A compact, FPGA-based real-time spectrum analyzer in a module form factor, operated from host software with no onboard display. The ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN covers 9 kHz to 40 GHz across three models, delivers 100 MHz of gapless analysis bandwidth, and connects over USB Type-C or Gigabit Ethernet.
ICX-090 / ICX-200 / ICX-400 · USB and LAN variants · Document rev. A · Specifications verify against the published Berkeley Nucleonics datasheet
1Overview
The Berkeley Nucleonics ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN is a compact, FPGA-based real-time spectrum analyzer in a module form factor. It has no onboard display and is operated from a host computer running Vector Signal Studio (SpecICX-gen3). The series covers 9 kHz up to 9.5, 20, or 40 GHz with a standard 100 MHz analysis bandwidth, and its fast FFT design reaches a sweep speed up to 1 THz/s.
Two interface options serve different deployments. USB models connect over a single Type-C cable that carries both power and data, ideal for portable and bench work driven from a laptop. Networked (LAN) models add Gigabit Ethernet for remote, rack-mounted, and distributed sensor installations. Both variants share the same measurement core, option set, and API.
The ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN comes standard with a variety of advanced measurement functions, including channel power, OBW, X dB bandwidth, harmonic measurement, SEM, AM/FM demodulation, and automatic phase noise analysis. SpecICX-gen3 renders spectrum, spectrogram, and historical trace views on the host.
A unified, highly compatible API supports mainstream programming languages including C/C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, Qt, and LabVIEW on both Windows and Linux. That makes secondary development straightforward and integration into larger systems clean. Talk to a Berkeley Nucleonics engineer about matching the right model and interface to your application.
2Key Features
Module form factor, host-software operation. No onboard screen; the analyzer is driven from a host computer running Vector Signal Studio (SpecICX-gen3).
USB or LAN interface. USB models run over a single Type-C cable for power and data; networked models add Gigabit Ethernet for remote and distributed deployment.
Compact and light. From under 305 g, bus or adapter powered with a 9 to 16 W draw depending on model.
Frequency range 9 kHz to 9.5 / 20 / 40 GHz across the ICX-090, ICX-200, and ICX-400 models.
100 MHz analysis bandwidth with gapless, overlap-free real-time FFT.
1 GHz DANL below -160 dBm/Hz for low-level signal work.
Standard SCPI plus a unified API across C/C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, Qt, and LabVIEW on Windows and Linux.
3Models & Frequency Range
Three models share the same FPGA measurement core and 100 MHz analysis bandwidth. They differ in upper frequency limit and RF input connector. Each model ships in two interface variants: a USB (Type-C) module and a networked (Gigabit Ethernet) module. Both are operated from a host computer.
Model
Frequency range
RF input connector
Interface variants
Analysis bandwidth
ICX-090
9 kHz to 9.5 GHz
SMA (F), 50 Ω
USB (Type-C) or LAN (Gigabit Ethernet)
100 MHz
ICX-200
9 kHz to 20 GHz
SMA (F), 50 Ω
USB (Type-C) or LAN (Gigabit Ethernet)
100 MHz
ICX-400
9 kHz to 40 GHz
2.92 mm (F), 50 Ω
USB (Type-C) or LAN (Gigabit Ethernet)
100 MHz
4Operating Modes
The ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN offers main operating modes including Standard Spectrum Analysis, IQ Streaming, Power Detection, Real-Time Spectrum, Phase Noise Measurement, and Harmonics Analysis. Digital Demodulation is available as an option. All modes run in Vector Signal Studio (SpecICX-gen3) on the host.
Standard Spectrum Analysis
This mode provides a wide range of measurement functions, including full-span spectrum sweep, channel power, OBW, ACPR, IM3, and SEM. It also supports spectrum recording and playback. Combined with auxiliary tools such as signal tracking, peak table, and amplitude correction, it delivers a one-stop platform for comprehensive spectrum check.
Standard Spectrum Analysis
IQ Streaming Analysis
This mode supports up to 100 MHz analysis bandwidth and allows IQ data acquisition through multiple trigger methods. It provides IQ time-domain waveform display, spectrum and spectrogram views, AM/FM demodulation, and digital down-conversion (DDC).
IQ Streaming Analysis
Power Detection Analysis
This mode enables detection and analysis of time-domain signals within the analysis bandwidth. It suits applications focused on in-band power-versus-time relationships, such as pulse signal measurements.
Power Detection Analysis
Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
This mode is powered by a high-speed FPGA-based FFT engine. With strictly gapless and overlap-free FFT, it achieves true real-time monitoring across the full bandwidth.
Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
Digital Demodulation (option)
This mode supports 2ASK, 2FSK, 4FSK, GMSK, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, and 256QAM signals.
Digital Demodulation (option)
Harmonics Analysis
This mode supports detection and measurement of up to 10 harmonic components, including harmonic peaks, harmonic channel power, and total harmonic distortion.
Harmonics Analysis
Phase Noise Measurement
This mode supports offset ranges from 1 Hz to 10 MHz for evaluating carrier phase stability. With the built-in automatic carrier search function, the software can quickly locate the target carrier without manual adjustment.
