Introducing the 3515A
The 3515A improves upon the success of the Aeroflex 3515, the industry's first 1GHz hand-held test set. Now at less than 8 lbs., and packaged in a cast magnesium alloy case, the Aeroflex 3515A is truly a rugged and portable radio test set. With integrated audio connectors and a microphone connector, the 3515A offers even easier operation than the 3515.

The Aeroflex 3515A, developed for military use, offers the latest in portability, battery life and performance. The Aeroflex 3515A combines many of the features of a radio test set with the features of a Frequency Domain Reflectomer (FDR) into a lightweight, rugged and portable platform. The 3515A is perfect for testing AM and FM radio transceivers, bench, installed in a vehicle, or in some remote location.

See recent article Targeting Measurements For Mobile Radio Systems

Features

• 2 MHz - 1 GHz operation
• AM/FM transmitter and receiver tests
• Spectrum Analyzer with < -136 dBm noise floor
• Audio Frequency Oscilloscope
• Antenna/Cable tests
• Weighs less than 8 lbs.
• 5 hour battery life with continuous use
• -20° to +50° C operating temperature range
• Rugged construction (specifications for humidity, altitude, shock, and vibration, MIL RF 28800F Class II Certified)

Capabilities Include

• AM and FM modulation Meter
• Accurate RSSI measurement
• Measuring high power (20 watts without an external attenuator, up to 150 watts with an external attenuator)
• AF generator and modulator
• DCS generator
• RF Frequency Error Meter
• SINAD and Distortion measurement
• Audio Frequency Counter
• Distance To Fault (DTF) measurement
• VSWR and Return Loss measurement
• Cable Loss measurement

One port measurement of Distance to Fault, VSWR, Return Loss, or Cable loss
The 3515A Radio Test Set can measure and graphically display DTF, VSWR, return loss and cable loss. The VSWR, return loss, and cable loss are displayed on a graph that shows the respective values of these measurements versus frequency. The DTF is displayed on a graph that shows the return loss versus distance. With these four measurements, a complete analysis can be done on the cabling and antenna of a radio system.

Stand-off testing isolates radio installation failures
Design for portable operation, the 3515A is ideal for performing vehicular radio installation testing. By utilizing over the air testing techniques, a radio installed in a vehicle can be tested, without making a direct connection. A handset is included to help make voice quality measurements of the transmitter and receiver. Additionally, the 3515A has a standard H-250 connector to use with the standard H-250 SINCGARS handsets.

Spectrum Analyzer Option
With the spectrum analyzer option, users of the 3515A can look at the RF signal from the radio under tested or find possible over-the-air interferers at a remote site. An effective resolution bandwidth that goes down to 19 Hz, together with a low noise figure enables the 3515A to have a noise floor that easily exceeds the specification of < -136 dBm.

Oscilloscope Option
The oscilloscope option allows users of the 3515A the capability to observe the audio signal from the radio being tested or the demodulated audio from the RF signal received. The 3515A oscilloscope includes markers that the user can use to help analyze the audio signal.

Scripting Langauge Option
The 3515A Scripting Language option allows for the user to develop and implement test procedures, including instrument settings, readings, user prompts and data collection. This powerful feature reduces or eliminates operator training, eliminates errors and documents test results.

As an example, the PRM-34 Test Script Option allows users of the PRM-34 test set to immediately operate the 3515A. The PRM-34 Test Script emulates the operation and controls of the older test set, so that no operator training or procedural changes are required.

Benchtop type tests allow the 3515A to go further than simple go/no go testing
With the 3515A as your test tool, you have the capability to go past simple go/no go testing. The transmitter and receiver test screens include meters to measure transmitter parameters such as power, frequency and modulation. The receiver test screen includes meters to measure receiver sensitivity (SINAD) and audio distortion. The 3515A even includes two audio generators that can be used either at baseband or to modulate the transmitter. All of these features combine to make the 3515A a complete radio test set for FM and AM radio transceivers.