Nelson-Ross PSA-011

The Nelson-Ross PSA-011 is a spectrum analyzer plug-in for 500-series scopes. The center frequency range is 10 Hz to 20 kHz. It can display amplitude in linear or log scale.

Nelson-Ross PSA-011
20 kHz Spectrum Analyzer plug-in
Nelson-Ross PSA-011 front view

Compatible with 500-series scopes

Produced from (?) to (?)

Manuals
(All manuals in PDF format unless noted otherwise)

Key Specifications

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Internals

The input is high-impedance and is AC-coupled. The PSA-011 is a single-conversion architecture with a pair of 6BH6 tubes serving as a balanced mixer. After IF filtering and amplification, the signal is detected using a 1N34A germanium diode. The detected voltage from the diode directly drives pin 3 (vertical -) of the scope plug-in interface connector. Pin 1 (vertical +) of the scope plug-in interface connector is fed a DC vertical position voltage by the PSA-011.

The voltage-controlled local oscillator is tuned using a variable-reactance tube, V6, a 6201.

There were at least two major versions produced, without changing the model number. Compare the picture from the manual below with the other front panel photographs.

There was also a tracking generator, called the Nelson Ross 101 SYNCHRO-SWEEP Generator. These are very rare.

Pictures

Components

Some Parts Used in the Nelson-Ross PSA-011

Part Part Number(s) Class Description Used in
1N34A Discrete component germanium point-contact diode Nelson-Ross PSA-011
6201 Vacuum Tube (Dual Triode) dual high-gain triode Nelson-Ross PSA-011
6BH6 154-0026-00 154-0285-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) pentode 130 162 310 310A 512 517 517A 524 Nelson-Ross PSA-011