Test & Measurement

Claimed to be the first mid-range vector network analyser (VNA) that produces fast, accurate error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements and accelerates the characterisation of 5G component designs by up to 50 per cent, the ENA-X has been released by Keysight Technologies.

It addresses the need for increasing data speeds with low latency in the next generation of wireless communications systems to operate at higher radio frequencies (RF). To ensure 5G New Radio (NR) transmitters meet these operational demands, RF engineers must fully test the design and performance of components such as power amplifiers. Obtaining measurements for power amplifiers under realistic conditions can be time consuming, requiring multiple instruments and test set ups, explained Keysight. 

Typically an expensive VNA is required but Keysight said the ENA-X is a mid-range network analyse with integrated modulation distortion analysis offering full vector correction at the device under test (DUT) plane in a single test set up. Its architecture enables the ENA-X to perform multiple measurements with a single connection, which simplifies test set up, drives repeatability and speeds testing, said Keysight.

ENA-X provides an integrated upconverter, direct receiver access, and modulated distortion analysis software enabling characterisation of RF amplifier performance under complex modulation schemes in high-power systems operating at up to 44GHz.

Its single test set up runs with one connection and requires only a single calibration to accelerate the characterisation of power amplifiers for 5G transmitters in the 5G NR FR1 and FR2 frequency bands by up to 50 per cent.

It also employs Keysight’s metrology expertise with patented, custom monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) to provide high measurement accuracy, easily repeatable results, and the lowest residual EVM on the market, claimed the company.

Joe Rickert, vice president and general manager, Keysight High Frequency Measurements Center of Excellence, said: “Combined with the powerful modulation distortion analysis software that was previously only available on our highest-performing PNA series network analysers, the new mid-range E5081A ENA-X VNA is ideal for power amplifier characterisation for 5G transmitters. Thanks to its custom-built MMICs, the ENA-X provides the highest output power, dynamic range, and system stability needed by RF engineers without masking the performance of the power amplifier under test,” he continued.

Keysight will demonstrate its comprehensive portfolio of wireless design, emulation, and test solutions, including the ENA-X, at IMS 2023 (11 to 16 June) in San Diego, California, USA. Keysight booth 835.

http://www.keysight.com

To sense, capture, replay, alter and train RF signals, Viavi Solutions has developed the compact, lightweight, ruggedised T/Rx electromagnetic spectrum system.

The modular hardware and software architecture allows the T/Rx to be configured for different RF environments. It can be used in commercial applications, such as RF environment monitoring and recording, RF generation for network stress and loading, interference detection and analysis, and spectrum deconfliction. For military applications, it can be used for signal and electronic intelligence collection, electronic protection / support / attack and interference detection and analysis. 

It is designed for ease of use and swift deployment in a variety of environments, including air, sea, and land vehicles, backpacks and fixed installations. When coupled with the Viavi Ranger test system for live analysis or offline forensic RF post-processing, T/Rx allows users to adapt to changing RF environments and create a realistic, dynamic electromagnetic spectrum for any scenario, said Viavi.

Viavi’s director, synthetic and modular, Mark Pickard, operators can use the Viavi T/Rx to understand and control the electromagnetic environment with a standalone system or with distributed emitters and sensors in larger areas of operation”.

The system includes modular multi-channel RF architecture, high speed signal acquisition, processing and storage, real time signal analysis and generation features, flexible signal recording and playback function, SCA 4.1 eCo suite software defined radio core framework environment and an intuitive user interface which is not only easy to use but allows for scenario customisation, said Viavi.

Viavi provides network test, monitoring and assurance products for communications service providers, hyperscalers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises, government and avionics. It specialises in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. 

http://www.viavisolutions.com