VIAVI Ranger RF record, playback and signal analysis system
Ranger

VIAVI Ranger RF Environment Simulation and Forensic Signal Analysis System

One-box RF record, playback and signal analysis system with up to 200 MHz IBW and long streaming capture from 100 kHz to 6 GHz or 30 GHz.

VSG frequency range
100 kHz to 6 GHz
VSA frequency range
100 kHz to 6 GHz, 100 kHz to 30 GHz
Instantaneous bandwidth (IBW)
up to 200 MHz (250M samples / sec)
Streaming capture / playback duration
more than three hours at full instantaneous bandwidth
Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI Ranger product line is an all-in-one system for live RF analysis and offline forensic post-processing of recorded signals. It combines vector signal analysis and vector signal generation with deep recording memory, supporting contiguous and sequential recording and playback modes for analyzing live events and reviewing captured signals afterward.

Ranger can stream capture or play back at full instantaneous bandwidth of up to 200 MHz at center frequencies between 100 kHz and 6 GHz, or up to 30 GHz for analysis depending on the hardware configuration. Typical signals of interest include military radar and 5G waveforms across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Modular hardware

Ranger systems are built from modules of the VIAVI CMP (Configurable Modular Platform) line, based on the open AXIe instrumentation standard. The mA-1305 AXIe chassis is the basis for all systems, with the mA-3011 embedded host processor, the mA-6806 6 GHz vector signal transceiver or the mA-6A30 vector signal transceiver with 30 GHz downconverter, and the mA-3A01 NVMe mass data storage module for long streaming captures. The modular design allows the configuration to be adapted and supports system sanitization. The construction is rugged for field and lab use, and units can be used on a bench or in a rack.

Software

The Signal WorkShop signal analysis suite is integrated in all Ranger systems. It includes the Signal View Toolkit (SVT) for live monitoring and GPS-timestamped captures, SVT File for post-capture analysis, the Vector Signal Simulator (VSS) for creating composite multi-standard signal environments, and the Vector Signal Player (VSP) for playing back recordings and waveforms. VIAVI offers preconfigured Ranger systems as well as custom configurations.

Key Features

  • Wide bandwidth, deep recording memory with contiguous and sequential recording and playback modes
  • More than three hours of streaming capture or playback at full instantaneous bandwidth (max IBW 200 MHz)
  • Record up to three hours with 200 MHz IBW, continuous streaming to a single capture using the mA-3A01 mass storage device
  • VSG frequency range 100 kHz to 6 GHz
  • VSA frequency range 100 kHz to 6 GHz, or 100 kHz to 30 GHz depending on hardware configuration
  • Instantaneous bandwidth up to 200 MHz (250M samples / sec)
  • Capture, playback and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum, including military radars and 5G signals
  • Signal WorkShop signal analysis suite integrated in all Ranger systems
  • Signal View Toolkit (SVT) with live signal monitoring and precision GPS timestamped captures
  • Software, external TTL and GPS time triggering
  • SVT File post-capture analysis including Pulse, PSK, QAM, AM, FM, PM and more
  • Spectrum, spectrogram and time plots
  • Vector Signal Simulator (VSS) for creating composite multi-standard / multi-carrier environments
  • Vector Signal Player (VSP) for playback of recordings, single waveforms or composite environments
  • External playback triggering
  • Open, industry-standard AXIe modular construction supporting single or multiple channels
  • Compact 4U x 19” rack-mountable chassis
  • Rugged construction, 30 G shock, MIL-28800 Class 3
  • Modular design for reconfiguration and system sanitization
  • Bench top or rack mount use

