Foreword in accordance with the sticky post: I hope I have not missed previous discussions about this topic. Using the forum-wide search and sifting throug the appropriate device super-threads for both model families, I could not find a satisfiying comparison. The Internet itself is quite sparse with hands-on experience with RSA3000 models in general.
I am an electronics beginner and like to design smaller PCBs in my free time (it is some sort of contemplative work for me to do layout). For debugging purposes, I got access to an 8-bit scope (SDS2104X Plus with the "usual" improvements) which has a basic FFT functionality). I am quite interested in getting things clean with regard to EMC, so I even if I might not be legally bound to too many regulations as an hobbiest not distributing his work, I like to improve my skill in this area as well.
This is my main reason for my call after a spectrum analyzer. I see two and a half options for a potential buy (buying location - Germany):
- Siglent SSA2021X Plus, perhaps upgraded to a SSA3032X Plus or crossflashed to an SVA1032X
- Rigol RSA3015, to my knowledge only "usefully" upgradable to an RSA3045
- X Something comparably or lower priced you think would be a better fit
I am willing to put some nickels of my student loan aside (I initially calculated with 1.159 EUR of the SSA3015X Plus, but seems like it is better to buy a SSA3021X Plus instead hardwarewise). If it goes over 2.000 EUR as it is the case for a RSA3000 model with TG, I will be considerably more reluctant.
My wishlist in no apparent order:
- Measure frequencies of interest up to around 2.4 GHz ISM for IoT purposes, although I have currently no requirement to do real-time analysis/debugging of radio protocols (that is too much information technology at this time for me)
- The option to load different EMC test standards and their limits into the device to do EMC sniffing with H-Field and E-Field probes, likely in conjunction with a LISN in the future
- A tracking generator as I would like to fulfill future needs of mine such as filter evaluation and antenna validations. A current early-stage project of mine e.g. includes a 2.4 GHz antenna path and I would like to be able to do some real world characterization of my design for educational purposes
- I am not good enough with soldering/hardware-tweaking the internals of such devices myself (e.g. PSU improvements, component replacement) - especially not with regard to $$$ measurement equipment - so it should be suitable for that usecase out of the box
My questions:
- Why is the RSA3000 Series so underwhelmingly little represented on the Internet? Is it that bad or just not that interesting for most?
- Do I even need to consider a RTSA for my foreseeable future needs or is a swept SA "enough" and I am better off investing in other things at the moment?
- How future proof are above platforms, especially after considering the fact, that both are dating back to Sept. 2019 and June 2018 respectively? Is this a sign of maturity or rather a sign of a product life nearing its end?
- Are there other products that you are aware off that could be better for my described scenario? I am not so keen on buying used stuff off eBay because imo you need quite some experience to know what and what not to expect from a used hardware offer"
I would be happy to for your thoughts, comments and recommendations below. My requirements might be rather loosely for some of you, but please bear in mind that I am doing all this mainly out of curiosity, a will to get it right (which encompasses the right tools, too) and joy of learning by doing to get there.
Please ask for clarification wherever necessary which I hope I can provide.
Thank you,
Yannik