PSA1302 & PSA2702
PSA Series II portable RF Spectrum Analyzers, 1.3GHz and 2.7GHz
Big on performance, small on size and cost
AIM & THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
tti-test.com
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PSA Series II RF Spectrum Analyzers
Big on performance
Small on size and cost
The PSA Series II is unlike any other RF spectrum analyzer.
It builds upon the success of the PSA-T series in offering a
lightweight and truly handheld instrument that incorporates
an extensive feature set. An improved user interface is
combined with many new hardware and software features
and a ruggedized casing.
Genuinely hand-held
The PSA Series II is sufficiently small and lightweight to fit comfortably into the
hand - unlike most other so-called handheld spectrum analyzers.
A removable screen protector and sun-shield combines with rubberised buffers top
and bottom to enhance its use in the field.
High resolution colour display
The 4.3” TFT display provides a wealth of detailed information. Colour is
used to clearly distinguish between multiple traces, markers and limit lines.
The touch-screen uses a three row hierarchical menu system to provide fast
and intuitive control of the many functions.
Battery operation of more than 8 hours
The PSA Series II operates from a Li-ion rechargeable battery that can
provide more than eight hours of continuous operation.
If switched off to conserve power, it returns to normal operation within two
seconds of switch-on with all data retained. It can also be set to switch off
automatically after a set time from the last action.
For continuous bench top operation it can be powered from its AC adaptor
which also recharges the batteries in less than 3 hours.
Unlimited data storage
With nearly 2GB of internal memory, the PSA Series II can store thousands
of waveforms, instrument set-ups, or complete screen images.
With option U01 installed, it can also log tens of thousands of results and
make use of compensation tables and limit patterns.
All files can be saved with either default file names or with user defined
names using the alpha-numeric keypad.
USB Flash drives can be used to copy and backup data, or transfer it to a
PC for analysis. Alternatively a USB device interface is included for direct
connection to a PC for file transfer.
PSA1302 - 1.3GHz
PSA2702 - 2.7GHz
Option U01 adds:
Limit lines and limit patterns with limits comparator
Data logging of peak values, complete traces or screen images
from timer, external trigger or limits comparator
Sweep triggering from external trigger or limits comparator
Compensation tables, fixed offsets and 75W compensation
Capability to show screen contents on a PC
A big feature set in a small instrument
The PSA Series II incorporates the features most needed in a
portable spectrum analyzer.
1MHz to 1300MHz or 2700MHz frequency range
Resolution bandwidths of 1MHz, 280kHz or 15kHz
-96dBm typical noise floor at -20dBm reference level
Measurement in dBm or dBµV, mV or µW
Zero span mode with AM and FM audio demodulation
Trace modes of normal, peak hold and trace average
Live, View and Reference traces in contrasting colours
Twin markers with readout of absolute & difference values
Smart marker movement with selectable peak tracking
Frequency presets and independent state storage
Auto-find automatically sets sweep parameters for
the highest signal found
Unlimited storage for waveforms, set-ups and screens
User assignable file names, file stamping from
real-time clock
USB interfaces for Flash drives and PC connection
Comprehensive status and context sensitive help screens
More than 8 hours continuous operation from a charge
Smaller and lighter than other spectrum analyzers
(weight only 0.56 kg)
See more detail
The large TFT display of the
PSA Series II shows a wealth of
information.
It makes use of colour to clearly
distinguish the traces (live, view and
reference) from the markers, limit
lines and graticule.
Detailed set-up information is
shown above the graticule with
marker readout and further status
below.
Context-sensitive help
The PSA Series II incorporates
extensive on-screen help
information.
This can be automatically selected
to relate to the current menu
hierarchy.
Full status display
Instant access is provided to a
multi-page status screen that
shows the complete status of the
instrument including detailed
system information.
Connectivity
In addition to the RF input, the
analyzer includes connectors for DC
power, USB host, USB device, trigger
in/out, and audio out.
Built-in loudspeaker
Audio de-modulation can be
accessed via the built-in speaker or
external phones.
Transfer files to PC
A USB device connector is provided
which enables direct connection to
a PC for bi-directional file transfer.
A USB host connector enables USB
Flash drives to be connected for
additional storage or for cable-less
file transfers.
