The new IDA-3106 interference and direction analyser (IDA) from Link Microtek enables independent regulators or operators in fields such as telecoms, broadcasting and air traffic control to quickly identify and locate the source of any undesirable transmissions that may affect signal quality. With the current development of LTE mobile broadband services and recent proposals for ‘white space' radio technology, the whole issue of interference from services in neighbouring frequency bands is likely to become significantly more important in the near future. The analyser which has been designed and manufactured by Narda Test Solutions, is a user-friendly hand-held instrument that can be supplied with a choice of three active directional antennas covering the frequency ranges 20 to 250MHz, 200 to 500MHz and 400MHz to 6GHz. Using its integral GPS receiver and the 3D electronic compass built into the antenna handle, the IDA carries out a horizontal scan to establish the position of the interference source and then either displays the relative bearing in a polar diagram or pinpoints the location on a street map, just like a satnav system. The instrument is capable of analysing broadband signals and has a resolution bandwidth of up to 32MHz, which is believed to be unique for a hand-held unit. Its fast scan speed of 12GHz/s allows it to capture intermittent signals or burst transmissions. Optional facilities include a scope mode - offering a time resolution as low as 32ns for analysis of high-speed data transmissions or pulsed signals such as radar - and an I/Q demodulation recorder, which enables signal data to be stored on the instrument and transferred to a PC for further analysis if required. Ideal for outdoor use, the IDA features a robust case, a keypad designed for operation when wearing gloves, battery hot-swap capability, and a comfortably light weight of under 3kg.
