Test & Measurement

R&S ZNA high-end vector network analysers (VNA) from Rhode & Schwarz feature models with 50 GHz and 67 GHz maximum frequencies which opens the analysers up to new areas of application. The main applications for the new analyser models are signal integrity measurements, as well as aerospace and defence and 5G component and module characterisation.

The R&S ZNA features what the company describes as “excellent RF performance”, including wide dynamic range and low trace noise, and comes with a user-friendly, purely touch-based graphical user interface. The hardware platform offers up to four internal, phase coherent sources plus a fifth source which can be used as a second internal local oscillator or as an additional source for measurements on mixers. In combination with up to eight parallel measurement receivers, the R&S ZNA hardware architecture suits demanding measurements on components and modules.

For engineers working on tasks such as high-end research and development, the 50 GHz and 67 GHz R&S ZNA models offer opportunities for the aerospace and defence industry by enabling characterisation of radar and transmitter/receiver modules as well as performing antenna measurements and supporting satellite applications such as downconverter characterisation. They also offer versatile capabilities for both pulse generation and measurement, including a range of trigger functions. Since the analyser’s original introduction, updates have added features such as direct source monitor access, which enables accurate measurements even on high gain devices such as satellite downconverters.

In combination with integrated de-embedding solutions (ISD, SFD, DELTA-L and EZD), the R&S ZNA provides characterisation of PCB conductor structures for high-speed signal transmission. The effects of fixtures, lead- ins and lead-outs are removed from the measurement results.

Covering the 5G frequency bands and, in combination with Rohde & Schwarz mmWave converters, the 6G frequency bands, the R&S ZNA offers a solution for research on active and passive components such as LNAs, filters, antennas and mixers.

Over-the-air tests with Rohde & Schwarz OTA test solutions benefit from the analyser’s dynamic range. The R&S ZCxxx mmWave converters extend the frequencies into the terahertz range and provide high dynamic range and output power for on-wafer device characterisation and antenna measurements on 6G components and modules.

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/zna

New from Keysight Technologies is a high-performance handheld microwave analyser that speeds installation of 5G, radar and satellite communication systems.

The FieldFox microwave analyser supports an extended frequency range with measurement integrity comparable to lab-based tools. A compact and ruggedised multi-purpose tool, this wideband analyser provides users installing an mmWave infrastructure to measure network key performance indicators while in the field with reliable measurements.

An integrated handheld analyser with a task-driven user interface, the FieldFox incorporates spectrum and signal analysis, as well as signal generation capabilities. This enables FieldFox to accurately measure signal interference, antenna and cable performance, electromagnetic field exposure levels, as well as pathloss in communication systems.

The launch is part of the response to the ramp-up of 5G new radio (NR) services in mmWave spectrum around the world. This is coupled with a significant increase in deployments of satellite-based communications systems, is driving the need for cost-effective, field-based network testing, monitoring and troubleshooting tools.

The installation tool ensures that 5G services in frequency range 2 (FR2) can reach full connectivity potential, says Keysight.

The analyser builds on the company’s FieldFox B-series originally introduced in May 2019. Keysight says it simplifies set-up and improves measurement results in any 3GPP-specified band in frequency range 2 (FR2) by extending the frequency range to 54GHz without the need for external mixers.

As well as supporting advanced channel aggregation and complex interference troubleshooting with an increased analysis bandwidth range up to 120MHz, this new tool also enables customers to measure and analyse mmWave signals with complex modulation schemes such as 256 quadrature amplitude modulation.

The company says the analyser delivers reliable analysis of complex signals with industry-leading low phase noise, high sensitivity and amplitude accuracy. It also

offers 5G NR beamforming analysis using phased array antenna control, critical in the deployment of multiple input, multiple output technology.

“The new FieldFox microwave analyser delivers high radio frequency (RF) performance in the industry’s most lightweight formfactor for on-site use,” said Dan Dunn, vice-president of Keysight’s Aerospace and Defense Government Solutions. “Now, 5G mobile operators, installation companies, satellite and ground station service providers, as well as defence organisations, can quickly and efficiently deploy advanced communication systems.”

http://www.keysight.com

Achieving what is claimed to be an industry first, Anritsu announces that its radio communication test station MT8000A has achieved a downlink throughput over 7Gbits per second using FR1+FR2 dual connectivity and 256QAM in 5G standalone mode in conjunction with MediaTek’s M80 5G modem. This increased data throughput is cited as a key factor in facilitating mobile services and new services for 5G.

FR1+FR2 DC combines FR1 and FR2 technologies to improve data throughput per user by grouping cell base stations with different frequency ranges to transmit data. The 256QAM technology uses RF and signal processing technologies to support faster communications by sending 8-bits of data in a single symbol.

The combination of FR1+FR2 DC technology with 256QAM supporting downlink throughput speeds greater than 7Gbits per second represents an important milestone in future growth of 5G services, says Anritsu.

The radio communication test station MT8000A supports RF and protocol testing, functional and application operation testing and beam characteristics testing. In addition to supporting both NSA and SA-mode base station simulation functions required for development of 5G chipsets and terminals, it also covers FR1 frequency bands, including 600MHz, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 6.0GHz unlicensed bands, as well as the FR2 24, 28, 39 and 43GHz mmWave bands, to support all the main bands used by 5G services.

It also supports the functions required for high-speed communications, such as 4 x 4 MIMO in FR1, 8CC and 256QAM in FR2 and the latest 3GPP Release 16 features. The MT8000A can be configured using a simple user interface and software to test device performance.

MediaTek is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables nearly 2bn connected devices a year. It develops SoCs for mobile device, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products for mobile technologies, automotive solutions and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, voice assistant devices (VAD) and wearables.

Anritsu provides communications test and measurement products and engages customers to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multi-dimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimisation. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets.

http://www.anritsu.com