04 | Keysight | N6841A RF Sensor for Signal Monitoring Networks - Data Sheet
Deployments
Number N6841-90002).
the chance of interference.
The N6841A RF Sensor has a
weatherproof and dustproof
Antennas
Physical Mounting
IP67-rated (Standard IEC 60529
International Protection 67) enclosure
plus a wide operating temperature
range to withstand harsh environ-
ments without additional expensive
protective enclosures. The unit is
conductively cooled, silent and
contains no moving parts. It operates
over a temperature range of –15 °C
to 55 °C. The range can be extended
by use of commercially available
enclosures that provide heat and
ventilation as needed for extreme
temperature conditions.
The N6841A RF Sensor can be used with
any passive or active antenna element. A
specific antenna is not stipulated for use
with the RF Sensor to ensure maximum
flexibility of the solution. The new Keysight
N6850A Antenna has excellent broadband
omni-directional characteristics and
provides good coverage to make the
measurements needed without excessive
expense or additional power.
The N6841A RF Sensor ships with a
complete mounting kit for attachment
to a rack, wall or pole. The mounting
bracket includes provision for security
locks, attachment of the GPS antenna
and the RF Sensor. Aside from the RF
Antenna, only one connection to the
pole is required for a new RF monitor-
ing station.
Power Considerations
Multiple Sensors
The N6841A RF Sensor is powered by DC
voltage ranging from 15 to 24VDC and it
draws less than 30W. Option SP1 provides
a 120/240 VAC power supply suitable for
indoor (protected) installations. Off-the-
shelf batteries are available from a number
of suppliers that can power the RF Sensor
for up to eight hours. There are also power
supplies rated for outdoor use available
commercially. The RF Sensor ships with
an extra power connector for use with an
alternate power source.
One of the benefits of deploying
multiple sensors is improved RF detec-
tion range and the ability to make time
synchronous I/Q and spectral mea-
surements. This capability opens the
door to emitter location and direction
finding applications, propagation stud-
ies and other applications. N6841A RF
Sensors can be synchronized using two
different methods: GPS (for outside
deployments) and IEEE-1588 (for
indoor deployments or wherever GPS
may not be available).
This receiver has a small footprint
with no external switches or
status indicators making it extremely
discreet. The low-profile form factor
offers many mounting options,
including tripod, roof-top, pole-top,
rack-mount, vehicle-mount or man-
pack deployments. Relative to other
solutions, the N6841A RF Sensor
requires a minimum of installation
engineering, and is likely to gain easy
approval from building managers. It
is also very well suited to temporary
installations.
Network Connections
Many times, a wired Internet connection
is not possible for the ideal RF Sensor
location. In these cases, either a 3G or
4G modem, mesh radio network, or Wi-Fi
backhaul may be an option. Standard
Wi-Fi radios with directional antennas can
easily service the data connection to an RF
Sensor over 1 to 2 km. If greater distances
are needed, a cellular modem provides the
freedom to site the sensor anywhere in the
cellular coverage area. If wired Ethernet
is available for your installation, shielded
cable is highly recommended to reduce
On-board diagnostics include
complete self-test of the internal RF
signal path and a watchdog reset
timer. This reduces the need for
on-site troubleshooting. Installation
and configuration of the RF sensor
is simple with only RF input, GPS
antenna (optional), power and
network connections.
More detailed information regarding
installation is provided in the N6841A
Installation Guide (Publication
KEYSIGHT [ Keysight Technologies ]
