Equipment
Anritsu
Test equipment company Anritsu will be releasing a new set of vector network analyzers (VNAs) to its popular Shockline family. The Company will show the ShockLine ME7868A family of modular 2-port vector network analyzers (VNAs) for the first time. The new VNAs can conduct full vector S-parameter measurements over wide distances of up to 100 meters. Consisting of two MS46131A 1-port VNAs with the PhaseLync synchronization option hardware and accessories, the ME7868A VNA uses the MS46131As as portable VNA ports to directly connect to the device under test (DUT) to deliver vector transmission measurements over longer lengths and at a lower cost. The VNAs offer multiple advantages compared to traditional solutions that use 2-port VNAs with very wide dynamic range and require long and expensive phase stable microwave cables to reach the DUT.
Anritsu will also show its recently introduced W1 (1.0 mm) bias tees, DC block, and semi-rigid cables that provide broadband frequency scalability in high-frequency device characterization and optical networking applications. With operable frequency of DC to 110 GHz, the new W1 components generate metrology-grade quality results with high repeatability. Further ensuring flexibility for customer testing, these new components provide a component solution where conventional devices, including waveguide, do not exist. The W1 coaxial interface provides a direct connection to the instrument test port, which saves time and simplifies system setup.
Copper Mountain Technologies
Copper Mountain Technologies will highlight the SMD Test Solution, which lets you measure SMD components from 100 kHz to 20 GHz. The toolkit unites hardware (VNA, fixtures, tools) and software in a coherent and understandable way to make an intricate RF measurement with metrological quality and precision. SMD Component Test uses fixtures with established topology to measure discreet resistors, capacitors, or inductors. There’s no need to solder components to make measurements, which saves time and doesn’t destroy components. See video demonstration here <https://coppermountaintech.com/video-smd-test-solution-demonstration/>.
Copper Mountain will also show its Automatic Fixture Removal plugin. The plugin lets you de-embed the characteristics of your test fixture. The plugin works with any 2-port or 4-port CMT VNA.
The company will also showcase the S5243 two-port 43.5 GHz compact VNA. That’s enough bandwidth to cover the 5G FR2 mmWave band. The demonstration will be testing a filter to highlight the high dynamic range and fast measurement speed provided by the S5435.
Keysight Technologies
The N9021B MXA signal analyzer offers the bandwidth and phase noise performance to address design verification and test in 5G and satellite communications. With a frequency range of 10 Hz to 50 GHz, the N9021B MXA meets specification requirements for 5G’s FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges. Analysis bandwidth of up to 510 MHz enables engineers to detect a broader range of signals.
Keysight’s PNA and PNA-X vector network analyzers feature proprietary direct digital synthesizer (DDS) technology for extremely low phase noise and spurious emissions. DDS also provides excellent phase measurement stability. The combination of general speed improvement and phase measurement stability significantly reduces the test time and can improve throughput.
Microlab (Wireless Telecom Group)
Microlab’s Modular Carrier Combiner point of interface (POI) for 5G network densification helps combine radio-access network (RAN) remote heads for RF distribution, and enables many flexible configurations to support multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) and bands for multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) or single input/single output (SISO) distributed antenna systems (DAS) and distributed RAN (D-RAN) applications. The modularity provides a cost-effective deployment approach for network owners by scaling up when operators join, or new bands need to be injected into network.
NI
NI’s Stand-Alone 5G New Radio user equipment tester <https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/wireless-design-test/what-is-the-5g-nr-test-ue-fr1-bundle.html> lets engineers evaluate performance, conformance to standards, and interoperability for both non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) 5G products. It’s the first all-in-one, software-upgradeable hardware system specifically designed to maximize cost efficiency, elevate the user experience, and maintain robust functionality.
Rohde & Schwarz
For developers of 5G devices, Rohde & Schwarz will feature the R&S CMX500 radio communication tester that enables NSA and SA signaling tests in both FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges.
The R&S ATS800R CATR rack based antenna test system – SA and NSA signaling tests in both FR1 and FR2 frequency range.Signaling tests and RF parametric measurements in the mmWave FR2 range require an over the air (OTA) test setup. The R&S CMX500 together with the R&S ATS800R CATR rack-based antenna test system enables signaling, data throughput and RF measurements.
R&S FSW‑B4001/-B6001/-B8001 – New bandwidth extensions to 4 GHz, 6.4 GHz or 8.3 GHz. It redefines the top of the line for signal and spectrum analyzers, offering superior RF performance in terms of phase noise, displayed average noise level, intermodulation suppression and dynamic range for adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) and harmonic measurements. Now it offers up to 8.3 GHz analysis bandwidth for measuring wideband-modulated or frequency agile signals for the new 5G New Radio standard.
The FE44A works as an up/down conversion driving RF versions of the R&S SMW200A vector-signal generator and the R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyzer, removing the need to purchase a new test set up as you transition to mmWave FR2 testing.
The extension of 5G FR2 frequencies to 47 GHz creates a challenge for companies currently designing chipsets, components, handsets and base stations. Rohde & Schwarz closes this gap with the R&S SZV100A upconverter. It lets you leverage your existing R&S 5G signal generators to cover the 36 GHz-56 GHz frequency range.
The video below, taken at IMS 2019, shows a demonstration of over-the-air (OTA) testing.
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