Agilent Technologies has released real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) for its PXA X-series signal analysers.
According to Agilent, its RTSA delivers unmatched probability of intercept (POI), analysis bandwidth, sensitivity, and frequency range-capabilities that make it the best way for system developers and signal analysts to see, capture and understand highly elusive signals.
In applications such as radar, electronic warfare and military communications, POI is the key benchmark for RTSA.
When configured for real-time spectrum analysis, the PXA can detect intermittent signals with durations as short as 3.57 µs, which is the best POI currently available.
Agilent says the real-time PXA combines a high-performance signal analyser and real-time analysis, giving the user greater confidence that they've achieved a detailed understanding of what's happening inside a signal-rich system or environment.
To help detect more signals in less time, Agilent's real-time PXA provides 75-dB spurious-free dynamic range across analysis bandwidths of up to 160 MHz. This enables users to place deep and wide measurements anywhere within a measurement range of 50 GHz.
In addition to its industry-leading sensitivity of -157 dBm at 10 GHz (no preamp), the PXA also provides the ability to vary the resolution bandwidth within a measurement span.
With this combination of capabilities, users are better able to resolve closely spaced signals, identify intermittent low-level signals and further improve POI.
For deeper analysis and thorough characterisation of complex signals, a real-time PXA integrates with Agilent 89600 VSA software. This combination of capabilities enables users to find the root cause of signal problems with advanced troubleshooting tools that support measurements in the time, frequency and modulation domains.