About the Siglent SHA851A
In summary, the Siglent SHA851A is a handheld multi-function RF analyzer covering 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz, combining spectrum analyzer, vector network analyzer, cable-and-antenna analyzer, signal generator, power meter, EMI pre-compliance, and modulation analysis functions in a battery-powered field-portable enclosure. Per the datasheet, the SHA851A provides -160 dBm/Hz typical displayed average noise level with the preamplifier on, -95 dBc/Hz typical SSB phase noise at 1 GHz / 10 kHz offset, and a 10.1 inch capacitive multi-touch screen, on a single instrument that field service technicians can carry to a cell tower, antenna site, or remote installation.
What is the Siglent SHA851A used for?
The SHA851A is used for field cellular site work, antenna and feedline characterization, transmitter verification, interference hunting, and EMI pre-compliance — applications that historically required a separate spectrum analyzer, VNA, cable-and-antenna analyzer, and signal generator. Per the datasheet, the SHA851A supports cable loss, return loss, VSWR, distance-to-fault (DTF), S-parameters (S11, S21), insertion loss, full two-port transmission measurement, channel power, ACPR, OBW, and CISPR 16-1-1 compliant EMI quasi-peak detection — on the same handheld instrument.
How does the SHA851A compare to a benchtop spectrum analyzer?
A benchtop spectrum analyzer is optimized for a lab bench: AC mains, large display, deep specification depth, and (typically) better phase noise and dynamic range. A handheld instrument like the SHA851A is optimized for the field: battery operation, weather-tolerant enclosure, GPS receiver for site tagging, and integrated cable-and-antenna analyzer functions that lab instruments rarely include in a single chassis. Per the datasheet, the SHA851A delivers benchtop-class spectrum analyzer specifications — -160 dBm/Hz typical DANL, -95 dBc/Hz typical SSB phase noise, and 1 Hz to 10 MHz RBW — combined with field-grade VNA and CAA functions, on a battery-powered handheld designed for tower-crew and field-service work.
Where does the SHA851A fit in a field RF kit?
- Cellular site verification, tower-mounted antenna tests, and feedline characterization up to 3.6 GHz.
- Distance-to-fault (DTF) measurement on coaxial feedlines to locate connector damage, water ingress, and feedline kinks.
- Cable loss, return loss, VSWR, S11, and S21 measurements via the integrated vector network analyzer mode.
- Spectrum monitoring for interference hunting and licensed-band verification, with GPS time and position stamping of captured signals.
- EMI pre-compliance investigation at customer sites with CISPR 16-1-1 quasi-peak detection.
- Field-service measurements that previously required carrying three or four separate instruments.
Accessories Supplied
Per the manufacturer datasheet, the standard ship kit includes: a Quick Start guide, a battery pack, a region-appropriate AC adapter, and a carrying strap. A carrying case, calibration kit (for VNA / CAA operation), additional batteries, and RF cables / adapters are available as optional accessories from the manufacturer.
Core Specifications
Frequency, Reference, and Bandwidth
| Frequency range |
9 kHz to 3.6 GHz |
| Frequency resolution |
1 Hz |
| Span range |
0 Hz (Zero Span), 100 Hz to maximum frequency |
| Internal reference (10 MHz) |
Aging < 1 ppm/yr; temperature stability < 1 ppm |
| GPS-disciplined reference |
Yes, with optional GPS antenna |
| RBW (-3 dB) |
1 Hz to 10 MHz, 1-3-10 sequence |
| VBW (-3 dB) |
1 Hz to 10 MHz, 1-3-10 sequence |
| EMI filter (-6 dB) |
200 Hz, 9 kHz, 120 kHz, 1 MHz (CISPR 16) |
Amplitude, Level, Phase Noise (Spectrum Analyzer Mode)
| Measurement range (preamp off) |
DANL to +30 dBm |
| Reference level |
-100 dBm to +30 dBm, 1 dB steps |
| Preamplifier |
Approximately 20 dB nominal |
| Input attenuation |
0 to 50 dB, 1 dB steps |
| Maximum continuous power |
+30 dBm (1 W) |
| Maximum input DC voltage |
± 50 VDC |
| Traces / detectors |
4 / Pos-peak, Neg-peak, Sample, Normal, Average |
| DANL, preamp on (typ.) |
-160 dBm/Hz at 100 MHz |
| SSB phase noise at 1 GHz, 10 kHz offset |
< -90 dBc/Hz; -95 dBc/Hz typical |
| Absolute amplitude accuracy at 50 MHz |
± 0.5 dB |
| Third-order intercept (TOI) |
+10 dBm typical |
Vector Network Analyzer / Cable-and-Antenna Mode
| VNA / CAA frequency range |
9 kHz to 3.6 GHz |
| Test ports |
Two (N-type female) |
| Measurement parameters |
S11 magnitude / phase, S21 magnitude / phase, VSWR, return loss, cable loss, distance-to-fault (DTF), Smith chart, group delay |
| Number of trace points |
Up to 10001 |
| Sweep types |
Linear frequency, segment |
| Calibration types |
OSL (Open / Short / Load), full two-port, normalization |
| Output power |
-45 dBm to 0 dBm, 1 dB steps |
| Dynamic range |
> 80 dB typical |
| Cable list (for DTF) |
Pre-populated standard cable types editable by user |
Signal Generator, Power Meter, EMI, Modulation
| Signal generator (option) |
Internal source for stimulating DUTs; output level -45 dBm to 0 dBm |
| Power meter (option) |
Compatible with USB power sensors for accurate absolute power measurement |
| EMI Measurement (option) |
Peak, Average, Quasi-Peak detectors (CISPR 16-1-1); pre-loaded EN 55022, FCC Part 15 limit standards |
| Modulation Analysis (option) |
AM, FM, ASK, FSK demodulation and quality measurement |
| Channel-power measurements |
Channel Power, ACPR, OBW, T-Power, Harmonic, TOI |
Battery, Display, and General
| Display |
TFT LCD, 1280 × 800, 10.1 inch multi-touch capacitive |
| Battery operation |
Lithium-ion battery pack, approximately 4 hours typical operation |
| Internal storage |
≥ 8 GB |
| Dimensions (W×H×D, approx.) |
330 × 220 × 90 mm |
| Weight (with battery, approx.) |
approximately 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) |
| AC source (charger) |
100-240 V, 50/60 Hz; auto-sensing |
| Operating temperature / humidity |
-10 to +50 °C; ≤ 90% RH at 30 °C, non-condensing |
| Enclosure |
Field-tolerant chassis; not a fully sealed IP-rated unit — protect from sustained weather exposure |
| Safety / EMC / RoHS |
EN 61010-1; EN 61326-1; 2011/65/EU |
| Remote interfaces |
LAN, USB Device, USB Host; SCPI / LabVIEW / IVI; HTML5 web browser |
Note on Calibration Kit Requirement
Cable, antenna, and VNA measurements on the SHA851A require a calibration kit appropriate to the test-port connector type. The calibration kit is NOT part of the standard ship kit and must be ordered separately. For N-type test ports, an N-type Open / Short / Load (OSL) calibration kit is typically required; SMA adapters and N-to-SMA precision adapters are also commonly needed. Confirm calibration kit requirements at the time of order.
Note on Optional Features
Several measurement modes — including signal generator, power meter, EMI Measurement, and Modulation Analysis — are software options that may be field-upgraded or factory-installed. Confirm at the time of order which options are required for the target application.
This webpage was written by a human with an A.I. "Intern", which may contain errors. Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.