Purchasing advice Spectrum analysers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 01:43:32 pm
content: First post so leave some hair on please!Currently looking for a quality SA for low level RF work upto 7Ghz, emi pre compliance suit, real time would be nice but essential intuitive layout, must have a good FFT section and possible low software bug count, budget around the 8000UKP used not a problemSuggestions gentlemen would be appreciated.

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 05:28:50 pm
content: Hello Sighound36,Have you had a look at the Aaronia options available? HF-6060 for a handheld device.https://www.aaronia.com/products/spectrum-analyzers/HF-6080-V4-Handheld-Spectrum-Analyzer/Spectran version available if you prefer a USB PC based unit.https://www.aaronia.com/products/spectrum-analyzers/HF-6080-V4-X-Desktop-USB-Analyzer/Kind regards

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 06:55:31 pm
content: Honestly, while the Aaronia handheld units have a use, it doesn't sound like this, to me, maybe the desktop model could work, but the DANL, RBW limits, and some other specs put it a fair bit behind SAs from other major vendors.You've got a pretty broad range of instruments in the new or used to 8000 GBP, so unless you have some specific requirements, it may depend more on the value proposition on the unit you can get shipped to you today rather than some theoretical unit available somewhere around the world for the price. I'd take a look at what sort of EMI tests are done (specific requirements for RBW or whatnot) and see if the manufacturer you're looking at offers a software option that automates setup or reports it in a convenient way... otherwise you just have to be knowledgeable about the tests so you can make the measurements.If you want a standalone unit, there's a whole slew of options from Keysight, R&S, and some Tek models. Anritsu is sort of the king of portable units, but while they'd likely do the job fine, you don't get the same sweep performance (or the realtime analysis) in the portable form factor most of the time. If you want to consider USB offerings, Tek and SignalHound have some strong contenders each. Then looking more broadly, there's options from Aeroflex, Advantest (though their newest units are ~2006). I don't think Rigol or Siglent have anything with that much bandwidth in their lineup, but they both have some more affordable options for new units with pre-compliance software options available.If you can, get your hands on some to try to figure out what you like in a UI. Many of these options will have fairly few bugs, but that can be quite dependent on the individual model... so I'd say as long as the company has a history of support and you have a way to update the firmware yourself (instead of requiring it being sent in), the odds that it will be nicely functional in terms of software are pretty high. So I'd say try to narrow it down to a few manufacturers, or some must-have features or software, or just what interface seems to be the best fit, then try to look around for pricing and available models and configurations.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 07:10:48 pm
content: Don't skip over Advantest. They have many decent models and they don't go for crazy high prices.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 08:26:13 pm
content: I like my Advantest gear.... but they got out of the benchtop equipment mark in the mid 2000s, so I don't know if they have a realtime SA of any type. Their value on the used market is great, especially for high bandwidth and low noise, but I don't remember EMI software options being available either. If you don't need the realtime analysis and don't need the precompliance options and just make the measurements on your own, then Advantest would be a great value for performance.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 08:37:09 pm
content: Without a chamber and calibrated antennas having an EMI mode isn't much use anyway.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 09:03:19 pm
content: Hi,Here is my contribution:Above 2-3GHz, RF becomes magic and every gear or accessory becomes really expensive. Like a connector costs several hundred Pounds!The same with spectrum analyzers: up to 3GHz you have one price range, above that you need to spends magnitudes more.As mentioned before, for EMI you need special probes/antennas, you need shielding, etc.You might to consider regular calibration.All this will quickly range beyond your budget.Example:Rigol produces acceptable/good entry-level spectrum analyzers.It starts with the DSA815 (up to 1.5GHz) for as little as 1095 Euro.The same entry level series, model DSA875-TG (up to 7.5GHz with tracking generator) already costs you 6.495 Euro.And you still don't own any cables, probes, antennas, connectors, adapters, etc.!Now, you mentioned you want something a bit better than the cheapest entry-level. Lets look at the Rigol RSA5000 series (still a budget brand - much cheaper than premium brands):RSA5032 (up to 3.2GHz) --> 6.895 EuroRSA5065-TG (up to 6.5 GHz with TG) --> 9.595 EuroNow, how much do you imagine will a Keysight or Rohde & Schwarz cost? I think you will need 5-6 digits on the price tag.Next option is second hand. Do yourself a favor and contact MCS-TESTEQUIPMENT :https://mcs-testequipment.com/Look here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-used-test-equipment-scraprepairs-rigol-agilent-tektronix-etc/Talk to Mike (send him a PM). He might have a good second hand unit. I am not affiliated, but had very good experiences buying second hand equipment from the list.Be careful buying second hand spectrum analyzers from eBay: overpriced and often broken!A spectrum analyzer is sensible and can easily be broken by overloading the RF input. Seller on eBay will show you some picture with the device turned on, but you will be unable to decide if it is defective or not. Repairing can be from difficult to impossible. Take special care when dealing with eBay offers which say "for parts" or "not tested" or "turns on, don't know how to use it".Regards,Vitor

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 09:12:23 pm
content: Got a HP8593E in the shop that needs some work on the PSU. If I can bring her out of her sleep, she might fit the bill. Or rather, you'd still have most of your budget left.

