Tektronix Spectrum Analyzers
8 models with full specifications in Analyzers Spectrum.
This page summarizes Tektronix spectrum analyzers relevant to RF test and measurement workflows and explains how the product range is arranged so engineers and technical buyers can pick the right instrument. It covers portable USB receivers, bench real‑time analyzers, and legacy swept instruments, and highlights the capabilities that typically govern a selection: frequency coverage, real‑time capture bandwidth, input interfaces and common upgrade paths. Examples are shown to illustrate each instrument class; the full model table below contains the detailed specifications engineers will use for final selection.
- Frequency range examples
- 9 kHz–14 GHz (Tektronix RSA6114A); 50 kHz–21 GHz (Tektronix 492); DC–8 GHz (Tektronix RSA3308A)
- Real‑time / capture bandwidth
- 15 MHz (Tektronix RSA3308A); 36 MHz (Tektronix RSA3408A); 40 MHz standard, upgradable to 110 MHz (Tektronix RSA6114A, Tektronix RSA6106A)
- Portable versus bench
- USB‑powered portable receiver (Tektronix RSA306); bench RTSA with integrated display (Tektronix RSA6114A, Tektronix RSA6106A); legacy swept and field units (Tektronix 2712, Tektronix 492)
- Notable hardware details
- Analog‑to‑digital converter: 14‑bit (Tektronix RSA3408A); RF input connector examples: N‑type female (Tektronix RSA3408A, Tektronix 2712)
All models
| Model | Type | Display | RF Input Impedance | Dimensions (W×H×D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA3408A | Tektronix | — | — | — |
| RSA6114A | Tektronix | 10.4-inch (264 mm) touch screen, XGA (1024 × 768) | 50 ohms | — |
| 492 | Portable | Electrostatic CRT (Digital Storage available via Option 01) | 50 ohms | 328 mm × 175 mm × 498 mm |
| RSA3308A | Tektronix | 8.4-inch active-matrix color TFT LCD, 640 × 480 pixels | 50 ohms | 425 mm × 215 mm × 512 mm |
| 2712 | Tektronix | 9-inch CRT, 4 Trace Digital Plus True Analog Display | 50 Ohms (75 Ohms optional) | 361 × 137 × 445 mm |
| RSA306 | Tektronix | None (uses external PC screen via SignalVu-PC software) | 50 Ω | 127.0 mm × 30.5 mm × 190.5 mm |
| RSA6106A | Tektronix | 10.4-inch TFT color touch screen, 1024 × 768 resolution | 50 Ω | 473 mm (W) × 282 mm (H) × 531 mm (D) |
| RSA6120A | Tektronix | 10.4 in (264 mm) color touch-screen LCD, 1024 × 768 (XGA) | 50 ohms | 473 mm × 282 mm × 531 mm |
Looking for Tektronix Spectrum Analyzers?
Tell us what you need. We're building a network of equipment dealers and will get back to you if we can help source it — no obligation.
Selling this kind of equipment? Sell with us
How the Tektronix range is structured
Tektronix offers instruments that fall into three practical groups for engineers: small USB receivers, bench real‑time spectrum analyzers, and conventional swept analyzers. The USB receiver class is represented by the Tektronix RSA306, a compact, USB‑powered digitizer intended to run on an external PC. Bench real‑time analyzers are represented by models such as the Tektronix RSA6114A and Tektronix RSA6106A; these combine real‑time capture, built‑in displays and extended analysis options. Classic swept analyzers and field instruments appear as the Tektronix 2712 and the Tektronix 492, which address longer frequency coverage and field‑rugged use cases.
Key technical differences that determine fit
Frequency coverage and real‑time capture bandwidth are the two primary technical tradeoffs. For transient or time‑varying signals you need a real‑time analyzer with sufficient acquisition bandwidth (examples in this line include 15 MHz, 36 MHz and 40 MHz, with some models offering an upgrade to 110 MHz). If the application requires very wide frequency span or millimeter‑wave coverage, the Tektronix 492 extends to 21 GHz and can operate with external waveguide mixers to higher bands. Form factor, input connector and ADC resolution also matter: the Tektronix RSA3408A uses an N‑type RF input and a 14‑bit ADC, while portable USB receivers like the Tektronix RSA306 are optimized for low‑power, host‑PC workflows.
Options, interfaces and analysis capabilities
Tektronix instruments in this set expose a mix of interfaces and upgrade paths. Bench units provide local displays (10.4‑inch touch screens on some models), LAN and GPIB connectivity and optional software suites for modulation, phase/noise or pulse measurements. Examples include optional acquisition bandwidth upgrades and software options for modulation or advanced measurements. Portable receivers rely on a PC host and software for display and post‑processing, while some bench models offer built‑in preamplifiers or removable storage options.
Selection checklist for engineers and buyers
Make a decision by matching application needs to four axes: frequency span, real‑time bandwidth, form factor and required interfaces. For continuous monitoring of fast transients or capture/retrigger workflows, prioritize an analyzer with the required real‑time capture bandwidth and frequency mask trigger capability. For mobile or low‑power workflows where a host PC is acceptable, consider the USB receiver class. For broad frequency coverage or field use, consider legacy swept units that provide extended top‑end frequency coverage and rugged packaging. Finally, confirm connector types, max input levels and optional measurements (preamp, phase/noise, pulse) against your lab or field setup.
Popular models
Frequently asked questions
- When should I choose a real‑time spectrum analyzer over a swept analyzer?
- Choose a real‑time analyzer when you must capture, visualize or trigger on transient, time‑varying or bursty signals that a swept receiver can miss. Swept analyzers remain appropriate for steady or slowly varying spectral measurements and for applications that require the broadest nominal frequency coverage without real‑time capture.
- Are there upgrade paths for acquisition bandwidth or analysis options?
- Some bench real‑time models offer upgrade options to increase acquisition bandwidth or add analysis suites. For example, certain models provide an acquisition bandwidth upgrade option and separate options for modulation, phase/noise and pulse measurements. Confirm the specific option codes and capabilities for the model of interest in the detailed specification table below.