
Real-time spectrum analysis
In today's wireless environments, serious measurements require real-time capabilities.
For many real-world signals — from complex modulated communications signals, to interference events, to pulsed tactical signals — the signal energy can be sporadic, non-recurring, or even random. With traditional spectrum analysis, these signals could be nearly impossible to “catch” in an analyzer window or to trigger on. Spike allows you to easily and competently make these real-time measurements.

802.11b/a/n/ac WLAN modulation analysis
Spike includes specialized WLAN modulation analysis features, allowing for the making of physical (PHY) layer measurements on WLAN transmitting devices and providing RF metrics to accurately evaluate your signal performance and quality. You can demodulate your waveforms to see the header signal information and analyze modulation quality down to the bit level.
Learn more about Spike's WLAN features in this feature overview.

Noise figure measurements
Spike offers a noise figure analysis mode for characterizing the noise contributions of an electrical system, as well as the individual electrical components within the system.
Noise figure is a measure of the noise a device contributes to a signal, expressed as the degradation in signal/noise ratio as the signal passes through the device. It is not a direct measurement, but is computed, using the Y factor technique, from several measurements taken by the spectrum analyzer.

EMC Precompliance measurements
Using EMC precompliance testing in your hardware development process can help you avoid costly and time-consuming redesigns after EMC compliance testing failure. By leveraging our BB60C real-time spectrum analyzer and Spike, you have a powerful tool for making highly flexible EMC precompliance measurements. Spike’s EMC Analysis Mode allows for measurements like a standards-based EMC precompliance sweep with pass/fail limits and multi-sweep capability.
Learn more about EMC precompliance applications with Signal Hound products.

Digital Demodulation for all Signal Hound spectrum analyzers
In addition to being a powerful spectrum display, Spike turns your Signal Hound spectrum analyzer into a vector signal analyzer with its new digital modulation analysis capabilities.
Perform EVM measurements and view complex plots for a number of PSK/QAM digital modulations.

Phase noise measurements
Validate and improve your designs using Spikes phase noise measurement application. Test single side band phase noise performance at the component or system level. Spike's simple and industry standard phase noise measurement makes it easy to test defense and communications systems. Paired with an SM200 spectrum analyzer, Spike provides a cost affordable phase noise test system.

Spectrum emission mask measurements
Use the spectrum emission mask measurements to test transmission mask conformance. Use a number of built in standards or create your own.

Interference hunting
Working with RF in the wireless space can often be a headache as overlapping frequencies and signals interfere with the intended functionality of wireless products.
Spike's included interference hunting mode allows you to visualize interfering signals for analysis and troubleshooting purposes. You can learn more about interference hunting with Spike in this application note.

SCPI automation for remote operation via a TCP/IP link
Spike provides an interface for the remote operation of Signal Hound devices by sending SCPI commands through a TCP/IP link. You can connect/interface with your Signal Hound device via Spike through any VISA implementation or any programming language that allows SOCKET programming.
You can learn more about SCPI automation with our spectrum analyzers in this technical brief.

Economical scalar network analysis
- Combine the Signal Hound SA44B/SA124B/BB60C spectrum analyzers with our TG44A or TG124A tracking generators for an impressive and affordable scalar network analyzer! Spike enhances this functionality with its rock-solid stability.
- Learn more about our SNA combos
Watch a video about scalar analysis with Signal Hound products

FAQ's
Q. What software do I need to install for my spectrum analyzer?
A. All Signal Hound spectrum analyzers and tracking generators are compatible with the Spike software. Only the VSG25A and VSG60A signal generators require different software.
Q. Which operating systems are supported for the Spike software?
A. Windows 7/8/10 are supported in both 32 and 64-bit variants, and Ubuntu Linux 18.04, 64-bit. Please note that the Linux version is only compatible with our BB60 and SM200-series analyzers.