The size a hand-held instrument should be !
Ruggedised casing
The casing of the PSA Series II
includes rubberised buffers top and
bottom to help resist knocks and
scratches.
The tilt stand can be moved to the
top of the instrument to act as a
screen protector when in transit.
In this mode it can also act as a
sun-shield when in the field.
Comfortable to hold
With a width of only 92mm (3.6”)
and a weight of only 560 grams
(20 oz) the PSA fits comfortably into
the hand.
Touch-screen or
hard-key control
The instrument is normally operated
using its touch screen.
The three-row hierarchical menu
system provides rapid intuitive
access to all functions .
Additional hard keys are provided
for marker movement and for
shortcuts to major functions.
Alternatively, all of the functions
can be operated with just the hard
keys by using the five way navigator
in a tab-enter-jog mode.
Instant On
On pressing the power button, the
instrument comes to life almost
instantly, with the first sweep
available in under 2 seconds.
Actual size
The PSA Series II can be used vertically, as well
as horizontally or on its tilt stand.
Also at home on the bench
The PSA Series II will find plenty of applications on the bench as well as
in the field.
It’s low cost enables every engineer to have access to a spectrum
analyzer whenever they need one.
For continuous bench-top operation, the supplied AC line adaptor
powers the instrument as well as charging it.
Live, View and
Reference traces
A view trace and reference trace can be
displayed in addition to the live trace using
contrasting colours for clarity.
Any number of traces can be saved to memory
and rapidly recalled to the screen.
Trace states are saved in addition to the traces
and can be recalled separately.
Smart marker movement
Dual markers provide an on-screen readout of
frequency and level including difference values.
The markers can be set to specified frequency
values, scrolled across the screen, or set to
automatically find peaks.
A peak tracking mode is also provided which
will track the highest peak in the sweep despite
changing frequency.
Marker amplitude readout can be in graticule
units (dBm or dBµV) or in linear units (mV or
µW).
Vertical expansion
The vertical resolution of 10dB per division can
be expanded to 5dB, 2dB or 1dB with panning
over the full dynamic range.
Zero span demodulation
The PSA Series II includes a zero span mode
with both AM or FM audio demodulation.
The audio signal, with variable volume and
selectable low-pass filter, is available from the
built-in loudspeaker or from a standard 3.5mm
jack socket.
Intuitive menu system
Ease of use was a major consideration in the
design of the PSA Series II.
The menu system provides rapid access to five
menu groups, each of which has up to five sub
menus, each with their own function keys.
Function keys perform direct actions or create
pop-up menus or dialogue boxes.
Centre, Start and Stop can be stepped by any
chosen increment. Span can be zoomed in a
1-2-5 sequence.
Single key shortcuts include Set to Peak, Set to
Marker and Set between Markers. Frequency
presets enable fast changes between frequently
used sweep ranges.
Trace write modes
In addition to the normal mode, the
trace can be set to display Peak-hold,
or a Multi-sweep Average.
Triggered sweep*
The standard sweep modes of continuous repeat
and single shot can be extended to include
triggered sweeps from an external signal or
internal limits comparison*.
Limit patterns and
limits comparator*
Limit lines and patterns can be defined which
can be simply visual aids or create automatic
actions. Zone restriction can be applied.
A single or dual line limits comparator can be
used to generate audible warnings, output
signals, or to freeze or log the trace.
Extensive data storage
The PSA Series II can store almost unlimited
amounts of data using its 1.8GB of internal
memory supplemented, if necessary, by USB
Flash drives.
The filing system can store trace and state files,
screen images, set-up files, logging files*, limit
patterns* and compensation tables*.
Files are stored under either default file names,
or user-chosen file names entered from an
alpha-numeric keypad.
Files are time-stamped from the real-time clock,
and can be listed by date or name.
Full Status display
In addition to the extensive on-screen status
information, a single button press reveals the
complete set-up of the instrument as a screen
listing.
All settings are retained when at power-down,
and any number of set-up files can be stored
under automatic or user names.
Data export and transfer
USB device and host connectors are provided
enabling the PSA Series II to be linked directly to
a PC for file transfer, and for the connection of
USB Flash drives for data transfer or storage.
