Spectrum-Analyzer Software Toolkit Adds Free Multichannel I/Q Analysis
Signal Hound’s Spike spectrum-analyzer software, already a highly capable package, is now augmented by multichannel, phase-coherent I/Q analysis capabilities. The I/Q analysis mode incurs no additional cost and is fully compatible with the company’s PCR4200 multichannel receiver.
The instrument provides synchronized time and spectrum analysis across up to four channels, enabling users to visualize up to 40 MHz of bandwidth per unified plot for enhanced signal visibility and measurement confidence. It simplifies workflows and improves measurement accuracy in applications like validating system-level phase and amplitude performance, or streamlining calibration for MIMO and beamsteering systems.
The PCR4200’s onboard vector signal generator (VSG) can act as a phase-coherent CW source with a customizable ±20-MHz offset to support multichannel measurements. The Spike software enables easy calibration of amplitude, phase offset, and phase delay across the entire signal chain, not just the receiver.
Time-synchronized markers on each channel allow for precise channel-to-channel phase and amplitude delta measurements. Users can choose from several plot types, including Time Overview, AM vs. Time, PM vs. Time, Phase Delta vs. Time, Spectrum, and Waterfall to suit diverse analysis needs.
Multichannel analysis is available as a download of the latest release of Spike (version 4.0.13).
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David Maliniak
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In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.