Agilent N6841A RF Sensor for Signal Monitoring Networks

Data Sheet

Key Features
Wideband RF receiver with 20 MHz to 6 GHz coverage Adjustable digital IF bandwidth to 20 MHz Two switched RF inputs for multiple antennas Deep signal capture memory buffer High precision measurement synchronization and time-stamping Optional integrated precision GPS with active antenna AM/FM demodulated audio streaming I/Q time series and FFT data streaming Industry standard TCP/IP network operation Software-defined receiver with downloadable applications Programmable API for remote control Environmentally rugged IP67-rated weatherproof enclosure Sealed unit with no moving internal parts Small footprint for ease of installation Signal capture and demodulation SIGINT applications Analog and digital signal analysis Remote RF data streaming over network The Agilent N6841A RF Sensor provides an extremely cost effective way to improve spectral awareness. When integrated with applications such as the Agilent N6820E Signal Survey monitoring software, multiple sensors can be deployed remotely and connected over any standard TCP/IP network to provide close-in signal monitoring and detection within a building, throughout a city or across a country. The RF Sensor with its wide frequency coverage from 20 MHz to 6 GHz and digital IF bandwidth of 20 MHz not only monitors todays signals of interest, but can handle new and emerging signals. Agilents N6841A RF Sensor combines the speed of a surveillance receiver with the measurement capabilities of a vector signal analyzer.

Primary Applications
Continuous 24/7 remote RF spectrum monitoring Signal search and detection Emitter geo-location determination Interference detection and resolution Spectrum occupancy/utilization monitoring Border or regional area RF monitoring Homeland security applications

Close-Proximity Signal Monitoring

Wireless transmitters continue to evolve; operating with lower transmit power, at higher frequencies, with wider signal bandwidths and more complex modulation. These trends require a new approach to signal monitoring where receivers must be in closer proximity to the target emitter to improve SNR and to resolve co-channel emitters. Since propagation losses can be significant even over short distances, these low-cost sensors deployed in a wide area can easily detect your suspect signals. By co-locating the small-footprint RF sensor with the antenna, you minimize signal loss due to coaxial cable attenuation and simplify installation. Without the need for equipment cabinets or special rooms, and without the need to install expensive low-loss cables, the number of sites that can support a monitoring receiver is greatly increased.

A Software-Defined Sensor
The N6841A RF Sensor is a software-defined receiver that employs a multitasking LINUX-based operating system. It can be programmed with networkdownloadable applications to perform a variety of different monitoring tasks. The simple but optimized FPGA-based design enables reconfiguration for changing application and mission requirements. The base FPGA image is ideal for modern signals because it implements a 20 MHz digital IF with variable-bandwidth decimation filtering. The RF Sensor includes a deep capture memory buffer of 1.2 GB for gapless data acquisition, even at full bandwidths. The decimation filtering allows longer captures with bandwidths less than 20 MHz through reductions in effective sample rates. High precision clock synchronization of data is provided by either an integrated GPS or using the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) via the network interface. The PTP implemented in RF sensor hardware is IEEE 1588 compliant.

Input 1 Input 2 RF switch

Pre-selection lters

RF tuner

ADC

Test signal

50

FPGA (DSP)

Up to 1.2 GB Capture Memory

CPU

GPS

System Watchdog

Power Supply

Precision Time Protocol

Network Interface

15 to 24 VDC User Application

SAL API

The N6841A RF Sensor block diagram combines a V/UHF Receiver with software-defined signal processing.

Multi-Sensor Networks
The measurement power of the N6841A RF Sensor is best realized when multiple RF Sensors are combined on a network and deployed in the geography of interest. RF Sensors can be integrated into a signal monitoring enterprise to complement existing monitoring assets, including Direction Finding systems. Or, they are used to create entirely new robust monitoring networks. In multi-sensor networks, different tasks can be delegated to individual RF Sensors. These tasks can be changed dynamically as monitoring requirements change. Multiple RF Sensors deployed spatially in an area can be configured to sweep the spectrum synchronously an important capability given todays dynamic signals and crowded spectrums. Using synchronous sweeps, a signal can be simultaneously observed at multiple locations. Highly synchronized measurements also provide the foundation for coherent cross-sensor detection, which is the foundation for several geolocation techniques, such as TDOA, and also offers processing gain through noise reduction. The RF Sensor operates on a TCP network wired or wireless and can operate over the public internet or a corporate VPN. It can optionally channel all network data traffic through a single network port to simplify connectivity over WANs and across firewalls. Data throughput requirements call for a minimum of DSL-level bandwidth for most applications. High precision clock synchronization of data is provided by the network interface since it is IEEE 1588 compatible. Alternatively, the optional integrated GPS is used for time synchronization plus sensor location for mobile deployments.

