The Tektronix RSA3408B is a high-performance spectrum analyzer delivering real-time RF and microwave signal analysis across 9 kHz to 8 GHz. Built for demanding wireless communications, aerospace, and defense applications, it combines wide analysis bandwidth with phase noise performance and advanced triggering capabilities. Engineers rely on it for precision signal characterization, modulation analysis, and troubleshooting in complex RF environments.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 9 kHz to 8 GHz
• Frequency resolution: 1 Hz (user selectable)
• Phase noise: performance for spurious signal and adjacent channel measurement
Sensitivity and Dynamic Range
• Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL): Typically below −160 dBm (preamplifier ON; varies with frequency and bandwidth)
• Third-Order Intercept (TOI): High linearity for low-level signal resolution near strong carriers
• Amplitude accuracy: Typically ±0.5 dB over specified conditions
Analysis Capabilities
• Real-time analysis bandwidth: Configurable (varies by model option)
• Spectrum analysis with amplitude, frequency, and phase measurements
• Time-domain capture and analysis of transient and modulated signals
• Modulation support: AM, FM, ASK, FSK, QPSK, QAM with demodulation metrics
• Power measurements: Channel power, adjacent channel power (ACP), occupied bandwidth (OBW), phase noise
• Signal recording and playback for offline analysis
Triggering and Control
• Advanced trigger types: Edge, pulse width, runt, logic, video, pattern
• Gated sweep and event-based analysis
Interfaces
• RF input: Type-N female connector
• Control/data: Ethernet, USB, GPIB (optional)
• External reference: In/Out capability
– Key Features
• Wide bandwidth real-time signal capture
• Sub-1 Hz frequency resolution for precise carrier identification
• DANL below −160 dBm enables detection of weak signals in crowded spectrum
• Multiple modulation demodulation paths
• Flexible triggering for transient event capture
– Typical Applications
• Wireless communications signal validation and interference analysis
• Aerospace and defense RF systems characterization
• Modulation quality and spectral compliance testing
• Spurious emission and phase noise measurement
• Transient signal capture and post-analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
Standard Type-N RF input accepts industry-wide test cables and antennas. Ethernet and USB connectivity enable remote control and automated measurement workflows. GPIB support available for legacy test system integration. External reference input/output supports synchronization across multi-instrument test benches.
