Rohde & Schwarz Equipment Models — Used & Calibrated

Why Buy Used Rohde & Schwarz Test Equipment

R&S instruments hold their performance over decades. A well-maintained SMA100A built in 2012 meets the same phase-noise specification it did on day one — provided it passes calibration. That durability creates a straightforward value proposition on the used market.

Cost Savings with Real Numbers

Used R&S signal generators typically sell at 40–70% below current list price for equivalent new models. An SMA100A with the B22 option (9 kHz – 3 GHz) costs a fraction of a new SMA100B at comparable specs. For labs expanding test capacity or replacing aging units on a production line, the savings free up budget for additional instruments or accessories.

More context on buying strategy is available on our used RF equipment guide.

Calibration & Certification

• Every unit ships with a fresh calibration certificate, traceable to ISO 17025 standards.
• Calibration turnaround: 5–7 business days after order confirmation.
• Installed options and firmware versions are verified against R&S documentation before any instrument is listed.

Warranty & Return Policy

• 12-month functional warranty on all instruments.
• 14-day evaluation period — return for full refund if the unit does not meet your requirements.
• Coverage applies to functional defects, not cosmetic wear or damage from misuse after delivery.

For details on our inspection and refurbishment workflow, see the certified RF equipment page.

Signal Generators

R&S SMIQ 03B — 300 kHz – 3.3 GHz Signal Generator

The SMIQ 03B is a workhorse vector signal generator from the early 2000s, covering 300 kHz to 3.3 GHz with digital modulation support through optional personality keys (B11 for I/Q modulation, B20 for digital standard packages). R&S discontinued the SMIQ series around 2008, which has two practical consequences for buyers.

R&S no longer offers factory repair or calibration for this model — third-party cal labs and resellers like us handle servicing. Replacement parts, particularly front-panel assemblies and RF output boards, are finite. If you need an SMIQ 03B, securing a clean unit now is advisable; availability will only shrink.

• Frequency range: 300 kHz – 3.3 GHz
• Modulation: AM, FM, ΦM, pulse; I/Q with option B11
• Discontinued: ~2008 — no factory service
• Typical applications: Production test of legacy wireless modules, service bench signal injection, receiver sensitivity checks
• Status: In stock

The successor path leads to the SMW200A family, but for CW or simple modulated signal needs under 3.3 GHz, the SMIQ 03B remains fully capable at a fraction of a modern generator’s cost.

R&S SMU200A — Vector Signal Generator

A dual-path vector signal generator — one of the few instruments that produces two independent RF signals from a single box. That architecture makes the SMU200A valuable for MIMO testing, fading simulation, and multi-standard environments where two separate generators would otherwise occupy rack space and budget.

Configuration determines value. The most sought-after options include:

• SMU-B103: Baseband generator with arbitrary waveform (ARB) capability
• SMU-B10x series: Frequency options defining RF path coverage (e.g., B102 for 100 kHz – 2.2 GHz, B106 for 100 kHz – 6 GHz)
• SMU-K series: Digital standard keys (K40 for GSM, K55 for WCDMA, K84 for LTE, etc.)

Firmware matters on the SMU200A. Later revisions added support for LTE-Advanced waveforms and improved ARB memory management. We verify and document the installed firmware version on every unit. Most K-option licenses are tied to the instrument serial number and transfer with the unit. Others may require a license file from R&S — we clarify transferability before sale.

• Architecture: Dual-path RF + baseband
• Key strength: Two independent signal paths in one instrument
• Typical applications: MIMO receiver test, fading profiles, multi-standard handover testing
• Status: In stock

Engineers comparing the SMU200A to alternatives should consider the Agilent E4438C, which covers similar territory as a single-path generator. The SMU200A’s dual-path design remains its primary advantage over single-channel competitors.

R&S SMBV100A — Vector Signal Generator, 9 kHz – 3.2 GHz / 6 GHz

We carry two configurations of the SMBV100A: one covering 9 kHz – 3.2 GHz, and another extending to 6 GHz. The 6 GHz variant handles Wi-Fi 6E and upper-band 5G NR testing scenarios that the 3.2 GHz version cannot reach.

