Aerospace: Compact, High-Performance Measurement Solutions for Critical Communication Systems

With the forecast doubling of global air traffic by 2030/2031, the demands on availability, reliability, and safety of aviation ground and control infrastructure are increasing significantly. Navigation and communication systems, as well as their cabling and antenna installations, must undergo regular field testing and maintenance. In the space sector, satellite earth stations are among the systems whose validation and maintenance are becoming increasingly demanding due to the growing complexity of modern satellite systems. Signals must be analyzed, calibrated, and stabilized across wide frequency ranges.

For routine and inspection measurements on airport premises and in ATC operation, compact, universal measurement solutions such as the portable Keysight FieldFox Handheld Analyzer from Keysight Technologies are a suitable choice. The instrument combines more than 20 measurement functions in a rugged device and covers typical tasks such as testing antenna and cable systems, fault location using distance-to-fault, and pulse and peak power measurements on radar and navigation stations. Filters, amplifiers, and converters can be verified directly on site for insertion loss, amplitude response, and spectral purity. This reduces transport, setup, and calibration effort, saving time and logistical resources.

In space applications, the FieldFox Handheld Analyzer covers the full range of testing requirements, from precise antenna alignment and line sweeps to fault location in transmission paths and detailed characterization of up- and downconverters, filters, amplifiers, and LNBs. Broadband, frequency-agile signals can also be evaluated reliably. Thanks to remote control capability and a weather-resistant design, the device remains fully operational even at difficult-to-access or permanently installed outdoor locations. This significantly simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting and improves the availability of modern SatCom systems.

Whether in aviation or space: regardless of the application area, the FieldFox remains a secure long-term investment because it can be adapted to new requirements using external sensors and modular software. It can scale with new radar or navigation systems, expanding frequency band usage, and further digitalization steps, providing genuine future-proof capability.

As an authorized partner of Keysight, dataTec supports customers in selecting, integrating, and operating suitable measurement and test solutions. In addition to measurement and test equipment, the company provides technical consulting, calibration services, and customized system concepts.

The complete Keysight portfolio and further information are available at: www.datatec.eu/keysight

Keysight highlights the two demanding application areas of the FieldFox Handheld Analyzer in two technical publications: the application note „Precision Validation, Maintenance and Repair of Satellite Earth Stations“ and the white paper „Smarter Airports: Field Assurance for Airports and Air Traffic Control Systems“.