Instrument Melds Two Analyzers To Perform Next-Gen Comm Tests

Combining vector signal analysis and spectrum analysis in a single instrument, the WCA200A Series is said to give design and production engineers working on 2.5G and 3G wireless products a fast, accurate and versatile means of testing and troubleshooting these next-generation devices. With the new Wireless Communications Analyzer 200A Series, engineers can make one-button measurements and simultaneously view multiple domains. Users can also tap a frequency mask trigger that allows both frequency and amplitude parameters to be independently set. Other features include up to 256 MB of acquisition memory (allows, for example, up to 10 seconds of WCDMA signals to be captured), and what is said to be unsurpassed Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR) measurement speeds. In addition, the comm tester's advanced analysis and triggering capabilities allow random, spurious signals to be captured and analyzed in frequency, time and modulation domains without having to make multiple measurements. And in addition to its ability to perform everyday RF characterization and verification tests, the WCA200A Series can analyze WCDMA and GSM handovers by analyzing WCDMA compressed mode. The instrument has a 3D codogram and spectrogram display and comes in two models--the 3-GHz WCA230A and 8-GHz WCA280A - with pricing for the series starting at $27,990. TEKTRONIX INC., Beaverton, OR. (800) 426-2200.