the Modularized Spectrum Analyzer
Interested in owning your own RF Spectrum Analyzer ?
This site is dedicated as a Home Experimenter's Guide to building a Quality,
yet, Inexpensive 1000 MHz Spectrum Analyzer.
The
Original MSA, mated with a laptop computer. Not pretty, but works
quite well.
The newer version, the SLIM MSA.
Same concept, but constructed using Standardized Laboratory Integration Modules, SLIM's.
The MSA project was started in Jan, 2001 and has evolved under several titles.
By Scotty Sprowls
Updated Dec 16, 2009. The addition of 2G and 3G Bands of operation (1-2, 2-3 GHz). Software updated to Revision 115. Previous visitors to this Site will notice significant changes. I have deleted most references to previous versions of the MSA and will concentrate on the MSA using SLIMs, Standardized Laboratory Integration Modules. The previous designs and web pages are retained in the MSA Archives, for those who need the references. This does not obsolete the Original MSA designs. The Original MSA will continue to be supported in the software.
If you want to build your own Home-Brew 1000 MHz Spectrum Analyzer, you already have half of it completed. That half is the computer you are using to read this. The processors and displays are very expensive portions of modern spectrum analyzers, and those functions can be replaced by your home computer. Your computer's monitor is the Spectrum Analyzer's display. The other half is the MSA hardware, to be constructed (as seen in the photos). The MSA Software is free to download. It will operate on any computer with a parallel port interface and any Microsoft Windows platform.
The page title and the previous paragraph indicate that the Function of the MSA is a Basic Spectrum Analyzer with operation limited to 1000 MHz. This was my original concept and design goal. The computer would command the Spectrum Analyzer to a specific frequency and display its magnitude data as spectral graphics on its monitor. However, software and hardware additions have allowed the MSA to provide many more Functions than just that of a Spectrum Analyzer. The MSA has evolved from the basic construction level of Spectrum Analyzer.
MSA Levels of Construction
The MSA can be constructed into one of three Levels: the Basic MSA (Level 1), the MSA with Tracking Generator (Level 2), or the VNA, Vector Network Analyzer (Level 3).
MSA Functions
The Functions of the MSA depend on the level of construction. The Basic Modularized Spectrum Analyzer (Level 1) is the core of the MSA Project. The Functions for each the MSA Build Levels are listed below. Click on any Function to link to a page for a full description of the Function and its operation. This Function list will grow as the MSA project continues.
Basic MSA, Build Level 1:
The Basic MSA is comprised of 11 modules.
This is the core for expanding the MSA into Level 2 or Level 3.
The Basic MSA has these Functions:
Basic Spectrum Analyzer, ranges: 0-1 GHz, 1-2 GHz, and 2-3 GHz (or higher using harmonic mixing)
Logging Voltmeter
Frequency Sources:
64 MHz CMOS Clock Source, 50 ohm
1024 MHz Frequency Source, 50 ohm
1-2 GHz, CW or Swept Signal Generator
1-1.1 GHz, CW Signal Generator
0-1 GHz or 2-3 GHz, CW Signal Generator or Sweep Generator
CW or Swept DDS Signal Generator, Using the DDS of the Basic MSA as a 0-32 MHz Signal Generator, Tracking Generator, or Low Frequency Scalar Network Analyzer.
MSA with Tracking Generator, MSA/TG, Build Level 2:
This is the addition of a Tracking Generator (3 modules) to the Basic MSA.
The MSA/TG has the same Functions as the Basic MSA plus:
Spectrum Analyzer with Signal Generator
Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator
Normal Tracking Generator, or
Offset Tracking Generator, or
Reversed Tracking Generator, with or without offset
Scalar Network Analyzer
Crystal Analyzer, a Crystal Tester. Also, see VNA Operating Guide for the MSA, section, Crystal Analysis Function, VNA or SNA Transmission Mode, by Sam Wetterlin
Frequency Sources,
Dual 1-2 GHz, CW or Swept Signal Generators
0-1 GHz or 2-3 GHz, CW or Swept Signal Generator
Dual, CW or Swept DDS Signal Generators, 0-32 MHz
VNA, Vector Network Analyzer, Build Level 3:
This is the addition of Phase Measurement (2 modules) to the MSA/TG.
The VNA has the same Functions as the Basic MSA and MSA/TG, plus:
Vector Network Analyzer, Transmission
Vector Network Analyzer, Reflection
Filter Analyzer
RLC Analysis, Circuit conversion
Component Meter, for measuring resistors, capacitors, inductors.
