The Marconi IFR Aeroflex 3253 is a high-performance spectrum analyzer spanning 1 kHz to 13.2 GHz, engineered for signal analysis across telecommunications, aerospace, and research environments. The instrument delivers exceptional phase noise performance, noise floor characteristics, and amplitude measurement accuracy across its full operating range. A 7″ color touchscreen display with 800 × 480 pixel resolution provides intuitive operator control, while multi-protocol remote access via LAN, GPIB, and RS-232C enables seamless laboratory and field integration.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Coverage
• 1 kHz to 13.2 GHz analysis range
• Optional tracking generators: 9 kHz to 3 GHz (Model 3253/1) or 9 kHz to 8 GHz (Model 3253/2)
• Tracking generator output: −30 dBm to 0 dBm
RF Performance
• Phase noise: −92 dBc/Hz (typ. −95 dBc/Hz) at 1 kHz offset from 1 GHz carrier
• Phase noise: −112 dBc/Hz (typ. −118 dBc/Hz) at 10 kHz offset
• Phase noise: −112 dBc/Hz (typ. −115 dBc/Hz) at 100 kHz offset
• Phase noise: typ. −134 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset
• Phase noise: typ. −138 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset
• DANL: −145 dBm/Hz (without preamplifier)
Amplitude Measurement
• Dynamic range: −137 dBm to +13 dBm
• Resolution: 0.1 dB
• Absolute accuracy: ±2.0 dB (3 GHz tracking generator)
Digitization & Analysis
• 30 MHz bandwidth digitizer (standard)
• Digital modulation analysis for GSM/EDGE, UMTS, WiMAX, WiBRO
• AM/FM demodulation with optional enhanced function
Physical & Environmental
• 7″ color TFT LCD touchscreen, 800 × 480 pixels
• 80 GB removable hard disk
• Operating humidity: 5% to 95% (5% to 75% above 30°C; 5% to 45% above 40°C)
• Altitude rating: up to 4600 m
• Random vibration: 5 Hz to 500 Hz per MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3
• Optional DC supply: 11 V to 32 V with battery backup
– Key Features
• Dual-interface touchscreen with remote control capability
• Compact, lightweight form factor
• Modular tracking generator options for stimulus-response measurements
• Built-in demodulation and modulation analysis
– Typical Applications
• RF/microwave device characterization and troubleshooting
• Transmitter and receiver validation
• Component and subsystem testing in aerospace and defense
• Spectrum monitoring and interference analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
• LAN, GPIB, RS-232C, USB, and external VGA connectivity
• Remote instrument control over Ethernet
• Software support for modulation analysis and demodulation workflows