Location 1

Surveillance or DF system

Location 3 (mobile) Host server Operators workstation

User intranet
VPN/rewall

High speed wireless

VPN/rewall

Remote client

Location n Location 2
An RF sensor network may be integrated with existing monitoring and DF assets.

Signal Processing and Data Access

The N6841A RF Sensor can be deployed as a remote signal digitizer for a wide variety of user developed applications. External software applications can be interfaced to the RF Sensor through the open application programming interface (API). It has a C language interface supporting all standard receiver controls and data capture. The RF Sensor is capable of streaming I/Q complex time series or FFT spectrum data over the network, making it suitable for real-time demodulation and signal analysis applications. Depending on the signal bandwidth and network backhaul capacity, information can be streamed gapless in many cases. Block mode data transfer is also available for wider signals or when using slower networks. User access to both I/Q and FFT data is available concurrently. This means signals can be detected in the frequency domain and simultaneously recorded or streamed in the time domain with no loss of data in most cases. The signal processing architecture of the RF Sensor implements a capture buffer which also functions as a delay memory and can be used to either record or buffer streamed signals. When used in emitter geolocation applications, short duration or burst transmissions can be captured - and located - by simply rewinding within the buffer to the detected transmit time.

Host PC software provided with the sensor includes a network configuration utility for rapid system setup and deployment. In addition, a simulation & planning tool is included with the core software. This utility allows users to evaluate different deployment scenarios and optimize for sensitivity and accuracy using different channel models and sensor configurations.

Signal Processing and Data Access

The N6841A RF sensor includes a configuration utility to manage a full network of sensors.

Integration with N6820E Signal Survey Software

For easy signal search and detection, multiple RF sensors are integrated with Agilent N6820E signal survey software. The N6820E is world-class signal monitoring software that is flexible and easy-to-use for detecting, characterizing and recording signals from the RF sensors. This extremely fast monitoring software uses advanced thresholding techniques to detect energy in the RF spectrum. The Universal signal detection (option USD) and modulation recognition (Option MR1) further increase productivity by accelerating the identification of signals of interest and reducing false positives. These combined options automatically identify signals of interest by operating on the characteristics of the RF signal spectral profile and I/Q time series data. Over 30 modulation types are recognized including the modulation parameters of the signal itself.

Agilent N6820E Signal Survey software easily integrates with the N6841A to detect signals of interest from 20 MHz to 6 GHz.

Built for Outdoor Deployment

Agilents N6841A RF Sensor has a weatherproof and dustproof IP67-rated (Standard IEC 60529 International Protection 67) enclosure plus a wide operating temperature range to withstand harsh environments without any additional expensive protective enclosures. The unit is convection cooled, silent, and contains no moving parts. It operates over a range of 15 C to 55 C. This receiver has a small footprint with no external switches or status indicators making it extremely discreet and unlikely to draw attention. The low-profile form factor of 29 cm (11.5 in) x 22 cm (8.7 in) x 5.6 cm (2.1 in) offers many mounting options, including roof-top, pole-top, rack-mount, vehicle-mount or man-pack deployments. Relative to other solutions, the N6841A RF Sensor requires a minimum of installation engineering, and is likely to gain easy approval for installation from building managers. It is very well suited to temporary installations. The on-board diagnostics, including complete self-test of internal RF signal path and a watchdog reset timer, reduce the need for on-site troubleshooting. Installation and configuration of the RF sensor is simple with only RF input, optional GPS antenna, power and network connections.

Ordering and Configuration

N6841A RF Sensor Includes mounting kit
N6841A-GPS N6841A-SP1 N6841A-90x N6841A-0B1 Adds GPS capability, includes cable and active antenna Adds 120/240 VAC power adapter (indoor mount only) Add Country Power Cord Add CD Media - Software and Manuals

N6820E Signal Survey Software

N6820E-114 N6820E-USD Core software for N6841A RF Sensor only Adds Universal Signal Detection
Narrowband options (e.g. AU1, NBR) are not compatible with the N6841A hardware. USD only provides wideband detection for N6841A. N6820E software with revision E3.2 and greater supports the N6841A.

N6820E-MR1 N6820E-SSY

Adds Modulation Recognition Adds time synchronized multi-sensor spectrum sweep

SSY is only required to synchronize independent sensor networks each based on the N6820E. RF Sensors have built-in time synchronization.

N6854A Geolocation Server Software

N6854A-103 N6854A-AG1 N6854A-LK2 Base software Advanced Geolocation Algorithms Computer-keyed software license

N6860A Geolocation Bundle, includes N6854A, N6820E and 5 each N6841A

Technical Specifications and Operating Characteristics

All performance data is typical at room temperature unless otherwise indicated.

