PSA1303 RF Spectrum Analyzers User Manual

PSA1303 RF Spectrum Analyzers

Product Information

Specifications

• Processor: 1.3GHz and 2.7GHz
• Noise Floor: -115dBm
• Control: Touch or Hard Key control

Product Usage Instructions

• Power On/Off
  To power on the device, press and hold the power button for a few seconds. To power off, repeat the same process.

• Control Interface
  You can control the device using either the touch screen or the hard keys provided. The touch screen allows for intuitive navigation, while hard keys offer tactile feedback.

• Adjusting Noise Floor
  To adjust the noise floor level, navigate to the settings menu and locate the noise floor option. Use the on-screen controls or hard keys to increase or decrease the noise floor as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: How do I switch between the 1.3GHz and 2.7GHz processors?
  A: The device automatically switches between processors based on the task at hand. There is no manual selection required.

• Q: What is the significance of a -115dBm Noise Floor?
  A: A lower noise floor indicates better sensitivity and performance in capturing weak signals in noisy environments.

BIG PERFORMANCE

A lightweight and truly handheld instrument that incorporates an extensive feature set. A ruggedized casing with a removable sunscreen/screen protector to enhance field use. The 4.3” TFT with a 3-row hierarchical menu system provides rapid access to all features. Additional Hard keys are provided for marker movement and shortcuts to major functions. On time is almost instant with the first sweep available in under 2 seconds. The addition of the U01 upgrade adds additional limit lines and patterns, data Logging, Sweep Triggers, Compensation tables, Custom Pre-sets and View on PC capability.

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
The PSA Series 3 will find many applications within radio communication field environments such as:

• Interference Analysis
• Antenna Alignment
• Signal Strength Mapping
• Covert Transmitter Detection
• Spurious Emissions
• EMC Frequency Evaluations

KEY FEATURES

• 1MHz to 1300MHz or 2700MHz frequency range
• Resolution bandwidths of 300Hz to 10MHz 1:3:10
• -115dBm* typical noise floor at -40dBm reference level
• Measurement in dBm or dBμV, mV or μW
• Zero span mode with AM and FM audio demodulation
• Trace modes of normal, peak hold and trace average
• Live, View and Reference traces in contrasting colours
• Twin markers with a readout of absolute and difference values
• Smart marker movement with selectable peak tracking
• Frequency counter with 10Hz Resolution
• Frequency presets and independent state storage
• Auto-find automatically sets sweep parameters for the highest signal found
• Unlimited storage for waveforms, set-ups and screens
• User-assignable file names, file stamping from real-time clock
• USB interfaces for Flash drives and PC connection
• Comprehensive status and context-sensitive help screens
• Up to 6 hours of continuous operation from a charge
• Smaller and lighter than other spectrum analyzers (weight only 0.58 kg)

OPTION U01 ADDS:

• Limit lines and limit patterns with limits comparator
• Data logging of peak values, complete traces or screen images from timer, external trigger or limits comparator
• Sweep triggering from external trigger or limits comparator
• Compensation tables, fixed offsets and 75Ω compensation
• Custom Presets
• Capability to show screen contents on a PC

SMALL ON SIZE

BATTERY OPERATION OF UP TO 6 HOURS

• The PSA Series 3 operates from a Li-ion rechargeable battery that can provide up to 6 hours of continuous operation.
• It can also be set to switch off automatically after a set time from the last action.
• For continuous bench top operation, it can be powered from its AC adapter which also recharges the battery in less than 3 hours.
• On pressing the power button, the instrument comes to life almost instantly, with the first sweep available in under 2 seconds.

GENUINELY HAND-HELD

• The PSA Series 3 is sufficiently small and lightweight to fit comfortably into the hand.
• A removable screen protector and sunscreen combine with rubberised buffers top and bottom to enhance its use in the field.
• The casing of the PSA Series 3 includes rubberised buffers on top and bottom to help resist knocks and scratches. The tilt stand can be moved to the top of the instrument to act as a screen protector when in transit. In this position, it also acts as a sun-shield when in the field.
• With a width of only 92mm (3.6”) and a weight of only 580 grams (20 oz), the PSA Series 3 fits comfortably into the hand.

