Tektronix RSA3303A 3 GHz Real Time Spectrum Analyzer

The Tektronix RSA3303A is a real-time spectrum analyzer that captures and analyzes RF signals from DC to 3 GHz with continuous, time-correlated visibility across frequency, time, and modulation domains. Unlike traditional swept analyzers, it detects transient, low duty-cycle, and time-varying signals that would otherwise be missed, enabling engineers to correlate events and solve problems faster during design, integration, and performance validation.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency & Capture Performance
• Frequency range: DC to 3 GHz
• Real-time capture bandwidth: 15 MHz RF, 20 MHz baseband, 20 MHz with Option 03 IQ inputs
• Displayed average noise level: Typically –151 dBm/Hz (10 kHz to 10 MHz)
• Third-order intermodulation distortion: –74 dBc
• 1 dB gain compression: +2 dBm (at 2 GHz center frequency, RF ATT = 0 dB)
• Frequency stability: 1 × 10⁻⁷ (10 °C to 40 °C)
• Total frequency error: 2 × 10⁻⁷ (within one year of calibration)
• Frequency aging: 1 × 10⁻⁹ per day (after 30 days); 1 × 10⁻⁷ per year (after 30 days)

Memory & Acquisition
• Standard acquisition memory: 16.4 Msamples (16,384,000 samples)
• Optional memory (Option 02): 65.6 Msamples (65,636,000 samples)
• Maximum record length: Up to 2.56 s at 15 MHz span, 40.96 s at 1 MHz span, or 4096 s at 10 kHz span (with Option 02)

– Key Features

• Frequency Mask Trigger (FMT): Patented capture of transient and intermittent signals using custom frequency-domain masks
• Power Trigger: Monitors user-set power threshold crossings in time domain
• Multiple trigger modes: IF level, free run, external, and continuous trigger (for sequential event capture)
• Trigger position: Settable within 0% to 100% of acquisition length; ±2 sample points timing uncertainty (power and external trigger)
• Spectrogram display: Visualizes signal behavior over time
• Vector signal analysis: Modulation analysis including AM, FM, PM, ASK, and FSK
• Pulse measurement suite: Radar and pulsed RF signal analysis
• Phase noise and jitter analysis: Advanced signal characterization

– Typical Applications

• Radar and pulsed RF system characterization
• Digital modulation analysis and signal validation
• Transient event capture and root-cause analysis
• Intermittent signal detection in complex RF environments
• Phase noise and temporal signal behavior assessment