The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Cheap Spectrum Analyzer

With the rising need for devices to measure RF frequency spectra, spectrum analyzers have become indispensable tools in fields like EMC troubleshooting. While traditionally these tools were expensive, with prices ranging from $10k to $20k for new benchtop units, you can source used ones between $1k to $5k, although they're bulky, weighing up to 80 pounds.

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Several manufacturers now produce affordable, quality spectrum analyzers suitable for troubleshooting and pre-compliance checks. I’ve highlighted a few options below.

Factors to Consider

When selecting a spectrum analyzer, consider these features: cost, frequency range, allowable frequency span, form factor, and acquisition type.

Cost

Spectrum analyzers range from $50 to $5000. Benchtop models around $2000 offer excellent value. Portable options vary from $100 to $2500 based on features.

Frequency Range

An essential aspect is the frequency range. Many analyzers cover up to 1 GHz, suitable for general troubleshooting. For specific EMC tests, especially in military/aerospace, consider models with ranges extending up to 18 GHz.

Allowable Frequency Span

While commercial analyzers usually handle wide spans, some budget SDR-based models may have span limitations, impacting troubleshooting visibility.

Form Factor

Benchtop models are generally recommended. However, portable options are suitable for fieldwork, and USB-controlled variants depend on PCs for functionality.

Acquisition Type

Swept analyzers and real-time acquisition are the two primary types. Swept analyzers capture frequencies in spans, while real-time models provide near-instantaneous results, ideal for detecting transient signals.

Budget/Hobby Analyzers

While not ideal for rigorous EMC troubleshooting, hobbyist analyzers like the RF Explorer, AirSpy, and TinySA are cost-effective tools providing basic spectral displays.

RF Explorer

Priced at $130, the RF Explorer covers 240 to 960 MHz. Though its DANL of -90 dBm isn't stellar, it's practical for initial troubleshooting.

The AirSpy

A high-quality SDR-based analyzer, AirSpy, tunes from 24 MHz to 1.8 GHz, with the Spyverter extending to 60 MHz. Total cost is around $258.

Tiny Spectrum Analyzer

The TinySA, priced under $100, covers 100 kHz to 960 MHz. It's a user-friendly tool with various features, although with some limitations in phase noise and resolution bandwidth.

Professional Portable Analyzers

For serious EMC work, professional analyzers like the AIM-TTi PSA2702T and the PSA6005 are recommended. They offer robustness and extensive features for detailed analysis.

AIM-TTi PSA2702T Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

Covering 1 MHz to 2.7 GHz, the PSA2702T is priced at $1695. It supports multiple resolution bandwidths and includes practical features like markers and limit lines.

AIM-TTi PSA6005 Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

This model extends to 6 GHz and includes more resolution bandwidth options, enhancing its usability for advanced troubleshooting. It’s priced below $1800 with additional features.

Rohde & Schwarz FPH Spectrum Rider

Comparable to lab-grade analyzers, the Spectrum Rider is versatile, tuning from 5 kHz to 3 or 4 GHz with additional options. Starting at $5280, it offers high accuracy and portability.

Bench Top Analyzers

For lab-based EMC tasks, models like the Rigol DSA815 and Siglent SSA3000X-series are excellent choices, combining affordability with high precision.

Rigol DSA815TG

This popular model tunes from 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz with a base price of $1295. It offers options like a tracking generator and EMI resolution bandwidths, making it versatile for various applications.

Siglent Technologies SSA3000X-Series

Siglent’s models, tuning from 9 kHz to 3.2 GHz, provide slight improvements in accuracy and feature a superior display and PC connectivity options for advanced testing.

Summary

While budget models like the RF Explorer and TinySA are suitable for basic troubleshooting, professional and benchtop analyzers like AIM-TTi, Rohde & Schwarz, Rigol, and Siglent offer the enhanced features and accuracy needed for thorough EMC testing.

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What Is a Spectrum Analyzer?

A spectrum analyzer is a valuable tool designed to visualize and analyze signal spectral content by measuring the magnitude of an input signal against its frequency across a broad range.

It essentially reveals a signal's "frequency fingerprint," providing insights into signal power and frequency components.

Spectrum analyzers typically comprise three critical parts:

• A display, showcasing signal strength at each frequency, helping identify signal composition and issues.
• A sweep generator, producing a signal that sweeps across the desired frequency range.
• A filter that allows only the desired signal portion to pass to the display, working in tandem with digital signal processing.

Modern advancements have made spectrum analyzers smaller, more affordable, and feature-rich, enhancing their accuracy. Whether you're an engineer or a hobbyist, a spectrum analyzer is incredibly resourceful.

Engineers use them to test electronic devices like phones and radios, ensuring proper functionality without interference. Hobbyists might use them to assess audio signal quality or trace interference sources.

Spectrum Analyzers vs. Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes are both pivotal in understanding electronic signal behavior but differ significantly in their functions.

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• Oscilloscopes measure the shape or amplitude of a signal over time. Ideal for analyzing time-varying signals like those from transistors and motors, they also examine voltage level changes and waveform shapes.