Handheld Spectrum Analyzers

Handheld spectrum analyzers bring frequency-domain measurement to the site, for interference hunting, transmitter verification and antenna system work away from a bench.

Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu and Keysight cover this range. Field instruments accept some compromise in phase noise and dynamic range compared with benchtop units in exchange for battery operation, ruggedness and a display readable in daylight. The features that earn their keep on site are a built-in tracking generator or cable and antenna test mode, GPS tagging for interference mapping, and spectrogram or waterfall display for catching intermittent signals. Confirm frequency coverage and battery runtime against a realistic working day.