COLUMBIA, Md., 27 Oct. 2005. The U. S. Navy Inventory Control Point (NAVICP) in Mechanicsburg, Pa., has awarded Rohde & Schwarz a contract for approximately 1,500 of their Model R&S FSH6 6 GHz hand-held spectrum analyzers and remote control software for delivery over a five-year period.
The Navy award allows all branches of the military to procure the instrument and software under the contract, as well as prime defense contractors working on military programs. The award comes on the heels of an award from the Navy in 2004 for delivery of about 750 40 GHz R&S FSP spectrum analyzers.
The R&S FSH is a compact, fully-featured spectrum analyzer available with measurement frequency ranges of 100 kHz to 3 GHz (R&S FSH 3) or 100 kHz to 6 GHz (R&S FSH 6). Both models are available with or without a tracking generator. It measures 7 x 4.75 x 10.6 inches, weighs 5.5 pounds, and operates for four hours on its internal battery pack.
Despite its small size, the R&S FSH can perform a wide array of measurements with accuracy rivaling larger and more expensive bench-top instruments. Measurements include TDMA power, channel power, and field strength, in addition to performing comprehensive spectrum analysis functions. The instrument can store up to 100 traces and test setups, and provides direct printouts of measurement results. Its 320 x 240 pixel color display can be switched to monochrome for use in direct sunlight as well.
When equipped with a tracking generator, the R&S FSH can perform distance-to-fault measurements, scalar and vector network analysis, and one-port cable loss measurements. An adjustable preamplifier allows the instrument to measure very weak signals. For RF power measurements, Rohde & Schwarz offers two power sensor types, one for precision terminating power measurement up to either 8 or 18 GHz, and one for directional power measurements up to 4 GHz. Resolution bandwidth is either 1 kHz to 1 MHz or 100 Hz to 1 MHz. With the addition of the R&S FSH-K3 option, the R&S FSH can function as a receiver for monitoring and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) precompliance testing. As part of the contract, the "R&S FSH View" Windows software is available, which allows measurements to be verified, stored, and analyzed.
Under terms of the contract, Rohde & Schwarz agrees to supply NAVICP the R&S FSH (designated R&S FSH6-N for the Navy) at a price stated in the contract for a period of five years. The exact number of instruments is undetermined at contract inception, with the total of 1,500 based on a "best estimate" by the Navy of the hand-held spectrum analyzers that will be ordered during the period. Rohde & Schwarz competed with other spectrum analyzer manufacturers, and the R&S FSH6-N was selected based on its ability to meet the Navy's requirements for performance, features, and cost.
Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group of companies specializing in electronics. It is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcasting, radiomonitoring and radiolocation as well as mission-critical radiocommunications. Established more than 70 years ago, Rohde & Schwarz has a global presence and a dedicated service network in over 70 countries. It has approximately 6400 employees and achieved a net revenue of $1.3 billion in the past fiscal year. Company headquarters are in Munich, Germany. For more information, see www.rohde-schwarz.com/USA.
