RSA306B USB Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer

RSA306: A New Class of Instrument

The RSA306 offers comprehensive spectrum analysis and in-depth signal analysis capabilities at a price unmatched by any previous product. By utilizing a new commercial interface and existing computing power, the RSA306 separates signal acquisition from measurement, significantly reducing the cost of instrument hardware. Data analysis, storage, and replay are all performed on a computer, tablet, or laptop. Separating the computer from the acquisition hardware simplifies processing upgrades and minimizes IT management issues.

SignalVu-PC Software and API for In-Depth Analysis and Rapid Programming Interaction

The RSA306 runs SignalVu-PC, a powerful software program used by Tektronix's high-performance signal analyzers. SignalVu-PC provides in-depth analysis features previously unavailable in economical solutions. Real-time processing of DPX spectrum/3D spectrograms is handled by the computer, further reducing hardware costs. Customers requiring programming access to the instrument can choose either the SignalVu-PC programming interface or the standard Application Programming Interface (API), which offers a rich set of commands and measurement functions. Additionally, a MATLAB driver is provided for the API, enabling use with MATLAB and the Instrument Control Toolbox.

Measurements Included in the Basic Version of SignalVu-PC

The free version of SignalVu-PC offers far more than just basic functionality. The table below summarizes the measurements included in the free SignalVu-PC software.

Technical Data

Technical data applies under the following conditions:

• Operating the instrument in an environment meeting the temperature, amplitude, and humidity characteristics specified in these specifications.

• Warming up for 30 minutes after connecting to a PC and launching SignalVu software.

Frequency

RF Input Frequency Range

9kHz to 6.2GHz

Frequency Reference Accuracy

Initial

±3ppm + aging (18°C ~ 28°C ambient temperature, after 20 minutes warm-up)

±25ppm + aging (-10°C ~ 55°C ambient temperature, after 20 minutes warm-up), typical

Aging (typical)

±3ppm (first year), ±1ppm per year thereafter

External Frequency Reference Input

Input Frequency Range

10MHz ±10Hz

Input Level Range

-10dBm ~ +10dBm sine wave

Impedance

50Ω

Center Frequency Resolution

Block IQ Samples

1Hz

Streaming ADC Samples

500kHz

Amplitude

RF Input Impedance

50Ω

RF Input VSWR (typical)

≤ 1.8:1 (10MHz ~ 6200MHz, reference level ≥ +10dBm)

Maximum RF Input Level Without Damage

DC Voltage

±40V_DC

Reference Level ≥ -10dBm

+23dBm (continuous or peak)

Reference Level < -10dBm

+15dBm (continuous or peak)

Maximum RF Input Operating Level

The maximum RF input level at which the instrument meets measurement specifications.

Center Frequency < 22MHz (Low-Frequency Path)

+15dBm

Center Frequency ≥ 22MHz (RF Path)

+20dBm

Amplitude Accuracy at All Center Frequencies

Center Frequency	Guaranteed Value (18℃ ~ 28℃)	Typical Value (95% Confidence) (18℃ ~ 28℃)	Typical Value (-10℃ ~ 55℃)
9kHz - < 3GHz	±2.0dB	±1.25dB	±3.0dB
≥ 3GHz - 6.2GHz	±2.75dB	±2.0dB	±3.0dB

Reference level +20dBm ~ -30dBm, run alignment before testing.

Applies to corrected IQ data, signal-to-noise ratio > 40dB.

Accuracy may degrade by up to ±0.6dB after storage at maximum storage temperature, recovering within 24 hours.

Intermediate Frequency and Acquisition System

IF Bandwidth

40MHz

ADC Sample Rate and Bit Width

112Ms/s, 14-bit

Real-Time IF Acquisition Data (Uncorrected)

112Ms/s, 16-bit integer real samples

40MHz bandwidth, 28±0.25MHz digital IF, uncorrected. Corrected values are stored with saved data.

Block data average transfer rate is 224 MB/s.

Block Baseband Acquisition Data (Corrected)

Maximum Acquisition Time

1 second

Bandwidth

≤ 40/(2^N) MHz, 0Hz digital IF, N ≥ 0

Sample Rate

≤ 56/(2^N) Msps, 32-bit floating-point complex samples, N ≥ 0

Channel Amplitude Flatness

±1.0dB, 18℃ ~ 28℃

±2.0dB, -10℃ ~ 55℃, typical

Reference level +10dBm ~ -30dBm, run alignment before testing.

Applies to corrected IQ data, signal-to-noise ratio > 40dB.

Triggering

Trigger/Sync Input

Voltage Range

TTL, 0.0V - 5.0V

Trigger Level, Positive Threshold Voltage

Min 1.6V, Max 2.1V

Trigger Level, Negative Threshold Voltage

Min 1.0V, Max 1.35V

Impedance

10kΩ

IF Power Trigger

Threshold Range

0 dB ~ -50dB from reference level, trigger level >30dB above noise floor, 1dB steps

Type

Rising or falling edge

Trigger Re-arm Time

≤100μs

Noise and Distortion

Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)

Reference level = -50dBm, input terminated with 50Ω load, log average detection (average of 10)

Center Frequency	Frequency Range	DANL (dBm/Hz)	DANL (dBm/Hz), Typical
< 22MHz (LF Path)	100kHz - 42MHz	-130	-133
≥ 22MHz (RF Path)	2MHz - 5MHz	-145	-148
	> 5MHz - 1.0GHz	-160	-163
	> 1.0GHz - 2.0GHz	-158	-161
	> 2.0GHz - 4.0GHz	-155	-158
	> 4.0GHz - 6.2GHz	-150	-153

Phase Noise

Phase noise measured with a 1 GHz CW signal at 0 dBm

Units for items in the table below are dBc/Hz.

	Center Frequency
Carrier Offset	1GHz	10MHz (Typical)	1GHz (Typical)	2.5GHz (Typical)	6GHz (Typical)
1kHz	-80	-108	-88	-75	-70
10kHz	-84	-118	-87	-80	-75
100kHz	-90	-120	-92	-90	-85
1MHz	-110	-122	-120	-110	-105