Coax Tester, a Transmission Line Analyzer
Antenna Analyzer
MSA Requirements for the Home Computer and its Software:
PC or Laptop Computer (any speed), with LPT 1 standard or enhanced parallel port (SPP, EPP). Monitor can be any size, but MSA software uses 800 by 600 pixel resolution. (I am using a Toshiba Satellite Laptop, 700 MHz Celeron, WinME, dual monitors: 15" and 19").
Windows 98 or later. MSA software is executable, but builders who wish to modify the MSA software will need Liberty Basic 4.03. The trial version 4.03 is free, but it will hound you to buy it. Go visit their web site at www.libertybasic.com.
Note: USB control for the MSA is in a trial stage. A final design is not firm, but will be released soon.
MSA Web Pages supporting the MSA Project. Some are still in-work:
Construction of the SLIM MSA, a Construction Guide for integrating the MSA using Standardized Lab Integration Modules. The Basic MSA, Tracking Generator addition, and Vector Network Analyzer extension are covered. Specifications for the SLIM MSA and links to pages for the construction of the individual SLIMs. The Basic SLIM MSA is the core assembly for all other MSA options.
Construction Hints. Hints on constructing the SLIMs. It may save you a lot of potential grief.
Initial Set-Up and Calibration of the MSA, including instructions for downloading the software.
Test-As-You-Build, A test procedure for SLIMs as they are built and integrated into the MSA.
Testing the Integrated MSA, A test procedure and troubleshooting guide for a fully integrated MSA.
Control and Operation of the MSA is common to all Build Levels of the MSA. A description of screens, controls, and operation.
Technical Analysis of the MSA. In-depth circuit analysis. Very handy for troubleshooting the MSA.
Temperature Testing of the MSA. Testing the MSA/VNA for temperature induced error. In-work.
SLIM Web Page. The Standardized Laboratory Integration Module philosophy and links supporting the SLIMs.
Coaxial Cavity Filter, description and construction for a high-Q, 1013 MHz bandpass filter.
Using the MSA to Test Phase Noise of PLO 2, DDS 1 as a Low Phase Noise Sweep Source
Using the DDS 1 to Sweep a Crystal Filter, DDS 1 as a Tracking Generator or Scalar Network Analyzer
MSA Archives, old stuff no longer maintained. Use it, but many links don't work. I will repair them as time permits.
The newer version, the SLIM MSA.
Same concept, but constructed using Standardized Laboratory Integration Modules, SLIM's.
The MSA project was started in Jan, 2001 and has evolved under several titles.
By Scotty Sprowls
Updated Dec 16, 2009. The addition of 2G and 3G Bands of operation (1-2, 2-3 GHz). Software updated to Revision 115. Previous visitors to this Site will notice significant changes. I have deleted most references to previous versions of the MSA and will concentrate on the MSA using SLIMs, Standardized Laboratory Integration Modules. The previous designs and web pages are retained in the MSA Archives, for those who need the references. This does not obsolete the Original MSA designs. The Original MSA will continue to be supported in the software.
If you want to build your own Home-Brew 1000 MHz Spectrum Analyzer, you already have half of it completed. That half is the computer you are using to read this. The processors and displays are very expensive portions of modern spectrum analyzers, and those functions can be replaced by your home computer. Your computer's monitor is the Spectrum Analyzer's display. The other half is the MSA hardware, to be constructed (as seen in the photos). The MSA Software is free to download. It will operate on any computer with a parallel port interface and any Microsoft Windows platform.
The page title and the previous paragraph indicate that the Function of the MSA is a Basic Spectrum Analyzer with operation limited to 1000 MHz. This was my original concept and design goal. The computer would command the Spectrum Analyzer to a specific frequency and display its magnitude data as spectral graphics on its monitor. However, software and hardware additions have allowed the MSA to provide many more Functions than just that of a Spectrum Analyzer. The MSA has evolved from the basic construction level of Spectrum Analyzer.
MSA Levels of Construction
The MSA can be constructed into one of three Levels: the Basic MSA (Level 1), the MSA with Tracking Generator (Level 2), or the VNA, Vector Network Analyzer (Level 3).
MSA Functions
The Functions of the MSA depend on the level of construction. The Basic Modularized Spectrum Analyzer (Level 1) is the core of the MSA Project. The Functions for each the MSA Build Levels are listed below. Click on any Function to link to a page for a full description of the Function and its operation. This Function list will grow as the MSA project continues.
