Portable Spectrum Analyzer with a tracking generator ARINST SSA TG

ARINST SSA TG is a portable panoramic spectrum analyzer designed to display signal spectrums in the frequency range from 36 to 3000 MHz.

The analyzer finds the amplitude and frequency of spectral components of the analyzed process. Spectrum analyzer can operate with signals for all widely used technologies: Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, CDMA, DCS, GSM, GPRS, GLONASS and others.

Another important feature is the presence of additional capabilities of the tracking generator.

In addition to the main frequency range 36-3000 MHz the device has an optional extended range from 3000 to 5990 MHz, where the measurement error is higher than in the main range. When working in the extended range should use the device only for displaying signals for their evaluation, but not for measurements.

Application

ARINST SSA is primarily intended for field operation. The device is rugged and light with low energy consumption. It enables service centers and maintenance teams to perform on-the-spot HF analysis for commissioning and repair works. Moreover, the spectrum analyzer is a perfect solution for repair workshops and radio amateurs.

For example, using the device you can perform the following operations:

put an external antenna on the base station
to conduct a rapid analysis of RF environments
check the correct operation of the repeater cellular
repair and adjustment of the repeater, generator, filter, etc.

Principle of operation

The spectrum analyzer is a portable device that is connected to the measured circuit and has an independent power supply.

The device is controlled by one of two ways:

- by an Android powered smartphone or tablet.

- by a PC or laptop with Windows operating system

The data between the analyzer and smartphone/tablet/PC is transmitted through Bluetooth or USB-cable. The Bluetooth range is up to 10 m (Password for connecting via Bluetooth: 1234).

All the measured data is displayed in real time on the screen of the smartphone/tablet/PC.

You can install the analyzer software to control by smartphone or tablet from the Google Play or download from here.

You can download the analyzer software to control by PC or laptop from here. Windows 7 or higher and the latest version of Java Virtual Machine are required for the correct work of application. The application requires full (100%) support for OpenGL version 2.1 and higher.

Management analyzer with external programs

There is a possibility of device control using external programs.

You can send the device a command to make a measurement (scanning range) with the following parameters:

start frequency
stop frequency
measuring step
the value of the attenuator

After the command completes, the device ARINST SSA TG will send the client device (microcontroller, computer, mobile device, etc.) a message containing the measured values of the amplitudes for the given frequency values. The user can record the received data to a file, database, etc.

Users can customize automatic measurements and use the spectrum analyzer ARINST SSA TG in their system.

An example can be downloaded from here.

Basic functions of the analyzer software:

Displays the signal spectrums graphically and sets up the frequency range and reference limit.

Sets up and manages absolute and relative (delta) markers.

Searches one or a series (up to ten) of maximum values of the signal in the instantaneous or tracking mode.

Sets and stores unique identifiers of the frequency ranges – frequency bands. For instance, a frequency band titled «DCS UpLink» can be set for the range 1710-1785 MHz. Additionally, working frequency bands can be set for each operator. This option considerably facilitates the HF analysis and identification for the signals of conventional technologies.

Has pre-set frequency bands and is able to store the frequency bands in a file and share them with other devices to control the spectrum analyzers ARINST SSA TG.

Has the tracing mode that generates a signal spectrum averaged by a number of measurements. In addition to the average spectrum, extreme values and moving average values can be displayed as well.

Stores the settings for the spectrum scanning (band limits, attenuator value and others) for a quick and easy switching into the required measurement mode.

Stores the spectrum signal with markers for later analysis. Then the stored graph can be opened in any Android device with the application «Arinst SSA» (in this event you don’t need to have the spectrum analyzer at hand) or use the table editor to convert the graph into the required type of data display.

Simultaneous display of several selected frequency bands.

The function of the tracking generator for measuring the amplitude-frequency characteristics of filters, amplifiers and antennas.

Advantages:

low price
wide frequency range: 36 to 3000 MHz
rapid scanning of the frequency range: approx. 1 ms per point
high measurement precision: 2 dB within the dynamic range 70 dB
compatibility with most Android powered devices and Windows-based computers
possibility to use one device with the help of several smartphones/tablets/PCs
exceptionally easy to use in the field: the weight is as low as 400 g, dimensions are 170х80х22 mm, independent supply lasts up to 2 h of uninterrupted operation, wireless data transmission to the smartphone/tablet/PC, the device can be power supplied from a smartphone/tablet/PC
free multifunctional software and free updates for the device control

Specifications:

(only for the main measured frequency range 36-3000 MHz)

Displayed frequency range: 36 — 5990 MHz
The main measured frequency range: 36 — 3000 MHz
Dynamic range in the band 36-3000 MHz: 70 dB
Maximum Span: 1000 MHz
BW: 250 kHz, fixed
Sweep 100 MHz: < 0.3 sec
Noise floor 36 - 3000 MHz: < - 85 dBm
Wave impedance: 50 Ohm
SWR at the operating frequency range: < 1,5
Internal attenuator: 0 — 30 dB
Error attenuation to 10 dB: 2 dB
Error attenuation from 10 to 20 dB: 5 dB
Error attenuation from 20 to 30 dB: 8 dB
The output power of the tracking generator: -15...-25 dBm
Accuracy within the dynamical range: 2,0 dB
Maximum input power at attenuator 0 dB: 10 dBm
Maximum input power when the attenuation is above 20 dB: +20 dBm
Maximum input measured signal: +10 dBm
Maximum input DC voltage: 25 Volts
Maximum current consumption when running on battery: 400 mA
Maximum current draw when running from USB: 500 mA (when charging)
Battery: 2000 mAh
Time battery life: 2 hours
Battery charging time: ~ 7 Hours

Items included in the box:

Spectrum analyzer Arinst SSA TG
Battery (pre-set inside the device)
HF adapters SMA(male)-SMA(female) to protect the HF connector from wear-and-tear (2 pcs)
OTG cable mini-USB – micro-USB to connect the device to the smartphone/tablet
USB cable – mini-USB to charge the device and for data transmission

Items not included in the box:

Smartphone or tablet under the Android’s 4.0.3 control or higher. Use your Android powered device in order to control the equipment. The device is implemented in one body, while the equipment for its control is built in another. It has been done in order to make the spectrum analyzer much simpler and more available. Also, use your laptop or computer for controlling the device.
External attenuation network. The maximum measured input power, which is supplied to the device, is limited by +0 dBm. If it is necessary to measure a larger value, each user of the device has to select the necessary attenuators on one’s own.
Set of the super-high frequency adapters.

Limitations

The spectrum analyzer ARINST SSA TG is not a measure gauge, as it does not have an approved pattern of the measuring equipment. The approval of pattern of the measuring equipment has had a negative effect on the availability and price of the device. For this reason the spectrum analyzer is officially considered a field indicator. However, the device fully meets all technical requirements. Each device is calibrated against the power and frequency.

Overview of the software and Arinst SSA TG training.

To order email at dr_dax@mail.ru