Rohde and Schwarz FPH – Spectrum Rider, 5kHz to 2 GHz Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

Rohde and Schwarz FPH – Spectrum Rider, 5kHz to 2 GHz Handheld Spectrum Analyzer

The R&S SpectrumRider FPH is a versatile, user-friendly instrument in a rugged and appealing design. Each basic model has a unique frequency extension concept via keycode. The analyzer supports a wide frequency range up to 31 GHz.

The R&S SpectrumRider FPH is designed to suit both field and lab applications in indoor and in outdoor environments. Large buttons and a multifunction rotary control allow operation even with gloves. Its backlit keypad makes the analyzer also usable in the dark, and the bright nonreflecting display makes it readable in the sunshine. The battery lasts an entire working day. Its light weight, small form factor and ruggedness make the analyzer easy to carry. The instrument is a reliable companion even in harsh and difficult-to-reach environments.

Due to its fanless design, the analyzer operates noise free and is clean and reliable since no dust or water can slip in through the vent guard.

The small form factor does not limit the performance and capabilities of the R&S SpectrumRider FPH. Thanks to its solid RF performance, its short boot time and its ease of use, the R&S SpectrumRider FPH is the perfect instrument for spectrum measurements in the lab or in service applications.

The state-of-the-art touchscreen allows operation using smartphone-like touch gestures. An on-screen keyboard and many other functions make the life of the user easier.

FPH overview

Standard features

• Two spectrum traces
• Six markers, absolute or relative
• Noise marker
• Frequency counter with 0.1 Hz resolution
• AM/FM audio demodulator (audio via built-in
• loudspeaker or headphones)
• Limit line monitoring (pass/fail function)
• Remote control via USB/LAN interface
• Predefined channel tables
• Measurement wizard

Optional features

• Preamplifier (R&S FPH-B22/-B23/-B24/-B25)
• Frequency extension down to 100 Hz (R&S FPH-B29)
• Analog modulation analysis AM/FM (R&S FPH-K7)
• Power sensor support (R&S FPH-K9)
• Interference analysis (R&S FPH-K15)
• Signal strength mapping (R&S FPH-K16)
• Channel power meter (R&S FPH-K19)
• Pulse measurements with power sensors
• (R&S FPH-K29)
• Receiver mode (R&S FPH-K43)

Several versions available

Rohde and Schwarz offers four standard models in its FPH lineup, covering up to 2, 6, 13.6 and 26.5 GHz. Frequency upgrades are available for each model, as are packages with the upgrade and other options already included. Users can buy what they need now and upgrade at a later date without returning the analyzer for servicing.

Excellent in the field

Lightweight, small and long battery life

The unique combination of low weight, small footprint, short boot time and the longest battery life on the market makes the R&S SpectrumRider FPH ideal for work in the field, even in remote, difficult-to-reach locations.

The R&S SpectrumRider FPH can operate an entire working day (more than 6 hours) without recharging or changing the battery. It weighs only 2.5 kg. (5.5 lbs.) including battery.

Examples of measurements in the field

• Verifying signal transmission (e.g. verifying 5G, broadcast, radar and satellite communications link)
• Spectrum checking, site survey
• Interference hunting
• EMF measurement
• Microwave link alignment

Wide range of accessories

A soft carrying bag, battery charger, spare batteries and other accessories for work in the field are available.

Excellent for lab diagnostics

Solid RF performance for diagnostics in the lab

With a phase noise of -105 dBc (1 Hz) at 100 kHz offset from the carrier, a total measurement uncertainty of 0.5 dB and its high sensitivity (displayed average noise level (DANL) of typ. < -163 dBm (10 MHz to 3 GHz with preamplifier on), the R&S SpectrumRider FPH is a powerful and easy-to-use spectrum analyzer for RF diagnostics in service and development labs.

User friendly

Easy to use with smartphone-like gestures on the touchscreen

The R&S SpectrumRider FPH offers flexible and straight-forward operation. Depending on the application, it can be operated either via its 7″ capacitive touchscreen or with keys.

The analyzer’s unique capacitive touchscreen enables users to adjust the most common settings, such as center frequency, span and reference level, and manage markers with intuitive gestures as with a smartphone.

Thanks to the large keys and the rotary knob with enter function, the R&S SpectrumRider FPH can be easily operated in outdoor environments and even with gloves in winter. There are dedicated softkeys and hardkeys for the most important settings such as frequency, span, amplitude, markers and limit lines.

For documentation purposes, the screenshot button makes it possible to save a graphics file with a single keystroke. A USB flash drive or a microSD card can be used to collect large amounts of data.

Setting frequencies with channel tables

Users who prefer to work with channel numbers instead of frequencies can easily do this using the predefined channel tables. The most common channel tables for wireless and broadcast systems are included as standard; users can also add their own channel tables.

Optional software applications

Internal channel power meter

The R&S FPH-K19 channel power meter option converts the R&S SpectrumRider FPH into a portable power meter with a level measurement accuracy of typ. 0.5 dB. This option makes it possible to achieve power measurement results fast and easily without needing a power sensor or the spectrum analyzer mode. This can help in applications such as checking power levels throughout the signal path of a field transmitter or verifying the power level of a device under test (DUT) in the lab.

Receiver mode

The R&S FPH-K43 receiver mode option allows EMI diagnostics with weighted detectors such as the quasi-peak detector. Measurements are performed at a predefined frequency for an adjustable measurement time.

Increased productivity through measurement wizard

Site surveys or the installation and maintenance of transmitter stations often require a standard set of spectrum measurements. These measurements must be performed correctly to avoid additional costs and time on site.

Simplified measurements

The measurement wizard simplifies measurements by automating, standardizing and optimizing test sequences. A sequence of standardized and recurring measurements can be performed quickly, easily and without mistakes.

First, a measurement expert centrally creates the test sequences, using the R&S SpectrumRider FPH and the R&S InstrumentView software running on a PC. Pictures and written instructions can be added to each measurement step.

After the measurement sequence has been configured, it can be transferred to the instruments in the field. The operator in the field only needs to start the wizard, select the measurement sequence and follow the predefined onscreen instructions. The instrument is correctly configured for each test step, so that the operator does not need to spend time on configuring the measurement instrument on site.

The results are saved automatically as soon as all measurements are completed, and can be transferred to a tablet or a PC. A complete measurement report in PDF, RTF or HTML format can be generated using the report generator in the R&S InstrumentView software.

Three simple steps needed to work with the measurement wizard

Reproducible and fast measurements

The measurement wizard and the report generator ensure the following:

• The results are correct and reproducible; all measurements are performed correctly with the right settings and in the right order; no need to come back to the site due to incorrect measurement settings or setup
• Measurement time is extremely reduced thanks to predefined instrument settings; there is no need to set up the instrument on site
• No training is required for novice users; less experienced operators can reliably conduct measurements thanks to on-screen instructions and preset measurement settings
• All measurement results are documented in a complete, customizable measurement report, which can include additional data such as operator or site name, company name, location and instrument serial number

Typical deployment setup with measurement preparations and postprocessing

Operating elements

1. USB ports
2. Headphones
3. BNC connector
4. RF input (N connector)
5. Touch-sensitive display area

6. Softkey labels (on display)
7. Softkeys
8. System keys
9. DC connector (protected)
10. Kensington lock

11. Function keys
12. Power key
13. Alphanumeric keypad
14. microSD card slot (behind battery)
15. Unit keys

16. Back key
17. Cancel key
18. LAN and mini USB ports (protected)
19. Rotary knob with enter function
20. Function keys
21. Screenshot key