The TinySA V0.3.1 is a pocket spectrum analyser with two inputs, a low input for 100kHz to 350MHz and a high input for 240MHz to 960MHz, and it doubles as a signal generator across the same two ranges. It works like a conventional heterodyne swept spectrum analyser in a battery powered case with a 2.8 inch colour touch screen.
Features and Benefits
- Two input paths - the low input covers MF, HF and VHF from 0.1MHz to 350MHz at the higher quality, and the high input covers UHF from 240MHz to 960MHz.
- Switchable resolution bandwidth - filters from 2.6kHz to 640kHz on both ranges, so you can trade sweep speed against detail.
- Built-in signal generator - sine output from 0.1MHz to 350MHz and square wave output from 240MHz to 960MHz for testing filters and receivers.
- Touch screen display - 2.8 inch colour screen with 290 scan points across the low or high range, used by finger, plectrum or stylus.
- PC control - over USB it appears as a serial (CDC) device with a large command set; the Windows driver installs itself and the Linux driver is in the kernel.
- Portable - the built-in rechargeable battery gives at least 2 hours of use away from the bench.
- ESD protected V0.3.1 hardware - firmware can be updated by the user.
Applications
- Measuring harmonics and spectral purity of transmitters
- Checking ISM band transmissions, AM modulation and FM deviation
- Testing filters and coax cable effects with the built-in generator
- Radio amateur, RF hobby and repair benches
In the box
- 1 x spectrum analyser
- 2 x 20cm RF cables
- 1 x USB cable
- 1 x SMA female to female connector
- 1 x touchscreen pen
- 1 x SMA telescopic antenna
Note: Keep the inputs within +10dBm RF and 10V DC, as printed beside the SMA ports. Use the low input for anything up to 350MHz, as it gives the better quality readings.
Hardware version: V0.3.1, ESD protected. Analyser type: Heterodyne swept spectrum analyser. Low input range: 100kHz to 350MHz (MF, HF, VHF), higher quality input. High input range: 240MHz to 960MHz (UHF). Resolution bandwidth: 2.6kHz to 640kHz, switchable on both ranges. Scan points: 290 per sweep. Generator, low output: Sine, 100kHz to 350MHz. Generator, high output: Square wave, 240MHz to 960MHz. Maximum input: +10dBm RF, 10V DC (printed on the case). RF connectors: 2 x SMA (HIGH and LOW). Self test: Built-in internal signal source for automatic self test. PC interface: USB serial (CDC) with a command set for measurements and settings. Display: 2.8 inch colour resistive touch screen. Power: 5V USB, 500mA max. Battery: Built-in rechargeable, at least 2 hours of portable use. Charging and data port: USB Type-C. Drivers: Windows driver installs automatically; Linux driver built into the kernel. Firmware: User updatable. Operation: Touch screen with finger, plectrum or the supplied stylus. Package contents: Analyser, 2 x 20cm RF cables, USB cable, SMA female to female connector, touchscreen pen, SMA telescopic antenna. Q: What is a spectrum analyser? A: It shows signal strength against frequency, so you can see carriers, harmonics and unwanted signals at a glance. The TinySA sweeps 100kHz to 350MHz on its low input and 240MHz to 960MHz on its high input.. Q: How do you use a spectrum analyser like the TinySA? A: Fit the antenna or an RF cable to the LOW input for signals up to 350MHz or the HIGH input for 240MHz to 960MHz, then set the start and stop frequency on the touch screen and read the peaks with the marker.. Q: What is the difference between a spectrum analyser and an oscilloscope? A: An oscilloscope plots voltage against time, while a spectrum analyser plots level against frequency. The TinySA is the frequency view, for RF work from 100kHz to 960MHz.. Q: Can the TinySA be used as a signal generator? A: Yes. When not analysing it outputs a sine wave from 0.1MHz to 350MHz, or a square wave from 240MHz to 960MHz on the high range.. Q: Can I connect it to a computer? A: Yes. Over USB it acts as a serial device with a large command set, so it can be run as a PC controlled analyser. Windows installs the driver automatically and Linux has it in the kernel..