TOUCH-SCREEN OR HARD-KEY CONTROL
The three-row hierarchical menu system provides rapid intuitive access to all functions. Additional hard keys are provided for marker movement and shortcuts to major functions. Alternatively, all of the functions can be operated with just the hard keys by using the five-way navigator in a tab-enter-jog mode.

PACKED WITH FEATURES

INTUITIVE MENU SYSTEM
Ease of use was a major consideration in the design of the PSA Series 3. The menu system provides rapid access to menu groups, each of which has sub-menus, each with its function keys.

Function keys perform direct actions or create pop-up menus or dialogue boxes. Frequencies can be set by direct numeric entry, or by a digit increment system. Centre, Start and Stop can be stepped by any chosen increment. Span can be zoomed. Single key shortcuts include Set to Peak, Set to Marker and Set between Markers (Start=M1, Stop=M2).
Frequency presets enable fast changes between frequently used sweep ranges.

LIVE, VIEW AND REFERENCE TRACES
A view trace and reference trace can be displayed in addition to the live trace using contrasting colours for clarity. Any number of traces can be saved to memory and rapidly recalled to the screen. Trace states are saved in addition to the traces and can be recalled separately.

SMART MARKER MOVEMENT
Dual markers provide an on-screen readout of frequency and level including difference values.

The markers can be set to specified frequency values, scrolled across the screen, or set to automatically find peaks. A peak tracking mode is also provided which will track the highest peak in the sweep despite changing frequency. Marker amplitude readout can be in graticule units (dBm or dBμV) or in linear units (mV or μW).

VERTICAL EXPANSION
The vertical resolution of 10dB per division can be expanded to 5dB, 2dB or 1dB with panning over the full dynamic range.

TRACE WRITE MODES
In addition to the normal mode, the trace can be set to display Peak-hold or a Multi-sweep Average.

ZERO SPAN AUDIO DEMODULATION
The PSA Series 3 includes a zero span mode with both AM or FM audio demodulation. The audio signal, with variable volume and selectable low-pass filter, is available from the built-in loudspeaker or from a standard 3.5mm jack socket.

CONTEXT-SENSITIVE HELP
Context-sensitive help is available for every menu, along with a full topics list of help information.

EXTENSIVE DATA STORAGE
The PSA Series 3 can store large amounts of data using its internal memory supplemented, if necessary, by USB Flash drives. The filing system can store trace and state files, screen images, set-up files, logging files, limit patterns and compensation tables*.

Files are stored under either default file names, or user-chosen file names entered from an alpha-numeric keypad. Files are time-stamped from the real- time clock, and can be listed by date or name.

The illustration is a truncated version of the real screen image which can list 20 files simultaneously. Each directory can contain up to 999 files. Logging files, limit patterns and compensation tables are only available with Option U01 – see next page.

DATA EXPORT AND TRANSFER
USB device and host connectors are provided enabling the PSA Series 3 to be linked directly to a PC for file transfer, and for the connection of USB Flash drives for data transfer or storage. Trace files have a standard comma separated value (.csv) format which can be imported into other applications such as Excel or MathCad. Screen images are stored as standard bit-maps that can be manipulated and printed using a PC as well as being recalled to the PSA screen.

FULL STATUS DISPLAY
In addition to the extensive on-screen status information, a single button press reveals the complete set-up of the instrument as a screen listing. All settings are retained at power-down, and any number of setup files can be stored under automatic or user names.

EXTENDED FEATURES OPTION U01

Option U01 is a firmware upgrade that increases the capabilities of the PSA series 3 to include the following features.

**TRIGGERED SWEEP***
The standard sweep modes of continuous repeat and single shot can be extended to include triggered sweeps from an external signal or internal limits comparison.

