Feature sponsored by Test & measurement
A THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO OBSOLESCENCE AVOIDANCE
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ECONOMICAL HANDHELD SPECTRUM ANALYSER FOR RF TESTING APPLICATIONS
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nritsu has introduced the Field Master MS2070A handheld spectrum analysers that provide the performance and field-proven durable platform of Anritsu’s
Field Master family at an economical price. Providing necessary features and performance up to 3 GHz, the MS2070A conducts reliable and accurate RF measurements in a variety of general-purpose field, lab, and manufacturing environments. With a dynamic range of >105 dB at 2.4GHz, typical DANL with a built-in optional preamplifier of -167dBm, coupled with a Third Order Intercept (TOI) of +11 dBm, and typical level accuracy of ±0.5 dB enable a full range of signals to be analysed by the handheld spectrum analyser.
The MS2070A is designed for standard swept spectrum analysis up to 3 GHz. It features sweep speeds of up to 32 GHz/s in common low noise configurations. A number of “smart” measurements, including occupied bandwidth (OBW), channel power, and adjacent channel power (ACP), are standard in the Field Master MS2070A. The Field Master MS2070A provides many capabilities typically found in higher priced instruments. A zero span displays TDD and pulsed signals with narrow resolution bandwidth (RBW) of 10 Hz to 5 MHz for accurate measurements of power over time. Spectrograms are also standard for accurate detection of intermittent interferers. As many as six traces can be set simultaneously with different detectors. Averaging can be applied to each, as well. Up to 12 markers are provided, so signals of interest can be highlighted and monitored how they vary over time, relative to themselves
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and other signals. Alerts for new interfering or lost signals are generated automatically. For long-term spectrum monitoring applications, the MS2070A has upper/lower, envelope, and alarm limits standard. A ruggedised battery-powered instrument,
the Field Master MS2070A has IP52 environmental protection when it is contained in the supplied soft carry case. A 5-watts RF input damage level protects the instrument from accidental overpower.
The handheld spectrum analyser also has a durable IK08-rated 10-inch display with 1,280×800 resolution that displays measurement results in large and clear formats. Common functions are always accessible and side menus collapse to maximise graphical results, as well. The MS2070A measures 290 x 212 x 96mm and weighs 3.8 kg. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to transport the handheld analyser to remote sites. Ethernet and USBTMC interfaces are standard on the Field Master MS2070A. A Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/a/n interface is available as an option to connect to wireless routers for common applications, including downloading digital maps and automatic software updates. The Field Master MS2070A can be used for a variety of field applications. It can conduct basic transmitter testing, as well as interference hunting. Cellular network operators can configure the MS2070A with a PIM stick for PIM hunting, as well. In lab and manufacturing environments in which portability and space are at a premium, the MS2070A can be used for standard RF measurements.
Anritsu
www.anritsu.com
ickering Interfaces, a critical supplier of modular signal switching and simulation solutions for use in electronic test and verification, has announced the company’s formal approach to protecting customers from one of the most expensive challenges test engineers face when maintaining automated test equipment (ATE) – obsolescence. “Mission-critical products with long lifecycles have components that need to be tested decades after they were manufactured and their initial test systems were designed,” says Keith Moore, CEO of Pickering. “When instrumentation providers discontinue components in those test systems – these companies, often in aerospace/defence, railway transportation, or power, are left stranded, trying to find a replacement or facing an imminent and costly test system redesign.” Furthermore, in highly regulated industries like defense, changing significant components, software, or processes in a test system can trigger a demand for that test system to be re-certified, a process that can cost anywhere from $1m to $100m.
A PROVEN PLAN TO AVOID OBSOLESCENCE Pickering’s success in growing its modular signal switching and simulation business – most recently achieving 25 per cent year-on-year growth – hinges on the company’s ability to not just help customers manage obsolescence, but to help them minimise the chances of it occurring.
This approach builds confidence in prospects and has brought customers back to Pickering time and again. Pickering’s obsolescence strategy includes three key factors:
1. Planning for obsolescence during the design phase: Pickering engineering teams evaluate complete plans and anticipate upcoming industry challenges to ensure there is a test solution to meet full demands.
2. Using standardised platforms: By supporting and maintaining more than 1000 PXI and LXI modules and thousands more iterated from those, Pickering offers standard solutions that are more easily evolved.
3. Ensuring ultra long-term support: Pickering commits to support modules designed into customer system for the entire product lifecycle, even redesigning modules when necessary.
If customers previously standardised on competitor platforms and now face obsolescence without a path forward, Pickering often can adapt modules to match form, fit, and function of the original hardware.
Pickering Interfaces
www.pickeringtest.com February 2023 Instrumentation Monthly
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