What is the typical warm-up time for the FSL18?

The Rohde & Schwarz FSL18 requires a warm-up time of 20 minutes to ensure specified performance.

What are the capabilities of the tracking generator on the FSL6?

The Rohde & Schwarz FSL6 Model .16 includes an integrated tracking generator covering a frequency range from 1 MHz to 6 GHz, with an output level range of -20 dBm to 0 dBm.

Can the frequency stability of the FSL series be improved?

Yes, the reference frequency accuracy and aging rate can be improved from the standard 1 x 10^-6 per year to 1 x 10^-7 per year by installing the optional FSL-B4 OCXO reference frequency option.

Rohde & Schwarz FSL Series Spectrum Analyzers

3 models with full specifications from Rohde & Schwarz.

The Rohde & Schwarz FSL Series of compact and lightweight spectrum analyzers is designed for general-purpose RF development, production, and field service. These portable instruments combine laboratory-grade capabilities with optional battery-powered operations, making them highly versatile for engineers working in both benchtop and mobile environments. This page covers the base Rohde & Schwarz FSL, the 6 GHz Rohde & Schwarz FSL6, and the high-frequency Rohde & Schwarz FSL18 models, detailing their unique frequency limits, bandwidth specifications, and physical properties.

Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 18 GHz (with 20 GHz overrange)
Display: 6.4-inch TFT color LCD, VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Weight Range: 7.0 kg to 8.0 kg
I/Q Analysis Bandwidth: 28 MHz

Models in this series

Model	Type	Dimensions (W×H×D)	Frequency Range	Operating Temperature
FSL	*misc	408 mm × 158 mm × 344 mm	9 kHz to 3 GHz (FSL3) / 6 GHz (FSL6) / 18 GHz (FSL18, overrange to 20 GHz)	0 °C to +50 °C
FSL6	Portable	342.3 × 158.1 × 367.0	9 kHz - 6 GHz	0 to 50
FSL18	*misc	408 × 158.1 × 365.8	9 kHz to 18 GHz	0 to 50

Frequency Range and Resolution Bandwidth

The Rohde & Schwarz FSL series offers distinct frequency options to suit different application needs. The base Rohde & Schwarz FSL model serves configurations including the 3 GHz (FSL3), 6 GHz (FSL6), and 18 GHz (FSL18) ranges. The dedicated Rohde & Schwarz FSL6 focuses on the 9 kHz to 6 GHz band, while the Rohde & Schwarz FSL18 extends performance up to 18 GHz. Resolution bandwidths (RBW) also vary across the units. The base FSL provides an RBW range of 10 Hz to 10 MHz, expandable to 1 Hz with the FSL-B7 option. The FSL6 provides a standard RBW range of 300 Hz to 10 MHz, which can be extended down to 10 Hz via the same FSL-B7 option.

Physical Form Factor and Power Flexibility

Designed for transportability, these instruments feature compact footprints but vary slightly in weight and dimensions. The standard Rohde & Schwarz FSL has dimensions of 408 mm x 158 mm x 344 mm and weighs 7.0 kg without options. The Rohde & Schwarz FSL6 features a slightly narrower chassis at 342.3 mm x 158.1 mm x 367.0 mm, weighing 7 kg without its battery. The Rohde & Schwarz FSL18 measures 408 mm x 158.1 mm x 365.8 mm and weighs 8.0 kg. To support field testing, both the FSL6 and FSL18 offer compatibility with an optional internal battery pack, with power supply options including AC line power and 12 V to 20 V or 28 V DC inputs.

Interface and Connectivity Options

Standard interfaces across the series include dual USB 2.0 Host ports, a USB 2.0 Device port, and a LAN port (10/100 Base-T) for network-based control. GPIB connectivity is also available as an option across the models via the FSL-B10 interface. For RF input, the instruments utilize a 50 ohm N-female connector. The FSL18 features a maximum safe RF input level (damage level) of +30 dBm (1 W) continuous RF power, providing robust protection during high-power testing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical warm-up time for the FSL18?: The Rohde & Schwarz FSL18 requires a warm-up time of 20 minutes to ensure specified performance.
What are the capabilities of the tracking generator on the FSL6?: The Rohde & Schwarz FSL6 Model .16 includes an integrated tracking generator covering a frequency range from 1 MHz to 6 GHz, with an output level range of -20 dBm to 0 dBm.
Can the frequency stability of the FSL series be improved?: Yes, the reference frequency accuracy and aging rate can be improved from the standard 1 x 10^-6 per year to 1 x 10^-7 per year by installing the optional FSL-B4 OCXO reference frequency option.