Rohde & Schwarz recently announced a portable spectrum analyzer that support several applications and relatively cheaper. Available in four different models with a frequency range up to 3 GHz or 6 GHz, either with or without a tracking generator, the spectrum analyzer uses an I/Q demodulation bandwidth of 20 MHz, a displayed average noise level of –152 dBm (1 Hz), a total measurement uncertainty of under 0.5 dB, and less than 7 kg.

The Company claims that the spectrum analyzer offers good RF performance at a low price, and an indispensable do-it-all tool for every developer. It features a phase noise value of –103 dBc (1 Hz) at 10 kHz from the carrier. It has a third order intercept point of typically +15 dBm, a bandwidth range of 10 Hz to 10 MHz, and a displayed average noise level of –152 dBm. Moreover, the R&S FSL contains a memory for signals demodulated to the I/Q baseband, where the bandwidth can be up to 20 MHz. An optional preamplifier optimizes the usable dynamic range when used together with the RF attenuator, which can be adjusted in steps of 5 dB.

In addition, the R&S FSL can handle diverse measurements in production. Its high measurement speed of more than 80 sweeps/s in zero span ensures high throughput. All data transfers are already included. Even a simple level calibration can be streamlined by using integrated measurement functions; a special multimarker function measures different levels or level ramps in the time domain in a single sweep. This eliminates reset and remote control overhead time. Furthermore, the R&S FSL can directly control R&S NRP power sensors, thus converting it into a power meter.

The R&S FSL offers the following functions specifically for production:

• Fast ACP measurements for the latest mobile radio standards in the time domain, measurements with up to 300 analyzer settings by a single remote-control command in the frequency list mode,
• Power measurement in the time domain with channel or RRC filters, and
• A fast frequency counter with a resolution of 0.1 Hz at a measurement time of less than 50 ms.

The standard R&S FSL features a 10/100BaseT LAN remote-control interface, which provides a significant speed advantage over an IEC/IEEE bus interface particularly when transferring large blocks of data. It also eliminates the need for an expensive IEC/IEEE bus interface in the controller. Nevertheless, remote control via an IEC/IEEE bus is possible without any problem.

The R&S FSL can also be used  for installation and maintenance tasks in the field due to its compact size and low weight of less than 7 kg. The optional battery pack allows you to operate the analyzer without connecting it to an AC supply. The R&S FSL also comes with a practical carrying bag. Two models with an internal tracking generator are available for directional power measurements.