Portable Spectrum Analyzer with a tracking generator ARINST SSA-TG R2

ARINST SSA-TG R2 is an easy portable panoramic spectrum analyzer (RF multimeter) designed to display signal spectrums in the frequency range from 35 to 6200 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, which makes it possible to measure the frequency response of passive or active devices, for example filters or amplifiers. The software allows measuring SWR and return loss module. This requires an external directional coupler and a set of calibration measures.

Application

ARINST SSA-TG R2 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.
  • measure SWR when using an external directional coupler.

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 has a 3.2" color resistive touch screen to display the signal spectrum and to control the device.

The device is controlled by one of three ways:

- by buttons and touchscreen on the device.

- 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 R2 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 R2 in their system.

An example can be downloaded from here.

Basic functions of the analyzer software (when viewed via a tablet/phone):

  • 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 R2.
  • 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.

Example menu when using the built-in display:




Advantages:

  • low price
  • 3.2-inch color resistive display
  • wide frequency range: 35 to 6200 MHz
  • rapid scanning of the frequency range: approx. 500 µs per point
  • high measurement precision: 2 dB within the dynamic range 70-70 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 155х81х27 mm, independent supply lasts up to 3 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:

  • Displayed frequency range: 35 — 6200 MHz
  • Measured frequency range: 35 — 4500 MHz
  • Dynamic range for 35-3000 MHz band: 75 dB
  • Dynamic range for 3000-4500 MHz band: 70 dB
  • Maximum Span: 6165 MHz
  • BW: 200 kHz, fixed
  • Scan speed for a viewing band of more than 100 MHz: 700 MHz/sec
  • Sweep 100 MHz: < 0.25 sec
  • Noise floor up to 3000 MHz: < - 100 dBm
  • Noise floor 3000 - 4500 MHz: < -95 dBm
  • Noise floor 4500 - 6200 MHz: < -90 dBm
  • Wave impedance: 50 Ohm
  • SWR at the operating frequency range: < 1,5
  • Internal attenuator: 0 — 30 dB
  • Error with attenuation up to 10 dB: 2 dB
  • Error with attenuation from 10 to 20 dB: 5 dB
  • Error with 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: 450 mA
  • Maximum current draw when running from USB: 500 mA (when charging)
  • Battery: 2000 mAh
  • Time battery life: 3 hours
  • Battery charging time: ~ 5 Hours

Items included in the box:

  • Spectrum analyzer ARINST SSA-TG R2
  • Battery (pre-set inside the device)
  • HF adapters SMA(male)-SMA(female) to protect the HF connector from wear-and-tear (2 pcs)
  • USB – mini-USB cable 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 +10 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 R2 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 would negatively 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.

Additional Information

  • Essentially, the device is "RF multimeter" or "RF explorer"
  • The device has a manufacturer's warranty for 1 year from the date of purchase
  • The device does not work with iPhones and other Apple products
  • Frequency bands are displayed only when working with Android devices or with Windows devices. Frequency bands are not displayed on the screen of the device itself.
  • There is an option for fast delivery to the USA via DHL for an additional fee. Such delivery will take no more than 5 days.
  • When sending we can indicate the customs value that the buyer needs. For example, upon delivery to Europe, we usually specify the customs value of $ 17.
  • For the correct operation of the Windows software need to have the OpenGl support of your equipment (version 2.1 and higher).

Overview of the software and ARINST SSA-TG R2 training.

  • Video "Software review of Arinst"

  • Video "Arinst of tracking generator review"

  • Video "Frequency merges in the Arinnst SSA spectrum analyzer"

  • Video "Connection setup for Arinst SSA under Windows OS"

  • Video "Arinst manual calibration menu"

  • Video "Signal identification using Arinst SSA"

  • Video "Bands management in the Arinst SSA spectrum analyzer"

There is the ability to specify data when sending the parcel to avoid any troubles when you receive.