Keysight launches new handheld analyser for gap-free signal capture

Keysight Technologies has introduced the N99xxD-Series FieldFox Handheld Analyser, the latest evolution of Keysight’s FieldFox range. Designed to be precise and portable, the new D-Series supports 120MHz gap-free IQ streaming, high-speed data transfer, and smooth field-to-lab integration

Modern radio frequency (RF) environments are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic, as mission-critical, consumer, and commercial systems converge across the spectrum. From 5G and radar to emerging 6G and satellite communications, engineers are facing increased challenges in identifying interference, characterising wideband signals, and capturing transient events.

The new FieldFox D-Series has been designed to account for these challenges by combining the ruggedness of a field instrument with the attributes of a lab analyser to enable users to capture, stream, and replay every signal event, allowing enhanced troubleshooting, analysis, and confidence that data will not be missed, regardless of how complex the RF landscape is.

The N99xxD-Series FieldFox handheld analyser includes:

• Wideband signal analysis and playback for troubleshooting in complex RF environments, interference detection, and spectrum utilisation monitoring.
• Smoother field-to-lab workflow to enable re-creation of real-world signal scenarios for in-depth lab analysis and system optimisation.
• 120-MHz IQ streaming with SPF+ high-speed data interfaces for 10GbE data transfer, ensuring uninterrupted data capture and efficient streaming.
• Absolute amplitude accuracy of ±0.1 dB.

The N99xxD-Series has 14 models to cover frequencies up to 14, 18, 26.5, 32, 44, 50, and 54GHz. Each model can support over 25 software-defined FieldFox applications, including vector network analysis, spectrum and real-time spectrum analysis, electromagnetic interference analysis, pulse signal generation, noise figure measurement, and direction-finding using techniques such as angle of arrival and time difference of arrival. A Linux-based operating system improves the analyser’s security and file management, and a touchscreen interface enhances usability and efficiency, potentially reducing errors.

Keysight has also added AI capabilities to its FieldFox handheld analysers and Keysight Spectrum Management Software. By utilising wideband signal capture and the new machine learning model, the solution can classify major wireless standards, including LTE, 5G, NR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, with improved speed and precision. The integration reduces time-to-resolution and delivers deep insights into congested or contested spectrum environments, enabling customers to make informed real-time decisions.

Eric Taylor, general manager and vice president of Keysight Aerospace, Defence, and Government Solutions, said, “Keysight is committed to delivering robust, efficient tools that empower customers to tackle demanding field tasks. With high-speed interfaces, gap-free streaming, and secure Linux operations, the new FieldFox D-Series redefines portable RF analysis, bringing capabilities like signal sensing, geolocation, and spectrum management into a rugged handheld platform. Its software-defined architecture lets users add new capabilities onsite, giving them flexibility to move faster and be ‘first-to-market’.”