Signal-processing specialist RF Engines Ltd. has delivered a SpectraChip ^TM digital replacement circuit for the traditional analog IF filtering found in an RF/microwave spectrum analyzer. Working with Korean instrument developer LIG Nex1 on their latest spectrum analyzer, the use of digital technology helps the instrument maker save on the manufacturing costs normally associated with aligning and calibrating the analog circuitry. The repeatability of the digital circuitry also reduces the need for ongoing calibration.

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The new circuit features additional decimation functions, a new digital modulation analysis core, incorporates a memory selection function of either SDRAM or FIFO for data capture, additional time domain triggering capability, and an increase in the bandwidth of the initial downconversion function from 20 MHz to 30 MHz. The board design has been developed in house by LIG Nex1, and is based on a model VII-1000 FPGA from Xilinx. John Summers, RF Engines' CEO, notes that "LIG Nex1 have again shown that they are at the forefront of spectrum analysis instrumentation, and have demonstrated their commitment to building another world-class product in a short timescale."

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