**LIMIT PATTERNS AND LIMITS COMPARATOR***
Limit lines and patterns can be defined which can be simply visual aids or create automatic actions. Zone restriction can be applied. A single or dual line limits comparator can be used to generate audible warnings, output signals, or to freeze or log the trace.

**OFFSETS AND COMPENSATION TABLES***
The reference level, graticule and marker readouts can be set to compensate for external attenuation or gain to a resolution of 0.1dB. Compensation can also be added for signals emanating from a 75Ω source.

Tables can be loaded that compensate for variations of level with frequency for specific antennae or transducers. The tables can contain up to 100 points and are linearly interpolated between points.

**DATA LOGGING***
The PSA Series 3 can log results in response to a variety of stimuli. Data is stored as files that can be transferred to a PC for analysis using PSA-Manager software.

Logging entries can be created by an internal timer (adjustable from seconds up to hours), the manual trigger key, the external trigger input, or the limits comparator.

**VIEW ON PC***
View on PC enables the screen of the spectrum analyzer to be sent to a PC by USB. The screen image can be set to a user definable size and is particularly useful for education and training purposes.

TEST BRIDGE PSA
Test Bridge PSA is a free application for Windows® that provides useful file display and creation facilities. Test Bridge can display trace files which can be printed or exported to other applications. For instruments with option U01 fitted, Test Bridge provides full display and analysis of logging files, can create limit pattern files, channel marker lists, and compensation tables and display live PSA screen updates.

OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES

FIRMWARE UPGRADE U01
Option U01 is a firmware upgrade that can be purchased and installed by the user at any time. It increases the capabilities of the PSA1303 or PSA2703
Note: Option U01 is pre-installed within the PSA1303USC and PSA2703USC products.

TELESCOPIC ANTENNA
This wideband antenna is intended for general purpose applications where absolute measurements of field strength are not required. The antenna is a high quality unit with a knuckle joint hinge terminating with a BNC connector. An N to BNC adaptor is provided for direct connection to the instrument. The length is adjustable between 7.5cm and 35cm. The useful bandwidth is specified by the manufacturer as 30MHz to 1.8GHz. The resonant frequency as a quarter wave mono-pole is adjustable between approximately 200MHz and 1.0GHz. Order Code: WB-ANT
Note: The antenna is included with the PSA1303USC and PSA2703USC products.

VEHICLE CHARGER
A vehicle charger operating from either 12V or 24V supplies is available. It is capable of both recharging and operating the spectrum analyzer.
Order Code: PSA-VC
Note: The charger is included with the PSA1303USC and PSA2703USC products.

TRAVEL CASE
This soft fitted case offers high impact resilience. and provides protection for the PSA1303 or PSA2703 when in transit. It has storage space for the power adaptor, cables, and other accessories.
Order code: PSA-SC
Note: The case is included with the PSA1303USC and PSA2703USC products.

USC VERSIONS
The PSA1303USC and PSA2703USC (are extended versions of the product that) include the firmware upgrade (U01), the travel case, telescopic antenna and car charger. The firmware upgrade is pre-installed and all of the accessories, including the antenna and car charger, are supplied within the fitted case.

CONNECTION KIT
The connection kit comprises a high quality SMA terminated cable along with SMA to N type adaptors for connection to the PSA and to a generator. The cable has low losses up to 6GHz. A BNC to N type adaptor is also included enabling standard BNC cables to be used for lower frequency applications. Order Code : PSA-CK

SUPPLIED ITEMS

• STANDARD PRODUCT

  • PSA1303 or PSA2703 spectrum analyzer.
  • Universal voltage mains adaptor/ charger.
  • USB connection lead.
  • Spare stylus.
  • BNC converter for trigger input.
  • Safety documentation (multi-language)

• USC PRODUCT
  All of the ‘standard product’ items are supplied plus the following:

  • Firmware Upgrade U01 (installed)
  • Telescopic Antenna WB-ANT
  • Vehicle Charger PSA-VC
  • Travel Case PSA-SC

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT

• FREQUENCY SPAN:****
  Frequency Range:| 1 MHz to 1300 MHz (PSA1303)

