EuMW 2014: Network analyser extension unit launched

6th October 2014

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

At European Microwave Week Rohde & Schwarz has introduced an extension unit for its R&S ZVA high end network analyser family. The R&S ZVAX-TRM can be combined with an analyser to yield a powerful, compact and highly customisable system. The extension unit conditions the signals from the network analyser as required for a given task and either returns them to the analyser or outputs them via its integrated high-power test ports.

The combination of an network analyser and extension unit enables users in development and production to measure parameters such as compression, noise figure and group delay even on three-port T/R modules, with the DUT having to be connected only once (single-connection device characterisation).

Combining the R&S ZVAX-TRM with a four-port R&S ZVA with four internal sources yields a unique solution: Users can perform intermodulation measurements on modules with two conversion stages without the need for external signal generators.

Such measurements require up to four signals (RF1 and RF2, LO1 and LO2), which are delivered by the above combination. Plus, measurement time is significantly reduced, since only internal sources are used.

Featuring integrated high-power test ports as standard, the R&S ZVAX-TRM base unit allows bidirectional high-power measurements up to +43 dBm. Diverse hardware options are available to tailor the unit to user requirements.

Optional output amplifiers can be inserted into the measurement paths to compensate for internal losses. As a result, output power levels can be achieved at the R&S ZVAX-TRM test ports that are comparable to those at an R&S ZVA analyser’s standard test ports. Via switch-selected access points, users can access reference signals or insert external components such as power amplifiers or attenuators into the generator or receiver path.

When equipped with optional combiners, the extension unit can be used to deliver two tone signals for intermodulation measurements as well as for special group delay measurements on frequency-converting T/R modules with an internal LO.

The optional pulse modulators allow bidirectional, pulsed signal measurements. The R&S ZVAX-TRM generates the pulsed signals and feeds them to the DUT. The R&S ZVA then performs the measurements, e.g. pulse profile, point-in-pulse, pulse average.

The extension unit comes in different models, ranging from 10 MHz up to 24/40/50/67 GHz to match the diverse R&S ZVA models. It can also be used with network analysers from the R&S ZVT family.