SM435C — 43.5 GHz Real-time Spectrum Analyzer

The SM435C is a high-performance spectrum analyzer and monitoring receiver with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port, enabling the SM435C to communicate with a PC over long distances using a fiber optic cable. Designed for affordable remotely-located accurate RF data analysis up to 43.5 GHz.


A 10GbE-connected spectrum analyzer perfect for mmWave analysis

The SM435C is a high-performance spectrum analyzer and monitoring receiver with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port, enabling the SM435C to communicate with a PC over long distances using a fiber optic cable. Designed for affordable remotely-located accurate RF data analysis up to 43.5 GHz, the SM435C is perfect for:

  • 5G mmWave monitoring & analysis
  • 24 GHz ISM frequency monitoring
  • Complete Ka band spectrum testing
  • Analysis of emerging & new high-frequency RF signals

Tuning from 100 kHz to 43.5 GHz, the SM435C has 160 MHz continuous streaming I/Q over 10GbE SFP+, 110 dB of dynamic range, 1THz/sec sweep speed at 30kHz RBW (using Nuttall windowing), and phase noise performance low enough to contribute less than 0.1% error to EVM measurements and rival even the most expensive spectrum analyzers on the market.

The smaller form factor of the SM435C allows it to inconspicuously fit in the corner of a test bench, or secured in a conveniently-sized enclosure.

This analyzer features:

  • An SFP+ port for fast, long-distance communication with a PC using an optic cable
  • 160 MHz continuous streaming I/Q over 10GbE SFP+
  • Device control and data transfer occurs via SFP+ connection, not USB
  • Tunes range of 100 kHz to 43.5 GHz
  • 20 MHz to 43.5 GHz sub-octave preselector
  • Sweeps at 1 THz/sec at 30 kHz RBW
  • 110 dB of dynamic range
  • Ultra-low phase noise
  • GPIO port for antenna switching

ModeSM435C
Frequency Range100 kHz to 43.5 GHz
Sweep Speed

Speed                            RBW
• 1 THz/sec                    ≥30 kHz
• 160 GHz/sec               10 kHz
• 18 GHz/sec                 1 kHz

Displayed Average
Noise Level (DANL)
REF LEVEL ≤ -20 dBm
Input Frequency Range            dBm/Hz
• 100 kHz to 160 MHz                -156 dBm
• 160 MHz to 2.2 GHz                -159 dBm
• 2.2 GHz to 24 GHz                   -155 dBm
• 24 GHz to 36 GHz                    -153 dBm + 0.5 dB/GHz
• 36 GHz to 43.5 GHz                 -147 dBm + 1.1 dB/GHz
I/Q Acquisition Modes

Calibrated Streaming I/Q:

up to 160MHz of selectable I/Q streaming bandwidth

Timebase Accuracy

• ±5 x 10-10 when locked to GPS
• Holdover of ±5 x 10-9 /day for aging (±2 x 10-8 first day typ)
• Holdover of ±1 x 10-8 for temperature over -40°C to 65°C (typ)

System Noise Figure (typ)• 12 dB over 700 MHz to 2.5 GHz
• 15 dB from 2.5 GHz to 24 GHz
• 18 dB + 0.5 dB/GHz from 24 GHz to 40 GHz
• 26dB + 2.0 dB/GHz from 40 GHz to 43.5 GHz
LinearityIP2                                                         IP3
• 100 kHz to 20 GHz      +75 dBm      • 100 kHz to 4 GHz       +28 dBm
• 20 GHz to 43.5 GHz    +70 dBm      • 4 GHz to 6 GHz           +23 dBm
                                                              • 6 GHz to 43.5 GHz     +20 dBm
Amplitude Accuracy
100 kHz to 6 GHz           6 GHz to 20 GHz            RBW filter shape
• ± 2.0 dB                        • ± 3.0 dB                      • Flat-Top windowing
Residual Responses
REF LEVEL ≤ -20 dBm
• 100 kHz to 6 GHz          -110 dBm
• 6 GHz to 15 GHz           -100 dBm
• 15 GHz to 44 GHz         -90 dBm
SSB Phase Noise at 1 GHz
Center Frequency
Offset Frequency          dBc/Hz
• 10 Hz                              -76
• 100 Hz                            -108
• 1 kHz                              -125
• 10 kHz                            -136
• 100 kHz                          -138
• 1 MHz                            -138
Lo Leakage at RF Input

• 100 kHz to 6 GHz                                 -80 dBm
• 6 GHz to 24 GHz                                  -50 dBm
• 24 GHz to 43.5 GHz                             -75 dBm

Spurious Mixer Responses• 100 kHz to 6 GHz                                 -55 dBc
• 6 GHz to 24 GHz                                  -45 dBc
• 24 GHz to 43.5 GHz                             -45 dBc
Sub-Octave Preselector Filters20 MHz to 43.5 GHz
SynchronizationExternal trigger, GPIO, Internal GPS (+/-40ns)
Operating Temperature
Standard (passive cooling) 32°F to 122°F (0°C to +50°C)
Size and Weight • 10.45" x 7.2" x 2.15" (265mm x 183mm x 55mm)  • 7.77 lbs. (3.52 kg)
Power Consumption• 9 to 16 VDC 33 Watt Maximum
Interface10GbE SFP+ port
System RequirementsWindows or Linux Operating System, x64_86 architecture