Rohde & Schwarz introduces RF interference locator

Munich, Germany. Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the R&S MNT100 RF interference locator, which enables expert interference hunting in mobile networks. The company explains that unwanted transmitters are pervasive in today’s mobile networks. They degrade network capacity and subscriber QoE, making interference hunting a key issue for mobile network operators and regulators. The new handheld R&S MNT100 RF interference locator uses receiver technology and intelligent processing to quickly detect, analyze, and locate even complex pulsed interference signals.

The launch of the R&S MNT100 RF interference locator provides a new, expert approach to the challenge of locating and identifying sources of RF interference in mobile networks. The new handheld instrument is optimized to detect, analyze, and locate sources of interference from 600 MHz to 6 GHz. Easy to use, it automatically locates interferers faster than existing solutions on the market by using a real-time FFT receiver and fast automatic direction finding, the company says. The R&S MNT100 further enhances the extensive mobile network testing portfolio from Rohde & Schwarz for interference hunting that includes spectrum analyzers, PIM testers, scanning receivers, and direction-finding antennas and software.

The wide-ranging RF preselection allows the R&S MNT100 to be used with antennas in dense spectrum environments. Under such demanding conditions, the R&S MNT100 makes it possible to detect very low-level signals thanks to its high spurious-free dynamic range. It also features fast real-time signal processing and, thanks to its fast gap-free real-time FFT, can detect extremely short emissions. Even signals that are transmitted for 20 ns can be detected with 100% probability of intercept (depending on signal level).

The instrument’s polychrome display enables resolution of superimposed pulsed signals, making it possible to detect and differentiate complex signal bursts that cannot be seen with traditional swept-tuned spectrum analyzers.

Optionally, an innovative handheld dual-mode antenna (R&S HE400CEL) featuring normal or delta mode can be used for accurate manual direction finding. Moreover, adding a magnet-mounted direction-finding antenna with the PC-based R&S MobileLocator software to the R&S MNT100 enables fast automatic direction finding.

The R&S MNT100 is available in various RF interference locator packages: a standard locator package for manual handheld interference hunting, an automatic locator package for automatic mobile direction finding, and the complete locator package comprising basic and automatic locator equipment.

Thanks to decades of experience in the field and leading-edge technology in spectrum monitoring, site installation, troubleshooting, QoS/QoE testing, and analysis, Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing solutions for interference hunting allow network operators and service companies to monitor, identify, and locate any source of interference in mobile networks quickly and efficiently.