The PSA1301T field portable spectrum analyser from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) now includes the facility to e-mail screen images back to the office
The PSA1301T is a true handheld RF spectrum analyser weighing less than 500 grams and measuring less than 10cm across.
Its built-in NiMh batteries provide more than four hours of continuous operation from a charge.
Built-in Bluetooth communication links to a mobile phone, and screen images are sent as attachments using the built-in VersaMail e-mail application.
The analyser can also be set to turn off automatically after a user-defined delay from the last key press, extending battery life further.
The frequency range is 150kHz to 1.3GHz with selectable resolution bandwidth down to 15kHz.
Sweep modes include continuous, single, peak hold and average (up to 256 sweeps).
Sweep parameters can be set in terms of centre plus span or start plus stop to 1kHz resolution.
A zero span mode with AM or FM demodulation is also provided.
The backlit colour TFT screen has a resolution of 480 pixels by 320 pixels (half VGA).
A reference trace can be displayed simultaneously with live trace, clearly differentiated by colour.
The reference trace is automatically shifted and scaled to match the current sweep parameters when they are changed.
Dual markers are incorporated with simultaneous readout of absolute amplitude and frequency plus difference values.
Markers can be scrolled manually, or set to automatically find and track peaks.
Any number of waveforms and settings can be stored to permanent flash memory.
These can be saved under default or user entered file names as preferred.
Bitmap images of the whole screen can also be stored for viewing, printing or e-mailing.
The low price point of the PSA1301T offers RF service engineers a cost-effective and highly portable tool that will make it practical to a carry a spectrum analyser to areas that have traditionally been difficult to access with benchtop instruments.
The ability to send results back from the field also provides the opportunity for de-skilling of certain tasks, with analysis of the sweep waveforms being done by an engineer back at the office.
The PSA1301T costs £795 (plus VAT).
