Current technological demands are pushing towards greater use of handheld instrumentation.
The emergence of handheld analyzers came from the need to make testing processes more efficient, cost effective and safe in various industries. For example, safety and security; the traditional testing process was costly and time consuming, with hazardous chemicals delivered to a laboratory for analysis and results coming days or weeks after. With handhelds, a more complete picture of a sample is formed in real time since data can be obtained in the field and answers are delivered immediately.
The test equipment industry is a fast moving sector as vendors strive to supply test solutions for everchanging technical requirements. One notable trend is the growth in demand for handheld devices. Traditional stand-alone test equipment often does not work well in outdoor, hard-to-reach, or moving environments. These settings demand a small, lightweight, and portable test system.
Nearly all major brands have introduced new models of handheld test equipment and analyzers.
The radio communications market is one driving factor behind the explosion in the handheld equipment demand. As cellular communications improves and expands and protocols change and grow, field technicians are more in demand and so are the instruments that best suit their work environments.
Another new technology driving demand for portability is the recent proliferation of fiber optic network installations.
How Handheld helps
Handheld, portable RF/microwave test equipment has come a long way in the last decade, with the majority of benchtop measurement functions (such as signal generation and analysis) now available from portable packages. These miniature measurement powerhouses can be used manually, and many also include advanced test software programs and the latest computer interfaces for programmable and automatic testing at a remote site.
The deeper integration of RF, microwave and highspeed digital technologies in a single device that must provide outstanding battery life. Thus, those instrument manufacturers that offer advanced handhelds are looking for software and hardware tools that will help them overcome the same issues their customers face.
In history, two major events prompted the use of handheld analyzers: the fall of the telecom industry and the rise of Silicon Valley. Engineers working in telecom brought their expertise in optical technology to new industries. And the growing number of technology startups in Silicon Valley led to the miniaturization of software-based tools and consumer electronics. These facts helped bring handheld technology to more people, places and industries.
Big demand in I&M application
RF handheld instruments are increasingly used in installation and maintenance applications in the fields of air interfaces, access networks, and network performance. The explosive growth in next-generation communication systems (e.g., 4G/5G) will bolster the demand for the field test equipment.
The inherent advantages of battery-operated handheld and portable instruments used in I&M applications are size, weight, and mobility. The battery of the portable test equipment plays a major role in determining equipment usage capacity, mobility, and multiple functionalities of the instrument. The emergence of flexible batteries and increased battery life is expected to further enhance the attractiveness of these devices. With the advancement in wireless network connectivity, battery-operated instruments can be operated remotely in harsh, remote environments through smartphones or tablets.
End users in verticals, such as communication, medical, aerospace & defense, automotive, and consumer electronics increasingly require handheld and portable instruments for I&M applications in their field of work. The increasing need for portability among end users of test equipment encourages companies to invest in R&D to increase the functionality of these instruments.
The recent trend among test vendors is to develop integrated test equipment that can handle the functionalities of several instruments in a single box. Using integrated test equipment with multiple functionalities will increase the customer product value and time saving for the technicians rather than carrying multiple portable instruments.
From the end-user perspective, one of the major selection criteria for portable test equipment is the operating features. In R&D applications, the test equipment will have a wide operating range and functionalities designed exclusively for experienced users, while in I&M applications the portable test equipment are handled by less skilled users, so the demand for a more user-friendly and rugged portable equipment has increased. Nowadays, some of these integrated test equipment are being used in R&D applications as a codicil to bench-top instruments.
The test equipment used in I&M applications are comparatively cost effective than the test equipment used in R&D and manufacturing applications. There is high price pressure in this market, as there are many market participants due to the low manufacturing cost of these products. In addition, the low-cost equipment provided by Chinese test vendors meet the quality level expected by the customers. This has challenged global vendors, from a competition standpoint, to reduce the price of their products to remain competitive.
With the ever increasing capabilities of handheld equipment, end users are certain to benefit. Indian customers will benefit in two ways. Smaller companies gain by getting access to higher performance equipment – in many cases, they can now get the performance of benchtop equipment but at the cost of handheld equipment. Customers involved in field maintenance will gain by being able to complete a wider range of tasks in the field.
The growth of the cellular industry and newer regulations on issues such as EMF measurements for cellular towers are also driving growth.
Latest reviews of Handheld RF & Microwave Test Equipments
Anritsu BTS Master™ Handheld Base Station Analyzer
Anritsu Company introduces a CPRI RF Measurement option for its BTS Master™ handheld base station analyzer family that can significantly reduce the operational expense (OpEx) associated with troubleshooting interference at base stations.
