Signal Hound’s SM435 series spectrum analyzers and monitoring receivers are powerful and accurate test and measurement tools that are designed with premium components. A philosophy of innovation inspires all the product designs at Signal Hound and these latest high frequency analyzers provide all the performance and precision needed for diverse uses across a wide variety of applications. Long known for reliable and efficient test and measurement equipment, Signal Hound has applied their brand of innovation and quality to the latest high-powered devices in the product portfolio. The SM435B and SM435C combine extended frequency range, real-time operation and extremely low phase noise into an accessible device that enables spectrum analysis into the mmWave space.
Figure 1 M435B real-time spectrum analyzer.
The SM435B is a high performance 43.5 GHz spectrum analyzer and monitoring receiver with 110 dB of dynamic range and 1 THz/sec sweep speeds. It offers 160 MHz instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) calibrated I/Q capture available through block transfer of a two-second I/Q buffer over USB 3.0 to the PC. The phase noise of the SM435B rivals even the most expensive spectrum analyzers on the market. This device utilizes a sub-octave preselector that enables exceptional sweep speed performance from the device. It features outstanding dynamic range that has been optimized across the entire frequency band. This feature is achieved with special high-linearity amplifiers having a flat noise figure over 10 dB of gain adjustment. The SM435B excels at a broad range of RF test and measurement applications that include EMC pre-compliance, phase noise characterization, wireless signal characterization, calibration, manufacturing test and more. It is an exceptional product that provides access to higher frequency analysis capabilities to a broad range of engineers and technicians. Figure 1 shows the SM435B analyzer.
Figure 2 SM435C real-time spectrum analyzer with 10 GbE.
To enhance the capabilities of the SM435 series, Signal Hound also offers the network-capable SM435C. Utilizing all the performance specifications of the SM435B, this spectrum analyzer adds a 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port, making it an attractive companion for remotely located RF data analysis. This feature is especially useful for off-site device control applications like streaming RF data back to a system via ethernet and spectrum monitoring in remote areas. Remote interface and control capabilities are facilitated using SCPI-compatible commands. These devices can be remotely operated by sending SCPI commands through a TCP/IP link. The SM435C software can connect and interface through any VISA implementation or any programming language that allows for SOCKET programming. In practical use case scenarios, SM series products have been utilized in nationwide spectrum monitoring systems and possess the performance capabilities to meet the demands of ongoing field use. Factor in the desire to reduce the size, weight, power and cost in the RF space and the SM435 series products become much more effective and attractive as a field companion. Figure 2 shows the SM435C in a laboratory setting.
Both the SM435B and SM435C are available with an Option-80 configuration. This option replaces the front panel 10 MHz output with 800 MHz of IF bandwidth selectable from 24 to 43.5 GHz and centered at 1.5 GHz. With Option-80 installed, users can switch modes between spectrum analysis and mmWave down-conversion.
Critical performance standards differentiate superior RF tools from low-grade products. Sweep speed is one of those standards. The SM435B and SM435C offer exceptional sweep speeds to enable real-time data when it is needed most. This component of analysis is important in many applications but essential for spectrum monitoring. Certain situations require broad frequency sweeps while searching for a variety of signal characteristics. The SM435 series analyzers offer a 1 THz/sec sweep speed at any of its resolution bandwidth settings greater than or equal to 30 kHz. Covering 1 to 43.5 GHz in just 20 milliseconds allows for a constant sweep of the airwaves. This is due to a very agile local oscillator in the devices. With a sustained 1 THz/sec sweep speed, these powerful spectrum analyzers can monitor a 2 GHz span with a 100 percent probability of intercept for signals lasting two milliseconds or longer.
Next-generation uses for signal analysis and monitoring systems are ever-expanding. The boundaries of performance continue to be pushed. Signal Hound develops high performance products to keep up with the demand for the powerful tools required for this wide-ranging industry. Providing innovative tools for RF professionals around the globe is an ongoing pursuit for the company. Beginning with the award-winning BB60 series and now with the SM435B and SM435C, engineers, technicians and others have access to devices to assist in further exploration of the RF spectrum in standard as well as developing frequency ranges.
To learn more about the SM435B and SM435C real-time spectrum analyzers and monitoring receivers, visit the Signal Hound website.
Signal Hound
Battle Ground, Wash.
signalhound.com
