Power meters, generators, analyzers shine at IMS

At the Rohde & Schwarz booth, NMDG demonstrated an approach to nonlinear device analysis with its NM300 extension kit. The kit is a hardware and software combination that enables R&S ZVA and ZVT vector network analyzers to characterize the harmonic behavior of active devices in the time and frequency domains.

Agilent Technologies demonstrated a new nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA) capability for its PNA-X microwave network analyzer. Requiring minimal external hardware, the Agilent NVNA software effectively converts a four-port PNA-X into a high-performance nonlinear analyzer that measures nonlinear parameters that Agilent calls X parameters.

The company also presented a series of new analysis capabilities for its PSA high-performance spectrum analyzer and midrange MXA signal analyzer, including the addition of up to 80-MHz analysis bandwidth to the millimeter-wave PSA spectrum analyzer and two-channel, analog baseband analysis for the N9020A MXA signal analyzer.

Keithley Instruments announced a set of signal creation and analysis tools—based on the company's Model 2820 RF vector signal analyzers and Model 2920 RF vector signal generators—that extend its RF test capabilities to support 802.16e mobile WiMAX Wave 2 testing with up to 4x4 multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) channels (see "Keithley adds WiMAX testing to RF instruments").

Keithley also introduced version 2.0 of its SignalMeister waveform creation software, which features a new object-oriented graphical user interface (GUI) that uses a click-and-drag objects-based approach that allows RF engineers to intuitively create waveforms; the GUI is optimized for MIMO signals and enables the creation of signals in accordance with WiMAX and WLAN wireless connectivity standards and 3GPP and 3GPP2 cellular standards.

Aeroflex introduced its 3020C PXI modular digital RF signal generator, a 1-MHz to 3-GHz instrument that supports applications in the HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The instrument offers a modulation bandwidth of 90 MHz to support broadband communications standards or multicarrier test applications, and it delivers RF output power of –120 dBm to +6 dBm. In combination with the recently introduced 3030C wideband RF digitizer, the instrument supports RF component and transceiver testing.

Anritsu announced the MT8860C WLAN test set, which combines the capabilities of a power meter, spectrum analyzer, and vector signal generator to perform radio-layer measurements on WLAN chip sets. A network mode uses standard LAN protocol messaging to perform transmitter and receiver measurements on a device under test without the need for test-control software from the device manufacturer. Anritsu also introduced new phase-noise software for its MS271xB microwave analyzers, and it debuted PowerMAX software, which provides for enhanced visualization and control of the company's ML2490A power meters via Ethernet.

W.L. Gore & Associates introduced an online builder tool for configuring Gore Ultra High Density (UHD) interconnects that can be used in bench test systems and automated test equipment. The UHD cables operate to 15 GHz and support 10-Gbps data rates. UHD cable assemblies can be configured as single lines or ganged into two-, four-, or eight-position housings; a 10-ps relative time match is standard for all ganged UHD assemblies.

Wireless Telecom Group's Boonton Electronics division introduced its 4540 RF power-meter series, which are more compact and offer lower prices than the company's flagship 4500B meter. The 4540 instruments capture, analyze, and display RF signals in time and statistical domains. A statistical complementary cumulative distribution function mode can collect up to 4 Gsamples of data to support the analysis of CDMA, OFDM, and other signals.