Keysight Technologies, Inc. announced the availability of real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) as an option for its standards-compliant MXE EMI receiver. Adding RTSA to an MXE enables test labs to observe and diagnose transient and wideband emissions during electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance and precompliance testing.

With RTSA, engineers can more easily see and understand high-speed transient signals that are difficult to capture with traditional spectrum or signal analyzers. This is especially useful in applications such as radar, automotive and wireless communications that often experience fast-moving, short-duration emissions.

In RTSA mode, the MXE can provide real-time analysis bandwidth up to 85 MHz below 3.6 GHz and up to 40 MHz above 3.6 GHz, ensuring image-free, over-the-air diagnostics that enable faster, easier analysis of emissions. RTSA offers 100 percent probability of capture for signals with durations greater than 3.7 µs when viewing with an 85 MHz span.

“This release is further evidence of our commitment to providing powerful compliance and diagnostic tools for EMC testing,” said Nana Amoa, product marketing manager of Keysight’s Microwave and Communications Division. “In the lab and on the bench, the MXE provides the accuracy, repeatability, reliability and frequency coverage needed to keep test queues flowing.”

Frequency mask trigger (FMT) capability is also included with RTSA, allowing users to confidently trigger on signals with durations as short as 17.4 µs. In addition, time-qualified triggering capability further enhances FMT by simplifying the task of finding pulse outliers or triggering on specific communications bursts.

RTSA is an upgradeable option on new and existing MXE EMI receivers as well as UXA, PXA and MXA X-Series signal analyzers. Adding RTSA enables engineers to see, capture and understand the most elusive signals, known or unknown. For deeper analysis, engineers can combine a real-time X-Series signal analyzer with Keysight 89600 VSA software to create a solution that enables thorough characterization of today’s most complex signals.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The RTSA option for MXE (N9038A-RT1) is available for order and has a list price of $22,500.

More information is available at  www.keysight.com/find/MXE_enhancements. Product images are available at  www.keysight.com/find/MXE_images.