Overview

The UNI-T UTS7026A Interceptor-Series signal analyzer extends professional spectrum analysis from 2 Hz through 26.5 GHz, providing complete K-band coverage for automotive radar development, satellite communications, and point-to-point microwave systems. With exceptional -167 dBm/Hz sensitivity maintained across the entire frequency range, guaranteed 100% Probability of Intercept, and upgradeable real-time bandwidth from 40 MHz to 255 MHz, the UTS7026A delivers the extended frequency capability essential for automotive and satellite engineers without compromising the superior specifications that define the Interceptor-Series.

You're developing 24 GHz automotive radar systems, characterizing K-band satellite terminals, or testing point-to-point microwave links operating above 13.6 GHz. The UTS7026A provides the frequency coverage you need—extending through the complete K-band to 26.5 GHz—while maintaining the same exceptional sensitivity, guaranteed signal capture, and comprehensive measurement capabilities as lower-frequency models. Whether analyzing 24 GHz ISM band radar, characterizing Ku/K-band satellite transponders, or measuring harmonic content from sub-6 GHz fundamentals, the UTS7026A delivers professional-grade performance across an extended frequency range.

The UTS7026A's frequency coverage through 26.5 GHz opens critical application spaces beyond the 13.6 GHz limit of standard models. The K-band spectrum (18-26.5 GHz) hosts automotive radar at 24 GHz, commercial satellite communications across Ku/K-bands, and point-to-point microwave links—applications that are completely inaccessible to analyzers stopping at 13.6 GHz.

Why 26.5 GHz matters:

24 GHz automotive radar: The 24-24.25 GHz ISM band hosts automotive short-range radar (SRR) for blind spot detection, parking assist, lane change assist, and cross-traffic alert. European regulations allocate 24.05-24.25 GHz for automotive applications. The UTS7026A provides direct measurement capability for these systems without relying on harmonic or mixer-based approaches that compromise accuracy.

K-band satellite communications: Commercial satellite systems use Ku-band downlinks (10.7-12.75 GHz) and uplinks (14-14.5 GHz), plus K-band uplinks (17.7-21.2 GHz) and downlinks (18.3-20.2 GHz). The UTS7026A covers both bands completely, enabling comprehensive satellite terminal characterization from receive through transmit without switching instruments or adding external mixers.

Extended harmonic analysis: When characterizing transmitters operating at 8-9 GHz (X-band radar, satellite terminals), third-order harmonics fall at 24-27 GHz. Without 26.5 GHz coverage, you cannot verify harmonic compliance or measure total radiated power accurately. The UTS7026A captures these harmonics directly.

Automotive short-range radar (SRR) systems operate at 24 GHz for blind spot detection, parking assistance, lane change assist, and cross-traffic alert. These systems are mandatory safety features in modern vehicles, making 24 GHz radar one of the fastest-growing automotive electronics applications.

The UTS7026A provides direct 24 GHz measurement—you point the analyzer at the radar module and measure the actual transmitted signal at 24 GHz. This direct approach eliminates the complexity and accuracy limitations of harmonic measurement methods (measuring at 8 GHz and inferring 24 GHz performance from the 3rd harmonic) or external mixer approaches that add cost, complexity, and measurement uncertainty.

Automotive radar measurement requirements:

• Frequency accuracy: 24 GHz carrier must meet regulatory allocations (24.05-24.25 GHz) with tight tolerances to prevent interference with adjacent systems
• Output power: Verify EIRP compliance with regulatory limits while ensuring sufficient range performance
• Chirp linearity (FMCW): Most automotive radar uses frequency-modulated continuous wave with linear chirps. Nonlinear chirps degrade range accuracy and resolution.
• Spectral purity: Harmonics and spurious emissions must meet automotive EMC requirements and prevent interference with other vehicle systems
• Phase noise: Impacts Doppler velocity measurement accuracy—critical for detecting relative motion of nearby vehicles

The UTS7026A's 100% POI capability is particularly valuable for pulsed radar systems, ensuring capture of every radar pulse for accurate pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, and modulation characterization.

Commercial satellite communications systems use Ku-band and K-band frequencies for both uplinks (ground-to-satellite) and downlinks (satellite-to-ground). Satellite terminal development requires comprehensive testing across both bands—verifying receiver sensitivity on downlink frequencies and transmitter performance on uplink frequencies.

Complete Ku/K-band coverage: The UTS7026A spans 10.7 GHz through 26.5 GHz, covering all commercial satellite allocations without gaps. Test complete terminals without switching instruments or adding external mixers for different bands.

Critical satellite measurements:

• Carrier frequency accuracy: Satellite transponders are tightly coordinated. Frequency errors cause interference with adjacent transponders and service degradation.
• EIRP verification: Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power must meet link budget requirements for reliable communication while not exceeding regulatory limits
• Spectral regrowth: Nonlinear amplification creates shoulder emissions that interfere with adjacent transponders—measure and verify compliance with transponder spectral masks
• Modulation quality: DVB-S2/S2X systems use high-order modulation (16APSK, 32APSK) requiring excellent transmitter linearity. Measure EVM and constellation quality.
• Carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N): Essential for link budget analysis and margin verification

The UTS7026A's exceptional -167 dBm/Hz sensitivity enables accurate measurement of satellite downlinks even with small receive antennas, while the wide dynamic range supports high-power uplink transmitter characterization.