Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers

RSA2203A • RSA2208A

Features & Benefits

Real-Time Spectrum Analysis Provides Seamless Capture of Time-varying, Transient or Periodic RF Signals Not Possible with Swept Spectrum Analyzers
Time-correlated, Simultaneous Views of Time, Frequency, and Modulation Domains Provide Greater and Unique Understanding of Signal Behavior

Spectrogram Provides a Revealing Picture of RF Signal Frequency and Amplitude Behavior Over Time – Not Possible with a Swept Spectrum Analyzer
Spectrum Analyzer Mode for Very Wide Span Analyses
Built-in Demodulators Enhance Analysis of AM, FM, PM, and Pulsed Signals

Applications

Analog Signal Quality Analysis
Understanding Frequency and Spectral Occupancy Behavior Over Time
Capture and Characterization of Undesired, Unknown, or Interfering Signals
Device/System Design or Operational Diagnostic Measurement
Getting Answers to Elusive EMI Problems
VCO/Synthesizer Design, Spectrum Monitoring, and Radar Measurements

Trigger, Capture, Analyze Your RF Signal

See Frequency and Amplitude Change Over Time

Define issues and solve problems faster by characterizing your device, system or signal more completely and rapidly than previously possible with swept spectrum analyzers. Tektronix RSA2200A Series Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers capture many signals not viewable on swept spectrum analyzers by seamlessly capturing and storing a span of RF frequencies all at one time. Once a signal is captured it can be viewed simultaneously and analyzed in time-correlated frequency, time and modulation domains. RSA Series instruments include not only Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer fast-signal capture, internal memory and modulation analysis, but also functionality and operation of a swept spectrum analyzer for looking at very wide spans, all in an integrated, transportable package.

RSA Series Spectrogram uniquely shows time-varying signal behavior in frequency change/stability, spectrum occupancy, pulsed signal timing, power change and more! The sample on this page shows the frequency settling characteristic of a transmitting device.

Time-correlated multi-domain view provides a new level of insight about design or operational problems and possible solutions. The example on this page includes frequency, time, and modulation domain views of an AM-modulated pulsed signal with pulse-to-pulse phase variation measured in the modulation domain.

Performance Choice: RSA2200A Series Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers

RSA Model	Frequency Range	Memory Depth	Modulation Analysis	Real-Time Capture Bandwidth	Triggering Modes
2203A	10 MHz – 3 GHz, DC to 3 GHz (Opt. 05)	512 ksamples	AM, FM (ASK, FSK), PM	10 MHz	IF Level
2208A	10 MHz – 8 GHz, DC to 8 GHz (Opt. 05)	512 ksamples	AM, FM (ASK, FSK), PM	10 MHz	IF Level

Characteristics

Frequency

Frequency Range

RSA2203A	RSA2208A
10 MHz – 3 GHz	10 MHz – 8 GHz
Opt. 05: DC – 3 GHz	Opt. 05: DC – 8 GHz

Frequency Aging

RSA2203A	RSA2208A
±2 x 10^–6 / year	±2 x 10^–6 / year
Opt.10: ±1 x 10^–7 / year	Opt.10: ±1 x10^–7 / year

Frequency Stability

RSA2203A	RSA2208A
2 x 10^–6 (10 °C to 40 °C)	2 x 10^–6 (10 °C to 40 °C)
Opt.10: 1 x 10^–7 (10 °C to 40 °C)	Opt.10: 1 x 10^–7 (10 °C to 40 °C)

Total Reference Frequency Error

RSA2203A	RSA2208A
4 x 10^–6	4 x 10^–6
Opt.10: 2 x 10^–7	Opt.10: 2 x 10^–7

Marker Frequency Readout Accuracy - ± (RE*¹ × MF*² + 0.001 × Span + RFM*³ ) Hz.

Carrier Frequency Measurement Accuracy -

RSA2203A and RSA2208A

At spans ≤10 MHz, all frequency components of the signal must be contained in the analysis period and span.

Accuracy: RE*¹ × CF*⁴ + RFM*³. Resolution Setting = 1 mHz to 1 MHz.

