Spectrum analyser contract awarded by NFL

Anritsu Company has been awarded a contract by the National Football League (NFL) to supply the league with 36 MS2721B Spectrum Master handheld spectrum analysers.

The spectrum analysers are being used by the NFL’s game day frequency coordinators (GDC) to research, troubleshoot and analyse the RF spectrum at the league’s 32 stadiums before, during and after games.

The units are configured with interference analysis and channel scanner options to ensure that the GDCs efficiently coordinate the 400 or more frequencies used at each stadium during a regular season NFL game. RF is used by team coaches to communicate with players on the field; all broadcast TV and radio entities; medical teams; team security; and public safety.

“Wireless communications usage has increased greatly since the league first implemented GDCs at Super Bowl XXX,” said Jay Gerber, manager, NFL Frequency Organization Group.

“We also had to consider the ever-shrinking RF spectrum as a result of digital TV and re-allocation of frequencies. Recognising these factors, we wanted to provide our GDCs with the instruments they need to do the job effectively. The Anritsu MS2721B analyser has proved to be a great tool to ensure they locate and resolve any RF conflict.”

Gerber and the NFL Frequency Organization Group conducted an extensive evaluation of handheld spectrum analysers before awarding the contract to Anritsu. Among the determining factors in the selection were the devices’ large bright display, 1 Hz resolution and memory that allows up to 1000 preset measurements to be stored. Anritsu also agreed to provide training to all of the NFL’s GDCs and assist in customising the frequency standards required by the NFL in coordinating game day activities.