Specifications

System
VSG frequency range 100 kHz to 6 GHz
VSA frequency range 100 kHz to 6 GHz, 100 kHz to 30 GHz
Based on hardware configuration
Instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) up to 200 MHz (250M samples / sec)
Streaming capture / playback duration more than three hours at full instantaneous bandwidth
Using mA-3A01 mass storage device; the mA-3A01 and mA-6806 datasheets state over 2.5 hours of full-bandwidth recording
Chassis 4U x 19” rack-mountable
The page also refers to a single 6U chassis; the mA-1305 datasheet specifies 4U x 19”
Ruggedization 30 G Shock, MIL-28800 Class 3
Vector Signal Transceiver mA-6806
VSA tuning range
mA-6806
70 MHz to 6 GHz, usable to 100 kHz with mixer bypass
VSG tuning range
mA-6806
1 MHz to 6 GHz, usable to 100 kHz
Maximum bandwidth
mA-6806
160 MHz (200 MHz usable)
Sampling rate
mA-6806
250 MSPS (I / Q Data)
Resolution
mA-6806
16-bit I, 16-bit Q
Acquisition depth
mA-6806
500 MSa (I / Q samples)
Maximum continuous input power, RF input port
mA-6806
+10 dBm, ±16 VDC
Maximum continuous input power, RF duplex port
mA-6806
+40 dBm, 0 VDC
Output power range, RF output port
mA-6806
+13 dBm to -150 dBm
Power dissipation
mA-6806
<100 W
Weight
mA-6806
2.7 kg
Vector Signal Transceiver with 30 GHz Downconverter mA-6A30
VSA tuning range
mA-6A30
1 MHz to 30 GHz, usable to 100 kHz, mixer bypass below 70 MHz
VSG tuning range
mA-6A30
1 MHz to 6 GHz, usable to 100 kHz
Maximum signal bandwidth
mA-6A30
200 MHz
Analysis bandwidth
mA-6A30
160 MHz
Frequency >130 MHz
CW signal generator tuning range
mA-6A30
1 MHz to 30 GHz, usable to 9 kHz
Acquisition depth
mA-6A30
500 MSa (I / Q samples)
Power dissipation
mA-6A30
<130 W
Weight
mA-6A30
3.9 kg
Mass Data Storage mA-3A01
Capacity
mA-3A01
9.6 TB (9,600 GB) total
Three 3.2 TB SSDs standard; optionally up to four SSDs (12.8 TB)
Sequential read / write
mA-3A01
>1000 MB/s Half-Duplex R/W
Streaming throughput
mA-3A01
>1.0 TB of contiguous streaming at full rate
Power consumption
mA-3A01
120 W Max
Chassis mA-1305
Instrument slots
mA-1305
5 slots
AC operating voltage range
mA-1305
100 - 300 VAC
Input frequency range
mA-1305
47 - 66 Hz
Reference clock accuracy
mA-1305
±0.1 ppm OCXO
OCXO is standard
Operating temperature
mA-1305
0°- 50°C
Storage temperature
mA-1305
-40°- 71°C
Functional shock
mA-1305
30 G
In accordance with MIL-PRF-28800F
Dimensions
mA-1305
432 mm (W) x 177 mm (H) x 435 mm (D)
Weight
mA-1305
12 kg (26.5 lbs)
Embedded Host mA-3011
CPU
mA-3011
Intel i7 4700EQ
CPU clock frequency
mA-3011
2.4 GHz (3.4 GHz Turbo)
DRAM capacity
mA-3011
8 GB, 2x 4 GB SO-DIMMs (16 GB optional)
Datasheet prints "16 BG optional"
Storage capacity
mA-3011
128 GB (256 GB optional)

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

  • Spectrum capture and analysis
  • Electronic warfare (EW) support
  • Electronic spectrum obfuscation
  • RF monitoring and signal surveying
  • Radio design and development
  • Synthesizer settling verification
  • Turn-on/turn-off and attack/decay characterization
  • Stimulus and response analysis of RF systems
  • Spectrum management
  • Electromagnetic environment (EME) characterization
  • Interference detection and mitigation
  • Band usage statistics
  • Signal intelligence and surveillance
  • Satellite test range support
  • Radar/EW/ECM testing
  • Radar and target simulation
  • ECM/ECCM testing
  • Test range support and test event recording
  • Military radio and communications test
  • Golden radio simulation and interoperability testing

Included

  • Signal WorkShop signal analysis suite

Options & Accessories

Option Description
mA-1305 Advanced High-Performance AXIe Chassis — AXIe chassis that is the basis for all Ranger systems; embedded system module with dual-core processor for chassis management.
mA-3011 AXIe Embedded Host Processor — Embedded host with Intel i7 4700 EQ quad-core processing; eliminates the need for an external host processor.
mA-6806 AXIe Vector Signal Transceiver — VSA/VSG frequency range 1 MHz to 6 GHz; maximum bandwidth 160 MHz (200 MHz usable).
mA-6A30 AXIe Vector Signal Transceiver with 30 GHz Downconverter — VSA frequency range 1 MHz - 30 GHz, VSG frequency range 1 MHz - 6 GHz, maximum signal bandwidth 200 MHz.
mA-3A01 Mass Data Storage Module — AXIe NVMe storage tray; three 3.2 TB SSDs standard (9.6 TB), optionally up to four SSDs (12.8 TB).

Documents & Resources