We’ve appeared on the TinySA spectrum analyzer up to now. Then again, the hot Extremely version gives an build up in vary from 800 MHz to six GHz. How does it paintings? [IMSAI Guy] tells us in a contemporary video that you’ll watch under. Along with an larger frequency vary, the brand new instrument gives a bigger show and improvements to the sign generator and bandpass filtering. It additionally has an not obligatory LNA. All this, in fact, is at a worth for the reason that Extremely sells at a bit of greater than two times the unique unit’s worth. Nonetheless, $120 or so for a 6 GHz spectrum analyzer isn’t unhealthy.
For some explanation why, it’s important to put a passcode in to permit the Extremely mode, even if the passcode seems to be not unusual wisdom and to be had at the instrument’s wiki. You’ll be able to presume they might, sooner or later, make this option or others require a paid passcode, however for now, it’s only a minor inconvenience. Reminds us of a definite oscilloscope that’s turn into fairly well-liked in our group.
Something you will have to take note of, alternatively, is that the Extremely mode makes use of a mixer to downconvert the incoming sign to the odd 800 MHz vary. That suggests, as you’ll see within the video, that the native oscillator places out some sign on the enter. The extent is reasonably low, however nonetheless one thing to pay attention to if you’re seeking to make a precision dimension.
The video compares the instrument to an HP 8591E spectrum analyzer. It tops out at 1.8 GHz and runs about $2,500 new. Even on eBay, you’ll be expecting to pay between $500 and $1000 for the sort of. The effects appear to be similar, for probably the most phase.
We appeared on the instrument’s predecessor again in 2020. We additionally did a full-blown evaluation a bit of bit later.
