SAF Tehnika has manufactured a versatile series of hand-held spectrum analyzers that are not much larger than a smartphone and can out measurements on microwave signals at frequencies as high as 40 GHz. The analyzers are primarily targeted at field engineers dealing with commercial mobile-phone infrastructure, satellite communication links or military communication systems.
This is an ideal tool for the planning, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of microwave networks. Their excellent receiver sensitivity of -105 dBm enables even weak signals to be detected and analysed. Typical applications include antenna alignment, interference detection, cross-polarisation adjustment and measurement of antenna gain. The analyzers have been designed for comfortable outdoor use either at ground level or up a mast and features an intuitive, easy-to-learn GUI and a resistive LCD touchscreen that allows it to be operated with gloved hands.
The instruments have a 50 ohm SMA input, which can be connected to almost any antenna using standard waveguide flange adapters. There is also a mini USB port for recharging the polymer lithium-ion batteries and transferring saved spectrum scans to a PC for enhanced data analysis using the Spectrum Manager Software supplied with the units. Spectrum Compact is available in five different models covering frequency bands from 2 to 40 GHz, has overall dimensions of just 130 x 81 x 28mm and a maximum weight of only 400g. It is suitable for operation in ambient temperatures ranging from -15 to 40 deg C.
