If you’re a field engineer charged with maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on radio frequency (RF), microwave or millimeter wave (mmWave) systems, you need to create a broad array of data signals to perform testing. Typically, this means having multiple types of pulse generators at the ready. This cannot only be pricey, but also can be limiting as pulse generators may not be designed specifically for field use.
The FieldFox line of hand-held analyzers is upgradable through a variety of license-key activated software applications. The latest, Option 357, offers pulse generation. Source: Keysight Technologies Inc.But suppose you could upgrade your field-friendly, hand-held RF analyzer to perform pulse generation tasks as well? That’s what Keysight Technologies has in mind with its rollout of expanded software applications for its FieldFox line. The new downloadable Option 357 pulse generator for B- and C-series FieldFox handhelds provides a diverse array of pulse types at frequencies up to 54 GHz, allowing field engineers to take advantage of what Keysight said is the only handheld analyzer in the industry with an embedded pulse generator.
Keysight said the Option 357 application offers the following benefits:
- Maximum carrier frequency coverage: Operates at frequencies up to 54 GHz depending on the FieldFox model used.
- Wide array of pulse types: Includes standard pulses, FM chirps, FM triangles, AM pulses and user-definable pulse sequences. It can also create continuous wave (CW) signals with or without AM/FM modulations, including Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK).
- Easy-to-read interface: Displays key parameters of the generated signal in both numerical and graphical formats.
- Multiple field uses: Supports applications including field radar testing for air traffic control, simulating automotive radar, conducting field EMI leakage checks and testing the propagation loss of mobile networks.
- Optimize field instrument investment: Enables engineers to quickly add pulse generation capabilities to existing FieldFox handhelds to save time and money.
The new pulse generator is just the latest in a line of license-key activated software applications available for FieldFox RF analyzers. Other downloadable capabilities include 5G/LTE testing, spectrum analysis, cable and antenna testing (CAT), power measurements, and utilities such as remote control, GPS reception and indoor/outdoor mapping.
