The Tektronix SA2500 is a handheld real-time spectrum analyzer built for field RF testing, signal monitoring, and interference detection. Its DPX™ Live RF Spectrum Display processes up to 10,000 spectra per second, capturing transient and intermittent signals that conventional analyzers miss. The instrument covers 10 kHz to 6.2 GHz with a 20 MHz real-time bandwidth, delivering DANL as low as -153 dBm (preamp on) at 10 Hz RBW and phase noise ≤ -95 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. Real-time signal interception reaches 100% Probability of Intercept for 500 µs signals (125 µs with Option EP1), while time-domain measurement capability extends to 20 milliseconds typical.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Coverage: 10 kHz to 6.2 GHz
• Real-Time Bandwidth: 20 MHz
• Resolution Bandwidth: 10 Hz to 3 MHz
• DPX™ Display Rate: Up to 10,000 spectra/second
• Displayed Average Noise Level: -153 dBm at 10 Hz RBW (preamp on); -152 dBm typical 10 MHz–2 GHz
• Phase Noise: ≤ -95 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset
• Spurious-Free Dynamic Range: > 70 dB
• Third-Order Intercept: +7 dBm (0 dB attenuation, preamp off)
• Maximum Input: +20 dBm peak envelope power
• Input Protection: 50 Wrms below 3.2 GHz; 15 Wrms 3.2–6.2 GHz
• Reference Level Range: +20 dBm to -160 dBm
– Key Features
• Real-time DPX™ spectrum acquisition with automatic and user-editable mask capture
• Signal classification for WLAN, GSM, W-CDMA, CDMA, ATSC standards
• Spectrogram display for transient event detection
• Spectrum Correlation Function (SCF) for hidden signal and interferer identification
• Amplitude vs. Time measurement (zero-span equivalent)
• Signal Profiles for unknown signal analysis and classification
• Integrated GPS receiver with multi-format map support (geo-referenced, image, Mapinfo, Google Earth, MapPoint)
• LAN connectivity for remote control and unattended operation
– Typical Applications
• On-site interference mapping and localization
• Signal hunting and discovery
• RF environment characterization
• Transient event capture and analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
GPS-enabled mapping integrates measurement data onto industry-standard map formats. LAN interface enables remote instrument control and automated measurement scenarios.