Featuring best-in-class sweep speed and unique test capabilities, the BTS Master-based CPRI RF measurement test set allows field engineers and technicians to conduct accurate RF measurements on Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) while remaining at ground level, eliminating the considerable expense and time associated with calling a tower crew to conduct interference measurements.
With the new option installed, the BTS Master can conduct RF measurements over the fiber optic CPRI link connecting the baseband unit (BBU) and RRH.
To simplify configuring the CPRI link for RF measurements. Anritsu developed function in the option.
Key features of BTS Master™
- 2-port Cable and Antenna Analyzer 400 MHz to 6 GHz
- Spectrum Analyzer 150 kHz to 7.1 GHz
- Power Meter 10 MHz to 7.1 GHz
- GPS Receiver with Antenna
- Bias Tee
- High Accuracy Power Meter (up to 26 GHz with external sensor)
- Interference Analyzer with Mapping
- Channel Scanner
- Vector Signal Generator 400 MHz to 6 GHz
- Signal Analyzers
o LTE/LTE-A FDD/TDD, W-CDMA/HSPA+,
GSM/GPRS/EDGE,
TD-SCDMA/HSPA+
o CDMA, EV-DO
o Fixed and Mobile WiMAX
- CPRI RF Analyzer
Applications
BTS Master have many usage for mobile service providers (MNO/ MSO), NEM, installation companies and O&M contractors for MNO. Some key application areas include-
- Cable and Antenna Analyzer Measurements
- Spectrum Analyzer Measurements
- Interference Analyzer Measurements
- Channel Scanner Capability
- Vector Signal Generator Capability
- Signal Quality Analyzers Measurements
Contact Details
Madhukar Tripathi,
Sr. Manager, Marketing & Channel Sales
Anritsu India Pvt Ltd
Office No 18. Ground Floor, Tower 1, STELLAR IT, Park, C -25, Sector -62
NOIDA 201309, Uttar Pradesh
Phone No: 91 120 4211330-31
Fax No : 91 120 4211332
Email: ACIN-SALES@ANRITSU.COM
Keysight Technologies First 50 GHz Handheld Combination Analyzer
Keysight Technologies added six millimeter-wave models to its family of FieldFox handheld analyzers.
The flagship model is the industry’s first handheld combination analyzer to provide coverage to 50 GHz. With more built-in capabilities than similar analyzers, FieldFox can replace three or four single function instruments – benchtop or handheld – that are typically used for maintenance and troubleshooting of systems that operate at or above Ka-band frequencies.
Three combination-analyzer models cover 32, 44 or 50 GHz and provide spectrum analysis, vector network analysis and cable and antenna testing in a rugged, portable unit. The three spectrum analyzer models cover the same frequency range.
In all six new models, spectrum measurements are up to eight times faster than those made with comparable analyzers. FieldFox millimeter-wave analyzers are also three pounds lighter than similar units from other vendors.
The FieldFox family is optimized for field testing.
The fully sealed enclosure – no fans or vents – is compliant with US MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 standards and is also type tested to meet MIL-STD-810G requirements for operation in explosive environments (Method 511.5, Procedure 1).
FieldFox analyzers are also type tested to meet IEC/EN 60529 IP53 requirements for protection from dust and water.
The analyzers offer a broad array of functionality that is software upgradeable, enabling users to choose the capabilities they need initially and add others later. Examples include vector voltmeter,
TDR cable measurements, built-in power meter, pulse measurements, spectrum analyzer time gating, interference analyzer (with spectrogram), and GPS receiver.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
All six models are available now:
N9950A 32 GHz FieldFox microwave (combination) analyzer
N9951A 44 GHz FieldFox microwave (combination) analyzer
N9952A 50 GHz FieldFox microwave (combination) analyzer
N9960A 32 GHz FieldFox spectrum analyzer
N9961A 44 GHz FieldFox spectrum analyzer
N9962A 50 GHz FieldFox spectrum analyzer
Pricing starts at $28,000 for the N9950A 32 GHz
FieldFox microwave combination analyzer.
Tektronix RSA306 series of spectrum analyzer
Tektronix has introduced a new class of affordable spectrum analyzers based on a USB architecture
RSA306 series of spectrum analyzer. The new RSA306 sets a new price/performance threshold for spectrum analyzers and features a broad 9 kHz to 6.2 GHz frequency range, 40 MHz real time bandwidth and weighs in at just 1.2 pounds. When used with Tektronix SignalVu-PC software, it offers advanced analysis capabilities for such applications as budget-conscious research and development, mobile radio network installation, interference hunting and university level lab classes.
Spectrum analyzers are inherently expensive and often there are not enough instruments for everyone to use in many labs, field organizations and universities. The RSA306 puts the power of a
Tektronix real-time spectrum analyzer within reach for the entire technical team. In addition, Tektronix is providing its SignalVu-PC software at no cost, giving open access to powerful signal analysis tools that have previously been only available with the purchase of expensive bench instruments.
