Rohde & Schwarz (hereinafter referred to as “R&S”) is set to revolutionize the test and measurement industry with its all-new FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer. This groundbreaking instrument combines a revolutionary multiport input architecture with advanced cross-correlation technology to address key measurement bottlenecks in today’s RF system testing. Designed specifically for mobile communications, wireless and satellite applications, the analyzer meets demanding test requirements involving high data rates, ultra-wide modulation bandwidths and higher-order modulation that conventional instruments struggle to handle.

The FSWX will make its global debut at the 2025 International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2025) in San Francisco, marking a major breakthrough in test and measurement technology.

R&S has launched the all-new FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer. As the industry’s first multichannel signal and spectrum analyzer equipped with multiple input channels, it opens up an entirely new dimension in signal analysis. The instrument features an innovative internal multipath architecture that enables a unique cross-correlation analysis function for the first time. Combined with outstanding signal purity resulting from ultra-low phase noise, excellent spur-free dynamic range and outstanding residual EVM performance, the FSWX delivers RF performance that other signal and spectrum analyzers on the market cannot match.

With an ultra-wide internal bandwidth of 8 GHz, the analyzer can resolve a wide variety of signals, including complex waveforms and higher-order modulated signals. Combined with high-speed measurement performance and analysis options tailored to user requirements, the FSWX delivers unprecedented test accuracy and efficiency for modern RF applications—from active RF device testing and state-of-the-art automotive radar validation to complex airborne radar scenarios and satellite testing in aerospace, as well as the testing challenges posed by next-generation wireless technologies such as WLAN, 5G and Beyond 5G.

Michael Fischlein, Vice President, Spectrum & Network Analyzers, EMC & Antenna Test, R&S

“The introduction of the FSWX marks a fundamental rethinking of signal and spectrum analysis technology. Through an innovative architectural design, our development team enables customers to tackle complex measurement tasks in the evolution of wireless communications and radar technologies that were once considered ‘impossible.’ Put simply, the FSWX will ‘measure where measurement has never reached before.’”

The revolutionary design highlights of the FSWX include multiple input ports, cross-correlation analysis, an advanced filter bank and wideband analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

Multiple Input Ports

The new FSWX features a multiport input architecture that enables simultaneous measurement of multiple signals at the same or different frequencies. Each input port supports an analysis bandwidth of 4 GHz, allowing precise detection of coupling relationships among different signals. This groundbreaking design provides a revolutionary measurement solution for coherent testing required in phased-array antenna beamforming, including applications in wireless communications, airborne radar and automotive radar sensors.

Multipath Architecture and Cross-Correlation Technology

The FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer employs an advanced internal multipath architecture to enable a revolutionary cross-correlation operating mode. Its unique design splits a single input signal inside the instrument into two independent signal paths, each equipped with a dedicated local oscillator and ADC. With this innovative architecture, the digital backend can perform advanced cross-correlation algorithms to effectively eliminate the instrument’s inherent measurement noise.

This technology reveals spurious signals that are difficult to capture using conventional measurements and is particularly well suited for highly accurate measurements of error vector magnitude (EVM), a key metric in mobile communications. The broadband noise of conventional signal and spectrum analyzers limits the accuracy and dynamic range of EVM measurements, whereas the FSWX cross-correlation function provides an interference-free view of the device under test, enabling precise EVM analysis.

The multipath architecture also provides advanced triggering capabilities. Because each receive channel after the power splitter can be independently configured to a different frequency, users can flexibly define IF or RF power trigger conditions at different frequency points. This unique design allows the FSWX to clearly reveal coupling relationships between two RF signals.

Advanced Filter Bank and Wideband ADC Technology

Conventional spectrum analyzers use YIG filters for preselection in the microwave frequency range. However, because of the complex frequency-response characteristics of this technology, bypass operation is required when analyzing wideband signals.

The FSWX series introduces an innovative architecture combining wideband ADCs covering the entire operating frequency range with a filter bank. This architecture provides preselection while completely eliminating dependence on YIG filters. The filter bank offers exceptionally high accuracy and enables instrument settings to be optimized for specific applications, effectively suppressing interference from image-frequency artifacts in measurement results. For narrowband applications, a YIG filter remains available as an optional supplementary solution.

Innovative Firmware Applications

The FSWX also offers innovative firmware applications such as CrossACT (Cross-Application Control and Triggering). This function enables precise synchronization of multiple measurements across different input channels and supports parallel analysis using multiple tools. For example, when analyzing the impact of higher-order harmonics of a radar signal on the EVM performance of a 5G signal, this technology can significantly simplify the comparative testing workflow.

The FSWX series uses a Linux-based operating system that not only provides excellent security but also offers long-term technical support, which is especially important for users operating in environments with stringent security requirements. The stable and reliable operating system ensures consistent operation under demanding application conditions, making the FSWX an ideal solution for high-performance test and measurement applications.