Trace files have a standard comma separated
value (.csv) format which can be imported into
other applications such as Excel or MathCad.
Screen images are stored as standard bit-maps
that can be manipulated and printed using a PC
as well as being recalled to the PSA screen.
Offsets and Compensation
Tables*
The reference level, graticule and marker
readouts can be set to compensate for external
attenuation or gain to a resolution of 0.1dB.
Compensation can also be added for signals
emanating from a 75W source.
Tables can be loaded that compensate for
variations of level with frequency for specific
antennae or transducers. The tables can contain
up to 100 points and are linearly interpolated
between points.
*Optional Features
Features marked * are available with option
U01 installed.
Frequencies
can be set by
direct numeric
entry, or by a
digit increment
system.
The illustration is a
truncated version of
the real screen image
which can list 20 files
simultaneously.
Each directory can
contain up to 999
files.
Product Applications
Traditional RF Field Measurements
The PSA Series II will find many applications
within traditional radio communication field
environments such as:
Antenna Alignment
Signal Strength Mapping
Interference Analysis
Covert Transmitter Detection
Spurious Emissions
EMC Evaluations
The wide span of the PSA Series II makes it
suitable for investigation of equipment emissions
for compliance with EMC requirements relating
to CE or FCC approvals.
Emission Frequency Evaluations
Comparative Emission Measurements
Product Development & Servicing
The PSA Series II is as suited to bench-top RF
work as to field work. Typical uses include:
RF Amplifier Block Design
Oscillator and Mixer Design
Power Measurements
Impedance Matching Measurement
IF Section Alignment
RFID Measurements
Site Evaluations
Transmitted Power Measurements
Frequency Domain Evaluation
The low cost of the PSA Series II provides every
engineer with the potential to own a spectrum
analyzer, whether they work in the RF field or
not.
Observing signals in the frequency domain often
provides information that can not be seen by
looking in the time domain using an oscilloscope.
Typical uses include:
Harmonic Distortion Measurement
Filter Evaluations
Clock Signal Integrity Checks
Spurious Signal Identification
HF Stability Analysis
Signal Input (SMA)
USB Host socket
USB Device socket
Trigger In/Out Demodulated Audio Out
DC Power
Input
A genuinely hand-held instrument
Some manufacturers have stretched the term hand-
held to cover any battery powered instrument with
a ‘flat’ format.
Some of these are more than twice the width
of an average hand, and weigh as much as a
brick. Not so the PSA Series II.
The small size fits perfectly into the hand and
the low weight of only 560 grms (20 oz)
allows it to be carried anywhere.
Instant availability
Unlike some other spectrum analyzers
which can take up to a minute to
initialise, the PSA Series II starts
instantly, with the first sweep
available in less than two
seconds from switching on.
Typical ‘hand-held’ spectrum
analyzer 26 cm x 17 cm,
weight >2kg
PSA Series II
19 cm x 9.2 cm,
weight < 0.6kg
Around one third of the size
and one quarter of the weight !
Data Logging*
The PSA Series II can log results in response to
a variety of stimuli. Data is stored as files that
can be transferred to a PC for analysis using
PSA-Manager software.
The data stored can be the peak level, centre
frequency level, the whole trace, or a bitmap
screen image. Each file can contain up to 9,999
entries.
The 1.8GB of internal memory enables vast
amounts of data to be stored.
Logging entries can be created by an internal
timer (adjustable from seconds up to hours), the
manual trigger key, the external trigger input, or
the limits comparator.
PSA-Manager Software
PSA Manager is a Windows* based program
that provides additional capabilities for the PSA
Series II.
It can display trace files, and can back up and
manage set-up files and other parameters into
project folders.
However, its more sophisticated capabilities are
apparent when option U01 is installed within
the instrument.
It can be used to create limit pattern and
compensation table files, using numeric editing,
import from .csv files, or its graphical editor.
Log files created within the instrument can be
viewed and analyzed.
View on PC*
View on PC enables the screen of the spectrum
analyzer to be sent to a PC by USB.
The screen image can be set to a user definable
size and is particularly useful for education and
training purposes.
Context sensitive help
Context sensitive help is available for every
menu, along with a full topics list of help
information.