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2019, 09:31:00 am
content: Some very grounded answers in those replies thank you.Some further clarification for you, I do have enough passive RF probes, rf a selection amplifiers up to 8Ghz a couple of TEM open cells plus attenuaters,dc blockers and a good selection of high quality cables. I do not doubt more will be required!I do like the Rigol products, however the later 3000 and 5000 series SA's seem to have their own firmware issues, one of my bugbears is poor firmware, if there are any Rigol 3000/5000 users who wish to chip in happy to listen.Searching the UK databases has revealed a couple of candidates thus far.R&S FSP7This has the GSM/EDGE, better OCXO and Electronic Attenuator and integrated preamplifier (3.6 GHz)Cost is £5750Second option so farKeysight N9322CThe spectrum analyzer has fitted the following extra's GPIB interface, base-band one, EMC/Quasi peak etc, Tracking generator to 7Ghz, reflection measurement built in VSWR.Cost is £7950Other suggestions will be carefully considered.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2019, 09:59:49 am
content: IIRC MCS Testequipment had a bunch of Aearoflex (IIRC) for sale. Maybe they have some higher end units leftover.

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2019, 05:30:13 pm
content: Apologies gents, I have been out of the country on business.Three phase,I did contact Aaronia they responded with great information and for the V5 RTA (88Mhz upgrade to 175Mhz 2000 Euro's) versions of their products start at 20K euro's and extend up to 25K euro's for the Spectran XFR V5 PRO which is a touch more than the budget!VitorI am not adverse to having quality used equipment from a certificated vendor of repute, I do check out both of the suggestions I mentioned in a previous post, The R&S FSP7 imbibed tank like build quality and was ok to navigate and was circa 2007 vintage, but no tracking generator which is a deal breaker.The Keysight N9322C, lots of options, nice build quality ex demonstration unit, for me very clunky interface, not intuitive for myself, other may feel different. Did not sit well with me.Currently R&S are 'restructuring' the lower end models and a fully loaded FPC 1500 ALL the options on and a VNA as well for a very attractive price of £3850 +vat.So will be exploring this model as well in the near future, so thank you for all of your suggestions so far.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2019, 09:16:50 pm
content: Quote from: Sighound36 on June 12, 2019, 05:30:13 pmDon't overlook a SVA1015X if you'd like SA and VNA capability.

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 06:15:01 pm
content: Hi TautechI did look into the Siglent options, the SVA1015X has too small a bandwidth for my needs, though a respectable unit and price. I suspect it is hack able like the other SA's in the line up.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 07:35:48 pm
content: Quote from: Sighound36 on June 13, 2019, 06:15:01 pmWell yes, mine is.If you're not in a hurry maybe the upcoming SVA1032X could interest you.Chinese whispers have given a model # but nothing more at this time.

author: Rohde_TestWalker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 08, 2019, 02:59:20 am
content: Rich Markley here: Just a heads up that Rohde & Schwarz makes a couple of spectrum analyzers that could meet your needs. The FSVR7, for example, is a real-time spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of 10 Hz to 7 GHz with a span of up to 40 MHz. Its touch screen has an intuitive UI so you get fast access to all important functions, and it has a built-in help function.Good luck on your search: Let us know what you end up with!

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2019, 07:43:23 am
content: Quote from: Rohde_TestWalker on July 08, 2019, 02:59:20 amHello RichardThank you suggestions, R & S is a well respected and long standing world brand, that model would grace our lab rather nicely, however our annual R & D equipment budget doesn't quite stretch to that desirable model, even before the essential purchases of various active and current probes.Although happy to accept cost price donations to worthy causes!UpdateCurrently have two RTA for evaluation at the moment, the Tektronix RSA603A and the Rigol RSA3045 TG, both delivering great performance for a respectable laboratory environment.The software suite that accompanies the RSA603A is very comprehensive and pretty intuitive, the Rigol you do need to load up with a few options to match it namely the AMK, (£450) pre amplifier (£323) and RTA bandwidth extension (ouch £1100!) (EMI compliance package comes with this unit). which makes this unit £7600 before any negotiation starts!I really like both units each doing certain criteria in a way that is pleasing, the Rigol has a few quirks, but so far have not found any major bugs, the Tektronix really needs a respectable laptop which does add to the box count and extra connectivity, however the unit is more compact.Any other Rigol or Tektronix RTA users out there wishing to share their observations?Last question is this unit 'adjustable' in the FW like the their scopes at all?

author: purpose
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2019, 09:38:38 am
content: One chap posted a very nice pic of his adjusted gizmo.