FSVR Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
Rohde & Schwarz introduces the R&S FSVR family, the world's first signal and real-time spectrum analyzers up to 30 GHz
The new R&S FSVR real-time spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz is the first instrument to combine the functions of an all-purpose signal and spectrum analyzer with a real-time spectrum analyzer. In real-time mode, the R&S FSVR detects everything, from sporadic events to ultrashort signals. Measurement without blind times is a major advantage for developers of RF components for commercial transmission systems such as LTE, WiMAX™, WLAN, Bluetooth® and RFID, and for general RF applications such as radar and frequency hopping transmission. Designed on the basis of the R&S FSV, the R&S FSVR provides the full functionality of a signal and spectrum analyzer – with a measurement speed up to five times faster than any other analyzer on the market.
Compared with a conventional spectrum analyzer, which sweeps across the entire input frequency range of several GHz, a real-time spectrum analyzer measures the spectrum around a user-selectable input frequency. It seamlessly acquires the applied signal with the selected span and displays its spectrum. Even ultrashort and very sporadic signals are detected. The behavior of signal sources when the frequency changes or the impact of digital switches, for example, can be quickly and effortlessly analyzed.
"It is often difficult and time-consuming to find the cause of sporadic errors using a conventional swept spectrum analyzer. A real-time spectrum analyzer can be an enormous help. Our goal was to combine the advantages of both analysis processes in one instrument," says Josef Wolf, Director of the Spectrum and Network Analyzers Subdivision. "Therefore we extended the functionality of our established R&S FSV signal and spectrum analyzer to create the R&S FSVR. Users now have access to real-time analysis plus all the advantages of the R&S FSV: unmatched measurement speed, high sensitivity and a multitude of functions."
In the real-time mode, the R&S FSVR seamlessly captures RF signals with a bandwidth of up to 40 MHz, computes up to 250,000 spectra per second and displays the result graphically. Many display modes and measurement functions are available to visually and metrologically analyze the results:
In the persistence mode, the R&S FSVR outputs a color-coded display of the probability distribution of occurring frequencies and amplitudes over the length of time selected by the user (persistence period). This gives the user an impression of the behavior of signals over time. Fast frequency hops of a transmitter and significant short-term amplitude changes are made visible. This type of signal behavior is very difficult to detect with conventional analyzers.
The spectrogram function displays the spectrum in the time domain. Seamless monitoring of frequency bands is useful for developers who are trying to find intermittent interference. Users also need this function for wireless transmissions which have frequent changes in frequency. Typical examples are RFID and Bluetooth®. The R&S FSVR makes it easy to track these frequency hops and to characterize the transmitter.
The R&S FSVR provides a frequency trigger designed especially for very sporadic signals. This frequency mask trigger (FMT) responds to definable events in the spectrum. The R&S FSVR analyzes each individual spectrum and compares it with a predefined mask. The impact of interference from RF transmitters or frequency changes can be quickly and specifically analyzed. The user either defines the mask for the FMT on the R&S FSVR touch screen or lets it be created automatically.
When the R&S FSVR is not in the real-time mode, it can be used as a signal and spectrum analyzer: It offers all the functions of the general-purpose R&S FSV analyzer plus many of its options for measuring RF parameters and analyzing digitally modulated signals. The R&S FSVR also supports mobile radio standards such as GSM/EDGE, WCDMA, TD SCDMA, WLAN, WiMAX™ and LTE. With more than 1000 sweeps/s, the R&S FSV is up to five times faster than other spectrum and signal analyzers.
The R&S FSVR real-time spectrum analyzer is now available from Rohde & Schwarz in three models – up to 7 GHz, 13 GHz and 30 GHz.