What are Handheld Spectrum Analyzers?
Handheld Spectrum Analyzers are lightweight and compact spectrum analyzers. They have reduced power consumption and are usually operated via battery operated sources. Generally, handheld analyzers provide relatively limited capabilities compared to other form factors, such as fixed/benchtop. However, this has been changing and these analyzers are getting more and more powerful. The main advantage of handheld spectrum analyzers is they allow users to operate the instrument at multiple locations/sites.
An RF spectrum analyzer is a test instrument that is used to study the spectral composition of a high frequency electrical signal or waveform. It fundamentally measures the amplitude of an input signal with respect to the frequency within the full frequency range. Spectrum analyzers provide information about the spectrum of a signal and plots the signal strength of the spectrum against the frequency.
RF Spectrum Analyzers are capable of providing an effective insight into the RF performance of a DUT. By analyzing the spectra of electrical signals of a given DUT, specifications such as dominant frequency, power, distortion, harmonics, bandwidth, and other spectral components of a signal can be observed. These specs/parameters are useful in the characterization of electronic devices that are being tested.
Important Parameters for Handheld Spectrum Analyzers:
Operating Frequency (MHz/GHz): It is the fundamental frequency range over which the given analyzer functions.
Resolution Bandwidth (MHz/GHz): The resolution bandwidth specification for a spectrum analyzer is important when it is necessary to measure signals that are close together.
DANL or Displayed Average Noise Level (dBM/Hz): It defines the sensitivity of a spectrum analyzer towards noise. DANL specifies all the internal noise of the spectrum analyzer referenced to 1 Hz.
Phase Noise: It specifies the level of single sideband noise that is measured when using a perfect signal source.
Battery Life: This signifies how long the handheld spectrum analyzer will operate for without being plugged in to a power source.
Size and Weight: Since handheld spectrum analyzers are meant to moved around, the size and weight plays an important role to improve ease of operation.
everything RF has listed Handheld RF Spectrum analyzers from the leading manufacturers.