1 MHz to 2700 MHz (PSA2703)

---|---
Setting Modes:| Centre frequency plus Span, or Start frequency plus Stop frequency
Maximum Span:| 1299 MHz (PSA1303)

2699 MHz (PSA2703)

Minimum Span:| 27 kHz, or Zero Span with demodulation
Set. Resolution:| 100 Hz at any frequency
Setting Accuracy:| Reference Frequency Accuracy for Start, Stop & Centre (Zero-Span) frequencies

• REFERENCE FREQUENCY ACCURACY****
  Initial Accuracy:| Better than ± 1 ppm at 20 °C
  ---|---
  Stability:| Better than ± 1 ppm over 10 °C to 30 °C
  Ageing:| Better than ± 1 ppm per year
• PHASE NOISE (TYPICAL)****
  Phase Noise| Phase noise at 100 kHz offset at 500 MHz typically -88 dBc/Hz
  ---|---
• RESOLUTION BANDWIDTH****
  RBW:| Selectable between 10 MHz and 300 Hz selectable in 1:3:10 sequence, or Auto
  ---|---
  Video Filtering:| Selectable between 10 MHz and 300 Hz selectable in 1:3:10 sequence, or RBW Tracking
• MARKERS****
  No. of Markers:| One, Two (or None)
  ---|---
  Resolution:| 0.1 kHz at all frequencies
  Marker Accuracy:| 1/270th of Span ± 10 Hz plus reference frequency

accuracy.

Readout:| The frequencies at the marker points and the frequency difference are displayed
Functions:| Normal (Scroll Mode), Peak Find Mode, Peak Track Mode and Frequency Measurement

AMPLITUDE MEASUREMENT

• AMPLITUDE RANGE****
  Units:| Selectable as dBm or dBμV
  ---|---
  Display Range:| 84 dB from reference level
  Magnification:| x2, x5 or x10
  Reference Level:| Selectable between-40 dBm and +10 dBm (67 dBμV to 117 dBμV) in 1 dB steps
• AMPLITUDE ACCURACY****
  Units:| Selectable as dBm or dBμV
  ---|---
  Display Range:| 84 dB from reference level
  Magnification:| x2, x5 or x10
  Reference Level:| Selectable between-40 dBm and +10 dBm (67 dBμV to 117 dBμV) in 1 dB steps
• MARKERS****
  Units:| Selectable as dBm or dBμV
  ---|---
  Display Range:| 84 dB from reference level
  Magnification:| x2, x5 or x10
  Reference Level:| Selectable between-40 dBm and +10 dBm (67 dBμV to 117 dBμV) in 1 dB steps
• DISPLAYED AVERAGE NOISE LEVEL (DANL)****
  DANL:| Better than-115 dBm from 11MHz to 2.7GHz Better than -100 dBm from 1MHz to 10MHz

(ref. level =-40 dBm, RBW = 10 kHz, VBW = 1 kHz, span 1 MHz)

---|---
Noise per Hz:| Better than -155 dBm/Hz equivalent

• DISTORTION AND SPURII****
  3rd Order Intermodulation:| < –60dBc for two signals at 10dB below reference level, (500 MHz and 502 MHz); typically <-65dBc
  ---|---
  Harmonic:| < –60 dBc at 10 dB below reference level (100 MHz)
  Other Signal Related Spurii:| <-60 dBc for signals 10 dB below the reference level
  Residual Spurii:| <-70 dB below the reference level
  Signal Image| <- 55dBc, typically <-60dBc
• SIGNAL INPUT****
  3rd Order Intermodulation:| < –60dBc for two signals at 10dB below reference level, (500 MHz and 502 MHz); typically <-65dBc
  ---|---
  Harmonic:| < –60 dBc at 10 dB below reference level (100 MHz)
  Other Signal Related Spurii:| <-60 dBc for signals 10 dB below the reference level
  Residual Spurii:| <-70 dB below the reference level
  Signal Image| <- 55dBc, typically <-60dBc
• SWEEP****
  Sweep Method:| Detection for 271 points per sweep. The amplitude value (as determined by the detection mode) from each sub-span is stored (sub-span = span/270)
  ---|---
  Signal Detection Modes:| Alternate Peak (default), Positive Peak, Negative Peak, Sample, Linear Average, Log Average or RMS
  Sweep Time:| Sweep time is an automatic function of Span and RBW/VBW. A speed- up function enables the time to be reduced by a factor of up to ten.
  Sweep Modes:| Repeat (continuous) or Single Shot.
  Sweep Trigger (only with Option U01)| Trigger Source: External input or Limits Comparator.

