Aim-TTi, a manufacturer of electronic test and measurement instruments has introduced the PSA Series 3 of RF spectrum analyzers that provide RF service engineers with a cost-effective and highly portable tool to practically carry it to areas that have traditionally been difficult to access with benchtop instruments. The Series 3 retains the compact handheld format of the previous PSA models, weighing only 580 g and measuring just 9.2 cm wide. The ruggedized casing incorporates rubber protection buffers and includes a bench stand that doubles as a screen protector. For bench-top use, the instrument can be operated continuously from its AC charger while, for portable use, the built-in Li-Ion battery provides up to four hours of continuous operation from a single charge.
There are two models in the range: the PSA1303 has a frequency range of 1 MHz to 1300 MHz while the PSA2703 operates up to 2700 MHz. The dynamic range of the analyzer is 84dB with a noise floor of -105 dBm. The resolution bandwidth is selectable between 300 Hz and 10 MHz in a 1:3:10 sequence. These analyzer consist of Sweep modes include continuous, single, peak hold, and sweep average, and endpoints can be set with 1kHz resolution. A zero span mode with AM or FM audio demodulation is provided using a built-in speaker or headphone socket to aid signal identification. The control of the PSA is provided either by soft keys on the 4.3” backlit TFT touch screen or using the hard keys, the hierarchical menu system giving rapid access to the extensive range of functions.
Dual trace markers are incorporated in these analyzers with simultaneous readout of absolute amplitude and frequency plus difference values. Markers can be scrolled manually or set to automatically find or track peaks. Up to three traces can be displayed (Live, View, and Reference) differentiated by color. Traces or complete screen images can be saved to a file.
The PSA has a full filing system capable of storing up to 1,000 traces, screen images, set-ups, logging files, and limit patterns of compensation tables under auto-incrementing names or user-defined names. USB host and device connectors allow the connection of USB Flash drives or direct connection to a PC.
The U01 Advanced Features software option adds:
- Limit lines, patterns, and comparator
- Data Logging
- Offsets and Compensation Tables
- Trigger functions
- Custom Presets
- Live View on PC (using Test Bridge PSA View software)
The PSA Series 3 is available either in “standard” or “USC” kit form (e.g., ‘PSA2703USC’). In both instances, the instrument is supplied with a power supply/charger, spare stylus, USB lead, BNC to 3.5mm adapter (for the trigger input), and instructions. The USC version has the U01 software option pre-installed and is also supplied with a wideband antenna and vehicle charger in a soft case. The U01 software option can be added to the standard unit retrospectively and accessories are available separately.
Prices for the PSA Series 3 analyzers start at £1010 / €1212 / $1425.
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