combination of low noise floor and high max. input power provides exceptionally wide measurement dynamic range in the R&S®FPC1000.
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High resolution
160 % Higher Display Resolution
Higher resolution. The WXGA panel (1366 × 768 pixel) exceeds the VGA resolution (640 × 480 pixel) that had been standard among entry level spectrum analyzers by 160 %. Inspect measured signals in unprecedented clarity and razor-sharp detail.
26% Larger Display
See more. The R&S®FPC1000 has the largest display of any entry level spectrum analyzer. The new 26 cm (10.1") panel is 26 % larger than the display of other entry class spectrum analyzers (20 cm or 8"). The combination of high display resolution and a large display creates extraordinary user experience. Examine more measured signal on the instrument screen.
1 Hz Resolution Bandwidth
More details. The quality of RF measurements strongly depends on suitable resolution bandwidth settings. Finer resolution bandwidth means more spectral details. The R&S®FPC1000 is the only entry level spectrum analyzer with resolution bandwidth settings down to 1 Hz. Identify RF signal details with class-unprecedented measurement frequency resolution. Innovate with a large, high-resolution display and fine resolution bandwidth. Experience unexpected performance in the entry class.
The high dynamic range of the R&S®FPC1000 fully utilizes the 10.1" WXGA display.
Easy Virtual Control
First Wi-Fi-enabled spectrum analyzer in its class
Eliminate network cables with integrated wireless technology. The R&S®FPC1000 is Wi-Fi enabled 1) and wirelessly connects to Wi-Fi access points. This renders Ethernet cables, plugs, hubs and installation superfluous.
Innovative control – fast and easy with iOS/ Android/PC software
User in focus. Simple and intuitive controls are gamechanging trends in industry. The R&S®FPC1000 connects to R&S®InstrumentView as well as to R&S®MobileView remote control platforms via USB 2), Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
R&S®InstrumentView (PC software) and R&S®MobileView (iOS/Android app) are powerful all-in-one remote control applications that come bundled with the R&S®FPC1000 3).
Take control, read measurements, save and transfer measurement settings – quickly and easily via a PC, laptop, mobile phone or tablet from any network location.
1. Wi-Fi feature not available in some countries due to local certification requirements.
2. R&S®InstrumentView only.
3. Incorporates R&S®FPH, R&S®ZPH, R&S®FSH and R&S®ZVH interfaces.
R&S®InstrumentView remote control software.
Lab feature in R&S®InstrumentView – set up a wireless remote lab in minutes
R&S®InstrumentView supports a specific feature called Lab that can help instructors use the R&S®FPC1000 Wi- Fi capabilities to set up a wireless student lab in minutes. They can then use the R&S®InstrumentView Lab feature to simultaneously control, synchronize and view multiple instruments.
Professors can conveniently manage, assist and monitor student measurements from a central or remote location using the R&S®InstrumentView Lab feature. This feature is also beneficial in any scenario where remote monitoring of multiple instruments is required.
Virtual classroom concept – flexible deployment of classrooms anywhere, anytime
Student benefit. In a globalized world, education breaks geographic barriers. The R&S®FPC1000 with its wireless connectivity combined with the R&S®InstrumentView Lab feature is a unique tool for virtual classroom concepts and location-independent teaching.
Students can easily connect to a common network domain from anywhere in the world to participate in lab classes or online lab assessments. Experience teaching anywhere, anytime.
R&S InstrumentView and R&S MobileView features
R&S®InstrumentView R&S®MobileView Easy and fast exchange of screenshots and configurations between the instrument and a PC ?
- Remote control of the instrument from any network location ? ? Easy creation of test reports in PDF, HTML and RTF formats ?
- Easy processing of measurement results ?
- Editing of measuring results by displaying/hiding/shifting markers and limit lines, etc ?
- PC (MS Windows) compatible ?
- iOS/Android compatible
- ? iOS/Android compatible ? ?
Software applications and features
Receiver mode
The R&S®FPC1000 offers the optional R&S®FPC-K43 receiver mode for EMI debugging on circuit boards, integrated circuits, cable shielding and more. The R&S®FPC-B22 preamplifier compensates for coupling loss of probes and increases sensitivity to detect small interfering signals.
Use the R&S®FPC1000 as a cost-effective yet powerful tool to analyze and locate disturbance sources during development.
R&S®FPC1000 spectrum analyzer with the R&S®HZ-15 probe set and DUT.
Modulation Analysis
The R&S®FPC-K7 converts the R&S®FPC1000 into a modulation analyzer for measuring the modulation quality of amplitude or frequency-modulated signals.