DEMODULATION (ZERO SPAN MODE)

• AUDIO DEMODULATION****
  Modes:| AM or FM
  ---|---
  Internal Audio:| Internal loudspeaker with adjustable volume and mute.
  Audio Out:| 30 mW into 32 Ω mono or stereo headphones, adjustable volume, 3.5mm jack socket
  Audio Filter:| Switchable 3kHz Low Pass Filter.
  Carrier Display:| Horizontal line at carrier level.
• DISPLAY & TRACES****
  Display Type:| 4.3 inch (10.9 cm) backlit TFT LCD, 480 x 272 pixels total, 16 colors, resistive touch screen.
  ---|---
  Trace Area:| 232 x 271 pixels.
  Graticule:| 8.5 x 10 divisions, light grey graticule.
  Displayed Points:| 271 points per sweep.
  Live Trace:| Dot-joined trace from current sweep.
  Trace Modes:| Normal (overwrite), Peak Hold, or Average (2 to 48 sweeps).
  View Trace:| Buffered “instance” of the live trace.
  Reference Trace:| Stored trace recalled from a trace file.
  Dual Trace Mode:| For Peak Hold and Average modes, processed and un-

processed traces can be displayed simultaneously.

• DATA LOGGING (ONLY WITH OPTION U01)****
  Data Types:| Peak level, Centre Level, Full Trace or Screen Image.
  ---|---
  Data Entries:| Up to 25,000 entries per file (2500 for Images).
  Trigger Source:| Entries can be made every sweep or in response to Manual Trigger key, External Trigger, Internal Timer or Limits Comparator
  Internal Timer:| Adjustable from 2secs. to 100mins per entry.
• INTERNAL STORAGE****
  Internal Disk:| 1.8GB of internal memory.
  ---|---
  External Storage:| USB host interface for removable USB Flash drives.
  Store Trace:| Up to 999 traces can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names. Traces are stored as tables of amplitude versus frequency and can be imported into other programs, as well as being recalled to the screen.
  Recall Trace:| Recalls any stored trace to the reference trace of the display.
  Store Set-up:| Up to 999 instrument set-ups can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names. All settings of the instrument are saved.
  Recall Set-up:| Recalls any stored set-up, overwriting the existing settings of the instrument.
  Store Screen:| This function copies the whole screen area to memory as a bit- map. Up to 999 screens can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names.
  Recall Screen:| Recalls any stored screen as an image.
• CONNECTOR****
  Internal Disk:| 1.8GB of internal memory.
  ---|---
  External Storage:| USB host interface for removable USB Flash drives.
  Store Trace:| Up to 999 traces can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names. Traces are stored as tables of amplitude versus frequency and can be imported into other programs, as well as being recalled to the screen.
  Recall Trace:| Recalls any stored trace to the reference trace of the display.
  Store Set-up:| Up to 999 instrument set-ups can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names. All settings of the instrument are saved.
  Recall Set-up:| Recalls any stored set-up, overwriting the existing settings of the instrument.
  Store Screen:| This function copies the whole screen area to memory as a bit- map. Up to 999 screens can be stored under either default file names or user entered file names.
  Recall Screen:| Recalls any stored screen as an image.

