To enable broadband down converter functionality for analysis of wideband communications and radar signals in aerospace and defence applications, Agilent Technologies Inc. has enhanced the design of its PXA signal analyser to support up to 900MHz of intermediate-frequency bandwidth capability.
Many digital communications and radar applications today require demodulation and analysis of wideband signals in the microwave region.
While in some applications, this task can be accomplished using a modern wideband oscilloscope to directly digitise signals for analysis, this solution now provides a more convenient and economical system for users.
Acting as a broadband down converter, the device translates the desired microwave or millimetre wave signal down to an IF frequency and then supplies it to an Infiniium 9000 or 90000 Series oscilloscope running 89600 VSA software where it is digitised and analysed, respectively. Its wideband IF output extends the 89600 VSA’s analysis bandwidth to 900MHz for input signals with frequencies from 3.6 to 50GHz.
With the 900MHz solution, engineers have both the advantage of a fully featured signal analyser with high-resolution vector signal analysis software and a wideband measurement system to address wideband demodulation requirements.
