The Marconi IFR Aeroflex 2966A is a GSM radio communications test set engineered for transmitter and receiver measurements, call setup and handover simulation, and protocol analysis of GSM mobile phones and base stations. The instrument integrates a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator, CW frequency counter, audio sources, audio analyzer, and digital multimeter to support development, manufacturing, and maintenance workflows across the GSM ecosystem.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Coverage
• Analog signal generator: 100 kHz to 1.15 GHz output
• GSM 1800: 1.805 to 1.88 GHz
• GSM 1900: 1.930 to 1.99 GHz
• Frequency reference: Oven-controlled crystal oscillator with ageing rate < 2×10⁻⁷/year
Signal Generation
• Maximum analog output: +10 dBm with ±1.75 dB accuracy
• Digital signal generator included in 2966A variant
Modulation Analysis
• Modulation frequency range: 20 Hz to 15 kHz (up to 36 MHz carrier); 20 Hz to 20 kHz (up to 400 MHz carrier)
• Modulation frequency resolution: 0.1 Hz below 10 kHz; 1 Hz below 20 kHz
• Modulation accuracy: < 0.5% (250 Hz to 5 kHz); < 1% (50 Hz to 20 kHz)
• Up to 6 tone sources assignable as 3 modulation generators and 3 audio tone generators
Receiver Input Dynamic Range (GMSK)
• One-port modes (N-Type): –135 dBm to –45 dBm
• One-port modes (TNC): –135 dBm to –25 dBm
• Rx Test / two-port modes (N-Type): –135 dBm to –35 dBm
• Rx Test / two-port modes (TNC): –135 dBm to –15 dBm
• Typical sensitivity: < 0.5 µV at carrier frequency in 50 Ω load
Transmitter Measurements
• Power accuracy (N-Type socket, GMSK): ±1 dB (15–35°C); ±1.3 dB to 1 GHz (15–35°C)
• Phase error: < 1° RMS; < 4° peak
– Key Features
• Full-span RF spectrum analyzer with tracking generator for component and sub-unit testing
• Direct RF port analysis or off-air antenna coupling for signal capture
• High-resolution frequency and modulation measurement across GSM bands
• Precision transmitter characterization with phase and power metrics
– Typical Applications
• GSM handset development and validation
• Base station transceiver testing
• RF component characterization
• Protocol conformance and call establishment verification
– Compatibility & Integration
Connector options: N-Type and TNC RF ports for flexible test coupling configurations.