At 2 GHz ±4.01 kHz.

At 5 GHz ±10.01 kHz.

At 7 GHz ±14.01 kHz.

RSA2203A Opt. 10, RSA2208A Opt. 10

At spans ≤10 MHz for RSA2200A Opt. 10, all frequency components of the signal must be contained in the analysis period and span.

Accuracy: RE × CF + RFM. Resolution Setting = 1 mHz to 1 MHz.

At 2 GHz ±202 Hz.

At 5 GHz ±502 Hz.

At 7 GHz ±702 Hz.

Carrier Frequency Measurement Sensitivity -

Carrier Power >–40 dbfs*⁵ (typical).

*¹ Reference Frequency Error.

*² Marker Frequency (Hz).

*³ Residual FM (Hz).

*⁴ CF= Carrier Frequency.

*⁵ dB relative to full screen reference.

Frequency Span

Range -

RSA2203A and RSA2208A

Spectrum Analyzer Mode:

50 Hz to 3 GHz, (Start Frequency ≥20 MHz).

50 Hz to 20 MHz, (Stop Frequency <20 MHz, Opt. 05).

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Mode:

100 Hz – 10 MHz, 1-2-5 sequence (RF); 20 MHz (Baseband).

Time Domain and Demodulation Modes:

Span =0 Hz (Simultaneous with 50 Hz to 10 MHz Span in second analysis window).

Resolution - < 0.2% of Span (Span =100 Hz to 10 MHz RSA2203A and RSA2208A).

Accuracy - ±0.1% of Span.

Resolution Bandwidth

Range - 1 Hz to 10 MHz, automatically selected or user defined.

Accuracy - Within 6.0% ±0.1%.

Shape Characteristic - Gaussian, <5:1 Shape Factor (3:60 dB)

Rectangular, Nyquist, Root Nyquist shapes may also be selected.

Noise Bandwidth -

Range - 313.18 mHz to 400.87 kHz

Accuracy - ±0.1%

FFT Performance

Number of samples per frame - 64 to 8192 (65536 samples/frame, extended resolution).

Window types - Rectangular, Parzen, Welch, Sine-Lobe, Hanning, Sine-Cubed, Sine-To-The-4^th, Hamming, Blackman, Rosenfield, Blackman-Harris 3A, Blackman-Harris 3B, Blackman-Harris 4A, Blackman-Harris 4B, FlatTop.

Stability

Noise Sidebands, dBc/Hz

At 1 GHz CF	RSA2203A, RSA2208A
Offset	Spec	Typical
1 kHz	≤–99	≤–102
10 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
20 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
30 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
100 kHz	≤–112	≤–115
1 MHz	≤–130	≤–133
5 MHz	≤–132	≤–135
7 MHz	≤–133	≤–136

At 2 GHz CF	RSA2203A, RSA2208A
Offset	Spec	Typical
1 kHz	≤–95	≤–98
10 kHz	≤–104	≤–107
20 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
30 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
100 kHz	≤–112	≤–115
1 MHz	≤–130	≤–133
5 MHz	≤–132	≤–135
7 MHz	≤–132	≤–135

At 6 GHz CF	RSA2208A
Offset	Spec	Typical
1 kHz	≤–87	≤–90
10 kHz	≤–103	≤–106
20 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
30 kHz	≤–105	≤–108
100 kHz	≤–111	≤–114
1 MHz	≤–128	≤–131
5 MHz	≤–129	≤–132
7 MHz	≤–130	≤–133

Residual FM at 1 kHz RBW -

RSA2203A and RSA2208A – 10 Hz_p-p; 2 Hz_p-p (Opt. 10).

Time Domain

Trace Point Range -

Span >50 Hz, 64 – 240001 (RBW mode), 18 – 240001 (FFT mode).

Span = 0 Hz (Time and Demodulation Modes).

RSA2203A and RSA2208A –

IQ Data Pairs: 1024 to 512000; Power vs. Time: 1 to 512000.

