ATTEN AT5010D Spectrum Analyzer

[claude3386]

This article is not a review but a general introduction of the AT5010D.



Well, the information I had collected about this device were very confusing. On the net there are pictures and user manual about two versions of this Spectrum Analyzer, one with tracking generator and one without. I’m living in China, I have investigated with several dealers, all saids that in fact only one version went in the market, the one without TG. If you have seen or knowledge about the TG version I will be glad to hear about…well,maybe not as you’ll see after.

The characteristics and functionality of his device are pretty limited, here some of them:
Frequency Range: 0.15 ~ 1050 MHz
Frequency Display Resolution: 10 kHz
Input Attenuation: 0 to 40 dB, 10 dB stepping
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW): 20 kHz and 400 kHz (only two options)
Display: 7" TFT 800x400, monochrome

The machine is delivery some accessories such as BNC-BNC cable (not on the picture), ear phone, BNC-SMA adaptor, BNC antenna and a SMA-SMA 2W 20dB attenuator.



The AT5010D looks good and, the feel from the buttons and knobs is also “OK”. The device is relatively small, 300mm width, 160mm high and 140 depth while the weight is 4kg.



The connectivity is very poor, a BNC for the input signal, an ear phone connector and 50 MHZ signal output BNC plug in the back…and that’s all! No USB,no ethernet, it is so impossible to update the firmware and save the information on the screen. The only good things on this device is the front panel layout, you can adjust the main parameters directly by the 5 knobs bellow the screen:

 - CF STEP: Move horizontally the curve per a value pre-determined. One of the two options available when pressing the button "FREQ".
 - SPAN: Adjust the frequency span by 1MHz, 5MHz, 10MHz steps
 - REF LEVEL: Adjust the maximum RF level
 - MARKER: Move the marker along the curve
 - RBW: Select the resolution bandwidth: 20 kHz or 400 kHz

The buttons description and functions are self explanatory, it is very easy to identify and access to all functions.

I have connected my Rigol DG3061A signal generator to the spectrum analyzer and have set an FM signal as follow:



The results on the AT5010D screen:



While we can easily detect the signal, it is impossible to go in detail as the minimum resolution bandwidth is 20kHz and the minimum span is 1MHZ.

I then connected the small antenna delivered with the machine and try to catch local FM radio station, I failed to capture any signal.

The AT5010D cost less than 5000RMB in China, which make it the cheapest commercial spectrum analyzer in the market. Well, for 50% more you can get the Rigol DSA815 which is so much better.

Initial conclusion:

My first impression is not good at all. The machine characteristics make me ask what is the market target for this spectrum analyzer. You can’t update the firmware, save curve or anything else that any other signal analyser in the market can do. No connectivity, very few options…too many complains.

I’ll continue to experiment with this machine and publish updates on the go.

PS: I’m not a RF or Electronic expert, please forgive me for any mistake. Any advice and experiment suggestions are welcome.

Claude
atobit.com

[nctnico]

Atten also sells an analog spectrum analyser with basic options for a low price. I guess they just bolted a digital display on their analog spectrum analyser. I wouldn't say its useless. It will help to track down EMC problems and working on RF circuits.