Basic MSA, Build Level 1:
The Basic MSA is comprised of 11 modules.
This is the core for expanding the MSA into Level 2 or Level 3.
The Basic MSA has these Functions:
Basic Spectrum Analyzer, ranges: 0-1 GHz, 1-2 GHz, and 2-3 GHz (or higher using harmonic mixing)
Logging Voltmeter
Frequency Sources:
64 MHz CMOS Clock Source, 50 ohm
1024 MHz Frequency Source, 50 ohm
1-2 GHz, CW or Swept Signal Generator
1-1.1 GHz, CW Signal Generator
0-1 GHz or 2-3 GHz, CW Signal Generator or Sweep Generator
CW or Swept DDS Signal Generator, Using the DDS of the Basic MSA as a 0-32 MHz Signal Generator, Tracking Generator, or Low Frequency Scalar Network Analyzer.
MSA with Tracking Generator, MSA/TG, Build Level 2:
This is the addition of a Tracking Generator (3 modules) to the Basic MSA.
The MSA/TG has the same Functions as the Basic MSA plus:
Spectrum Analyzer with Signal Generator
Spectrum Analyzer with Tracking Generator
Normal Tracking Generator, or
Offset Tracking Generator, or
Reversed Tracking Generator, with or without offset
Scalar Network Analyzer
Crystal Analyzer, a Crystal Tester. Also, see VNA Operating Guide for the MSA, section, Crystal Analysis Function, VNA or SNA Transmission Mode, by Sam Wetterlin
Frequency Sources,
Dual 1-2 GHz, CW or Swept Signal Generators
0-1 GHz or 2-3 GHz, CW or Swept Signal Generator
Dual, CW or Swept DDS Signal Generators, 0-32 MHz
VNA, Vector Network Analyzer, Build Level 3:
This is the addition of Phase Measurement (2 modules) to the MSA/TG.
The VNA has the same Functions as the Basic MSA and MSA/TG, plus:
Vector Network Analyzer, Transmission
Vector Network Analyzer, Reflection
Filter Analyzer
RLC Analysis, Circuit conversion
Component Meter, for measuring resistors, capacitors, inductors.
Coax Tester, a Transmission Line Analyzer
Antenna Analyzer
MSA Requirements for the Home Computer and its Software:
PC or Laptop Computer (any speed), with LPT 1 standard or enhanced parallel port (SPP, EPP). Monitor can be any size, but MSA software uses 800 by 600 pixel resolution. (I am using a Toshiba Satellite Laptop, 700 MHz Celeron, WinME, dual monitors: 15" and 19").
Windows 98 or later. MSA software is executable, but builders who wish to modify the MSA software will need Liberty Basic 4.03. The trial version 4.03 is free, but it will hound you to buy it. Go visit their web site at www.libertybasic.com.
Note: USB control for the MSA is in a trial stage. A final design is not firm, but will be released soon.
MSA Web Pages supporting the MSA Project. Some are still in-work:
Construction of the SLIM MSA, a Construction Guide for integrating the MSA using Standardized Lab Integration Modules. The Basic MSA, Tracking Generator addition, and Vector Network Analyzer extension are covered. Specifications for the SLIM MSA and links to pages for the construction of the individual SLIMs. The Basic SLIM MSA is the core assembly for all other MSA options.
Construction Hints. Hints on constructing the SLIMs. It may save you a lot of potential grief.
Initial Set-Up and Calibration of the MSA, including instructions for downloading the software.
Test-As-You-Build, A test procedure for SLIMs as they are built and integrated into the MSA.
Testing the Integrated MSA, A test procedure and troubleshooting guide for a fully integrated MSA.
Control and Operation of the MSA is common to all Build Levels of the MSA. A description of screens, controls, and operation.
Technical Analysis of the MSA. In-depth circuit analysis. Very handy for troubleshooting the MSA.
Temperature Testing of the MSA. Testing the MSA/VNA for temperature induced error. In-work.
SLIM Web Page. The Standardized Laboratory Integration Module philosophy and links supporting the SLIMs.
Coaxial Cavity Filter, description and construction for a high-Q, 1013 MHz bandpass filter.
Using the MSA to Test Phase Noise of PLO 2, DDS 1 as a Low Phase Noise Sweep Source
Using the DDS 1 to Sweep a Crystal Filter, DDS 1 as a Tracking Generator or Scalar Network Analyzer
MSA Archives, old stuff no longer maintained. Use it, but many links don't work. I will repair them as time permits.