Triggers

RSA2203A and RSA2208A – Free run, single, external, IF level (10 MHz BW).

Amplitude Specifications

Measurement Range

Displayed average noise level to max safe input.

Input Attenuator Range

RSA2203A, RSA2208A - 0 – 50 dB, 10 dB steps.

Maximum Safe Input Level

Average Continuous - +30 dBm (RF ATT ≥ 10 dB).

Peak Pulse Power - +30 dBm (RF ATT ≥ 10 dB).

DC -

RSA2203A, RSA2208A – ±0 .2 V (CF ≥20 MHz); ±5 V DC – 20 MHz (Opt. 05).

Spurious Responses

Third-order Intermodulation Distortion -

100 MHz – 3 GHz:

RSA2203A, RSA2208A: < –73 dBc (Ref Level = +5 dBm , RF Att.= 20 dB, total signal power = -7 dBm, signal separation 300 kHz).

3 GHz – 8 GHz:

RSA2208A: < –72 dBc (Ref Level = +5 dBm , RF Att.= 20 dB, total signal power = -7 dBm, signal separation 300 kHz).

Other Input-related Spurious - > 30 kHz offset – 70 dBc (Span = 2 MHz, Ref Level = 0 dBm, RBW=50 kHz, Signal Level = –5 dBm, any center frequency).

Non-input-related Spurious - (Ref = –30 dBm, RBW = 100 kHz, Span 3 GHz)

RSA2203A:

1 MHz - 20 MHz (Opt. 05): –93 dBm

20 MHz - 3 GHz: –90 dBm.

RSA2208A:

1 MHz - 20 MHz (Opt. 05): –93 dBm.

20 MHz - 3.5 GHz: –90 dBm.

3.5 GHz - 8 GHz: –85 dBm.

1 dB Gain Compression

RSA2203A, RSA2208A - +0 dBm (RF ATT = 0 dB, 2 GHz).

Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)

Frequency	RSA2203A, RSA2208A Spec, dBm/Hz	RSA2203A, RSA2208A Typical, dBm/Hz, With Preamp
1 kHz – 10 kHz	–144*¹	N/A
10 kHz – 10 MHz	–150*¹	N/A
10 MHz – 100 MHz	–148	N/A
100 MHz – 1 GHz	–148	–164
1 GHz – 2 GHz	–148	–164
2 GHz – 3 GHz	–147	–153
3 GHz – 5 GHz	–142*²	N/A
5 GHz – 8 GHz	–142*²	N/A

Log Display Range - 10 μdB/div to 10 dB/div.

Linear Display Scale - 10 divisions.

Linear Display Units - dBm, dBμV, V, Watts + Hz for FM Demod, Degrees for PM Demod.

Marker Readout Resolution, Log - 0.01 dB.

Marker Readout Resolution, Linear - 0.001 μV.

Frequency Response

RSA2203A, RSA2208A

Frequency Range	Specification, dB	Typical, dB
100 Hz – 20 MHz*¹	± 0.5	± 0.3
10 MHz – 3 GHz	± 1.2	± 0.5
3.0 GHz – 3.5 GHz*²	± 1.7	± 0.5
3.5 GHz – 6.5 GHz*²	± 1.7	± 1.0
5 GHz – 8 GHz*²	± 1.7	± 1.0

Input Attenuation Switching Uncertainty (at 50 MHz) - < 0.5 dB for all values of attenuation.

Absolute Amplitude Uncertainty

At Reference Setting - ±0.5 dB (RF) at 50 MHz CF, –20 dBm signal, 0 dB ATT, 20 °C to 30 °C; ±0.3 (baseband) (Opt. 05) at 10 MHz CF, –20 dBm signal, 0 dB ATT, 20 °C to 30 °C.

Overall Amplitude Accuracy - ±0.7 dB (RF) + Frequency Response.

