USB spectrum analyzers from Aaronia - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 11:15:44 pm
content: Has anyone used these?http://www.aaronia-shop.com/products/spectrum-analyzer.htmlThey make hand-held and USB / display-less spectrum analyzers, and basically they look too good to be true. I don't really know enough about spectrum analyzers to tell what the difference is between these and instruments that cost 10x as much, and whether I will not be able to use these effectively.Basically the kinds of things I do are looking at relatively simple narrow band signals associated with modulation of lasers. So I might have a signal from the beating between two lasers at a few GHz with a linewidth of a few kHz to a few MHz, and it may have some FM/PM side bands at typically 10-40 MHz. The type of things I would do are to locate the GHz beat note, check the center frequency and line width, and so forth.I currently am using a Tektronix 1.8 GHz 2712 that I got out of the old equipment cabinet, and really it does OK for me, except that the 1.8 GHz too narrow. 3 GHz is the magic number that I really need, anything beyond that up to say 12 GHz (the speed of the fastest photodetector I have) would be handy. In a pinch, there is a guy I can borrow an agilent 26 GHz or so unit, so I don't think I need one that does everything.So, with all that out of the way, what specs do I need to check before buying something like this? What is the difference between this and a 10k+ unit? Are there any other low cost broad band spectrum analyzers I should look at?The obvious things I see are:1) Uses a TCXO, not a OCXO, so the frequency stability is less. The narrowest resolution bandwidth is 200 Hz. That is tolerable, although narrower would be better.2) has a small display or none at all: I will probably have to use the PC software to do anything with it.3) No tracking generator option: this would be nice but I probably wouldn't pay for it as an option on a fancy spectrum analyzer.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 03:11:55 am
content: I hadn't heard of Aaronia before, but I'm aware of the Signalhound spectrum analyser, which is sold for a similar price. The main issue I have with them is that no-one seems to have reviewed any of them in depth, so it's a lot of money to pay for something that sounds great on paper but could be hampered by bad software, annoying limitations, poor support, etc. It would be well worth contacting a local distributor (if there is one) to ask for a demo or a loan unit. Another option might be to rent high-end test equipment if you only need it for a short time. A quick look at the specs for the one of the Aaronia models shows that the accuracy isn't great (+/- 2dB), though the dynamic range is pretty good.Standalone units tend to be bigger and heavier - this generally means that they'll have better power supplies, OCXOs, and good RF shielding between each section of the instrument. These USB devices all look like they're a single board in a metal box and are typically designed by companies without a long-standing reputation. It's interesting that Agilent et al. haven't made a range of USB test equipment!A tracking generator is a nice feature as it will increase the versatility of the instrument considerably (I use mine all the time!) - even if you don't need one initially, it's good to be able to buy one as an option. Aaronia doesn't seem to have one, but Signalhound does. However for the $1500 the combo costs, you should be able to find a second-hand bench spectrum analyser from a reputable company, especially if you live in the USA. I picked up my Advantest 3.5 GHz SA and tracking generator for AUD $1500.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 04:32:08 am
content: Quote from: joelby on August 12, 2011, 03:11:55 amwhen they see more people buying usb, they will come out with their "new evolution" too. but most people still like the old way, so do they.

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 11:07:17 am
content: Quote from: joelby on August 12, 2011, 03:11:55 amThanks. The signalhound looks interesting as well. If I buy one or the other I will post my experiences...

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 04:40:14 pm
content: OK, well some searching turns up not much, but a few message board threads suggesting that the aaronia devices range from complete crap to being merely OK, but way to generous with their specifications. There is a big internet fistfight over what a noise floor means:http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22150567-Spectrum-Analyzer-ShowdownAlso, they sell "EMI shielding" canopies for your bed to (I guess) protect you from the evil EM waves while you sleep:http://www.aaronia.com/products/shielding-screening/If you are going to make a serious tool and sell tinfoil hats and audiophool garbage at the same time, at least put them on different domain namesFinally, I contacted them and they couldn't provide a phase noise specification. This seems rather poor, and one of the first things you should list when making a spectrum analyzer. I don't think I actually care much about noise floor. My signals are all very spectrally narrow and bright, and don't have a huge dynamic range. Phase noise is a bigger issue.The signal hound guys seem more honest about the limitations of their device compared to a more expensive bench analyzer from R&S/agilent/whoever. They also have a reference input for an external OCXO to improve the phase noise, which might be handy.

author: tinhead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 05:18:17 pm
content: these Aaronia SAs are not that bad (on paper) - but only the high end and latest models. Of courseyou have to be careful because most of them have useless freq. specs - they have many useless models.There are new models, SPECTRAN V5, from already published specs point of view good products - however thereis still one big trap - the software is since beginning "beta" (sure it works, but i was not happy)And as always, you have to be careful with forum statements, most ppl tried older (or low end) versions,and got pissed off finally. I was one of them, i bought HF4060 V3 (as "extension" to my ancient HP8590A)after a week testing i send it back. I know from other users that V4 was already better,but yeah when the manufacturer was not able to provide phase noise specs then it is a bit annoying.Ask them for V5 specs, this is what they currently working on and doing some advertising, probablythey will be able to provide some informations.

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 11:58:34 am
content: It's 2017. Aaronia V5 software is still beta.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 01:04:50 pm
content: Quote from: electrolust on January 24, 2017, 11:58:34 amGuess they must be ex-Google employees then...