Rohde & Schwarz FPH.44 – Handheld Spectrum Analyzer, 5kHz to 44 GHz

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH is a versatile, user-friendly instrument in a rugged and appealing design. Most of the basic models have a unique frequency extension concept via keycode. The analyzer supports a wide frequency range up to 44 GHz.

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH is designed to suit both field and lab applications in indoor and in outdoor environ¬ments. 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 lightweight, 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 fan-less 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 Spectrum Rider FPH. Thanks to its solid RF performance, its short boot time and its ease of use, the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH is the perfect instru¬ment 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.

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 offer many models in its FPH lineup, covering up to 2, 6, 13.6, 26.5, and 44 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. 

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

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH can operate an entire work¬ing day (more than 6 hours) without recharging or chang¬ing the battery. Depending on the model, the instrument including the battery weighs just 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) or 3.2 kg (7.1 lb).

Examples of Measurements in the Field

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

The 18 cm diameter (7″) display is nonreflective, i.e. it shows the measurement result and not a mirror image of the operator. Adjusting the brightness makes the dis¬play easy to view in outdoor environments. The black-and-white mode makes it readable even in bright sunlight. The keypad can be illuminated for convenient work in dim environments. Large buttons and a rotary knob with enter function make it easy to operate the instrument even when wearing gloves.

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH has no vents or fans that could suck in dirt or water. All interfaces and connectors are protected. The instrument is tested in line with the MIL PRF 28800F class 2 mechanical test specification for work in rough environments. It is protected against dust and dripping water in line with the IP51 specification.

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 Spectrum Rider FPH is a powerful and easy-to-use spectrum analyzer for RF diagnostics in service and development labs.

Examples of measurements in the lab:

• Frequency and amplitude of any RF device
• Accurate frequency readings with the frequency counter, for alignment of frequency references
• Measurement of spurious emissions
• Measurement of harmonics and intermodulation products
• Measurement of pulsed signals in the time domain

EMI debugging with optional near-field probes

The R&S HZ-15/R&S HZ-17 near-field probes are used as diagnostic tools for EMI debugging, e.g. on circuit boards, integrated circuits, cables and shielding. The near-field probe set is ideal for emission measurements from 30 MHz to 3 GHz. The R&S®HZ-16 preamplifier improves measurement sensitivity up to 3 GHz, with approx. 20 dB gain and a noise figure of 4.5 dB. In combination with the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH, the preamplifier and near-field probe set are cost-effective means of analyzing and locating disturbance sources during development.

Easy to use with smartphone-like gestures on the touchscreen

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH offers flexible and straightforward 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 entering the function, the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH can be easily operated in outdoor environments and even with gloves in winter. There are dedicated softkeys and hard keys for the most important settings such as frequency, span, ampli¬tude, markers and limit lines.

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

The user interface is available in 11 languages: English, German, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Hungarian. All these languages are also supported by the convenient on-screen keyboard.

Configuration overview menu

The configuration overview menu makes it easy for the user to get an overview of the main measurement set¬tings. It shows the flow of spectrum measurements at dif¬ferent receiver stages, along with the relevant parameters that impact the measurements at each stage.

A click on the configuration overview icon provides quick access to the menu for checking and changing frequency, amplitude, bandwidth, etc.

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 wire¬less and broadcast systems are included as standard; users can also add their own channel tables.

Software-upgradeable frequency ranges

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH is the first handheld analyzer with software-upgradeable frequency ranges. The units handle frequencies between 5 kHz and up to 31 GHz. There is no downtime for the upgrade and no recalibration needed after the upgrade. This allows users to extend the frequency range whenever required. For example, users who have the 26.5 GHz basic model can easily upgrade their analyzer to 31 GHz by purchasing the R&S FPH-B31 keycode option when their measurement criteria change.

Multipurpose use in various industries, R&D and education

The excellent price/performance ratio of the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH makes it attractive for field engi¬neering companies, repair centers and development labs. The analyzer will also find its place in any RF teaching lab in schools and universities.

