Anritsu debuts VNAs and power sensors at IMS
By Rick Nelson, Editor-in-Chief -- Test & Measurement World, 6/14/2009 5:29:00 PM
Anritsu at IMS 2009 expanded VectorStar VNA coverage to 110 GHz, introduced 4-port VectorStar test sets, debuted 18-GHz USB power sensors, and highlighted new handheld VNAs that operate to 20 GHz.
Anritsu's new VectorStar Broadband ME7828A vector network analyzer system operates over the frequency range of 70 kHz to 110 GHz. The company reports that engineers performing device modeling and characterization must measure across the widest frequency range possible for optimum model accuracy. During the design phase, they must constantly reverify their device models through measurement verification. Traditionally, users have been constrained by the poor performance of microwave VNAs below 500 MHz, as signal-to-noise ratio diminishes below 500 MHz due to microwave coupler roll-off. The result has been a significant weakness in device models at the low end.
Previously, the only solution was to re-measure the device on a separate low-frequency system that has resulted in large concatenation errors. Due to VectorStar’s 70-kHz low-end frequency, users can accurately measure devices starting at 70 kHz for DC information and up to 110 GHz for capturing all the performance of the device at multiple fundamental harmonics.
VectorStar now offers dynamic-range improvements of up to 30 dB compared to previous systems. The ME7828A also incorporates the fast switching speed of Anritsu’s MG37022A sources to produce a sweep speed of 120 ms for 201 points. It accommodates 100,000 points in a single channel to support time domain analysis. To facilitate on-wafer environments, the ME7828A delivers calibration and measurement stability that is typically 0.1 dB over a 24-hour period.
Two configurations are available. The standard ME7828A provides basic measurement capabilities for active device testing. The ME7828A-012 delivers additional performance for active device testing, time-domain analysis, and device characterization. Both configurations are compatible with existing Suss and Cascade probe stations and appropriate positioners.
The ME7828A system can be configured with a range of banded millimeter-wave modules that extend the frequency range to 500 GHz. A variable attenuator in the millimeter-band modules for both configurations allows matching power of the two bands for a smooth transition when measuring active devices in the forward and reverse directions.
Kelvin bias tees are designed into the multiplexing combiner modules in both configurations. The Kelvin bias tees provide sense and force capabilities and are positioned close to the device under test (DUT) for optimum performance and sensitivity. The result is a significant reduction in IR losses compared to bias sourcing from inside the test set. In addition, the sensing circuit continuously monitors the bias conditions at the DUT and provides feedback corrections to the source monitor unit (SMU) bias supply equipment, as needed.
Anritsu says it developed the ME7828A for designers and manufacturers of microwave/millimeter-wave components and devices, especially where broadband measurements are needed for accurate device modeling and circuit simulation. Broadband devices are integral to designs used in emerging 60-GHz wireless personal area networks (WPAN), optical networks operating at 40 Gbps and faster, 77-GHz automobile radar, digital radio links, and 94 GHz used for imaging millimeter-wave radar in astronomy, defense and Homeland Security applications.
Pricing begins at $393,470. Delivery is 12 weeks ARO.
VectorStar four-port test set
Anritsu also introduced the VectorStar[http://www.tmworld.com/article/CA6628488.htm]-based 4-port MN469xA series VNA test set for use with its VectorStar MS4640A vector network analyzer (VNA). The development of the MN469xA series takes advantage of VectorStar’s 70-GHz switching technology to produce the high accuracy and wide dynamic range necessary to conduct 16 fully corrected S-parameter measurements.
The MN469xA has been developed to test today’s highly integrated multiport assemblies and common three-port devices, such as combiners, diplexers, and couplers. The configuration is also suited for measuring balanced two-port devices, such as high-speed transmission-line backplanes, connectors, cables, balanced amplifiers, baluns, and transceivers. Measurements can be made in 30 µs/point, making the system suitable for both R&D and manufacturing environments.
