Signal Hound's "Spike" Software Boosts Performance for All Products

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Feb 10, 2015, 09:30 ET

LA CENTER, Wash., Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Signal Hound, the pioneer and leader in high-performance USB-powered spectrum analyzers, announced a significant software upgrade—called Spike—that will integrate all of its SA-series spectrum analyzers and TG-series tracking generator models, past and present, under the same open source Graphical User Interface (GUI) platform as the Signal Hound BB60C spectrum analyzer.

Signal Hound -- the pioneer and leader in high-performance USB-powered spectrum analyzers -- announced a significant software upgrade -- called Spike -- that will integrate all of its SA-Series spectrum analyzers and TG-Series tracking generator models, past and present, under the same open source Graphical User Interface (GUI) platform as the Signal Hound BB60C spectrum analyzer. The new Spike software allows the SA's to function as real-time spectrum analyzers for sweeps of 250 kHz and less-that means every RF event will be captured when using spans that are less than or equal to 250 kHz. Sweep speeds are up to 8x faster for spans between 500 kHz and 2 MHz.

The Signal Hound USB-powered SA44B and SA124B are Software Defined Radios (SDR) optimized as spectrum analyzers. The SA44B operates from 1 Hz to 4.4 GHz and the SA124B operates from 100 kHz to 12.4 GHz. The Signal Hound TG44A and TG124A are tracking generators which work with the SA-series spectrum analyzers. Both the SA-series and TG-series instruments are compact, simple to use, and effective troubleshooting tools for field use, general lab use, engineering students, ham radio enthusiasts, and electronics hobbyists.

The new Spike software allows the SA's to function as real-time spectrum analyzers for sweeps of 250 kHz and less—that means every RF event will be captured when using spans that are equal to or less than 250 kHz. Another improvement is sweep speeds that are up to 8x faster for spans between 500 kHz and 2 MHz. In addition, the SA graphics now include color persistence and a 2D waterfall display. The TG devices also benefit from Spike. Long-standing stability issues are resolved, to include making the high dynamic range user friendly and efficient. The tracking generators can also now save 1000-point data files that are then loaded in the path loss table for normalizing precision measurements using RF cables and/or antennas. New to both the BB60C and the SA devices is a zero span pre-triggering function and calibrated I/Q data streaming.

Developers will be able to customize the Spike software by changing, adding, and deleting functions, layouts, and utilities in the SA and TG devices. A liberal software license allows developers to compile the modified spectrum analyzer code for redistribution. Even though the SA's are hardware limited when compared to the BB60C, they can now enjoy the flexibility and power of the BB60C software platform.

Price and availability
The software is available free of charge. This has been made possible because of the continued support and loyalty of the Signal Hound user community. Download software at: www.Signalhound.com/Spike.

About Signal Hound
The Signal Hound spectrum analyzers are compact and simple to use. The Signal Hound BB60C is used for real-time spectrum monitoring, manufacturing process control, interference hunting, spread spectrum signal analysis, capturing intermittent events, and general purpose spectrum analysis.

Although they are small and affordable, they have the sensitivity, accuracy, and dynamic range expected from expensive and bulky test equipment.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 1-800-260-TEST. Outside of the United States, please visit our website at www.signalhound.com to find the nearest distributor.

For more information, contact:

Debra Seifert Communications LLC	Signal Hound
Debra L. Seifert	Bruce Devine
+1 (503) 626-7539 (USA)	+1 (360) 263-5006 (USA)
[email protected]	[email protected]