Analyzer delivers lab-level performance for less than $1,500

Analyzer delivers lab-level performance for less than $1,500

There are a number of low-cost spectrum analyzers touted on the Web that engineers wouldn’t want anywhere near there lab bench. But even though it’s priced starting at $1,295, the DSA815 isn’t one of them — the instrument provides a level of measurement performance that sophisticated users would expect to find only in instruments costing up to 10 times as much from big-name manufacturers.

The DSA815 spectrum analyzer covers the range from 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz. Its displayed average noise level (DANL) with preamp on is typically −130 dBm from 100 kHz to 1 MHz and −135 dBm from 1 MHz to 1.5 GHz. Offset phase noise is −80 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, and level measurement uncertainty is

Key to the instrument’s performance is its all digital IF design, which gives it the ability to measure smaller signals, distinguish between small signals by frequency, and provide high-precision amplitude readings. Further, the design provides higher reliability than traditional analog designs and speeds measurement.

As one would expect in a professional instrument, the analyzer has LXI Class C and USB ports, and can be remotely programmed and controlled. GPIB is also an option. ($1,295; $1,495 with tracking generator — available now.)

By Richard Comerford

RIGOL Technologies , Oakwood Village , OH , United States
Information 440-232-4488

www.rigolna.com