Signal Hound BB60C User Manual

BB60C Spectrum Analyzer
User Manual

This information is being released into the public domain in accordance with the Export Administration

Regulations 15 CFR 734

Signal Hound BB60C User Manual

2016, Signal Hound

35707 NE 86th Ave

La Center, WA

Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

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Contents

1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2 Preparation ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5

2.2 Software Installation .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

3 Understanding the BB60C Hardware ........................................................................................................................... 10

1.1 What’s New .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Initial Inspection.................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2.2.1 Software Requirements......................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Connecting Your Signal Hound ........................................................................................................................................ 6

2.4 The BB60 Front and Rear Panels .................................................................................................................................... 6

2.5 Swept Analysis .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

2.6 Real-Time Spectrum Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 8

2.7 Zero-Span Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

2.7.1 Triggering in Zero Span ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.8 Scalar Network Analysis ................................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Front End Architecture .................................................................................................................................................... 10

3.2 Description ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10

3.3 Residual Signals ............................................................................................................................................................... 11

3.4 Scalloping Loss ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

3.5 Dynamic Range ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

3.6 Protecting the BB60C RF Input...................................................................................................................................... 12

4 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................. 13

4.1 Unable to Find or Open the Device ................................................................................................................................ 13

5 Calibration and Adjustment ........................................................................................................................................... 13

6 BB60C Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

7 Warranty and Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................ 15

7.2 Warranty Service .............................................................................................................................................................. 16

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4.1.1 The Device Light is Green and Still Won’t Connect ........................................................................................................ 13

4.1.2 A Power Cycle Does Not Fix the Problem ........................................................................................................................ 13

4.2 The Device is Not Valid .................................................................................................................................................... 13

7.1 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................................. 15

7.3 Limitation of Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

7.4 Exclusive Remedies ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

7.5 Certification ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16

7.6 Credit Notice ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16

8 Appendix .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17

8.1 Typical Performance Characteristics of the BB60C .................................................................................................. 17

8.1.1 Third Order Intercept (TOI) .................................................................................................................................................. 17

8.1.2 Typical Amplitude Accuracy ............................................................................................................................................... 17

8.1.3 Typical Displayed Average Noise Level ............................................................................................................................ 18

8.1.4 Typical Performance over Temperature .......................................................................................................................... 18

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Overview | What’s New

1 Overview

This document outlines the operation and functionality of the BB60C Signal Hound spectrum analyzer.
This document will help you understand the capabilities, performance specifications, and features of
your BB60C.

WHAT’S NEW 1.1

Version 3.0.0: With the release of the Spike software, a single software platform now servers all Signal
Hound spectrum analyzers. The description of how to use the software with the BB60C is now found in
the Spike software manual.

2 Preparation

The BB60C is a real-time high speed spectrum analyzer communicating with your PC over a USB 3.0

Super Speed link. It has 27 MHz of real-time bandwidth, tunes from 9 kHz to 6 GHz, collects 80 million
samples per second, and streams data to your computer at 140 MB/sec. By adding a high speed hard
drive to your PC or laptop (250 MB/s sustained write speed), the BB60C doubles as an RF recorder,
streaming up to 80 million IF samples per second, or 40 million I/Q samples to disk.

INITIAL INSPECTION 2.1

Check your package for shipping damage before opening. Your box should contain a USB 3.0 Y­cable, a CD-ROM, and a Signal Hound BB60C.

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Preparation | Software Installation

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 2.2

See the Spike Software manual for installation instructions. You must have administrator privileges
to install the software. During installation, the BB60 device drivers will also be installed.

It is recommended to install the application folder in the default location.

Software Requirements 2.2.1

Supported Operating Systems

 Windows 7/8/10 – Supports 64 and 32-bit, (64-bit recommended)

Minimum System Requirements

 Processor – Intel Desktop quad-core i-Series processors***
 8 GB RAM – 1 GB for the BB60 software
 Native USB 3.0 support

Recommended System Requirements

 Windows 7 64-bit
 Processor – Intel Desktop quad-core i5 / i7 processors
 8 GB RAM - 1 GB for the BB60 software
 Native USB 3.0 support
 OpenGL 3.0 capable graphics processor**

(** Certain display features are accelerated with this functionality, but it is not required.)

(*** Our software is highly optimized for Intel CPUs. We recommend them exclusively.)

CONNECTING YOUR SIGNAL HOUND 2.3

With the software and BB60 drivers installed, you are ready to connect your device. Plug in both the male
USB 3.0 and male USB 2.0 connections into your PCs respective USB ports, and then plug the USB 3.0
Micro-B male connection into the BB60 device. Your PC may take a few seconds recognizing the device
and installing any last drivers. Wait for this process to complete before launching the Spike software.

THE BB60 FRONT AND REAR PANELS 2.4

The front panel includes a 50Ω SMA RF Input. Do not
exceed +20 dBm or damage may occur. A READY/BUSY
LED flashes orange each time a command from the
computer is processed.

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