Now that you know a little theory of near-field measurements, how do you use near-field probes and a spectrum analyzer to help you troubleshoot and mitigate emissions issues? Remember, as mentioned in Part 1, that deciding whether to use an H-field or E-field probe depends on whether you’ll be probing high switching currents — di/dt […]
vector network analyzer
IMS 2023 roundup: test equipment
Test equipment plays a major role in product development and production, which was apparent at IMS 2023. In the photos and videos below, you’ll get a taste of test developments at RF, mmWave, and sub-THz frequencies. This year, D-band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) seized a larger portion of the exhibit hall than in past […]
What is de-embedding and how do I perform it (part 2)?
When testing a device in a fixture, you can use transfer scattering parameters (T-parameters) to help remove the fixture’s contribution from your measurement result.
What are insertion loss and return loss and how can I measure them?
These basic RF measurements often uncover system problems in wired and wireless communications. If you observe a signal traveling from a source to a load through a passive system of some sort, you will notice that the signal attenuates by the time it reaches the load, and you will also notice that some of the […]
What is a Smith chart and why do I need one? (Part 2)
Take a journey around a Smith chart to find capacitance and inductance values in a matching network. Before computers became ubiquitous, the Smith chart simplified calculations involving the complex impedances found in RF/microwave circuits such as the one shown in Figure 1. That circuit includes a source with impedance Zs, transmission line with characteristic impedance […]
Single-sweep VNA-spectrum analyzer spans 70 kHz to 220 GHz
The VectorStar vector network analyzer (VNA) family now inclues the world’s first single sweep VNA-spectrum analyzer solution that supports 70 kHz to 220 GHz. With the spectrum analyzer option installed, VectorStar can conduct single connection VNA and spectrum-based measurements to create a more efficient and accurate testing environment to verify active and passive devices during […]
Vector signal analysis software delivers post processing measurements, analysis of IQ data files
The IQ Signal Master MX280005A Vector Signal Analysis software delivers expanded post processing measurements and analysis of IQ data files captured on Anritsu Field Master Pro MS2090A, Remote Spectrum Monitor MS27201A, and Remote Spectrum Monitor MS2710xA spectrum analyzers. Designed for challenging field environments, the software assists government regulators inspect the RF spectrum, security agencies track […]
What’s all this VNA calibration stuff?
In general, the electrical characteristics of circuits associated with high-frequency instruments vary significantly with time. Signal sources, receivers, and interconnections drift with vibrations, cable flexing, temperature, humidity, and so forth. That’s why vector network analyzers (VNAs) are only treated as being time-invariant over short time periods (a few hours). Thus a VNA must be calibrated […]
Broadband VNA system provides single-sweep coverage up to 125 GHz
The VectorStar ME7838AX/EX series is the first vector network analyzer (VNA) broadband system to offer single-sweep coverage up to 125 GHz/110 GHz with guaranteed and typical specifications. The VectorStar ME7838AX/EX system’s ability to sweep and provide characterized data through 125 GHz provide design engineers with the ability to significantly and confidently improve their device models […]
ARB waveform generators and measuring amplifier gain
When it comes to amplification, the principal parameters are gain and fidelity of the output relative to the input. Gain, denoted by β (Greek letter beta), is the ratio of output voltage, current or power to input. An amplifier by definition has a power gain greater than one. Measurements that characterize amplifier gain serve as […]