The analog demodulation display shows the waveform as well as a summary of measurement parameters such as carrier power, carrier offset, modulation index (depth) for AM signals, frequency deviation for FM signals, SINAD, THD, etc. The modulation summary display provides user-definable limits for each measurement. Demodulated audio is supported via the built-in speaker or the headphone
Basic digital modulation formats are used with many applications, e.g. near-field communications. The R&S®FPC1000 supports both ASK and FSK analysis. The digital modulation displays include trace, eye diagram, modulation error and symbol analysis. 1)
Easily verify the quality of the basic modulated signals with the R&S®FPC-K7 software option.
Advanced Measurements
Step up measurements. The R&S®FPC-K55 adds functions for measuring channel power, occupied bandwidth, adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), spectral emission mask (SEM), spurious emissions and third order intercept (TOI). It even provides a spectrogram display to provide easy insight into spectrum occupancy and time-varying signals. 2)
Experience advanced measurements on an entry level instrument.
1) Analog modulation analysis available at product launch. Digital modulation analysis will follow via firmware update at a later stage.
2) Channel power, occupied bandwidth and spectrogram available at product launch. ACLR, SEM, spurious emissions and TOI will follow via firmware update at a later stage.
Rohde & Schwarz FPC1000 Specifications
Frequency range R&S®FPC1000 5 kHz to 1 GHz with R&S®FPC-B2 option 5 kHz to 2 GHz with R&S®FPC-B3 option 5 kHz to 3 GHz Frequency resolution 1 Hz Reference frequency, internal Aging per year 1 × 10–6 Temperature drift 0 °C to +30 °C 1 × 10–6 +30 °C to +50 °C 3 × 10–6 Achievable initial calibration accuracy 5 × 10–7 Total reference uncertainty (time since last adjustment × aging rate) + temperature drift + calibration accuracy
Frequency readout
Marker resolution 0.1 Hz Uncertainty ±(marker frequency × reference uncertainty + 10 % × resolution bandwidth + ½ (span / (sweep points – 1)) + 1 Hz) Number of sweep (trace) points 1183 Marker tuning frequency step size span/1182 Frequency counter resolution 0.1 Hz Count uncertainty SNR > 25 dB ±(frequency × reference uncertainty + ½ (last digit)) Frequency span 0 Hz, 10 Hz to 1 GHz with R&S®FPC-B2 option 0 Hz, 10 Hz to 2 GHz with R&S®FPC-B3 option 0 Hz, 10 Hz to 3 GHz Span uncertainty 1 % (nom.) Spectral purity SSB phase noise f = 500 MHz Carrier offset 30 kHz < –88 dBc (1 Hz), –92 dBc (1 Hz) (typ.) 100 kHz < –98 dBc (1 Hz), –103 dBc (1 Hz) (typ.) 1 MHz < –120 dBc (1 Hz), –125 dBc (1 Hz) (typ.)
Sweep time
Sweep time span = 0 Hz 100 μs to 100 s 10 Hz ≤ span ≤ 600 MHz 10 ms to 1000 s span > 600 MHz 10 ms × span/600 MHz to 1000 s Uncertainty span = 0 Hz 1 % (nom.) span ≥ 10 Hz 3 % (nom.)
Bandwidth
Range -3 dB bandwidth 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 1/3 sequence Bandwidth accuracy 1 Hz ≤ RBW ≤ 300 kHz < 5 % (nom.) 300 kHz < RBW ≤ 1 MHz < 10 % (nom.) Selectivity 60 dB:3 dB < 5 (nom.) (Gaussian type filters)
Video filters
Range -3 dB bandwidth 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 1/3 sequence
Level
Display range displayed noise floor to +30 dBm
Maximum rated input level
DC voltage 50 V CW RF power 33 dBm (= 2 W) Peak RF power duration < 3 s 36 dBm (= 4 W) Max. pulse voltage 150 V Max. pulse energy pulse width 10 μs 10 mWs
Intermodulation
Third-order intercept (TOI) intermodulation-free dynamic range, signal level 2 × –20 dBm, RF attenuation = 0 dB, RF preamplifier = off fin = 1 GHz +7 dBm (meas.) fin = 2.4 GHz +10 dBm (meas.) Second harmonic intercept (SHI) RF attenuation = 0 dB, RF preamplifier = off, signal level = –40 dBm fin = 20 MHz to 1.5 GHz –60 dBc (nom.) Displayed average noise level dB RF attenuation, termination 50 Ω, RBW = 100 Hz, VBW = 10 Hz, sample detector, log scaling, normalized to 1 Hz preamplifier R&S®FPC1000 = off 1 MHz to 10 MHz < –127 dBm,–135 dBm (typ.) 10 MHz to 2 GHz < –142 dBm, –150 dBm (typ.) 2 GHz to 3 GHz < –138 dBm, –147 dBm (typ.) preamplifier R&S®FPC1000 = on (requires R&S®FPC-B22 option) 1 MHz to 10 MHz < –147 dBm, –157 dBm (typ.) 10 MHz to 2 GHz < –158 dBm, –165 dBm (typ.) 2 GHz to 3 GHz < –155 dBm, –163 dBm (typ.)
