Spectrum analyser covers all wireless LANs

The Bantam 425A handheld wireless LAN spectrum analyser boasts an impressive range of features in a compact package.

Accelonix has added the Bantam 425A handheld wireless LAN spectrum analyser to its product portfolio.

The 425A boasts an impressive range of features in a compact package, factors leading to its choice by EETimes readers as one of the "ultimate products" of 2004.

Battery powered and weighing less than 600g, the 425A has been specifically developed for wireless LAN engineers to enable them to evaluate interference, optimise antenna placement, polarisation and orientation, and to make other measurements at a remote site without needing to take heavy, expensive equipment out into the field where it might be exposed to hard knocks and environmental hazards.

Measurements can be made in all the wireless LAN bands with coverage extending to 6GHz without the need for external modules.

Its internal memory stores 20 measurements as well as 20 instrument setups.

Acquired data can easily be downloaded to a PC for analysis using the supplied enhancement software and serial cable.

The Model 425A covers the 1.8-2.9GHz (industrial, scientific and medical) and 5.0-6.0GHz bands.

It can also be used to look at signals from 1.85 to 1.99GHz in the Personal Communications Service (PCS) band.

The 425A has a 60dB dynamic range and is capable of detecting signals as low as -90dBm in both ranges.

The input connector is protected to prevent damage to the instrument and will withstand signals of up to +23dBm(50V) magnitude.

For ease of use, the display can be switched between dBm and dBmV scales to suit the preference of the user.

Preset frequency bands enable immediate coverage of the 2.4-2.5GHz ISM band as well as the 5.15-5.25, 5.25-5.35 and 5.725-5.825GHz U-NII bands.

Measurements can be made of all spread-spectrum technology wireless devices including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and Bluetooth.

The Model 425A is also very effective in locating and identifying interfering signals regardless of their origin.

For wireless LAN testing, all network channels can be displayed, and the single press of a button will zoom in to the channel of interest and then back out to the entire ISM or U-NII band.

All 14 DSSS channels and all 12 OFDM channels are identified.

A peak-hold detection mode can be selected to capture the entire spread-spectrum signal.

The 425A is supplied as standard with omnidirectional antennas for the 2.4-2.5GHz ISM band and the 5.1-5.9GHz U-NII band.

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