Designed for bench and production use, the N5186A generates wireless signals to 8.5 GHz and includes a built-in reflectometer. Designing commercial or military wireless receivers, amplifiers, and systems means you’ll need to generate test signals. Keysight’s N5186A MXG vector-signal generator (datasheet) is available in one-channel or four-channel models with Type-N connectors. Each channel can generate […]
wireless test equipment
Expand your RF test equipment’s range to 20 GHz
Extend the frequency of RF test equipment from 6 GHz to 20 GHz. RF systems such as satellite, Wi-Fi, UWB, and radar often need to bring modulated signals up to carrier frequency before transmitting and after receiving. TMYTEK, maker of BBox has introduced its UD Module (UDM) up/down converter, which operates from 6 GHz to […]
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 […]
SoC generates RF test signals and analyzes results
The Apollo MxFE software-defined signal processing SoC from Analog Devices digitizes and generates analog signals with DSP in between. Applications cover aerospace & defense, instrumentation, and wireless communications. Digitizing high-speed signals, processing them, and creating responses typically requires separate ADCs, DACs, and DSPs or FPGAs. The Apollo MxFE system-on-chip (SoC) combines signal capture, creation, and […]
Test methods for mmWave AiP designs bring tradeoffs
Engineers have several mmWave over-the-air test methods available for evaluating phased-array antennas used in antenna-in-package designs. Each has pros and cons.
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 […]
What is a Smith chart and why do I need one? (Part 1)
A Smith chart provides insight into RF/microwave designs. Even if you work primarily with low-speed analog and mixed-signal designs, you could benefit from familiarity with the Smith chart as wireless products proliferate and as high-speed-serial data signals exhibit microwave-like effects. When a signal’s wavelength (λ) approaches the lengths of the conductors carrying it, you can […]
Test gear checks out Wi-Fi 7 chipsets
An automated test solution checks out Broadcom Wi-Fi 7 chipsets, the industry’s first Wi-Fi 7 chipsets optimized for mobile handsets that also support simultaneous dual-band 2×2 IEEE 802.11be-compliant operation. Rohde & Schwarz collaborated with Broadcom to successfully verify the R&S CMP180 next generation wireless device test platform for R&D and production. The IEEE 802.11be amendment […]
Temperature-compensated RF amps cover 0.5 GHz to 40 GHz
A series of temperature-compensated amplifiers address precision performance and test-and-measurement applications. Fairview’s new series of coaxial packaged, temperature-compensated amplifiers covers broadband and ultra-broadband frequencies ranging from 0.5 GHz to 40 GHz. Designs incorporate pin diode attenuation circuitry that senses and adjusts broadband gain levels and maintains a minimum gain level of 35 dB over the […]
Ultra-wideband, omnidirectional antennas optimized for radial isotropic measurements from 150 MHz to 18 GHz
Aaronia OmniLOG PRO Omnidirectional Antennas are compact, ultra-wideband omnidirectional antennas suited for radial isotropic use from 150 MHz up to 18 GHz, encompassing most RF sources such as LTE, GSM, UMTS, WLAN, etc. These cost-effective antennas are specified for 1 W cw receive and 100 W cw high-power transmit, making them candidates for broad-range spectrum […]
