Rigol’s Real-time Spectrum Analyzers: Now With VNA Extension

RIGOL Technologies is expanding its real-time spectrum analyzers series RSA5000 and RSA3000 with a VNA option (Vector Network Analyzer). The devices are based on the well-known UltraReal technology developed by Rigol. This new platform allows real-time measurements and more. The RSA5000N and RSA3000N series now have the integrated VNA function as standard and are characterized by their compact and elegant design and operation via touchscreen for even more diverse applications. The instruments are available in different bandwidths from 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz or even up to 6.5 GHz.

 

 

The RSA5000N and RSA3000N series have a modular structure and, in addition to the new VNA function, also include the four well-known function modules RTSA (real-time spectrum analyzer up to a maximum bandwidth of 40 MHz), GPSA (sweep-based spectrum analyzer with outstanding performance), EMI (pre-compliance tests according to CISPR specifications) and VSA (vector signal analysis for different digital demodulation and bit error measurement, only RSA5000N).

Real-time spectrum analyzers are executing important functions in many test laboratories and they are often equated to high costs. The extended basic performance series RSA5000N or RSA3000N is a cost-effective alternative for users with demanding analysis tasks and at the same time limited budgets. This fully equipped instrument features fully digital IF technology (Intermediate Frequency) for accurate and high-resolution measurements across the entire frequency range from 9 kHz to 6.5 GHz.

The instruments have a capacitive 10.1”multi-touch display with 1024x600 pixel resolution and receive their input signals via a 50 Ω type N socket. Connections to a PC are possible via Ethernet LAN and USB. The tracking generator of the two series can be set and used in GPSA and VNA modes from -40 to 0 dBm output power. The devices can also be operated via web control and have filters with 3 dB bandwidth resolution (RBW) as well as video bandwidth filters (VBW), which can be set from 1 Hz to 10 MHz in 1-3-10 steps. The EMI mode also offers 6 dB filters up to 1 MHz as well as the QP and CISPR-AV detectors.

The RSA5000N / RSA3000N series have a modular structure and now include five functions, which makes these devices unique due to this diversity.

• VNA (New) - Vector network analyzer from 100 kHz to 6.5 GHz bandwidth and high dynamics (standard integrated).

• RTSA - real-time spectrum analyzer up to a maximum real-time bandwidth of 40 MHz

• GPSA - spectrum analyzer with outstanding performance

• EMI - pre-conformance tests according to CISPR guidelines

• VSA - Digital Demodulation (RSA5000N only)

 

The new VNA module

With a frequency range from 100 KHz to 6.5 GHz, the new VNA module fulfills all standard tasks for network analysis, such as measurement of the vectorial reflection (S11) and transmission factor (S21), as well as the implementation in the time range for distance error measurement [DTF], for example on cables. The dynamic range of the S21 measurement is <80 dB (nom.), while the directional attenuation of the internal coupler is <40 dB (nom.). The measurement bandwidth can be set in 1-3-10 steps between 1 kHz to 10 MHz. Different windowing can be used for the DTF measurement. For a very precise determination of the distance of reflections, different parameters of the measurement object such as the shortening factor [Velocity Factor], cable attenuation and cable length can be entered. With up to 10,000 data points and up to eight markers, complex measuring tasks can be solved comfortably. RIGOL offers two different calibration kits: the high-precision CK106A and the low-cost calibration kit CK106E.

This function can also be set very easy and convenient. The measurement S11 can be represented as a Smith and polar diagram, phase and group delay, reflection factor and SWR, and much more. With the S21 and the DTF measurement, linear and logarithmic transmission loss, phase and group delay can be represented.

 

About RIGOL

RIGOL Technologies, or RIGOL is a Chinese manufacturer of electronic test equipment.

RIGOL was founded in Beijing in 1998 and released its first product, a high-performance virtual digital storage oscilloscope, in May 1999. Currently, RIGOL has offices in Cleveland, Ohio, Oregon and Munich in addition to its headquarters in Beijing. The company has over 500 employees and more than 493 patents.

RIGOL's line of products includes digital oscilloscopes, RF spectrum analyzers, digital multimeters, function/arbitrary waveform generators, digital programmable power supplies, and spectrophotometers. RIGOL also manufactures low-end oscilloscopes for Agilent as an OEM. In 2018 the company released the new RSA5000 real-time Spectrum analyzer and the MSO7000 as well as MSO5000 series, based on the new ASIC based Ultravision-II Platform.