POWER SOURCES

• BATTERY****
  Battery Type:| Li-ion 3.7V 3000mA-hr
  ---|---
  Battery Life:| Up to 6 hours continuous
  Recharge Time:| < 3 hours from fully discharged
  Auto Off Mode:| To conserve battery life, the system can be set to automatically switch off after a defined time from the last key press. This can be set between 5 mins and 60 mins (or never).
  Battery Status:| Multi-segment battery status indicator.
• AC LINE OPERATION/ CHARGING
  The instruments can be operated continuously from mains power using the AC line adaptor provided. This powers and recharges the instrument simultaneously.Voltage Range:| 100V to 240V nominal 50Hz/60Hz
  ---|---
• MECHANICAL****
  Size:| 192mm high x 92mm wide x 49mm deep (height excludes RF input connector)
  ---|---
  Weight:| 580 grms.
  Tilt Stand:| Built-in tilt stand for bench use which angles the unit at 40 degrees to the horizontal.
  Stylus:| Casing incorporates plug-in stylus.
• ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY****
  Operating Range:| +5°C to + 40°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity and non- condensing
  ---|---
  Storage Range:| -10°C to +50°C
  Environmental:| Use at altitudes to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
  Electrical Safety:| Complies with EN61010-1.
  EMC:| Complies with EN61326.

OPTION U01
Option U01 is a firmware upgrade that provides additional capabilities as follows:

• LIMIT LINES AND PATTERNS****
  Operating Range:| +5°C to + 40°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity and non- condensing
  ---|---
  Storage Range:| -10°C to +50°C
  Environmental:| Use at altitudes to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
  Electrical Safety:| Complies with EN61010-1.
  EMC:| Complies with EN61326.
• DATA LOGGING****
  Operating Range:| +5°C to + 40°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity and non- condensing
  ---|---
  Storage Range:| -10°C to +50°C
  Environmental:| Use at altitudes to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
  Electrical Safety:| Complies with EN61010-1.
  EMC:| Complies with EN61326.
• SWEEP TRIGGER****
  Source:| External Trigger or Limits Comparator.
  ---|---
• OFFSETS AND COMPENSATION TABLES****
  Fixed Offsets:| Compensation for external gain or attenuation from

-50.0dB to +50.0dB.

---|---
75 Ohm:| Compensation for signals from a 75W source.
Tables:| Compensation for variations of level with frequency for antennae or transducers. Tables are created as files by PSA-Manager and loaded from memory (999 files maximum).

CUSTOM PRESETS
Enables rapid switching between setups for repetitive testing.

VIEW ON PC
Enables the screen of the spectrum analyzer to be sent to a PC via USB and displayed at a user-defined size. Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. Operates a policy of continuous development and reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

RF & EMC TEST EQUIPMENT

OTHER RANGES AVAILABLE

POWER SUPPLIES & LOADS

WAVEFORM GENERATORS

PRECISION MEASUREMENT

Visit www.aimtti.com for full ranges and further information.

The measurement website
99 rue Beranger 92320 Chatillon – France
Tel. : +33 (0) 1 71 16 17 00
E-mail: contact@testoon.com
www.testoon.com

EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Aim-TTi is the trading name of Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. (TTi), one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of test and measurement instruments. The company has wide experience in the design and manufacture of advanced test instruments and power supplies built up over more than thirty years. The company is based in the United Kingdom, and all products are built at the main facility in Huntingdon, close to the famous university city of Cambridge.

TRACEABLE QUALITY SYSTEMS
TTi is an ISO9001 registered company operating fully traceable quality systems for all processes from design through to final calibration.

WHERE TO BUY AIM-TTI PRODUCTS
Aim-TTi products are widely available from a network of distributors and agents in more than sixty countries across the world. To find your local distributor, please visit our website which provides full contact details.
www.aimtti.com

Designed and built in Europe by:
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
PE29 7DR United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1480 412451
Fax: +44 (0)1480 450409
Email: sales@aimtti.com
Web: www.aimtti.com

References

• Aim-TTi - Test & Measurement Instruments and Power Supplies
• Aim-TTi - Test & Measurement Instruments and Power Supplies
• Vente en ligne d’appareils de mesure professionnels | TESTOON

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