TI has introduced a sub-GHz spectrum analyzer using the SA430 chip. Known as the MSP-SA430-SUB1GHZ, the CC430 microcontroller that the SA430 is based on is a highly integrated system-on-chip featuring an on-board sub-GHz radio chip based on the CC1101.
As TI describes it:
The MSP-SA430-SUB1GHZ Spectrum Analyzer is a CC430-based reference design that makes it easy and affordable to jumpstart RF development in the sub GHz frequency range. More and more electronic devices include a built-in RF link. RF transceivers are inexpensive – but the equipment to design and debug such systems is not. The CC430-based spectrum analyzer provides an affordable development tool that reduces the time needed on expensive measurement equipment. The system is recognized as a USB device and is operated from a powerful yet simple graphical user interface that is available for free to download.
Listing at $249, the analyzer covers the 300 – 348 MHz, 389 – 464 MHz and 779 – 928 MHz ranges.
Download the datasheet and other docs from TI’s MSP-SA430-SUB1GHZ page.
Amazing but a bit expensive.
Bring on the chinese clones of this device….. We’ll be seeing $30 versions on Aliexpress in no time.
$249, I thought you slipped a decimal point. Nope… TI is insane.
43oh.com should run a contest to see who can duplicate this thing for twenty bucks or less.
http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2010/03/16-pocket-spectrum-analyzer.html
IM-ME toy also uses TI chip. And you can buy it for 1/10 price. CC11xx chip can be also set to TX CW mode and used as RF generator.