RF Input VSWR

Frequency Range	VSWR, at 10dB RF Attenuation Typical, dB
300 kHz – 10 MHz*¹	<1.4
10 MHz – 3 GHz	<1.3
3 GHz – 8 GHz	<1.4

Frequency Range

VSWR, at 10dB RF Attenuation

Typical, dB

300 kHz – 10 MHz*¹

<1.4

10 MHz – 3 GHz

<1.3

3 GHz – 8 GHz

<1.4

*¹ RSA2203A or RSA2208A Opt. 05 only.

*² RSA2208A only.

Resolution Bandwidth Switching Uncertainty

1 Hz to 10 MHz - ± 0.05 dB.

Reference Level

Range - –51 to +30 dBm.

Resolution - 1 dB.

Accuracy - ±0.2 dB (–10 dBm to –50 dBm) at 50 MHz.

Display Scale Fidelity

Log scale (max. cumulative), > 0 dB – 50 dB - < ±0.2 dB; < ±0.12 dB, typical at 0 dBm reference level.

Linear scale - ±2% of Reference Level.

Linear to Log scale Switching Uncertainty - 0.05%.

Amplitude Reference Output - –20 dBm, 50 MHz, internally switched to input.

Seamless Capture and Processing

Memory Depth (samples) -

RSA2203A and RSA2208A: 512 kSamples.

Memory Depth (time) - RSA2203A and RSA2208A

Span	Sample Rate	Record Length	Spectrum Frame Time
20 MHz (Baseband)	25.6 MS/s	0.02 s	40 μs
10 MHz	12.8 MS/s	0.04 s	80 μs
5 MHz	6.4 MS/s	0.08 s	160 μs
2 MHz	3.2 MS/s	0.16 s	320 μs
1 MHz	1.6 MS/s	0.32 s	640 μs
500 kHz	800 kS/s	0.64 s	1.280 ms
200 kHz	320 kS/s	1.6 s	3.2 ms
100 kHz	160 kS/s	3.2 s	6.4 ms
50 kHz	80 kS/s	6.4 s	12.8 ms
20 kHz	32 kS/s	16 s	32 ms
10 kHz	16 kS/s	32 s	64 ms
5 kHz	8 kS/s	64 s	128 ms
2 kHz	3.2 kS/s	160 s	320 ms
1 kHz	1.6 kS/s	320 s	640 ms
500 Hz	800 S/s	640 s	1.28 s
200 Hz	320 S/s	1600 s	3.2 s
100 Hz	160 S/s	3200 s	6.4 s

Real-Time Capture Bandwidth (seamless data capture) -

RSA2203A and RSA2208A: 10 MHz (RF); 20 MHz, DC – 20 MHz (Baseband (Opt.05)).

Data Samples per Frame (Real-time S/A Mode) - 1024

Block Size (number of frames) -

RSA2203A and RSA2208A: 1 to 500 .

Maximum A/D Sampling Rate and Resolution - 51.2 MS/s, 14 bits.

Measurement Speed

Screen Update Rate -

38/s, (SA Mode, 2 MHz span, 128 point FFT).

35/s, (SA Mode, 2 MHz span, 1024 point FFT).

Remote Measurement Rate and GPIB Transfer rate - 7000 Samples/s at 2 MHz span Auto RBW Spectrum data.

Ethernet Transfer Rate - 2.6 Mb/s (256 Mb .IQT file transfer).

RF Center Frequency Switching Time - <10 ms for 10 MHz frequency change; <500 ms for 3 GHz frequency change.

Traces, Displays, Detectors

Traces - 2 traces, Spectrum Analyzer Mode.

Displays - Up to 3 time-correlated, user-selected displays from the following: Spectrum, Spectrogram, Amplitude vs. Time, Frequency vs. Time, Phase vs. Time, IQ vs. Time.

Detector - RMS.

Trace Types - Normal (RMS), Average, Max Hold, Min Hold.

Display Detection - Max, Min, Max/Min.

Inputs and Outputs

Front Panel

Input - 50 Ω, type N.

Preamp Power Connector - RSA2203A and RSA2208A: LEMO 6 pin connector - Pin 1: NC; Pin 2: ID1; Pin 3: ID2; Pin 4: –12 V; Pin 5: GND; Pin 6: +12V.

