A Miniaturized Low-Cost 60–1000-MHz PCB Spectrum Analyzer

This paper presents the development of a printedcircuit-board (PCB) spectrum analyzer for analyzing the radio frequency (RF) input power in a spectral range of 60-1000 MHz. The architecture is based on a standard superheterodyne receiver and is implemented on a low-cost, four-layer, FR-4 PCB. The design uses a frequency-hopped superheterodyning technique to prevent strong local-oscillator harmonics from causing spurs in the spectrum output. The system has a minimum detectable signal of -98 dBm and fits on a PCB with a form factor equivalent to a half-size PCI card. The resolution bandwidth is 7 kHz, and the dynamic range varies from 30 dB at 30-kHz offset to >62 dB for over 30-MHz offsets. This RF PCB spectrum analyzer is entirely constructed of commercial off-the-shelf components, enabling the design to be low-cost and low-power (3.66-W dc).