General
Power requirements Power consumption Enclosure dimensions Length Width Height Enclosure rating Operating temperature range (@ sea level) Altitude Weight Mounting options Wall-mount bracket Pole-top Rack-mountable EMI compliance 15 - 24 VDC nominal (optional 120/240 VAC indoor adapter) 30 Watts maximum; 25 Watts typical Aluminum case 29.2 cm (11.5 in) 24.6 cm (9.7 in) 5.4 cm (2.1 in) IP67 (for ingress of dust and water) 15 C to +55 C (31 F to 131 F) (rated not in direct sunlight; unit is operational to 35 C but requires additional heating/insulation below 15 C)15 95% Humidity 6400 m (21,000 feet) maximum 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) 7.6 cm (3 inches) maximum diameter pole or rail mount 19 inch rack 2U height IEC 61326-1:2005, EN 61326-1:2006: Immunity table 2: Industrial locations CISPR 11:2003: Emissions group 1 Class B: Domestic locations IEC 61010-1:2001, EN 61010-1:2001

Safety compliance

RF tuner
Frequency coverage Tuner settling time Max IF bandwidth Pre-selection filters Noise figure Phase noise @ 1 GHz 10 kHz offset 100 kHz offset ADC TOI intercept IF rejection Image rejection Spurious rejection Amplitude accuracy Frequency accuracy Digital tuning resolution 20 MHz to 6 GHz < 5 ms 20 MHz 7 defined frequency bands: 20-1800 (preamp on), 750-1800 (preamp off), 1800-2700, 2700-3250, 3250-4150, 4150-5050, 5050-6000 MHz 15 to 25 dB maximum across full tuner range 82 dBc/Hz 98 dBc/Hz 14 bit 56 MS/sec +8 dBm > 50 dB* > 50 dB* > 50 dB* 3.0 dB 0.1 ppm (with GPS) 0.01 Hz

RF input
Antennas RF input ports Max input power Antenna port isolation VSWR User supplied 2 Type N (50 ohm) electronically switched +20 dBm > 30 dB below 600 MHz > 24 dB above 600 MHz < 2.5:1

Signal processing
Usable information bandwidth Data Types Data Transfer Modes 20 MHz

* Transfer rate on 100BaseT LAN

I/Q time series; 16 or 32 bit resolution FFT spectrum; up to 16k points, 50% overlapped I/Q and FFT (simultaneous) Streaming or Block mode

Data Streaming Rates (Gapless) on 100BT network: I/Q Time Series Up to 1.9 MHz signal bandwidth * FFT Spectrum Signal capture memory Signal Capture Times: @ 20 MHz bandwidth Max. @ 10 kHz bandwidth Max. Full 20 MHz FFT spectrum * 512 MB to 1.2 GB (depends on application) 4.8 seconds recording (in 512 MB base capture buffer) 2.6 hours recording

Time Accuracy
Clock synchronization PTP Clock Modes Time Reference Accuracy to UTC With GPS With PTP Data Timestamp Accuracy GPS or Precision Time Protocol (IEEE1588-2008 compatible) Grandmaster/Master/Slave < 20 nanoseconds < 40 nanoseconds < 100 nanoseconds of time reference

GPS
Operating Modes GPS horizontal accuracy GPS altitude accuracy GPS antenna Fixed and land mobile < 9 meters (90%) < 18 meters (90%) Remote active antenna with 3 meter cable

Sensor installation and management

Sensor configuration Host PC Windows-based sensor management utility Requires Windows XP Pro SP3, Win7 (32/64 bit) or Vista (32/64 bit) Hardware watchdog Remotely controlled self-test RAM memory cleared at power-off or reboot AM/FM audio streaming Spectrum Viewer Emitter Geolocation (with N6854A software) 10/100 Ethernet TCP RJ45 weatherproof

Device health monitor Diagnostics Data security Embedded Applications

Networking interface Network Connector

Programmatic interface
Sensor access Functions available Data retrieval C language API Over 50 callable routines/functions for sensor control and remote data access I/Q time series or spectrum data

N6820E Software
Interface to N6820E signal survey software Multi-sensor spectrum sweep Multi-sensor sweep synchronization accuracy Signal classifier (Option MR1) Spectrum sweep performance Data capture file format 9 Typically up to 6 sensors connected per server PC, depending on network bandwidth Asynchronous or synchronous (Option N6820E-SSY) < 120 nanoseconds of time reference Over 30 common modulation formats > 4 GHz/Sec @ 10 kHz RBW on 100 Mb LAN .cap format

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Revised: October 14, 2010

Product specifications and descriptions in this document subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010-2011 Printed in USA, February 11, 2011 5990-3839EN