Techniques are provided for implementing a portable spectrum analyzer. An example system, according to an embodiment, includes a signal analyzer including an RF receiver to receive RF signals from an antenna, an analog-to-digital converter to generate a sampled signal based on the received RF signals, and a signal analysis co-processor to perform cognitive scanning analysis of the sampled signal. The cognitive scanning analysis includes detection, identification, and characterization of digital/analog signal(s) embedded in the sampled signal. The system may further include a communications interface circuit to provide communication between the signal analyzer and an associated mobile host platform (e.g., smartphone). The communication includes transmitting results of the cognitive scanning analysis to the mobile host and receiving parameters from the mobile host to control the operation of the cognitive scanning analysis. The signal analyzer and mobile host are coupled through a shared enclosure such as a hinged case, sleeve, or wallet.