The VectorStar multiport system provides 10 MHz to 20/40/70 GHz 4-port capability using an external test set driven by the base VNA. This flexibility allows the removal of the test set for 2-port measurements or for use with multiple VNAs. The architecture is adaptable for single-ended devices, balanced passive devices, and balanced linear active devices.
The MN469xA series test set has a starting price of $40,000. Delivery is 10 weeks ARO.
Microwave USB power sensors
Anritsu also highlighted the MA24108A/MA24118A microwave USB power sensors that provide accurate average power measurements from 10 MHz to 18 GHz over 60 dB of dynamic range. Employing a “dual path” architecture to achieve true-RMS measurement similar to a thermal sensor over the entire frequency and dynamic range, the power sensors can measure CW, multi-tone, and digitally modulated signals used in commercial and aerospace/defense systems.
Both sensors can either internally trigger or receive an external trigger signal, allowing them to conduct multi-slot and burst average power measurements of TDD waveforms, typically found in GSM, WiMAX, and TD-SCDMA signals. The MA24108A/MA24118A do not require a separate module for triggering. They have built-in external trigger circuitry with an MCX connector interface to receive triggers from external stimuli. Incorporating a micro-controller, signal conditioning circuitry, ADC, and power supply in the sensor makes it a miniature power meter.
The MA24108A/MA24118A provide users with three modes of operation: Continuous Average, Scope, and Time Slot. A Scope mode allows power measurements to be displayed with respect to capture time of up to 300 ms. The time gating feature in the Scope mode enables measurement of the desired portion of a waveform that contains very short duty cycle timing information that otherwise skews average power measurement.
For TDMA waveforms, the Time Slot mode can breaks up the measurement into individual time intervals and calculates the average power reading of each. This feature allows entire frames of various communication signals to be analyzed with as many as 128 slots.
All three modes can be accessed through remote programming commands or via PowerXpert, Anritsu’s Windows-based data analysis and control software.
The MA24108A/MA24118A target any environment in which signal power must be measured. They can be used for R&D of general purpose and wireless devices and systems. The MA24108A/MA24118A facilitate lab-quality measurements on the production floor at a fraction of the cost of alternative methods. Test time and handling is reduced because 1-mW calibration is not required for the sensors. Their ability to connect directly to a PC saves rack space and because the sensors accept external triggering from other instruments, they can be used in ATE systems.
Designed for use in Continuous Average mode with Anritsu’s Spectrum Master, BTS Master, and VNA Master handheld analyzers, as well as the MS271xB economy spectrum analyzers, the MA24108A/MA24118A can conduct accurate power measurements on signals with bandwidths of greater than 100 MHz. Field and services technicians can carry the compact, lightweight sensors in their shirt pockets or laptop case. The MA24108A has a price of $2695 and the MA24118A has a price of $2995.
New members of the handheld VNA Master family
Anritsu also highlighted two new models—the MS2026B and MS2028B—to its VNA Master family. The MS2026B and MS2028B satisfy both RF and microwave cable and antenna analysis requirements with frequency coverage from 5 kHz to 6 GHz and 20 GHz, respectively. In addition to providing coverage for handheld S-parameter measurement, the B series VNA Master offers field engineers and technicians fast tuning speed, 12–term error corrections, and a flexible user interface. Eight available measurement options, such as Internal Bias Tees and Vector Voltmeter functions, expand the utility in the field. All four S-parameter measurements—S11, S21, S22, and S12—can be made with a single connection using the underlying auto-reversing architecture. With 65 dB dynamic range to 20 GHz, the B series VNA Master offers measurements of magnitude and phase for applications requiring mobility. Field engineers can now replace their bulky scalar and vector network analyzers with a low-cost, light weight (4.4 kg, 9.9 lbs), rugged, battery-powered instrument more suited to their working environment. Other features include 750-µs per point sweep speed, a three-receiver architecture, and a flexible user interface that allows all four S-parameter measurements to be displayed simultaneously on the daylight viewable 8.4-in., full-color, TFT display. Starting price is $19,950.
Anritsu extends VNA frequency range
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