Rohde & Schwarz R&S FPC1500 entry-level spectrum analyser

The R&S FPC1500 combines a spectrum analyser, a one-port vector network analyser with internal VSWR bridge, an independent CW signal generator and a tracking generator, all in one compact instrument. It provides solid RF performance and a comprehensive future-ready feature set, making it suitable for education, in service and repair shops and for professional hobbyists.

The base model of the analyser has a frequency range of 5 kHz to 1 GHz. Keycode options unlock higher frequency ranges up to 3 GHz or enable other measurement application features when required. Upgrades are activated immediately when the keycodes are entered and there is no need for upgrade calibration.

The product offers a low noise floor level of -150 dBm, which can be further extended to -165 dBm through an optional, keycode-activated preamplifier. Its high maximum input power allows users to measure RF signals up to +30 dBm (1 W). This combination of high sensitivity and high input power level gives the product a wide measurement dynamic range. The unit also offers good measurement and display resolution of 1 Hz RBW and 10.1″ (1366 x 768 pixels), displaying signals in sharp detail.

The VSWR bridge enables the device to perform reflection measurements. This allows users to measure impedance on antennas or RF circuits with the Smith chart display or use distance-to-fault measurements to detect faulty locations on a long RF cable. There is no need to mount and dismount an external VSWR bridge when switching between the spectrum analyser and network analyser modes.

The integrated tracking generator enables scalar transmission measurements on passive and active RF components that do not produce their own RF signal. The product also has the ability to act as an independent continuous wave (CW) signal generator. Example applications include using the CW signal source as an LO signal for mixer measurements or as an input signal for amplifier gain measurements. Further, the device offers a coupled CW mode that couples the generated CW signal to the displayed centre frequency of the unit. Whenever a measurement requires a CW signal to follow the product’s centre frequency, these operations can be set in a single step.