Rear Panel

10 MHz REF OUT - 50 Ω, BNC, >–3 dBm.

10 MHz REF IN - 50 Ω, BNC, –10 dBm – +6 dBm.

EXT TRIG IN - Ext Trig. BNC, High: 1.6 to 5.0 V, Low: 0 to 0.5 V.

GPIB Interface - IEEE 488.2

TRIGGER OUT - 50 Ω, BNC, High >2.0 V, Low: <0.4 V (output current 1 mA).

Side Panel

LAN Interface (Ethernet) - 10/100 Base-T (standard).

Serial Interface - USB 1.1, 2 ports.

VGA Output - VGA compatible, 15 pin DSUB.

Automated Measurements

Automated Measurements - Channel Power, ACPR, Carrier to Noise, Occupied BW, Carrier Frequency, Emission BW, Spurious Search, CCDF, dB/Hz Mkr, dBc/Hz Mkr.

Preamplifier (RSA2200A Series Opt. 2A external)

Frequency Range - 100 MHz – 3 GHz.

Gain - 20 dB.

Noise Figure - 6.5 dB at 2 GHz.

Modulation Analysis

FM (may be used to evaluate FSK signals)

Minimum Input Level - –40 dBfs*¹, typical.

Range - 0.8 Hz to 12.8 MHz.

Accuracy - ± 1% of span (Signal at center screen, input level –10 dBfs).

AM (may be used to evaluate ASK signals)

Minimum Input Level - –40 dBfs, typical

Accuracy - ±2 % (Signal at center screen, input level –10 dBfs, 10 % to 60 % modulation depth).

Minimum Input Level - –40 dBfs, typical.

Accuracy - ±3°, (Signal at center screen, input level –10 dBfs).

PM Scale, Max, Min - ± 180°.

*¹ dB relative to full screen reference.

General Specifications

Temperature -

Operating: +10 °C to +40 °C.

Storage: –20 °C to +60 °C.

Warm-up Time - 20 min.

Safety and EMI Compatibility -

UL 61010B-1; CSA C22.2 No.1010.1.

EC Council Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.

EC Council EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.

Power Requirements - 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz.

Power Consumption - 350 VA max.

Data Storage - Internal HDD (20 GB), USB port, Floppy Disk drive.

Weight, without options - 19 kg.

Dimensions -

215 mm (H) x 425 mm (D) x 425 mm (W) without bumpers and feet.

238 mm (H) x 470 mm (D) x 445 mm (W) with bumpers and feet.

Calibration Interval - 1 year.

Warranty - 1 year.

Ordering Information

RSA2203A

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer, 10 MHz – 3 GHz.

RSA2208A

Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer, 10 MHz – 8 GHz.

Includes: User Manual, Programmers manual, power cord, BNC–N adapter.

Options

Opt. 1R - Rackmount.

Opt. 2A - Preamp, external, 20 dB gain to 3 GHz

Opt. 05 - DC – 20 MHz Baseband Frequency Extension.

Opt. 10 - OXCO Hi-stability Reference Oscillator, 1x10^–7/day.

Opt. 12 - USB Keyboard and Mouse.

International Power Plugs

Opt. A0 - North America Power.

Opt. A1 - Universal EURO Power.

Opt. A2 - United Kingdom Power.

Opt. A3 - Australia Power.

Opt. A4 - North America Power, 240 V.

Opt. A5 - Switzerland Power.

Opt. A6 - Japan Power.

Opt. A10 - China Power.

Opt. A99 - No power cord or AC adapter.

Language Option

Option L0 - English User/Programmers Manual.

Option L5 - Japanese User/Programmers Manual.

Service Options

Opt. C3 - Calibration Service 3 Years.

Opt. C5 - Calibration Service 5 Years.

Opt. D1 - Calibration Data Report.

Opt. D3 - Calibration Data Report 3 Years (with Opt. C3).

Opt. D5 - Calibration Data Report 5 Years (with Opt. C5).

Opt. R3 - Repair Service 3 Years.

Opt. R5 - Repair Service 5 Years.