Phase Noise Measurement
5Main Functions
A standard set of measurement and utility functions runs on every ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN module. Pulse Detection and digital demodulation are software options.
<-65 dBc, center frequency ± (N/M) × 125 MHz, N, M = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
IIP3 / IIP2 (dBm)
Each cell lists IIP3 / IIP2.
Carrier frequency
ICX-090
ICX-200
ICX-400
1 GHz
9.5 GHz
1 GHz
20 GHz
1 GHz
40 GHz
R.L. = 20 dBm
46.1 / 83.2
40.5 / 92.8
45.5 / 82.6
35.3 / 93.6
40.3 / 75.5
31.7 / 88.6
R.L. = 0 dBm
26.7 / 85.0
19.2 / 90.3
25.5 / 81.1
21.0 / 89.0
27.4 / 45.3
10.3 / 86.1
R.L. = -20 dBm
10.5 / 82.2
2.0 / 49.3
7.9 / 81.5
-4.5 / 55.3
8.7 / 25.2
4.8 / 66.6
7Amplitude & DANL
Amplitude
Parameter
ICX-090 / ICX-200
ICX-400
Display range
DANL to 23 dBm (typ.)
DANL to 20 dBm (typ.)
Reference level (R.L.)
-50 dBm to +23 dBm (typ.)
-50 dBm to +20 dBm (typ.)
VSWR
90 MHz to 9.5/20 GHz: <2.0:1
90 MHz to 16 GHz: <2.0:1; 16 GHz to 40 GHz: <3.0:1
Max. DC voltage
±10 VDC
IF in-band flatness
±2.0 dB
Max. input power (CW)
23 dBm: 50 MHz to 9.5/20/40 GHz and the preamplifier is off; 10 dBm: 9 kHz to 50 MHz or preamplifier is on
Amplitude accuracy
9 kHz to 9.5 GHz: ±2.0 dB; 9.5 GHz to 20/40 GHz: ±3.0 dB
RF preamplifiers
Automatically turn on or forcibly turn off
Display Average Noise Level (DANL, dBm/Hz)
RBW = 1 kHz.
Reference level (R.L.)
ICX-090
ICX-200
ICX-400
-20 dBm
-50 dBm
-20 dBm
-50 dBm
-20 dBm
-50 dBm
9 kHz to 1 MHz
-143.0
-152.4
-143.6
-152.6
-136.0
-145.8
1 MHz to 90 MHz
-152.0
-159.2
-151.8
-160.0
-153.7
-158.0
90 MHz to 3 GHz
-146.0
-167.5
-149.7
-166.3
-154.1
-159.9
3 GHz to 9.5 GHz
-153.6
-167.0
-151.4
-157.5
-154.1
-159.9
9.5 GHz to 19 GHz
-
-
-156.1
-160.6
-156.8
-161.5
19 GHz to 20 GHz
-
-
-156.1
-160.6
-145.2
-149.3
20 GHz to 40 GHz
-
-
-
-
-145.2
-149.3
8Sweep, Detection & Real-Time Analysis
Standard Spectrum Analysis
Parameter
Specification
Detector
PosPeak, NegPeak, Sample, Average, RMS, MaxPower
RBW
1 Hz to 10 MHz
VBW
1 Hz to 10 MHz
Data chart
SpecICX-gen3 software provides spectrum, spectrogram, and historical trace
Measurements
Channel power, OBW, X dB bandwidth, Adjacent channel power ratio, IM3
Sweep Speed
Condition
Sweep speed
RBW = 250 kHz FPGA, spur reject = bypass
1.0 THz/s
RBW = 250 kHz FPGA, spur reject = standard
577.5 GHz/s
RBW = 50 kHz FPGA, spur reject = bypass
212.6 GHz/s
RBW = 1 kHz CPU, spur reject = bypass
2.6 GHz/s
Detection Analysis
Parameter
Specification
Lowest time resolution
8 ns
Max. analysis bandwidth
100 MHz
Detector
PosPeak, NegPeak, Sample, Average, RMS, MaxPower
Real-Time Spectrum Analysis
Parameter
Specification
FFT analysis
FFT engine is implemented in FPGA. Frame compression and trace detection are supported. No missing samples between FFT frames. FFT frame update rate = 10^9 ns / (N × D × 8 ns); POI = 2 × N × D × 8 ns, for FFT points (2048, 1024, 512, 256, 128, 64, 32) and D the decimate factor (1, 2, 4, 8...). Typical: N = 2048, D = 1 gives 61,035 times/sec and 32.768 us POI; N = 32, D = 1 gives 3,906,250 times/sec and 0.512 us POI.
Max. analysis bandwidth
100 MHz
Window function
B-Nuttall, Flat-top, LowSideLobe
RBW
14.73 MHz to 3.59 kHz (Flat-top); 7.81 MHz to 1.90 kHz (B-Nuttall); 13 grades for each window type
Amplitude resolution
0.75 dB
9IQ Recording
Parameter
Specification
Burst recording bandwidth
Maximum 100 MHz. The built-in memory depth is 128 Mbytes.
The ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN has no onboard display, keypad, or battery. It is powered and controlled through its host interface and operated entirely from Vector Signal Studio (SpecICX-gen3). The USB models draw power and data over one Type-C cable; the LAN models take a Type-C power feed and carry data over Gigabit Ethernet.
Input and Output
Parameter
USB models (ICX-090 / ICX-200)
LAN models
ICX-400 USB
External trigger input
Type-C, 3.3 V CMOS, high impedance
MMCX (F), 3.3 V CMOS, high impedance
Integrated in AUXIO, 3.3 V CMOS, high impedance
Trigger output
Type-C, 3.3 V CMOS
MMCX (F), 3.3 V CMOS
Integrated in AUXIO, 3.3 V CMOS
Parameter
USB models (ICX-090 / ICX-200)
ICX-400 USB
LAN models
RF input
SMA (F), 50 Ω
2.92 mm (F), 50 Ω
RF output (opt02 generator)
SMA (F), 50 Ω
–
Reference clock input
MCX (F), amplitude ≥ 1.5 Vpp, impedance 330 Ω
MMCX (F), amplitude ≥ 1.5 Vpp, impedance 330 Ω
Reference clock output
Unavailable
Integrated in AUXIO, 10 MHz, 3.3 V CMOS, programmable on/off
Type-C, 5 V 2 A supply capacity, voltage range 4.75 to 5.25 V, ripple < 200 mVpp
Type-C, 12 V 2 A supply capacity, voltage range 9 to 12 V, ripple < 200 mVpp
Data interface
Type-C, USB 3.0 (USB 2.0 bandwidth limited), requires 5 V 0.9 A power supply
RJ45 1000 Mbps × 1, 100 Mbps × 1
Display
None. Operated from a host computer running Vector Signal Studio (SpecICX-gen3).
GNSS type
External
Internal
GNSS 1PPS synchronization accuracy
Std. / opt21
opt21, ±100 ns
Std., ±100 ns
opt22 / opt05
opt22, ±75 ns
opt05, ±75 ns
opt23 / opt06
opt23, ±50 ns
opt06, ±50 ns
System requirements
Windows 11/10/8/7 (x86, x64, AArch64; AArch64 supported on LAN models only). Debian 12/11/10 (x64, AArch64). Ubuntu 24.04/22.04/20.04/18.04 (x64, AArch64).
Operating / storage temperature (ambient)
T0 class (std.)
0 to 50 °C / -20 to +70 °C
T1 class (opt40)
-20 to +65 °C / -40 to +85 °C
T2 class (opt41)
-40 to +65 °C / -40 to +85 °C
Operating relative humidity
Ambient temp. 0 to 40 °C
5 to 75%
Ambient temp. > 40 °C
5 to 45%
Packaging and accessories
Flash disk ×1, USB 3.0 cable ×2, power adapter ×1
Flash disk ×1, USB 2.0 cable ×1, power adapter ×1
Size, Weight & Power
Model group
Size (L × W × H)
Weight
Power consumption
ICX-090 / ICX-200, USB
156 × 62 × 22 mm
< 305 g
9 to 12 W
ICX-400, USB
139 × 68 × 31 mm
< 420 g
10 to 14 W
ICX-090 / ICX-200 / ICX-400, LAN
167 × 117 × 30 mm
< 665 g
13 to 16 W
Specification conditions. Values apply under the following conditions: (1) start up and warm up for 10 minutes; (2) ambient temperature 25 °C (core temperature 50 °C); (3) standard spectrum analysis mode with spurious rejection standard on; (4) necessary heat dissipation is provided so the ambient and core temperatures stay within the rated range at the same time; (5) sweep speed and display average noise level test conditions are MCU 0.55.57, FPGA 0.55.22, API 0.55.61. (verify build strings carry to BNC release builds.)
11Options
Code
Description
Type
01
Built-in OCXO reference clock
Built-in hardware
02
Built-in signal generator (100 kHz to 6.3 GHz)
Built-in hardware
05
Internal high precision GNSS
Built-in hardware
06
Built-in GNSS disciplined reference clock
Built-in hardware
20
AUXIO IO expansion board
Accessory
21
External GNSS
Accessory
22
External high precision GNSS
Accessory
23
External GNSS disciplined OCXO reference clock
Accessory
34
External omnidirectional antenna, 400 MHz to 8000 MHz, gain < 2 dBi
Accessory
35
External active directional antenna, frequency range 0.5 to 10 GHz, gain < 5 dBi (amp off); < 25 dBi (amp on)
Accessory
40
T1 temperature class
Built-in hardware
41
T2 temperature class (core only)
Built-in hardware
71
Basic digital demodulation
Software
72
Pulse detection
Software
Berkeley Nucleonics directional and omnidirectional antennas pair with the ICX-FieldHawk USB/LAN for geolocation and direction-finding work. (verify antenna part numbers and gain figures against the published BNC datasheet.)
