The BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer is a compact and lightweight spectrum analyzer for quick and precise signal investigations away from the bench. At a weight of only four pounds, the BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer is still able to deliver performance and features comparable to full-size bench spectrum analyzers. This unit is capable of operating for up to four hours on a single battery.

With the ease of use, measurement flexibility, and high portability, the BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer is indispensable for engineers and technicians who conduct field measurements in the 50 kilohertz to 3.3 gigahertz range.

The advanced synthesizer-based design enables the BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer to provide the user with an accurate and detailed picture of the spectrum being investigated.

Versatile Measurement Functions

This measurement allows the user to measure the total power or noise power in an user-specified bandwidth.

The user can measure the ratio of power leakage from the wanted signal into adjacent channels. The center frequency, adjacent channel bandwidth, and offset between main carrier and adjacent channels can be set. Based on the reference carrier definition, users can select from the measurement methods of total power, peak power, or in-band power.

This measurement calculates the bandwidth containing the total integrated power occupied in a given signal bandwidth. Two measurement methods are available in which the user can either specify N% of total power or the X dB down point relative to the carrier peak level.

The M401, M402, M403, M404, M405, or M406 Dipole Antenna (not included) connected to the RF input enables the measurement of electric field strength. Users can choose the needed antenna based on the frequency range under investigation. Each antenna's resonance point is optimized for the frequency spectrum of a specific wireless standard.

By using the PR 26M Magnetic Field Probe (not included), the BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer is capable of accurately measuring the magnetic field distribution on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or Integrated Circuit (IC). The magnetic field strength detector within the probe consists of a shielded loop structure using a glass ceramic multi-layer board technology with high frequency characteristics. This construction enables the detection of only magnetic field components.

Calculation and Marker Functions

At each displayed frequency, the currently-measured value will be compared to the previously-measured value and the larger one will be retained and displayed. This feature is useful for observing a bursted or intermittent signal. This feature is also useful for measuring the electric field strength of systems using direct sequence spread spectrum or frequency hopping modulation techniques.

At each displayed frequency, the currently-measured value will be compared to the previously-measured value and the smaller one will be retained and displayed.

The BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer continuously sweeps, then calculates and displays the average value over the total number of sweeps. The number of sweeps can be set to 2^N where N will be 1 to 10. Averaging is useful for detecting signals buried in the noise floor because random noise is averaged out.

The results of each consecutive sweep will be displayed and the screen will not be cleared after each sweep. This function lets the user observe the long-term variations of a signal.

Two different modes are available for marker measurements. The normal marker mode measures the frequency and level of the marked point. The delta marker mode measures the frequency and level differences between the two markers.

Two different modes are available for peak search. The normal peak search mode searches for the highest level on the screen. In this mode, the user can use the NEXT button to locate the marker on the next smaller peak. The in-zone peak search mode searches for the peak level in the range specified by the center value and width.

Easy Operation

The BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer is easy to operate and provides a multitude of functions to facilitate quick and easy measurements.

The smart, one button Auto Tune function automatically scans the full frequency range, detects and centers the maximum signal, and configures optimal values for RBW, VBW, sweep time, and reference level. The input attenuator and internal preamp are both set automatically to optimal values based on the reference level. Frequency, span, and amplitude can all be easily configured. The marker and peak search functions both enable rapid measurements. Up to 200 setups and reference spectrum measurements can be stored and recalled from either internal memory or USB flash drive. File names can be customized and include both a time and date stamp. The large and easy-to-read display features a backlight that is adjustable and includes a monochrome mode for extreme lighting conditions.

The BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer provides a battery operating time of up to approximately four hours. Battery replacement is simple and does not require the use of any hand tools. To fully charge the lithium-ion battery, this only requires four hours for a complete charge. The two-color LED will indicate the charging status.

Simple and Flexible Documentation of Measurements

The BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer includes easy-to-use software for documentation and further analysis of the user's measurements. Connect the analyzer via USB cable to a PC, configure the analyzer remotely, then download measurement data and instrument settings for storage and further analysis.

With the use of the PC software, the user can continuously sweep and transfer trace data to the PC. Up to 1001 trace data points can be captured and the data can be stored in CSV format for a detailed analysis. The screen can be saved to a bitmap file or to the clipboard. All instrument settings can be controlled from the PC and custom antenna gain factor compensation data can be downloaded to the instrument.

The user can generate a hard copy of the display by directly connecting the optional PT2650A USB Printer (not included) to the BK Precision 2650A Handheld Spectrum Analyzer.

The user can easily save and recall measurement data and settings in CSV format directly to and from the USB flash drive. File names can be customized and include a time and date stamp. Users can choose to store measurement data and setups in separate files or combined in one file.

Using the Copy function, a screen image in bitmap format (BMP) can be directly stored to the USB drive. CSV data residing in internal memory can be stored to the USB drive in a lump sum.