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 […]
vector network analyzer
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 […]
Book Review: Create Your Own EMC Troubleshooting Kit
Create Your Own EMC Troubleshooting Kit (Volume 1): Essential Tools for EMC Troubleshooters by Kenneth Wyatt shows you the tools you need to start tackling interference problems. Tracking down and mitigating electrical interference isn’t black magic, though some would have you believe that. Armed with some knowledge on how signals travel and with the right […]
Basics of QAM reception and its measurement
A conventional AM broadcast generally begins in the studio as a music or voice audio signal. The audio signal modulates the amplitude of a radio-frequency electrical signal. This AM signal–also referred to as double-sideband amplitude modulation to distinguish it from single-sideband modulation–produces equal frequency sidebands on either side of the center frequency. In single-sideband modulation […]
Economical 7.5-GHz spectrum/VNA targets signal distortion, modulation, spectrum purity, frequency stability, crosstalk distortion parameters
The Siglent SVA1075X Spectrum/Vector Network Analyzer is a powerful tool with reliable automatic measurements for measuring the performance of RF circuits and networks such as amplifiers, filters, attenuators, cables, and antennas. With a wide frequency range from 9 kHz to 7.5 GHz, the SVA1015X analyzer delivers reliable automatic measurements with its built-in tracking generator and […]
VNA test cables sport flex life exceeding 100,000 cycles
A new series of highly flexible VNA test cables are designed to address a range of demanding test and lab applications. Fairview Microwave’s new high-frequency VNA test cables display excellent electrical properties such as exceptional phase stability of ±6° at 50 GHz and ±8° at 70 GHz, as well as VSWR of 1.3:1 at 50 […]
Two-port USB-controlled, lab-grade VNA operates from 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz
The Pico Technology PicoVNA 108 extends to 8.5 GHz the operating frequency range of the same-footprint PicoVNA 106 6 GHz instrument released three years ago. The new PicoVNA 108 fulfills user demand for “faster, more frequency range, more port power and dynamic range, and more functionality.” In addition to the PicoVNA 108’s extended range from […]
