Aaronia is a technology company based in Strickscheid in the Eifel region of Germany. Founded in 2003 by Thorsten Chmielus, the company mainly produces spectrum analyzers based on patented spectrum analysis processes. From conception and design to final assembly and software development, everything takes place in Germany. High tech made in Germany.
The first Spectrum Analyzer was produced and delivered in 2004. In 2008, the next generation of Spectrum Analyzers was presented with the V4 series, which set a world record in handheld sensitivity of DANL -170dBm (Hz). The 6th generation of SPECTRAN analyzers has been on the market since 2020, for over 9 years now in the form of real-time measuring devices.
With the new generation of spectrum analyzers, AARONIA is raising the bar in terms of speed. By cascading several SPECTRAN devices, real-time bandwidths in the gigahertz range can be realized. The SPECTRAN® V6 series thus sets new benchmarks in the USB compact class. The system is used worldwide in numerous individual installations and complex systems.
The current object of the company is the development, trade and distribution of measuring instruments, technologies and rights in the field of low- and high-frequency measurement technology, robotics, as well as the shielding of low- and high-frequency fields of all kinds and basic research in the field of communications and measurement technology; furthermore, the construction of own circuits and measurement methods, in particular for the development of extremely sensitive and precise high-frequency measurement technology.
Interview with Thorsten Chmielus, CEO of Aaronia AG.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Thorsten Chmielus: In addition to the world’s leading drone detection system Aartos, Aaronia AG develops and produces spectrum analyzers and is a full-range supplier in the field of measurement technology. The customer can choose from numerous ready-made solutions, but the individualization of the products is one of the company’s great strengths. For example, the spectrum analyzers can be adapted precisely to the customer’s needs by choosing from a large number of form factors and then determining which hardware is to be installed in the device. This modular approach also allows additional functions to be retrofitted as and when requirements change.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
T.C: With the SPECTRAN® V6 ECO, Aaronia is establishing a new market segment in real-time spectrum analysis and now also offers high-performance measuring devices based on SDR in the entry-level price segment. The frequency range of the SPECTRAN® V6 ECO 100XA-6 is between 9kHz and 6GHz, optionally 7.25GHz for Wi-Fi 6E measurements. It offers a real-time bandwidth (RTBW) of 44MHz or 500GHz/s sweep speed. The scope of delivery includes the powerful RTSA-Suite PRO for signal recording and data analysis. Among other things, the software offers the simultaneous display of various 2D and 3D signal visualizations, triggers, AM/FM decoders and IQ processing.
Aaronia is already working on the next SPECTRAN® generations. With a frequency range of up to 110GHz (depending on model), the SPECTRAN® V6 XPLORER is the new player in the high-frequency range. As a cost-effective development platform, its performance opens up completely new areas of application.
In addition, an exclusive trade-in service is offered for existing products, and has been for years. If an old device or the previous version of a product is to be exchanged for a successor, up to 50% of the original price will be credited towards the new device. All you have to do is send in the old device and the original invoice. This offer applies to all active components such as measuring devices or amplifiers. By choosing Aaronia, you are making a future-proof investment.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
T.C: As a full-range supplier, Aaronia AG offers its customers high-quality equipment from a single source. In addition to USB real-time spectrum analyzers, this also includes antennas, amplifiers and signal generators as well as cables and connectors. As already mentioned, special solutions are a particular feature. In this way, all products can be configured as required for the individual case.
The V6 MIL is an extremely robust outdoor measuring device in combination with a laptop. With this solution, all tasks that occur in the field – from measurement and recording to data export and report preparation with standard PC software – can be completed with just one device.
Different designs of remote spectrum analyzers (RSA) allow installation in 19″ cabinets, such as the SPECTRAN® V6 RSA series. The SPECTRAN® V6 RODB series is used for comprehensive 24/7 spectrum monitoring or any type of measurement application at critical locations. It comprises IP66-certified outdoor boxes equipped with the SPECTRAN® V6 real-time spectrum analyzer and a PC for remote analysis, streaming and/or data storage.
The ability to record IQ data in real time is exceptional. The Record & Replay function of the SPECTRAN® V6 in conjunction with the RTSA-Suite PRO allows the recording and replay of the full IQ bandwidth of up to 245MHz and more. In this way, all the information required to restore a signal can be saved. The data is stored locally on the connected computer and can be retrieved at any time to examine a signal in detail. The recording time is only limited by the capacity of the storage media used.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
T.C: Measurement technology is facing its biggest revolution since the introduction of circuit electronics. This is especially true for real-time spectrum analysis. New radio standards require new technologies, which makes it necessary to open up new frequency ranges as well as continuous further development. Ever shorter signals in high frequency ranges have to be analyzed, which is why detailed analyses in terms of signal duration are becoming increasingly important. These requirements can only be met with the appropriate equipment.
Aaronia’s real-time spectrum analyzers convert the incoming RF signals into digital signals and make them available for further processing on a computer. In addition, a standard PC screen with > 20″ diagonal, full HD resolution and 65 million colors outshines any monitor integrated in a measuring device. If that’s not enough, you can use one (or more!) 80″ 8k monitors to visualize even the smallest detail. The future belongs to modular, USB-based measuring systems.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
T.C: Basically, we are seeing a shift towards ever higher frequency ranges, as the existing frequency bands are already heavily utilized. New technologies can almost inevitably only be established in the higher frequency bands. As a result, measurements will have to be taken in these bands and appropriate equipment will be needed. This means that ever faster and ever larger real-time bandwidths have to be analyzed, which is where current technology reaches its limits. One solution is to combine several SPECTRAN® V6s, which allows the real-time bandwidth to be increased as required. For example, cascading ten V6s allows seamless real-time measurement of around 2.5 GHz.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
T.C: The recording and analysis of IQ data is becoming increasingly important. The big problem here is the amount of data generated. This fills mass storage with superfluous data and makes it difficult to search for specific information. Aaronia AG has solved this problem and developed a new tool that only records predefined events. For example, everything that is at 2.4 GH and has to do with Wifi can be written away during operation. Several events can also be defined if required. In this way, the technician can create a database that contains all events but only requires a fraction of the memory space. It is also relatively easy to set up 24/7 recording with this tool, as little hard disk capacity is required. Recording IQ data in a meaningful way and being able to search through it afterwards is the undisputed supreme discipline. Aaronia masters this too.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2024?
T.C: Our new devices will cover areas for which there were previously no solutions. We expect this to lead to new customers and the development of new business areas.