New high-end performance in real-time spectrum analysis

With its SPECTRAN V6 series of real-time spectrum analysers, Aaronia AG has brought state-of-the-art solutions for various applications. The experience and know-how gained from these developments are now included in the latest product, the SPECTRAN V6 ECO. With this USB spectrum analyser, the company establishes a new market segment in real-time spectrum analysis.

"We are delighted to present the SPECTRAN V6 ECO, a device that sets new standards and is optimally tailored to the needs of our customers," says Thorsten Chmielus, managing director of Aaronia AG. "The V6 ECO is the result of continuous development work. It meets the constantly growing demands on modern equipment and takes into account the increasing complexity of the signals to be evaluated. Our goal has long been to be able to offer high-performance measuring devices based on SDR in the entry-level segment. We have now achieved this with the SPECTRAN V6 ECO family."

The frequency range of the SPECTRAN V6 ECO 100XA-6 is between 9kHz and 6GHz, optionally 7.25GHz for Wi-Fi 6E measurements. It provides an RTBW of 44MHz or 500GHz/s sweep speed. For use as a broadband oscilloscope, for example, the power meter input is employed. This is integrated into the Rx1 path and can be operated simultaneously with the Rx1 input. It has a frequency range of 1MHz to 8GHz with an accuracy of +/-1dB, an impulse response time of 10ns and a dynamic range of 70dB. The ADC of the power meter works with a real-time sampling rate of 2.5MSPS at 12-bit resolution, corresponding to a pulse resolution of 400ns. This allows very fast power monitoring, which can be used, for example, to protect the preamplifier stage by automatically switching it off in the event of an overload. Powermeter functions are utilised, among other things, in characterising RF signals, troubleshooting wireless communication systems, ensuring quality control in producing electronic devices, and analysing radio transmissions.

The device has a powerful RTSA-Suite PRO for signal recording and data analysis. The software simultaneously displays various 2D and 3D signal visualisations, triggers, AM/FM decoders and IQ processing. Also, many central functions are already included free of charge in the basic version. These include Filereader and Filewriter for recording and playback of IQ data, remote http or scripts. Further, there is a wide range of functions to choose from, which can be easily installed later via a software license and, therefore, considerably increase the range of functions of the device or adapt it to changing requirements.

"The RTSA-Suite PRO offers analysis options that cannot be compared with any other solution," says Thorsten Chmielus. "It is not only the flexibility and ease of use of the software due to its modular structure that is impressive, but also the wide range of display and analysis options. Another unique feature is the ability to evaluate and analyse the IQ data recorded in real-time in detail at a later date. And all this on standard PCs." For example, several SPECTRAN V6 ECO units can be cascaded to create a phase-coherent broadband recorder solution.

The USB spectrum analyser is connected to a PC or laptop with a single USB cable. Power is supplied via USB PD using the same USB port. Recommended antennas for use in combination with the SPECTRAN V6 ECO are the HyperLOG EMI antennas, the EMC measurement antennas of the BicoLOG series, the IsoLOG 3D Mobile for 3D measurements, as well as the near-field probes specially developed for measurements on components or at PCB level. However, this real-time spectrum analyser can also use all other company antennas and products from other manufacturers.