Technical Specifications -
PSA1302 & PSA2702
Designed and built in Europe by:
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE29 7DR United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1480 412451 Fax: +44 1480 450409
Email: sales@tti-test.com Web: www.tti-test.com
Brochure Part No. 82100-1470
FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT
Frequency Span
Frequency Range: 1 MHz to 1300 MHz (PSA1302)
1 MHz to 2700 MHz (PSA2702)
Setting Modes: Centre frequency plus Span,
or Start plus Stop frequencies
Maximum Span: 1299 MHz (PSA1302)
2699 MHz (PSA2702)
Minimum Span: 270 kHz, or Zero Span with demodulation
Set. Resolution: 1 kHz at any frequency
Setting Accuracy: Reference Frequency Accuracy for Start,
Stop & Centre (Zero-Span) frequencies
Reference Frequency Accuracy
Initial Accuracy: Better than ± 10 ppm at 20 oC
Stability: Better than ± 10 ppm over 10 oC to 30 oC
Ageing: Better than ± 3 ppm per year
Phase Noise
Phase Noise: Phase noise at 100kHz offset at 500MHz
typically -90dBc/Hz
Resolution Bandwidth
RBW: Selectable 1 MHz, 280 kHz, or 15 kHz
Video Filtering: Selectable independently of RBW setting
Markers
No. of Markers: One, Two (or None)
Resolution: 0.1 kHz at all frequencies
Marker Accuracy: 1/270th of Span ± 0.1kHz plus reference
frequency accuracy.
Readout: The frequencies at the marker points and
the frequency difference are displayed
AMPLITUDE MEASUREMENT
Amplitude Range
Units: Selectable as dBm or dBµV
Display Range: 85 dB from reference level
Magnification: x2, x5 or x10
Reference Level: Selectable as -20 dBm or 0 dBm
(87 dBµV or 107 dBµV)
Amplitude Accuracy
Calibration Level
Accuracy: Better than ± 1 dB at 10dB below ref.
level @ 50MHz (20oC ± 5oC)
Flatness: Better than ± 1.5 dB over the range
1 MHz to 1300 MHz (PSA1302)
1 MHz to 2700 MHz (PSA2702)
Linearity: Better than ± 1 dB over 50dB from the
reference level
Noise Floor: Better than -93 dBm average displayed
noise floor (typically -96 dBm)
(reference level = -20 dBm, RBW = 15 kHz)
Distortion and Spurii
3rd Order Intermodulation:
< –60dBc for two signals at 10dB below reference level,
(500MHz and 502MHz)
Harmonic:
< –60dBc at 10dB below reference level (100MHz)
1st & 2nd Image:
<– 55dBc, typically <– 60dBc
Residual Spurii:
better than 3dB above noise floor
Markers
No. of Markers: One, Two (or None)
Resolution: 0.1 dB
Readout: The level at the marker points and
difference are displayed.
SWEEP
Sweep Method:
Peak detection for 270 points per sweep. The amplitude and
frequency of the peak level found within each sub-span is
stored (sub-span = span/270).
Sweep Time:
Set automatically by Span and RBW.
Sweep Modes:
Repeat (continuous) or Single Shot
Trace Writing Modes
Normal (overwrite), Peak Hold, Average (2 to 48).
SIGNAL INPUT
Input Connector: SMA connector, 50 W
VSWR: 1.5 : 1 typical
Maximum Level: + 20 dBm, (127 dBµV); 15V DC
DEMODULATION (Zero Span mode)
Demod. Modes: AM or FM
Display: Carrier amplitude only (horizontal line).
Audio: Internal loudspeaker.
Audio Out: 30 mW into 32 W mono or stereo headphones,
adjustable volume, 3.5mm jack socket
Audio Filter: Switchable 3kHz Low Pass Filter.
DISPLAY
Display Type: 4.3 inch (10.9 cm) backlit TFT LCD, 480 x 272
pixels total, 16 colours, touch screen.
Trace Area: 232 x 272 pixels.
Graticule: 8.5 x 10 divisions, light grey graticule.
Displayed Points: 271 points per sweep (peak detected).
Live Trace: Dot-joined trace from current sweep.
View Trace: Buffered “instance” of the live trace.
Reference Trace: Stored trace recalled from a trace file.
