Precision test equipment manufacturer Signal Hound announces the addition of multi-channel, phase-coherent in-phase (I)/quadrature (Q) analysis to its Spike software. Delivered at no additional cost and fully compatible with the PCR4200 multi-channel receiver, this new analysis mode provides synchronized time and spectrum analysis across up to four channels, enabling users to visualize up to 40 MHz of bandwidth per unified plot for enhanced signal visibility and measurement confidence.
“Adding multi-channel I/Q analysis to Spike gives engineers and technicians a powerful, integrated way to see and measure complex radiofrequency (RF) behaviors across multiple inputs,” said Tom Lane, president at Signal Hound. “Whether you’re validating system-level phase and amplitude performance or streamlining calibration for MIMO and beam-steering systems, this feature simplifies workflows while improving measurement accuracy.”
The PCR4200’s onboard vector signal generator (VSG) can act as a phase-coherent continuous-wave (CW) source with a customizable ±20 MHz offset to support multi-channel measurements. Spike enables effortless calibration of amplitude, phase offset and phase delay across the entire signal chain, not just the receiver. Time-synchronized markers on each channel allow precise channel-to-channel phase and amplitude delta measurements. Users can choose from several plot types including Time Overview, AM versus Time, PM versus Time, Phase Delta versus Time, Spectrum and Waterfall to suit diverse analysis needs.
The release of the PCR4200 in 2025 was the springboard for development of multi-channel analysis capabilities in the company’s flagship Spike software. As users have adopted the PCR4200 hardware, the next logical step was the introduction of support on the software side. By integrating multi-channel analysis directly into Spike at no extra cost, Signal Hound has once again expanded the software’s value for engineers and researchers requiring advanced, affordable RF test functionality.
Source: Signal Hound
Spike multi-channel I/Q analysis features:
- Configure up to four phase-locked or four fully independent channels
- Effortlessly calibrate out amplitude, phase offset and phase delay
- Utilize the PCR4200’s onboard VSG as phase-coherent CW source
- Enable precise and easy channel-to-channel phase or amplitude delta measurements
- Access several versatile plot types to suit analysis needs
The addition of multi-channel I/Q analysis to Spike reflects the company’s commitment to delivering powerful features that accelerate RF test and development. Multi-channel analysis is available as a download of the latest release of Spike (version 4.0.13).