Applications
The RSA306 is Tektronix’ first USB spectrum analyzer and will be joined by similar instruments taking advantage of the availability of affordable desktop computers and laptops with sufficient processing power to handle complex test and measurement analysis along with high-speed USB 3.0 interfaces. At its introductory price point, the RSA306 is a fraction of the cost of a conventional spectrum analyzer while offering comparable or even superior sensitivity, accuracy and dynamic range.
The RSA306 is designed to address customer RF test needs in a number of market segments including:
- Budget-Conscious RF Design and Development – More and more designs are including RF components such as inexpensive Wi-Fi modules, dramatically increasing the need for spectrum analysis. Now labs working on wireless-enabled designs can afford to give everyone on the design team the RF signal analysis tools they require.
- Mobile Radio Network Installation and Maintenance – For field applications, the RSA306 offers the convenience, analysis capabilities and user-friendly operation engineers and technicians need to get a fast handle on network health. Full spectrum analyzer measurement capabilities provide far more versatility than the limited pass/fail of a dedicated tester.
- Interference Hunters – With its compact size and light weight, the RSA306 easily fits in a backpack while offering the sensitivity needed to quickly discover signals as short at 100 μs. This is key for Spectrum Managers and Regulatory Agencies who need a basic spectrum analyzer and interference hunter in the field.
- University Lab Classes – For a relatively small investment, learning institutions can now help students become better RF and microwave engineers by giving them the hands-on experience with spectrum analyzers like what they will use once they enter the workforce. Vector analysis, frequency and phase trends, and other tools allow educators to teach concepts well beyond basic frequency and amplitude.
Pricing: $3,490
Contact Details
Tektronix India Private Limited
Salapuria Premium, Survey number 16,
Kadubeesanahalli, varthur, Hubli, Sarajapura Outer Ring road,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560103
Phone:080 3079 2600
Aaronia AG World smallest battery powered Signal Generator
The Aaronia AG offers new battery powered Signal Generators of the RFG series, usable for generating RF signals, test of RF/EMC shielding and EMI tests .Available in3 different versions the RDF covers a wide frequency range from25MHz to 14 GHz.
With their very small dimensions of only80x 50x30mm, with a weight of just150grams, the RFG series is predestined for portable use and fits into every pocket. The compact form factor is making it the World´s smallest, battery powered stand-alone RF Generator up to 6GHz.
Fitting to every Aaronia Antenna the RFG can be transformed into an active field strength Generator.
In stand-alone mode the RFG can run simple or very complex batch programs, which start automatically after every power on. This feature enables to generate fixed frequencies and levels or the start of a specific sweeps, frequency lists, modulation etc.
With a maximum power level of +18dBm and a dynamic range of up to 65dB the RFG sets new standards for battery powered Signal Generators.
Unlike other portable Signal Generators, the RFG generates a stable, accurate RF frequency up to 6GHz thanks to an integrated TCXO time base. The RFG can also be connected to an External Reference Clock for even higher accuracy.
The RFG series is priced starting at € 499,95 and available from stock.
Designed and manufactured in Germany each RF Generator stands for the highest quality standards.
To illustrate this point the warranty period of the RFG is10years.
Contact:
Aaronia AG
Manuel Pinten (Sales Manager)
Kauthenbergstr. 14, DE-54597 Strickscheid,
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)6556-93033
Fax: +49 (0)6556-93034
E-Mail: mp@aaronia.de
URL.: www.aaronia.com
10Mhz – 20Ghz Phase Noise Analyzers by VIGVEN Tech Mark
The HA7062 is a fully integrated phase noise analyzer. It utilizes the same core engine from our model HA7402B along with a pair of HSM Series RF Synthesizers. The stability of the agile synthesizers operating as LO sources for the high speed, cross correlation core enables an extremely reliable phase noise analyzer.
Features
10MHz – 20GHz¹ with 40MHz Measurement Offset Capability.
ACCURACY: Holzworth analyzers are capable of reaching theoretical measurement limits for the highest performing DUTs. Holzworth applies an ANSI z540 calibration to every analyzer built, creating data traceability to the industry standards set forth by NIST.
Application GUI or ATE Programs
Holzworth’s software development team places a high level of attention to intuitive functionality. The phase noise analyzer GUI is primarily designed with manufacturing test in mind so that the requirement for support is low. The API is also designed to operate with commercial and proprietary ATE test programs so that the analyzer can be a truly integral part of a larger system
For more information please contact:
Vigven Tech Mark Pvt Ltd.
(M) 89714-82778
sales@vigven.com, support@vigven.com
