EuMW 2018: High-end analysers enhance 5G test options

Also added is a new look and feel with a new operating concept and an SCPI recorder for remote controlled test sequences.

These high-end signal and spectrum analysers are used for measurements in various applications, for example in wireless communications device testing for 5G and Wi-Fi, in radar analysis in the automotive and A&D sectors and in satellite system testing. The signal and spectrum analysers can also be used to characterise RF components such as power amplifiers.

The new R&S FSW features up to 10dB lower phase noise compared with the previous models, which is extremely important in applications such as troubleshooting the modulation of 5G signals in the microwave range.

Above 26.5GHz the analysers offer an internal analysis bandwidth of 2GHz. Users can analyse wideband signals from radar systems or 802.11ad Wi-Fi signals without requiring an external digitiser such as an oscilloscope in the test setup.

The R&S FSW can also analyse bandwidths greater than 2GHz, a feature that may be necessary for automotive radar or 5G applications. When performing measurements with an R&S FSW43 or R&S FSW85, the bandwidth can be extended up to 5GHz using an R&S RTO2000 oscilloscope.

800MHz instead of 500MHz bandwidth is now available for real-time analysis. The R&S FSW models process the measurement signals twice as fast as before and perform more than two million FFTs per second.

They have a 100% probability of intercept of detecting and accurately measuring signals with a minimum duration of just 0.46µs. Consequently, all signal details are detected without gaps. This is a crucial feature for transient analysis and when troubleshooting high-frequency applications.

It is very easy to create automated test sequences with the R&S FSW analyser’s embedded SCPI recorder. The user operates the analyser as usual; the SCPI recorder records the all involved settings and converts them into a script for controlling the analyser.

The analysers now boast a capacitive touchscreen and can be operated like a smartphone. The redesigned operating concept and user interface let users take full advantage of this modern operating method.