S+AS Limited introduces a Remote Spectrum Analyser system which can be accessed and remotely controlled over the Internet by multiple users using a secure connection and is designed to provide a complete uplink or downlink RF monitoring and reporting capability. The core analyser, from Morrow Corporation, when coupled with downconvertors, has the ability to accurately measure the complete KU, 10.7 to 12.75GHz downlink frequency band and the 13.25 to 18.5GHz uplink spectrum from single or multiple sources. In conjunction with a wide range of antenna and a multiple source input switch, S+AS Limited can integrate and supply a complete calibrated system. The following page gives an overview of the Remote Spectrum Analyser and includes a full list of its capabilities including comprehensive logging and reporting functions.
For more details, a copy of the demonstration software, or a specific quote, please EMail your request to our sales department. See our contact section for further options. In the "support section" our FAQ explores further, a wide range of technical issues relating to Satellite Communications.

System Overview

At the heart of the system is the Morrow Technologies P9116 spectrum analyser. This fully featured 2 rack unit, accepts a 1.5999 GHz wide RF input covering 100KHz to 1.6GHz. When coupled to a VGA monitor and the supplied GUI, the analyser can be operated as a conventional, fully functional spectrum analyser.
To allow continuous measurement across the 10.7 to 12.75GHz range, a wide band LNA and 3 Block Downconverters [BDC's] are used to provide a signal matched to the required input RF range of the RSA. Supplied by Tampa Microwave Laboratories and in conjunction with them, SAS Limited has designed a range of convertors and an automatic switching matrix so that a single antenna can feed the analyser with a full (downlink or uplink) bandwidth RF which can be seamlessly monitored and measured accurately by the operator/operators.
With its optional switch matrix installed the analyser can select from up to 32 different RF sources recalling span, reference level, Video and Resolution BandWidth, sweep, vertical resolution and trace information at the click of a button, making it a very versatile piece of test and measurement equipment for anyone in the satellite communications arena.

Remote Control

One of the main advantages of the analyser is its ability to be operated remotely without compromising performance, usability or screen refresh rate using a variety of methods. The analyser can be fully controlled using a laptop or any pc running Windows 95/98, NT or WIN2K be it directly connected or using a TCP/IP LAN, dial up modem or Internet connection. This makes the system ideal for the monitoring of a geographically diversified downlink (network, transponder) or uplink earth station.
Full control of the analyser (not just viewing the data) is made possible by the units remote control software. The operator at the remote "client" computer can change the settings of the local "server" analyser via a fully functional "soft panel" spectrum analyser displayed on his pc. The software also allows spectrum (trace) screens to be saved on the "client" computer for review at a later time. Since all of this uses standard computer practices, the screens can be copied and pasted into applicable reports or even emailed to other interested parties. See the applications section for more details.

Display Screens

Click on the image below to see a full sized version (62K) of the "client" remote analyser "soft panel" in operation. The animated GIF displays the refresh rate in real time.

Clicking on the following (thumbnail) images will open them in a pop-up window. The images displayed are real size and show the various menus used to set up the image above. They also depict an example of the alarm function triggered when a carrier exceeds a defined level. All of these functions are available using the demo software, contact S+AS Limited for more details and a free copy of the software.

RF Source

The standard analyser accepts an RF input in the range 100KHz to 1600MHz allowing the use of standard USA specification LNB's and BDC's or direct coupling to an IF source (eg: 70MHz IF) to provide the RF source. Special LNB's or BDC's are available which can extend the range to include the standard European 10.7GHz to 12.75GHz spectrum. This is achieved by using a wide band LNA and 3 BDC's all of which are locked to the analysers reference, thereby maintaining the high stability PLL signals required in a test and measurement analyser. The three BDC's outputs are switched transparently (by the analyser) as the user selects from a number of preset states or simply by selecting a different frequency.
In addition to these devices S+AS Limited can supply a number of special (frequency) converters to cover a 500MHz input range from most RF sources including the 14 - 14.5GHz KU band uplink frequencies. Another option available with the analyser is a signal source switch which allows the user to monitor several diverse sources. See the applications section for more details.

Applications Logging and reporting

The analyser can be used in many instances as a powerful quality monitoring tool. The ability to access the unit remotely by a number of simultaneous users, connected via a LAN (for example) means that anyone can determine if a particular carrier is "up". The purity and power of the carrier or downlinked signal can be instantly determined providing reference analysis for remote site/network trouble shooting.
Station managers can access the analyser with their pc either from home, in the office or any location with Internet access to view the current status of an uplink, accurately determining the uplink EIRP or downlink C/N on a carrier by carrier basis and by using the optional source switch, view the IF right back to the modem, pinpointing any problems.
Broadcasters who use a number of different satellites to cover different regions can use this analytical tool to view the downlink signals back at their NOC or central office. The ability to access the analyser/multiple analysers over the Internet is particularly useful for IP delivery networks using out of territory/offshore uplink stations. TV or video conferencing networks can easily monitor their turn contractors to identify delivery issues.
Another feature of the system, useful to Satellite operators and bandwidth resellers, is the ability to trigger an alarm should a carrier exceed or fall below predetermined levels ( see the display screens section) a feature which is easily extended to include bandwidth and frequency drift aberrations. There is also optional logging software available which stores a trace against time in user definable instances, for use in interference reporting or bandwidth theft, all of which is available to local or remote users. With its unique Internet access ability the analyser can be situated at a geographically diversified location and used to monitor activity on spot beams or cross strapped transponders. The fast screen refresh rate makes this tool very useful for lineup's and other maintenance and policing activities.

The Analyser is not just limited to SatCom users, it has a wide range of applications adaptable to any transmission medium which will benefit from remote analysis and monitoring. Special carrier detection and reporting modules have been produced for mobile telephony operators for example. For more details please see our contact section, and send your system requirements.