Immunity to interference, nominal values
Image frequencies fin – 2 × 30.15 MHz < –70 dBc (nom.) fin – 2 × 830.15 MHz < –65 dBc (nom.) fin – 2 × 4042.65 MHz –60 dBc (nom.) Intermediate frequencies 30.25 MHz, 830.25 MHz, 4042.65 MHz < –70 dBc (nom.) Other interfering signals, signal level – RF attenuation < –30 dBm spurious at fin – 2021.325 MHz < –60 dBc (nom.) Other interfering signals, related to local oscillators Δf ≥ 300 kHz < –60 dBc (nom.) f = receive frequency Residual spurious response input matched with 50 Ω, without input signal, RBW ≤ 30 kHz, f ≥ 3 MHz, RF attenuation = 0 dB, Wi-Fi function disabled < –90 dBm (nom.)
Level Display
Logarithmic level axis 1/2/5/10/20/50/100 dB, 10 divisions Linear level axis 0 % to 100 %, 10 divisions Number of traces 2 Trace detectors max. peak, min. peak, auto peak, sample, RMS Trace functions clear/write, max. hold, min. hold, average, view Setting range of reference level -130 dBm to +30 dBm Units of level axis dBm, dBmV, dBμV, V, W Level measurement uncertainty Absolute level uncertainty at 100 MHz +20 °C to +30 °C < 0.3 dB Frequency response (+20 °C to +30 °C) 100 kHz ≤ f < 10 MHz < 1.5 dB (nom.) 10 MHz ≤ f ≤ 3 GHz < 1 dB Attenuator uncertainty < 0.3 dB Uncertainty of reference level setting < 0.1 dB (nom.) Display nonlinearity SNR > 16 dB, 0 dB to –50 dB, logarithmic level display < 0.3 dB Bandwidth switching uncertainty reference: RBW = 10 kHz < 0.1 dB (nom.) Total measurement uncertainty 95 % confidence level, +20 °C to +30 °C, SNR > 16 dB, 0 dB to –50 dB below reference level, RF attenuation auto 10 MHz ≤ f ≤ 3 GHz < 1.25 dB, 0.5 dB (typ.)
Trigger Functions
Trigger source free run, video, external External trigger level threshold low → high transition 2.4 V high → low transition 0.7 V maximum 3.0 V
Inputs and Outputs
Impedance 50 Ω (nom.) Connector N female VSWR 5 kHz ≤ f ≤ 1 GHz < 1.5 (nom.) 1 GHz < f ≤ 3 GHz < 2 (nom.) Input attenuator RF input only 0 dB to 40 dB in 5 dB steps
AF Output
AF demodulation types AM and FM Connector 3.5 mm mini jack Output impedance 32 Ω (nom.) Voltage (open circuit) VRMS adjustable from 0 V to > 100 mV
External reference, external trigger
Connector BNC, 50 Ω Mode ext. reference, ext. trigger External reference required level 0 dBm Frequency 10 MHz External trigger threshold low → high transition 2.4 V high → low transition 0.7 V
General Data
Power supply AC supply input specifications 100 V to 240 V AC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 0.6 A to 0.4 A Power consumption 14 W (nom.) Safety IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010.1 Test mark VDE, GS, CSA
Manual Operation
Languages Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
Remote Control
Command set SCPI 1997.0 LAN interface 10/100BASE-T, RJ-45 USB type B plug, version 2.0
Display
Size 10.1" Resolution 1366 × 768 pixel Pixel errors < 2 pixel Audio Speaker internal USB interface type A plug, version 2.0 number of interfaces 2 Mass memory memory stick (not supplied), size ≤ 4 Gbyte, USB version 1.1 or 2.0 Data storage internal > 256 instrument settings and traces on memory stick, ≥ 1 Gbyte > 5000 instrument settings and traces
Environmental Conditions
Temperature operating temperature range +10 °C to +40 °C storage temperature range -20 °C to +70 °C Climatic loading relative humidity +25 °/+40 °C at 85 % relative humidity in line with EN 60068-2-30
>Mechanical Resistance
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Vibration sinusoidal EN 60068-2-6 random EN 60068-2-64 Shock 40 g shock spectrum, in line with MIL-STD-810F, method 516.4 procedure 1, EN 60068-2-27 EMC in line with European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC including
CISPR 11/EN 55011/group 1
class A (emission)
EN 61326 table 2 (immunity, industrial) Dimensions (W × H × D) without feet 396 mm × 178 mm × 147 mm
(15.6 in × 7 in × 5.8 in) including feet 396 mm × 185 mm × 156 mm
(15.6 in × 7.3 in × 6.1 in) Weight 3 kg (6.61 lb) Recommended calibration interval 1 year
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