Spectrum analyzer adds VNA capability

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Rigol Technologies has extended the flexibility of its UltraReal spectrum analyzer platform with the addition of a vector network analysis (VNA) capability. The new RSA3000N  and RSA5000N  spectrum analyzers offer a VNA measurement mode as a standard feature.

The RSA5000N and the RSA3000N spectrum analyzers offer the same performance specifications and features as the current RSA models but with the addition of the VNA capability. Thanks to the integrated Smith carts, polar charts, reflection coefficient, impedance, insertion loss, frequency response, and other measurements, the UltraReal spectrum analyzers become fully functional VNAs.

With S11, S21, and distance to fault analysis features, the RSA5000N and RSA3000N will support engineers that need to tune antenna sets, search for communication and cable faults, or fully characterize their active or passive RF components.

Five models are available. The RSA3000N supports frequency ranges of 1.5 GHz, 3.0 GHz, and 4.5 GHz with a starting price of $2,299, making the test instrument accessible to small companies, educators, and enthusiasts. The RSA5000N, with ranges from 3.2 GHz to 6.5 GHz, delivers the performance needed for most mainstream IoT designs. Prices start at $8,999. Initial shipments are scheduled for Sept. 1.