SST selects Rohde & Schwarz test receiver and preselector for TEMPEST testing

The FSET purchase is part of a large investment programme by SST that involves the commissioning of a new test chamber and upgrades to existing chambers in line with changes to the UK, European and NATO standards for TEMPEST testing.

TEMPEST is a term that is used broadly for the entire field of Emission Security or Emanations Security, though it generally refers to IT equipment that has been certified to USA and NATO standards, meaning that it subscribes to certain analog, digital and RF signal emanation limits. TEMPEST certified IT equipment is shielded to prevent the release of any potentially compromising emissions, protecting valuable data from being intercepted. It is used by military and government organisations throughout NATO and Europe, as well as certain commercial entities, to assist in the prevention of the interception of data.

Rohde & Schwarz’ FSET22, which operates over a frequency range from 100Hz to 22GHz, combines the flexibility and speed of a spectrum analyzer with the benefits of a high-end test receiver, enabling comprehensive analysis of analog, digital and rf signals. It is highly sensitive, with a noise figure that is typically less than 3dB at frequencies up to 2GHz, allowing it to operate in an RF quiet environment. Another important feature of the FSET22 is its wide dynamic range, which allows users to evaluate the faintest of signals over very wide bandwidths, where strong unwanted signals may also be present.

SST has selected Rohde & Schwarz’ Z22 RF preselector, which like the FSET22, spans 100Hz to 22GHz. This is a separate preamplifier and preselector unit that provides a number of low noise amplifiers and a filter network with various lowpass, highpass and bandpass filters. It’s sensitivity and RF selectivity suits it to many TEMPEST applications.

Commented Matthew Richards, Managing Director of Secure Systems & Technologies Ltd: “The long standing reputation of R&S and their commitment to support this specialist equipment for the long term, combined with recognition that the FSET is widely used by leading technical authorities in the UK and Europe, led us to select the FSET.”

Phil Gilham, Key Account Manager for Rohde & Schwarz UK’s Aerospace and Defence test & measurement products said: “New and emerging information technology means new technical vulnerabilities, making the case for such highly sensitive equipment even more critical. Therefore, an RF receiver with the capability of capturing sensitive signals at very high IF bandwidths is also a critical attribute to SST, enabling it to verify, through testing, that any TEMPEST threat from its products has been satisfactorily removed or minimised.”

SST will be using its new test facilities to test its own products and to provide TEMPEST testing services to third parties. The company is currently expanding its range of secure and encryption products and rugged devices, both static and portable.