Tektronix RSA513A USB real time spectrum analyzer, 9 kHz – 13.6 GHz, 40 MHz acquisition bandwidth

The Tektronix RSA513A is a USB 3.0 real-time spectrum analyzer engineered for signal analysis, spectrum monitoring, and interference detection from 9 kHz to 13.6 GHz. With 40 MHz acquisition and real-time bandwidth, it captures transient signals and performs vector analysis at acquisition rates up to 10,000 spectrograms per second. The instrument delivers 70 GHz/sec full-span sweep capability and spurious-free dynamic range of 70 dBc (typical).

Its compact design enables deployment in field and laboratory settings, operating through Tektronix SignalVu-PC software on a user-supplied PC.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 13.6 GHz


• Acquisition Bandwidth: 40 MHz (real-time)


• Continuous Processing Span: 1 kHz to 40 MHz


• Swept Span Range: Up to full instrument frequency range


• High-Speed Full-Span Sweeps: 70 GHz/sec Performance Metrics


• Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR): 70 dBc (typical)


• Noise Floor: -161 dBm (typical)


• Amplitude Range: +30 dBm to -151 dBm


• Minimum Event Duration (100% POI): 15 µs


• Spectrum Processing Rate: Up to 10,000 spectrograms per second


• DPX Spectrogram Minimum Time Resolution: 1 ms


• Power Trigger Level Accuracy: ±1.5 dB (CW signals, tuned center frequency, >30 dB above noise floor)


• Power Trigger Range: 0 dB to -50 dB from reference level Signal Analysis Capabilities


• DPX Spectrum Display: 201 × 801 pixel resolution


• Modulation Support: 27 types including 16/32/64/256 QAM, QPSK, GMSK, FSK, APSK


• Standards Analysis: WLAN (802.11a/b/g/j/p/n/ac), Bluetooth (BR/LE/5.0), P25 Phase I/II, LTE (FDD/TDD)


• EMC/EMI Pre-compliance: CISPR detectors, limit lines, ambient capture, failure analysis


• Additional Modes: Pulse analysis, AM/FM/PM demodulation, SINAD, THD, signal classification Connectivity


• Host Interface: USB 3.0


• RF Input: N-type female, 50 Ω (optional Planar Crown connector)

Key Features

• Real-time waveform capture with 15 µs minimum event interception probability


• 40 MHz instantaneous bandwidth for complex signal analysis


• DPX Live spectrogram processing up to 10,000 frames per second


• Integrated modulation and standards-based signal identification


• Portable USB-powered architecture for mobile and fixed deployments

Typical Applications

• Spectrum monitoring and interference hunting


• Transient signal characterization


• Modulation analysis and signal classification


• EMC/EMI pre-compliance testing


• WLAN, Bluetooth, and cellular RF measurements


• Pulse and waveform analysis

Compatibility & Integration The RSA513A operates exclusively with Tektronix SignalVu-PC software, which executes on customer-supplied computers via USB 3.0 connection.