Wideband baseband capability is a defining feature, with up to 120 MHz I/Q modulation bandwidth depending on installed options. Key option codes to look for:

• SMBV-K55: GSM/EDGE digital standard
• SMBV-K84/K85: LTE FDD/TDD
• SMBV-B1: Baseband generator with ARB

R&S introduced the SMBV100B as the successor, adding faster waveform switching and wider baseband bandwidth. For production-line testing of Wi-Fi or LTE modules where switching speed is not the bottleneck, the SMBV100A delivers equivalent RF performance at substantially lower cost.

• Frequency range: 9 kHz – 3.2 GHz or 9 kHz – 6 GHz (two units available)
• I/Q bandwidth: Up to 120 MHz (option-dependent)
• Typical applications: LTE/5G NR pre-conformance, Wi-Fi 6E module production test, digital standard signal generation
• Status: In stock (both configurations)

R&S SMA100A — 9 kHz – 3 GHz Signal Generator

A pure analog/CW signal generator built around exceptional phase-noise performance. The SMA100A does not include vector modulation — deliberately. Without baseband hardware, it achieves phase-noise floors that vector generators cannot match at the same price point.

Our unit carries the B22 option, setting the upper frequency limit at 3 GHz. The B29 option extends coverage to 6 GHz, but B22 units are more common on the used market. Phase-noise performance varies by option tier:

• SMA-B22: 9 kHz – 3 GHz, standard phase noise
• SMA-B22 + SMA-B711: Enhanced phase noise at close-in offsets
• SMA-B29: 9 kHz – 6 GHz

Choose the SMA100A for local oscillator substitution, receiver blocking tests, and any application where spectral purity matters more than modulation capability. For modulated signals, pair it with an external I/Q source or opt for the SMBV100A instead.

• Frequency range: 9 kHz – 3 GHz (B22 installed)
• Output power: Up to +18 dBm (option-dependent)
• Typical applications: LO substitution, receiver sensitivity, phase-noise-sensitive measurements
• Status: In stock

Browse all available signal generators — including models from other manufacturers — on our used RF signal generators page.

Spectrum & Signal Analyzers

R&S FSP — Spectrum Analyzer, 9 kHz – 7 GHz

The FSP series spans five models distinguished by upper frequency limit: FSP3 (3 GHz), FSP7 (7 GHz), FSP13 (13 GHz), FSP30 (30 GHz), and FSP40 (40 GHz). Our current inventory unit is an FSP7, covering 9 kHz to 7 GHz.

Production ended around 2013, with the FSW family taking over as successor. Despite its age, the FSP remains a solid choice for EMC pre-compliance measurements, basic RF signal analysis, and production-line spectrum monitoring. Resolution bandwidth filters and dynamic range hold up well against newer mid-range analyzers.

• Frequency range: 9 kHz – 7 GHz (FSP7)
• Resolution bandwidths: 1 Hz – 10 MHz
• Display: Color LCD with marker and limit-line functions
• Discontinued: ~2013 — third-party service and calibration available
• Typical applications: EMC pre-compliance, RF transmitter characterization, production test
• Status: In stock

Parts availability for the FSP is still reasonable. Common repairs include display replacement and attenuator servicing. We inspect attenuator accuracy and noise floor as part of our incoming test procedure on every FSP unit.

Other R&S Analyzers

We periodically stock FSU, FSUP, and FSW models. These rotate faster than signal generators due to high demand. If you need a specific analyzer model or configuration, contact us — we can source units through our network.

R&S NRP-Z11 — Power Sensor

A three-path diode power sensor covering 10 MHz to 8 GHz with a measurement range of −67 dBm to +23 dBm. The NRP-Z11 connects via USB to R&S power meters or directly to a PC running the NRP Toolkit software — useful for verifying signal generator output levels or characterizing amplifier gain at the bench.

