Introduction
Two new series from Rigol bring advanced RF measurement technology within easy reach. With the RSA800 real-time spectrum analysers and DNA800 vector network analysers, Rigol is introducing a new generation of compact measurement instruments for electronics development, RF research and EMC pre-compliance testing. An impressive frequency range, extensive measurement capabilities and a particularly competitive price make these series attractive to professional developers and smaller R&D departments.
RSA800: real-time spectrum analysis up to 14 GHz
The new Rigol RSA800 series is more than just a traditional spectrum analyser. Its key feature is the integrated real-time spectrum analysis with a bandwidth of 40 MHz. This allows you not only to analyse signals, but also to capture short-duration and intermittent events that would easily go unnoticed with a conventional swept spectrum analyser.
- Rigol RSA804 – frequency range up to 4.5 GHz
- Rigol RSA808 – frequency range up to 8.5 GHz
- Rigol RSA814 – frequency range up to 14 GHz
The series combines a compact design with professional RF measurement capabilities. A tracking generator is built in; the instruments offer an RBW range from 1 Hz to 10 MHz.
Dave Jones from EEVblog has produced a teardown and reverse-engineering video of the RSA800. In the video, he examines, amongst other things, the RF front-end and internal signal processing. It provides an interesting in-depth look for anyone wishing to understand how Rigol has incorporated this functionality into a relatively affordable instrument.
Watch the EEVblog video on the Rigol RSA800 on YouTube.
Why is real-time spectrum analysis so interesting?
A traditional swept spectrum analyser scans the frequency range step by step. This works very well for many measurements, but a brief disturbance may occur precisely when the instrument is measuring a different part of the spectrum.
A real-time spectrum analyser processes a continuous bandwidth of signals and is much better at capturing events within that bandwidth. The RSA800 offers a real-time bandwidth of 40 MHz for this purpose.
- Detecting intermittent faults: short RF pulses and sporadic emissions are less likely to be missed.
- Analysing changing signals: investigate how signals evolve over time and how faults relate to the normal behaviour of a circuit.
- Faster debugging: spend less time trying to reproduce a fault that only occurs occasionally.
- Investigating complex RF environments: track multiple signals within the real-time bandwidth.
Real-time analysis does not replace every traditional spectrum analysis method. The real-time bandwidth is limited to 40 MHz; signals outside the current analysis window do not automatically fall within the same real-time capture.
Particularly useful for EMC pre-compliance
In EMC development, you want to discover as early as possible whether a design causes electromagnetic interference. The sooner you find the source of a problem, the less time and money you generally lose during the development process.
The RSA800 is particularly useful for this purpose. Consider, for example, a DC/DC converter that only causes interference during certain load changes, a digital interface that sporadically generates broadband emissions, or a device whose interference levels vary depending on the operating mode.
Typical applications
- Locating faults on the workbench. Combine the RSA800 with a near-field probe to investigate faulty components, PCB traces and cables.
- Capturing intermittent emissions. Investigate occasional faults during power-up, switching of power electronics or fluctuating communication activity.
- Assessing EMC issues at an early stage. Compare the effect of changes to filters, PCB layout, shielding and cabling.
- Prepare for a test lab. A preliminary investigation on your own workbench can help resolve issues before a formal EMC test.
The RSA800 also supports optional EMI measurement functionality. For a more comprehensive EMC pre-compliance workflow, this can be combined with suitable measurement antennas, near-field probes, LISNs and associated measurement software.
Please note: EMC pre-compliance is not a formal conformity test. Reproducible results also require the correct test setup, calibration, measurement bandwidths, detectors and applicable standard requirements. The RSA800 helps to identify problems, but does not automatically replace an accredited EMC test.
DNA800: vector network analysis up to 14 GHz
Whilst the RSA800 focuses on analysing signals and emissions, the Rigol DNA800 series is designed to characterise RF networks and components.
A vector network analyser (VNA) measures the amplitude and phase of signals reflected or transmitted by a component. This allows you, for example, to investigate impedance, reflection, transmission and matching across a frequency range.
- Rigol DNA804 – frequency range up to 4.5 GHz
- Rigol DNA808 – frequency range up to 8.5 GHz
- Rigol DNA814 – frequency range up to 14 GHz
The DNA800 series features a two-port architecture and supports all four S-parameters: S11, S21, S12 and S22. The typical dynamic range is 125 dB.
What can you measure with the DNA800?
- Antennas: investigate impedance and matching, and check matching networks.
- Filters: measure passband, stopband, attenuation and frequency response.
- Cables and connectors: detect reflections, transmission loss and impedance issues.
- RF components: characterise amplifiers, attenuators, couplers and other components.
- PCB designs: check matching networks and high-frequency interconnections.
The DNA800 also supports options such as fixture de-embedding, port extension and time-domain analysis. This makes the series suitable for development work and automated measurements.
RSA800 or DNA800: which one do you need?
| Application | RSA800 | DNA800 |
|---|---|---|
| Analysing RF signals and frequencies | Ideally suited | Not the primary application |
| Investigating intermittent RF interference | Real-time analysis | Not the primary application |
| EMC pre-compliance and fault diagnosis | Ideally suited | Complementary for RF components |
| Measuring antennas and matching networks | Limited as a standalone measurement method | Highly suitable |
| Measuring S-parameters | Not the primary application | Yes, all four |
| Characterising filters and cables | Spectrum and tracking measurements possible | Full vector analysis |
For developers primarily looking to identify faults, the RSA800 is the logical choice. Those wishing to characterise RF components, antennas, filters or impedance matching will find the DNA800 more suitable. In a professional RF laboratory, both instruments complement each other perfectly.
Conclusion: more RF measurement capabilities for your budget
With the RSA800 and DNA800 series, Rigol is taking an interesting step into the RF test equipment market. The RSA800 combines a real-time bandwidth of 40 MHz with a frequency range up to 14 GHz, whilst the DNA800 provides vector network analysis up to the same frequency limit.
The combination of extensive functionality, a compact design and a competitive price makes both series attractive to developers, educational institutions, service departments and professional electronics laboratories.
At Eleshop, we are happy to help you determine which model best suits your applications, for example for EMC pre-compliance testing, RF debugging, antenna measurements or component characterisation.
