Signal Hound SA44B 4.4 GHz Spectrum Analyzer

Signal Hound SA44B 4.4 GHz Spectrum Analyzer

The Signal Hound SA44B is a compact and versatile spectrum analyzer designed for RF and microwave applications up to 4.4 GHz. It’s known for its portability and performance, making it suitable for various tasks, including signal analysis, troubleshooting, and development in wireless communications.

Features:

1. Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 4.4 GHz, covering a wide range of applications.
2. Real-Time Bandwidth: Offers real-time analysis capabilities, allowing for the detection of transient signals and quick spectrum monitoring.
3. Dynamic Range: Good sensitivity and dynamic range help in detecting weak signals amid noise.
4. PC-Based Operation: The SA44B operates through a USB connection to a PC, utilizing software for visualization and analysis, which provides flexibility and ease of use.
5. User-Friendly Software: Comes with intuitive software that provides various analysis tools, including spectral analysis, demodulation, and recording features.
6. Portability: Lightweight and compact design, ideal for field work and applications where space is a premium.
7. Affordable: Compared to traditional benchtop spectrum analyzers, the SA44B is relatively cost-effective, making it accessible for a wider range of users.

Applications:

• Wireless communication development
• Signal troubleshooting
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing
• Education and research in RF technology

Overall, the Signal Hound SA44B is a solid choice for those needing an effective and portable spectrum analyzer for RF applications.

Specifications:

• Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 4.4 GHz
• Dynamic Range: Typically up to 100 dBc (depending on the frequency and conditions)
• Input Impedance: 50 ohms
• Signal Processing: Real-time processing capability

Performance Specifications:

• Frequency Resolution: Up to 1 Hz
• Phase Noise: Typically around -100 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset (varies with frequency)
• Noise Floor: As low as -160 dBm/Hz (varies with bandwidth and frequency)
• Average Noise Level: -150 dBm/Hz (typical)

Bandwidth:

• Real-Time Bandwidth: Up to 40 MHz
• Video Bandwidth: Configurable from 1 Hz to 10 MHz

Connectivity:

• Interface: USB 2.0 for connection to a PC
• Power Supply: Powered via USB connection

Software:

• Operating System: Compatible with Windows (various versions)
• Included Software: Signal Hound’s free software suite, which provides visualization, analysis, and logging tools

Size and Weight:

• Dimensions: Compact form factor (specific dimensions not commonly listed, but designed for portability)
• Weight: Lightweight, typically around 0.5 lbs (approx. 0.23 kg)

Features:

• Spectrogram Analysis: Ability to visualize the spectrum over time
• Marker Functions: Peak, delta, and average markers for easy signal identification
• Trace Functions: Average, max hold, and min hold for thorough analysis

Benefits:

1. Portability and Compact Design

• Benefit: The SA44B is lightweight and portable, weighing only about 1.8 lbs (800 g). Its small form factor makes it ideal for field testing, outdoor measurements, and mobile applications where space and weight constraints are important.
• Who Benefits: Engineers, field technicians, and anyone needing to take the analyzer to different locations.

2. Affordable Price for Its Capabilities

• Benefit: Compared to high-end benchtop spectrum analyzers, the SA44B provides a cost-effective solution for RF analysis, offering many features at a fraction of the price of traditional, larger devices.
• Who Benefits: Companies or individuals on a budget but still needing accurate and reliable RF testing.

3. Wide Frequency Range (10 MHz to 4.4 GHz)

• Benefit: With a frequency range spanning from 10 MHz to 4.4 GHz, the SA44B is suitable for a wide variety of wireless communications, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and other RF applications. This makes it versatile for many industries and use cases.
• Who Benefits: RF engineers working with cellular systems, wireless standards, or testing low-frequency devices like IoT sensors.

4. Real-Time Spectrum Analysis

• Benefit: The SA44B supports real-time spectrum analysis, enabling users to detect transient events, quick frequency hops, interference, and signal anomalies. This is critical for dynamic or fluctuating signals, especially when identifying issues like burst interference or weak signal detection.
• Who Benefits: Engineers troubleshooting wireless networks or looking for intermittent interference.

5. Easy PC Integration and Control

• Benefit: The analyzer can be controlled through a USB interface and used in combination with Signal Hound’s software on a PC or laptop. This allows for easy data analysis, remote control, and integration into automated testing setups.
• Who Benefits: Engineers who need to automate measurements, store data for post-analysis, or control the device remotely for batch testing.

6. High Dynamic Range (100+ dB)

• Benefit: The SA44B offers a high dynamic range, allowing it to detect both weak signals and strong signals in the presence of noise, which is essential when dealing with signals of varying strength.
• Who Benefits: Testers working with signals in high-interference environments or looking to detect very weak signals in the presence of stronger, dominant signals.

7. Real-Time Spectrum Capture and Data Logging

• Benefit: The analyzer supports spectrum capture for later analysis, which is important for troubleshooting or performing post-test analysis. Users can log spectrum data, apply markers, and review results in detail.
• Who Benefits: RF engineers conducting long-term signal monitoring, interference tracking, or logging measurements over time for later review.

8. Flexible Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) and Triggering

• Benefit: The SA44B has a wide range of selectable resolution bandwidths (from 1 Hz to 3 MHz), which allows users to optimize sensitivity and measurement speed. It also includes video filtering for improved data clarity.
• Who Benefits: Users who need flexibility in choosing the best RBW for different types of signals, whether they are broad-bandwidth or narrowband signals.

9. Battery and USB-Powered

• Benefit: The device can be powered via USB or internal battery, making it ideal for use in locations without easy access to power sources. The battery provides portability and flexibility for field testing and outdoor work.
• Who Benefits: Field engineers or technicians who need to perform measurements in remote areas or environments where power outlets are not readily available.

10. Ease of Use

• Benefit: The SA44B features an intuitive touchscreen interface with a clear, high-resolution color display. This makes navigation and operation easy, even for users with minimal experience with spectrum analyzers.
• Who Benefits: Engineers or technicians who need a straightforward, easy-to-use spectrum analyzer without a steep learning curve.

11. Tracking Generator Option (for Network Measurements)

• Benefit: For those who need additional network measurement features (e.g., gain, return loss, insertion loss), the SA44B offers an optional tracking generator, which extends its functionality to work similarly to a basic vector network analyzer.
• Who Benefits: Engineers working on antenna testing, filter measurements, or other network-related tests.