Keithley adds WiMAX testing to RF instruments
-- Test & Measurement World, 6/25/2008 8:37:00 AM
Built on a DSP-based software-defined radio (SDR) architecture, the Model 2820 RF vector signal analyzer and Model 2920 RF vector signal generator from Keithley Instruments enable users to test WiMAX in any frequency band between 400 MHz and 4 GHz. The SDR architecture of the instruments allows them to be easily upgraded to accommodate new wireless and cellular standards, such as 802.16e mobile WiMAX Wave 2 testing with up to 4x4 MIMO channels.
The Model 2820 RF vector signal analyzer is optimized for automated testing of wireless devices in production test environments, as well as in new product and device research and development. According to the company, it features measurement speeds up to three times faster than competitive instruments in production test, takes up half the space, and costs half as much as competitive products.
The Model 2820 is designed to work closely with the Model 2920 RF vector signal generator. Together, the two instruments form an RF test and measurement solution that reduces test time and capital equipment costs for testing RF devices. For example, to reduce test times, production test engineers can use built-in list mode features to perform simultaneous measurement of components, transmitters, and receivers.
Working in conjunction with the two RF test instruments is SignalMeister Version 2.0 waveform creation software. Version 2.0 allows the creation of the entire range of signals in accordance with WiMAX and WLAN wireless connectivity standards and 3GPP and 3GPP2 cellular standards.
The base prices of the Model 2820 and Model 2920 at 4 GHz are $25,000 and $23,000, respectively. SignalMeister can be downloaded at no charge from Keithley’s Web site; specific software licenses start at $2500.
Keithley Instruments, www.keithley.com.
