Keysight’s FieldFox introduces portable millimetre-wave

Through a collaboration with Virginia Diodes Inc. (VDI), Keysight’s A- and B-Series FieldFox handheld analysers with 18GHz or higher, can be paired with VDI PSAX frequency extenders to cover sub-THz frequency range. 

Field based engineers need precise mmWave measurements to advance modern wireless communications and radar systems. This is critical when it comes to 5G, 6G, aerospace and defence and automotive radar transmission/receiving tests. However, mmWave signals are highly sensitive to obstacles, weather conditions, and interference. Understanding their propagation characteristics through precise measurements helps engineers design more efficient networks and radar systems, improving coverage, and enhancing reliability.

To gain this insight, traditional tools typically include large desktop signal analysers and generators, which are often very expensive and cumbersome for field measurement use cases. The Keysight FieldFox addresses this issue, enabling mmWave measurements in a lightweight portable solution, when paired with VDI's PSAX frequency extender modules. In addition, engineers can opt for the FieldFox equipped with the downloadable Option 357 pulse generator, which can be paired with a PSGX module from VDI, to also offer a mmWave signal generation solution up to 170GHz. This enables users to obtain accurate mmWave measurements in a simple, easy to use and rugged solution.    

Key benefits of Keysight’s FieldFox combined with VDI frequency extender modules include: 

• Expanded frequency coverage: expanding the FieldFox’s frequency coverage from as low as 18GHz, depending on models, up to 170GHz for either signal analysis or generation
• Optimised performance at the mmWave range: supporting in-band signal analysis with selection of spectrum analyser mode, IQ analyser mode, or real-time spectrum analyser (RTSA) mode with extraordinary sensitivity of -155 dBm/Hz typical value.
• Cost efficiency: compared to traditional mmWave signal analysis and generation solutions, the combination of Keysight FieldFox and VDI frequency extenders reduces costs by half or more
• Portable and convenient testing: weighing approximately less than 4kg in total, the combination of Keysight FieldFox and VDI frequency extenders makes the mmWave field testing much more feasible and convenient for both field and lab environment

Vince Nguyen, Vice President and General Manager, Aerospace, Defence, and Government Solution Group at Keysight, said: “The aerospace, defence, and commercial sectors lack a portable solution which can provide accurate mmWave measurements. As customers explore innovations they need access to higher frequencies in the radio spectrum, including mmWave. Working with VDI, we’ve developed a solution that is easy to test signal analysis and generation in the field as well as in the laboratory.”

Keysight’s FieldFox combined with VDI extenders were showcased for the first time at the Keysight booth at electronica 2024.