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.
vector network analyzer
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 includes 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 […]
Handheld vector network analyzer works up to 26.5 GHz
The R&S ZNH is a full two-port handheld vector network analyzer up to 26.5 GHz with cable and antenna analysis and full S-parameter measurements. Both of these functions are included free of charge. The R&S ZNH is user-friendly, easy to configure and has a compact fanless housing for field applications. The R&S ZNH handheld vector […]
Measuring the behavior of electronic filters
Passive electronic filters are composed of one or more passive components including resistors, inductors and capacitors. In contrast, active electronic filters also contain an amplifier composed of transistors or op-amps. The point of electronic filters is to pass some frequencies while blocking others. Depending upon the configuration, they selectively attenuate high frequencies (low pass), low […]