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH includes a wide range of standard features, such as two spectrum traces, AM/ FM audio demodulation, remote control and frequency counter, which are used in everyday spectrum analysis tasks. Field engineers and repair labs in various industries will find optional measurement applications for their daily work, as for example peak and average power measurements.

In addition, field strength measurements can be performed by connecting to a directional or isotropic antenna.

Easy upgrade of all options via software keycode

All options can be easily added using a software keycode. This eliminates extra installation costs and turnaround times because there is no need to send the instrument to a service center for calibration or alignment.

Power measurements with power sensors

For applications requiring very high accuracy to measure and align transmitter levels, the R&S®FPH-K9 option allows the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH to be used for power mea¬surements together with the R&S NRP power sensor series, with a measurement range of –70 dBm to +45 dBm and covering frequencies up to 110 GHz.

When used with an R&S HA-Z360/Z361 optical power sensor, the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH power meter mode reads out optical absolute power in dBm as well as relative power in dB.

Internal channel power meter

The R&S FPH-K19 channel power meter option converts the R&S Spectrum Rider 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 applica¬tions 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.

Pulse measurements with power sensors

The R&S FPH-K29 option enables precise pulse and peak power measurements using the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH together with the R&S NRP-Z8x wideband power sensor family. The R&S NRP-Z8x wideband power sensors measure pulses with a resolution of up to 50 ns and support frequencies up to 44 GHz. 

The main pulse parameters such as pulse width, rise/fall time and duty cycle will be displayed automatically. It is also possible to use the trigger function and markers and to zoom in on pulses by reducing the trace time. This is convenient for installation and maintenance measure¬ments of radar systems.

The R&S FPH-K7 option converts the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH into an analog modulation analyzer to measure the quality of amplitude or frequency-modulated signals. The analog modulation display shows the waveform as well as measurement parameters such as carrier power, carrier offset, modulation index (depth) for AM signals, frequency deviation for FM signals, SINAD, THD, etc. The modulation summary display provides user-definable limits for each measurement.

Interference analysis and signal strength mapping

The R&S FPH-K15 interference analysis and R&S FPH-K16 signal strength mapping options are great tools for analyz¬ing and locating ambiguous signals or interferers. When analyzing, long-time spectrogram recording allows up to 999 hours of on-air activity to be captured; the recording duration depends on the recording interval setting. The recorded data can be analyzed on the device or with the R&S InstrumentView software. The signal strength map¬ping displays a pictorial view of the signal power level on an indoor or outdoor map. The color indicator provides a good estimation of the signal coverage in a particular area or where the interferer or intended signal is most likely located.

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.

R&S InstrumentView software for measurement postprocessing and documentation

The R&S InstrumentView Windows software comes with the instrument. It makes it easy to post-process and doc¬ument measurement results and manage instrument settings.

Features

• Fast data exchange between the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH and a PC via USB or LAN connection
• Easy processing of measurement results
• Easy creation of test reports in PDF, HTML and RTF format
• Printout of all relevant data via Windows tablet or PC
• Editing of measurement results by displaying/hiding and shifting markers or limit lines, etc.
• Editor for generating limit lines, antenna factors and transducer factors for external attenuators and amplifiers as well as channel lists
• Compatible with Windows 7 (32/64 bit), Windows 8 (32/64 bit) and Windows 10 (32/64 bit)

Remote control via LAN or USB

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH can be remotely controlled via the USB or LAN interface and integrated into user-specific programs. SCPI-compatible remote control com¬mands are available as standard.

R&S MobileView app for remote control and file transfer

The R&S MobileView app allows wireless remote con¬trol of the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH within line of sight. Simply connect a third-party wireless router to the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH LAN port. Download the R&S MobileView app from an iOS or Android platform. The app offers seamless remote control of the R&S Spectrum Rider FPH and conveniently transfers the screenshot and measured result from the device 

Site surveys or the installation and maintenance of trans¬mitter 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 Spectrum Rider FPH and the R&S InstrumentView software running on a PC. Pictures and written instructions can be added to each measure¬ment 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 on-screen 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 measure¬ments 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.

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.