Can you recommend a signal analyzer for RF performance testing in our R&D lab?

Yes — for an R&D lab, the best signal analyzer depends mainly on your frequency range, bandwidth, phase-noise needs, and budget. If you tell me those, I can narrow it to 2–3 exact models.

What to look for

For RF performance testing, prioritize:

• Frequency range that covers your DUTs
• Analysis bandwidth for wideband/modulated signals
• Low phase noise for clean carrier / LO testing
• Excellent dynamic range / DANL for weak-signal work
• Built-in demod / vector signal analysis if you test LTE/5G/Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth
• Preamp, attenuator, and low spurious response
• Connectivity/software for automation and lab integration

Good general recommendations

1) Best all-around R&D choice

Keysight CXA / EXA / MXA series

• Very common in RF labs
• Strong signal fidelity and measurement ecosystem
• Good for spectrum, modulation, spurs, EVM, phase noise, harmonics
• Best if you want a premium, well-supported lab instrument

2) Strong value for serious RF work

Rohde & Schwarz FSV / FSW series

• Excellent phase noise and measurement quality
• Great for communications and general RF characterization
• Often a strong choice if you want high-end performance with flexible options

3) More budget-conscious, still capable

Tektronix RSA series

• Good for many R&D tasks
• Often attractive for real-time analysis and usability
• Best when cost matters but you still need lab-grade capability

4) If you need real-time spectrum capture / transient analysis

Keysight MXR/MXA with real-time options or R&S FSW with RT analysis

• Useful for intermittent emitters, hopping signals, radar-like burst behavior, and interference hunting

My quick recommendation

If this is a general RF R&D lab and you want one “safe” choice:

• Rohde & Schwarz FSW if you care most about top-tier measurement quality
• Keysight MXA/EXA if you want the most broadly adopted ecosystem
• Tektronix RSA if budget is a bigger concern

If you’re testing these signals

• Wi‑Fi / Bluetooth / LTE / 5G: choose a vector signal analyzer with at least the required modulation bandwidth
• Radar / bursts / hopping signals: real-time spectrum analysis helps a lot
• LOs / oscillators / PLLs: prioritize phase noise
• Power amplifiers / harmonics / spurs: prioritize dynamic range and low noise floor

A few questions so I can recommend a specific model

1. What frequency range do you need?
2. What’s your max signal bandwidth?
3. Are you testing modulated wireless, radar, oscillators/PLLs, or general spectrum?
4. What’s your budget range?
5. Do you need real-time analysis or automation/SCPI integration?

If you answer those, I’ll give you a short list with exact models and why each fits.