Tektronix RSA3308A Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer, 8 GHz

The Tektronix RSA3308A is a real-time spectrum analyzer spanning DC to 8 GHz, designed to capture and analyze transient, time-varying, and periodic RF signals. It delivers simultaneous, time-correlated views across time, frequency, and modulation domains, providing engineers with comprehensive signal insight. The instrument combines real-time spectrum analysis capabilities with traditional swept-mode operation, enabling both rapid signal discovery and wide-span measurements within a single portable platform.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: DC to 8 GHz


• Center frequency setting resolution: 0.1 Hz


• Reference frequency aging: 1 × 10⁻⁹ per day (after 30 days); 1 × 10⁻⁷ per year


• Frequency stability (temperature drift, 10 °C to 40 °C): 1 × 10⁻⁷


• Total reference frequency error (within one year of calibration): 2 × 10⁻⁷ Signal Capture


• Real-time capture bandwidth: 15 MHz (RF), 20 MHz (baseband), 20 MHz (with Option 03)


• Memory depth: 16.384 Msamples (standard); 65.536 Msamples (Option 02)


• A/D converter: 51.2 MS/s, 14-bit


• Acquisition length range: 1,024 to 16,384,000 samples (standard); up to 65,636,000 samples (Option 02)


• Block size: 1 to 16,000 frames (standard); 1 to 64,000 frames (Option 02) Spectrum Analysis


• Frequency span range: 50 Hz to 3 GHz (start ≥40 MHz); 0 Hz to 40 MHz (stop <40 MHz)


• Resolution bandwidth: 1 Hz to 10 MHz (auto or user-defined), ±0.1% accuracy


• Displayed average noise level (typical): –144 dBm/Hz (1–10 kHz), –151 dBm/Hz (10 kHz–100 MHz), –150 dBm/Hz (100 MHz–3 GHz), –142 dBm/Hz (3–8 GHz)


• Frequency response: ±0.5 dB (100 kHz–40 MHz); ±1.2 dB (40 MHz–3 GHz); ±1.7 dB (3–8 GHz)

Key Features

• Dual-mode operation: real-time and swept spectrum analysis


• Time-correlated multi-domain display


• Expandable memory with Option 02 (256 MB)


• Differential IQ inputs available (Option 03)


• High-resolution center frequency tuning (0.1 Hz steps)


• Low phase noise and frequency stability

Typical Applications

• Transient RF signal detection and characterization


• Modulation analysis


• Wideband signal monitoring and recording


• Frequency stability assessment