Tektronix moves into PC spectrum analysers

Tektronix has released a USB 3.0-based spectrum analyser that plugs into a PC for its display and controls.

Called RSA306, it has 9kHz-6.2GHz frequency range and 40MHz real time bandwidth.

“As with nearly all areas of electronics design and test, requirements for RF and microwave test are changing quickly leading to the need for new instrumentation approaches,” said Tektronix general manager Jim McGillivary. “We’re moving to address these changing requirements across multiple market segments with test and measurement solutions.”

It works with the firm’s SignalVu signal analysis software suite, and an open API is available so customers can use Windows-based interface such as Matlab or Python to manipulate raw data coming from the instrument.

A cut-down version of SignalVu, called SignalVu-PC Essentials, to work with this instrument will be free.

Expected markets, according to the firm, are:

Budget-conscious RF design and development
Mobile radio network installation and maintenance
Interference hunting “It easily fits in a backpack while offering the sensitivity needed to quickly discover signals as short at 100 µs,” said Tektronix .
University lab classes “Vector analysis, frequency and phase trends, and other tools allow educators to teach beyond basic frequency and amplitude.”

Weight. size and price are:

590g
190x127x31mm.
€2,810 or £2,340.

The instrument is ruggedised – to Mil-Std 28800 Class 2

As this is a real-time spectrum analyser, using a fast ADC and FPGA-based FFT processor, it contains almost all the necessary hardware to implement an oscilloscope.

“The RSA306 is Tektronix’ first USB spectrum analyser and will be joined by similar instruments taking advantage of the availability of affordable desktop computers and laptops with sufficient processing power to handle complex test and measurement analysis along with high-speed USB 3.0 interfaces,” said the firm.