Rigol Technologies RSA5000 Series RF real-time spectrum analysers

Rigol Technologies has released the RSA5000 Series of RF real-time spectrum analysers with a frequency spectrum of 9 kHz to 3.2 or 6.5 GHz and a maximum sample rate of 51.2 MS/s. They are said to offer performance improvements over traditional swept spectrum analysers with a 1 ms full span sweep, an expanded vertical range to 30 dBm, reduced phase noise to -108 dBc/Hz, 1 Hz RBW (resolution bandwidth) and a reduced noise floor (DANL) to -165 dBm. They can also be used in a traditional swept scan mode.

Offering up to 40 MHz real-time bandwidth, the series calculate >146,000 FFTs/s, delivering down to 7.45 µs for a 100% probability of intercept. They provide seven display modes (Normal, Density, Spectogram, Power vs Time, Density & Spectogram, PVT & Spectrum, PVT & Spectrogram) and include a frequency mask trigger. The frequency mask trigger is especially useful for triggering measurements of sporadic or transient events.

The flexible user interface gives users several options for interaction since they feature a 10.1″ capacitive touchscreen display with gesture support, mouse/keyboard support and traditional knob and button control. Rigol calls the high-speed real-time measurement technology of the units ‘Ultra-Real’ to describe the rapid signal acquisition and data analysis, together with various display modes that facilitate comprehensive signal interpretation. Tracking generator versions are also available that add a built-in signal source of 100 kHz to 3.2/6.5 GHz with an output range of -40 to 0 dBm for plotting circuit or component frequency responses.

The analysers are suitable for users in spectrum monitoring, transmitter test, RF component characterisation and EMI applications.