MEMORY STORAGE
Internal Disk:
1.8GB of internal memory.
External Storage:
USB host interface for removable USB Flash drives.
Store Trace:
Up to 999 traces can be stored under either default file names
or user entered file names. Traces are stored as tables of
amplitude versus frequency and can be imported into other
programs, as well as being recalled to the screen.
Recall Trace:
Recalls any stored trace to the reference trace of the display.
Store Set-up:
Up to 999 instrument set-ups can be stored under either
default file names or user entered file names. All settings of
the instrument are saved.
Recall Set-up:
Recalls any stored set-up, overwriting the existing settings of
the instrument.
Store Screen:
This function copies the whole screen area to memory as a
bit-map. Up to 999 screens can be stored under either default
file names or user entered file names.
Recall Screen:
Recalls any stored screen as an image.
CONNECTORS
RF Input: Standard SMA connector.
DC Power: 1.3 mm power socket for external power
supply/charger
USB Host: Standard USB type A connector for connection
of USB Flash drives.
USB Device: Mini USB connector for connection to a PC.
Audio Out: 3.5 mm jack socket for demodulated audio out
(accepts mono or stereo plugs).
Trigger In/Out: For use with option U01 only.
POWER SOURCES
Battery
Battery Type: Li-ion 3.7V 3000mA-hr
Battery Life: Typically greater than 8 hours continuous
Recharge Time: < 3 hours from fully discharged
Auto Off Mode:
To conserve battery life, the system can be set to automatically
switch off after a defined time from the last key press. This can
be set between 5 mins and 60 mins (or never).
Battery Status: Multi-segment battery status indicator.
AC Line Operation/Charging
The instruments can be operated continuously from mains power
using the AC line adaptor provided. This powers and recharges the
instrument simultaneously.
Voltage Range: 100V to 240V nominal 50Hz/60Hz
MECHANICAL
Size: 192mm high x 92mm wide x 49mm deep
Weight: 560 grms.
Tilt Stand:
Built-in tilt stand for bench use which angles the unit at
approx. 40 degrees to the horizontal.
Stylus: Casing incorporates plug-in stylus.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY
Operating Range: +5oC to + 40oC, 20% to 80% RH.
Storage Range: -10oC to +50oC
Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes to 2000m,
Pollution Degree 2.
Electrical Safety: Complies with EN61010-1.
EMC: Complies with EN61326.
OPTION U01
Option U01 is a firmware upgrade that provides additional
capabilities as follows:
Limit Lines and Patterns
Limits: Up to two limits can be displayed together.
Lines are defined by dB value, Patterns are
created as files by PSA-Manager and loaded
from memory (999 files maximum).
Comparator: Comparison of trace or trace segment with
limits (above/below/between/outside) can
generate trigger signal, pulse, or audio alert.
Data Logging
Data Types: Peak level, Centre Level, Full Trace or Screen
Image.
Data Entries: Up to 9,999 entries per file (999 for Images).
Trigger Sourcer: Entries can be made in response to Manual
Trigger key, External Trigger, Internal Timer
(1s to 99hr) or Limits Comparator.
Sweep Trigger
Source: External Trigger or Limits Comparator.
Offsets and Compensation Tables
Fixed Offsets: Compensation for external gain or attenuation
from -50.0dB to +50.0dB.
75 Ohm: Compensation for signals from a 75W source.
Tables: Compensation for variations of level with
frequency for antennae or transducers. Tables
are created as files by PSA-Manager and
loaded from memory (999 files maximum).
View on PC
Enables the screen of the spectrum analyzer to be sent to a PC via
USB and displayed at a user-defined size.
SUPPLIED ITEMS
Supplied Items
The following items are supplied:
PSA1302 or PSA2702 spectrum analyzer.
Universal voltage mains adaptor/charger.
USB connection lead
Spare stylus, BNC converter for trigger input
Multi-language “Read This First” leaflet.
Printed users manual (English).
Support CD containing PDF versions of manuals and support
software.
Optional Items
Firmware Upgrade U01
Fitted case for instrument and accessories
Wideband telescopic antenna
For a full list of optional items available for the PSA Series II,
please contact TTi or visit: www.tti-test.com/psa
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy of continuous product
development and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
