Signal Hound Introduces Free Real-Time Digital Modulation Analysis Tools
Features EVM measurements, constellation diagrams, symbol tables, and more International Microwave Symposium—Phoenix—Signal Hound has updated its free Spike Spectrum Analysis software by creating a variety of digital modulation analysis tools for its BB60C and BB60A USB-powered real-time spectrum analyzers.
Spike software version 3.0.8 now provides constellation diagrams, symbol tables, error-vector magnitude (EVM) measurements, and bit pattern matching analysis tools for a wide range of modulation types:
| 1 bit per symbol | 2 bits per symbol | 3 bits per symbol | 4 bits per symbol | 6 bits per symbol |
| BPSK | QPSK | 8PSK | QAM16 | *QAM64 |
| DBPSK | DQPSK | D8PSK | ||
| OQPSK | ||||
| Pi/4 DQPSK |
*Coming Soon
Coupled with a Signal Hound BB60C or BB60A spectrum analyzer, the updated Spike software includes real-time tools to analyze digitally modulated signals with bandwidths to 27 MHz and frequencies from 9 kHz to 6 GHz.
The difference: sophisticated signal analysis of common digital modulations
Prior to version 3.0.8, Signal Hounds’ Spike software was already capable of signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SINAD), total harmonic distortion (THD), and percentage of modulation measurements. Additionally, Signal Hounds spectrum analyzers and Spike software were even capable of functioning as a measuring receiver with a synchronous lock function that enabled a dynamic range of 125dB at ±¼ dB of accuracy.
The 3.0.8 update unleashes more sophisticated signal analysis of common digital modulations present in cellular telecommunications, Internet-of-things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M), and other radio applications. Along with Spike’s application programming interface (API) and graphical user interface (GUI), there is significant third-party customization potential to best fit the software to a specific application.
“Our goal is to continue to increase the value of our products with the best software tools we can produce,” said Bruce Devine, CEO of Signal Hound. “We will continue to support and enhance our free software to best complement our low-cost high-value measurement instruments. With this mission in mind, we are excited to offer what could easily be over a thousand dollars worth of software value—free of charge—to our diverse and growing Signal Hound spectrum analyzer community.”
Future versions of Spike will include sub-1 GHz wireless standard modulation tools that include ASK, FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK, and OOK, as well as higher order modulation analysis tools for QAM64.
About Signal Hound
Signal Hound aims to provide compact and affordable test solutions that are also simple and efficient to use. Using clever engineering, Signal Hound enhances economical and commercially available components with sophisticated software techniques. This strategy enables industry professionals developing, testing, or deploying wireless monitoring, telecommunication, IoT, and M2M systems to benefit from low-cost high-value performance at a fraction of the traditional price and form factor offered by other manufacturers. For more information you can visit www.signalhound.com. Outside of the United States, visit the Signal Hound website at https://www.signalhound.com/about-us/distributors/ to find the nearest distributor.
Source: Signal Hound