• Frequency range: 10 MHz – 8 GHz
• Dynamic range: −67 dBm to +23 dBm
• Interface: USB (NRP-Z series connector)
• Status: In stock

How to Choose the Right Model for Your Application

Selecting used test equipment starts with the application, not the brand. Here is a decision framework for the R&S signal generators in our inventory:

• CW/analog signals, best phase noise: SMA100A. No vector modulation, but unmatched spectral purity in its class.
• Single-path vector signal generation (LTE, Wi-Fi, 5G NR): SMBV100A. Pick the 6 GHz variant for Wi-Fi 6E or n77/n78 band testing.
• Dual-path / MIMO test: SMU200A. Two independent RF outputs with fading simulation capability.
• Budget-conscious, legacy standards only: SMIQ 03B. Handles GSM, basic digital modulation, and bench-level CW work under 3.3 GHz.

Upgrade Paths — Older Fully-Loaded vs. Newer Base Model

A common procurement question: buy an older unit loaded with options, or a newer model with fewer installed features? The answer depends on your test roadmap. An SMIQ 03B with every option installed will not support 5G NR waveforms — no firmware update can bridge that gap. But for stable production environments running legacy protocols, it is the more cost-effective choice by a wide margin.

If the test plan will evolve toward newer standards within two years, investing in a newer platform like the SMBV100A makes more sense. Software options can be added later; the hardware platform determines your ceiling.

Option & License Transferability

Hardware options (frequency extensions, additional RF paths) always transfer with the instrument. Software keys vary. Most R&S K-option licenses are locked to the instrument’s serial number and transfer automatically. A few site-license or floating-license keys do not. We verify every installed option against R&S records before listing a unit and document the result in the shipping paperwork.

Looking at Keysight equivalents? Compare models on our Keysight equipment page — the N5172B EXG is a frequent alternative to the SMBV100A for vector signal generation up to 6 GHz.

Our Quality Process for R&S Equipment

Every instrument goes through a structured incoming inspection before it enters inventory. This goes beyond a visual check and a power-on test — it is a multi-step verification against manufacturer specifications.

Incoming Inspection Checklist

• Self-test: Full internal self-test must pass without errors. Any failure triggers deeper diagnosis before the unit is considered for inventory.
• Functional test: Key RF parameters verified — output power, frequency accuracy, modulation quality (for vector generators), noise floor and amplitude accuracy (for analyzers).
• Cosmetic grading:
  • Grade A — No visible wear, all labels intact, includes original accessories where possible.
  • Grade B — Minor cosmetic marks on chassis or front panel. Fully functional.
  • Grade C — Visible wear or missing non-functional parts (e.g., rack ears, rear covers). Fully functional.

Calibration Scope

Signal generators are calibrated for frequency accuracy, output level, and modulation depth/deviation. Spectrum analyzers undergo calibration for frequency response, amplitude accuracy, and resolution bandwidth accuracy. Calibration reports list measured values alongside specifications — not just a pass/fail stamp.

Firmware & Licensing Verification

The installed firmware version is documented and compared to the latest available release. If an update is available and does not require a paid license, we apply it. When a paid upgrade is needed, we note it in the listing so there are no surprises after delivery.

Full details on our refurbishment and certification process: refurbished certified RF equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an R&S calibration certificate for used equipment?

R&S factory calibration requires sending the instrument to an R&S service center and paying their standard fee. We provide third-party calibration traceable to ISO 17025 standards. For most applications — production test, R&D, pre-compliance — this meets audit requirements. If your quality system specifically mandates OEM calibration, the instrument can be forwarded to R&S after purchase.

Are software options transferable on used R&S instruments?

In nearly all cases, yes. R&S ties most software option keys to the instrument serial number, so they remain active for the new owner. During incoming inspection, we verify each installed option and provide a confirmed options list with every shipment.

What is the typical lead time for a used SMU200A or SMA100A?

For units in stock with current calibration, lead time is 5–7 business days. This covers final inspection, calibration verification, secure packaging, and carrier handover. Custom calibration requests or additional option installations may add 2–3 days.

What about instruments from other brands?

Our inventory includes equipment from Keysight, Agilent, HP, Anritsu, and other manufacturers. Browse our HP & other OEM models page or the R&S buying guide for purchasing details.

Request a Quote for Any Rohde & Schwarz Model

Every R&S instrument listed on this page is in stock, tested, and ready for calibration. Provide the model number and any required options — we respond with pricing, condition grade, and estimated ship date within one business day.

Request a quote →