Vector network analyser simplifies RF measurement configuration
Offering RF performance and a hardware concept to simplify measurement configuration, the R&S ZNA is described by Rohde & Schwarz as a new generation of high-end vector network analysers. It has measurement stability and trace noise enable users to perform demanding measurements on active and passive components and modules. The vector network analyser has a device under test (DUT) -centric approach, and is claimed to be the world’s first purely touch-operated vector network analyser to reduce configuration times to a minimum.
The user first selects the type of DUT (e.g. mixer or amplifier) and is then guided step by step through configuration to the desired test setup. This solution significantly speeds up and facilitates test setups. Alternatively, users can take the conventional approach and configure measurements individually, providing high flexibility to master even the most challenging measurement tasks.
Modern touch interface replaces hardkey panel
Rohde & Schwarz has introduced two models, the R&S ZNA26 (10MHz to 26.5GHz) and R&S ZNA43 (10MHz to 43.5GHz) offer a dynamic range of 146dB (typical) and a trace noise as low as 0.001dB at 1kHz IF bandwidth. These two features are essential for measurements on high-rejection filters. The ZNA can perform mixer measurements for RF and IF in parallel, doubling measurement speed compared with the conventional approach, reports Rohde & Schwarz. For amplifier characterisation, there is a 100dB power sweep range, a pulse generator and modulator per test port, versatile intermodulation measurement capabilities and spectrum analyser functionality.
There are four internal, phase-coherent sources, eight truly parallel receivers and two internal local oscillators (LOs). This simplifies the test setups for characterising frequency-converting devices, amplifiers and even complex T/R modules, requiring the DUT to be connected only once. Users can perform vector corrected conversion loss, phase and group delay measurements in half of the time required with the conventional approach and without the need for a reference mixer, says Rohde & Schwarz.
The R&S ZNA is believed to be the first purely touch-operated vector network analyser, using a 12.1-inch touchscreen as the main display and a seven-inch touchscreen instead of a hard key panel.
The new R&S ZNA26 and R&S ZNA43 high-end vector network analysers are available now.
