Rohde & Schwarz UK supplies vector network analyser to test waveguide components to 500GHz

Flann’s waveguide portfolio stretches from low frequency waveguides in the 1 GHz range to high frequency devices in the 220 GHz region and beyond. The latter are used by customers involved in microwave standardisation and also for the calibration of high frequency vector network analysers. The vector network analyser from Rohde & Schwarz significantly expands Flann Microwave’s test capability, facilitating the design, measurement and verification of the company’s wide range of waveguide components. With converter heads available to 500 GHz, Rohde & Schwarz’ products enable Flann to respond to a growing demand for products and systems at higher frequencies, including VNA calibration and verification kits up to 500 GHz.

Commented Ian Crane, Chief Technical Officer at Flann Microwave: “Expanding our test capability to 500 GHz gives us a distinct commercial edge. We are already seeing enquiries for high frequency applications driven by news of our advanced test set-up.”

“We are delighted to have been selected by Flann Microwave to help establish their high frequency test capability”, said Steve Edwards, T&M Sales Manager at Rohde & Schwarz UK. He added: “The millimeter application area is an exciting growth opportunity for Rohde & Schwarz and we plan to continue to expand our product offerings at these frequencies.”

Among Flann Microwave’s key requirements were high dynamic range and the ability to provide continuous frequency coverage up to 220 GHz and above. The R&S ZVA vector network analyzer portfolio was designed to meet demanding measurement applications, including filter measurements requiring a high dynamic range. Their waveguide heads cover an exceptionally wide frequency range, whilst the R&S ZVA vector network analyser gives customers the flexibility to operate it outside standard specified frequency ranges when necessary.

Noted Jamie Lunn, Vector Network Analyser Product Manager at Rohde & Schwarz UK: “The wide dynamic range of the R&S ZVA combined with low phase noise provides ample headroom for devices that would previously have been difficult to gain measurement insight into, such as Flann Microwave’s 500 GHz Rotary Vane Attenuator, which requires measurements to be made down to -100 dB.”

Highly integrated, the R&S ZVA vector network analyzer is a single box solution that is offered with a particularly wide range of frequency converters that are manufactured by Rohde & Schwarz in-house. This ensures that the converter heads are optimised to suit Rohde & Schwarz instrumentation, whilst customers benefit from a one-stop solution for purchase, servicing and support.