Rohde & Schwarz integrates radiomonitoring system functions into a single compact device
* Munich, July 17, 2008 — The new R&S ESMD wideband monitoring receiver from Rohde & Schwarz provides a range of functions that is unique in its class: In addition to a 20 MHz realtime bandwidth and a wide frequency range, the R&S ESMD receiver also detects signals quickly and without interruption. It also performs highly accurate signal measurements and demodulation. Due to its modular concept, the R&S ESMD arrives ready to meet future requirements. It can be upgraded into a direction finder by regulatory authorities, the armed forces, government agencies and other organizations with security missions.
Modern radiomonitoring receivers can be used for a variety of purposes, including frequency monitoring in line with ITU guidelines, radio reconnaissance, detection of pulsed signals, searching for jammers, and direction finding. Since the R&S ESMD wideband monitoring receiver is based on a modular hardware and software concept, it can be quickly adapted to different requirements and expanded for future tasks.
The basic version of the R&S ESMD covers a frequency range from 20 MHz to 3.6 GHz. Options are available to expand its range into the shortwave band and the microwave range, which enables it to detect frequencies from 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz. The outstanding receive characteristics of the R&S ESMD allow distortion-free processing even of multiple, simultaneously occurring signals. Moreover, users can scan for signals that are difficult to detect.
The fast scan modes of the R&S ESMD support this task. The memory-scan function is used to scan a series of up to 1000 predefined channels per second. In the panorama-scan mode, the receiver scans a user-definable frequency range at speeds up to 70 GHz/s, giving users a quick overview of the spectrum. Changes in the RF environment can be detected immediately – a key feature, especially for security-critical radio traffic.
The R&S ESMD processes the detected signals without interruption and in realtime up to a bandwidth of 20 MHz. Signal processing consists of two parallel paths that can be independently parameterized. One path calculates the IF spectrum for analyzing the signal spectrum and environment in greater detail. Short emissions such as pulses can be detected and their parameters measured. The second signal-processing path is used for level measurements and demodulation. The R&S ESMD calculates the video spectrum of a demodulated signal, making it possible to also determine the characteristics of highly complex third-generation wireless communications signals.
In the past, determining the direction of signals required extensive equipment. The R&S ESMD from Rohde & Schwarz now offers a compact solution for this purpose as well: The R&S ESMD-DDF upgrade kit expands the wideband monitoring receiver into a direction finder, thus combining both functions in one device.
The R&S ESMD outputs the obtained data via different interfaces in both analog and digital form. As a result, it can be easily integrated into existing monitoring systems. All important functions are accessible using keys on the front panel so that users can quickly find the right settings. For pure remote-control operation over a LAN, a less expensive model of the receiver without front-panel control can be purchased.
The R&S ESMD wideband monitoring receiver is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.
ESMD wideband monitoring receiver
