As the internal components of the tinySA where selected with a careful balance between performance and cost there are certain limitations that experienced users of much more expensive spectrum analyzers must be aware of:
- The internal phase noise sets a clear lower limit for phase noise measurements.
- The minimum resolution bandwidth of 2.4kHz makes it impossible to see more spectral detail
- The high input (240MHz to 960MHz) has very limited image suppression and only one level optional built in attenuator which makes it difficult to interpret complex signals.
- The high input optional input attenuator is frequency dependent and varies between 25dB and 40dB
- At lower resolution bandwidths (below 30kHz) the measurement time per point starts to increase due to the resolution filter implementation. Careful use of the FAST sweeping mode may reduce this time increase
- The performance limitations of the shielding and the filters may lead to certain images and spurs being visible but certain functions like spur suppression and switching to below IF may help detect and/or reduce these spurs and images
- Below 0.1MHz the sensitivity starts to reduce.
- Below 1MHz it is recommended to disable the AGC and possibly enable the LNA to get best measurement quality
- When using the supplied telescopic antenna or a low RBW one should be aware of the radiation from the tinySA MCU on 48MHz and its harmonics. See the FAQ
