Up to 67 GHz frequency range takes high-end VNA into new applications
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.
