Anritsu Mobile Interference Hunting System Makes Locating Interferers Easier, Faster, and More Economical

10/29/2014

Anritsu Company introduces a revolutionary mobile interference hunting system that helps field engineers and technicians locate sources of interference more accurately, efficiently, and economically. Integrating an easy-to-use interface, fast setup times, and numerous features to effectively hunt a variety of signal types in multiple RF environments, the comprehensive solution provides wireless carriers, regulatory agencies, and broadcast and satellite operators with a tool that saves time and money.

The Anritsu mobile interference hunting solution consists of advanced software featuring patent-pending algorithms, an off-the-shelf magnet mount omnidirectional antenna, along with an Anritsu industry-leading handheld spectrum analyzer and Windows-operating tablet/laptop. With the open source mapping software, arrows are positioned on the map directing the driver to the interference source. Supplementing the arrows are voice prompts that facilitate one-person operation. Compatibility with non-proprietary off-the-shelf antennas allows the hunting system to operate over the entire frequency range of the system’s handheld spectrum analyzer, including the 9 kHz up to 43 GHz coverage of the MS2720T Spectrum Master™.

The interference hunting algorithms in the Mobile InterferenceHunter™ software (MX280007A ) employ channel power measurements to facilitate hunting a variety of signal types, from wideband modulated signals to narrowband or CW sources. Users can easily configure the channel power bandwidth for settings appropriate for the interfering signal. Channel power measurements also enable the tracking of signals whose frequency drifts over time.

For signals hidden in LTE uplink bands, the mobile interference hunting system uses a “min hold” algorithm to capture the interfering signal while eliminating the LTE traffic signal from measurement consideration. To locate pulsed signals, a “max hold” algorithm captures intermittent signals only when transmitting, eliminating the chance of erroneously measuring a pulsed signal when not active.

The Anritsu mobile interference hunting system features a multi-emitter mode that is ideal for finding multiple leakage sources, such as cable television signals. Additionally, a full-screen Spectrum View allows easier examination and analysis of the spectrum trace data. The solution also has the ability to capture and store interference hunt log files for later playback and analysis, and can recall various software/analyzer settings for use in future hunts. Further simplifying operation is an extensive Help Menu for on-site assistance.

Anritsu’s innovative Burst Detect mode can be used as part of the mobile interference hunting solution to locate extremely fast signal pulses. Utilizing FFT technology, Burst Detect enables the handheld spectrum analyzer to capture and process intermittent signals at receiver-like speeds.

The mobile interference hunting system is designed for Anritsu’s industry leading Spectrum Master, Site Master™, BTS Master™, Cell Master™, or LMR Master™ handheld analyzers. A GPS receiver internal to the spectrum analyzer is required. No firmware upgrades are necessary.

Anritsu Corporation, www.anritsu.com