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General Information
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February 23, 2007
• Vol.29 Issue 8
Page(s) 17 in print issue
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New Spectrum Analyzer Makes A Buzz
BVS Leverages Tablet PC Format For BumbleBee All-In-One System
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BVS BumbleBee-TABLET Spectrum Analyzer
Model 1 and Model 2 priced at $4,500 each, not including optional accessories; Honeycomb interference mapping software is an additional $2,500
Utilizes Tablet PC form factor for more effective use in the field
www.Processor.com/BumbleBee
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A spectrum analyzer is an indispensable tool for investigating and troubleshooting a corporate wireless network. Intended for use by engineers, installers, and technicians needing precise measurements under field conditions, BVS (Berkeley Varitronics Systems) has introduced its BumbleBee-TABLET spectrum analyzer.
The BumbleBee-TABLET is a calibrated spectrum analyzer in a UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) form factor capable of measuring a variety of wireless technologies, including VoIP, 802.11b/a/g, Bluetooth, WiMAX, cordless phones and video, RFID, and broadband public safety data networks.
Weighing in at only 3 pounds and powered by an Intel Pentium M 1GHz processor running Windows XP Tablet Edition, the BumbleBee features a 7-inch WVGA LCD touchscreen coupled with 1GB of DDR 400 memory and a 40GB internal drive. Interface ports include a 50-ohm SMA connection point as well as a 100MB LAN jack. Four internal AA nickel-metal hydride batteries provide approximately three hours of runtime operation. (Two sets are provided.) An optional 12V automotive adapter is also available.
Advanced spectrum analysis features found on the BumbleBee device include user-selectable power triggers, three pairs of markers, spectrogram, histogram, video smoothing, and waveform averaging. Tracing features include one live trace and up to four peak-hold waveform traces along with peak hold and peak search. A picture-in-picture mode lets the operator simultaneously view live as well as recorded data. Waveform snapshots can even be saved as JPG files, previewed, and later printed.
Available as an optional accessory, BVS’ Honeycomb interference mapping software for WinXP can be run right on the BumbleBee-TABLET analyzer while being utilized in the field or later in the office as a desktop application.
Omnidirectional antennas, covering 900MHz, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz and offering 2dBi of gain, come standard with the analyzer. Optional Direction Finding antenna kits offering 9dBi of gain and covering 2.4GHz and 5GHz are also available for locating and pinpointing specific sources of RF (radiofrequency) energy interference.
The BumbleBee-TABLET is available in two different configurations based upon frequency range. Model 1 supports 902 to 928MHz, 2.4 to 2.5GHz, and 5.15 to 5.9GHz, and Model 2 supports 2.4 to 2.5GHz and 4.9 to 5.9GHz.
While sharing many of the traditional capabilities found in conventional bench-top analyzers such as Agilent Technologies’ N1996A CSA Spectrum Analyzer (www.agilent.com), Rohde & Schwarz’s Miniport Receiver R&S EB200 (www.rohde-schwarz.com), and Tektronix’s RSA3408A (www.tek.com), the self-contained BumbleBee-TABLET is more appropriately positioned within the same market segment as the Air-Magnet Spectrum Analyzer (www.Processor.com/AirMagnet) in terms of application and features. “The BumbleBee Tablet PC Edition is more suited for a mobile field user who can take this device and literally ‘go places’ making RF measurements,” says Sandeep Natekar, BVS software engineer. 
by Joseph Pasquini
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