Test and measurement hardware and software are valuable tools that allow engineers to determine if a product or project functions in specified parameters. If not, these tools will help them pinpoint where the problem lies and then take the appropriate action to mitigate the problem. In this roundup, we will take a look at the latest test and measurement technologies to hit the market this year and their potential applications.
New Spectrum Analyzer Provides Real-Time Analysis
RIGOL Technologies has announced the expansion of its RF test portfolio with the RSA3000E real-time spectrum analyzer. The RSA3000E combines the power of a high-performance swept spectrum analyzer with a real-time analyzer's capability and is available in both 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz models. It also comes standard with 10 MHz of real-time analysis bandwidth with seamless capture and a 9.3-microsecond 100% POI. What's more, the RSA3000E also can function as a traditional swept spectrum analyzer with a Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) of 1 Hz, a noise floor as low as -161dBm, phase noise of -102dBc/Hz, and a full span sweep as fast as 1ms. The analyzer has an integrated EMI pre-compliance option, allowing engineers to measure, compare, analyze, and report on EMI issues throughout the design process.
Connected IoT Devices Leads to new RF signal generators
RIGOL Technologies has launched new models of its DSG800 RF signal generators to analyze RF signatures with IoT-connected devices. The DSG800A models offer support for internal and external IQ generation, allowing engineers and makers to generate IQ traffic to simulate or validate their designs. The RF signal generator is available in 2.1 GHz and 3.6 GHz models and provides internal IQ modulation, eliminating the need for an external IQ source while simplifying setup, minimizing expense and ensuring system accuracy. Internal IQ waveform construction is supported by RIGOL's Ultra IQ Station software utility, making the creation and generation of IQ data simple. The DSG800A also delivers a maximum output power up to +20 dBm and a low SSB phase noise of -112 dBc/Hz. It has an amplitude accuracy of +/- 0.5 dB and a frequency resolution of 0.01 Hz at any frequency.
Radio Communication Test Station gets Upgraded for 5G Applications
Anritsu recently upgraded its MT8000A radio communication test station with 5G protocol test functions, which uses NR (New Radio) Fading software supporting 3GPP TS 38.521-4 B.1/B.2 V15.0.0-compliant 5G NR channel (TDL) model tests. The test station features an integrated internal fader that can support either 2CC 4x4 MIMO tests with one unit or 8CC 2x2 MIMO tests with a pair of units. The MT8000A can cover critical frequency bands used by the first 5G services, such as the Sub-6 GHz band (FR1) frequencies of 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 4.5 GHz, and the mmWave band (FR2) frequencies of 28 GHz and 39 GHz. It also supports functions for simulating base-station non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) modes to develop 5G chipsets.
New Test Bench Designed for mmWave devices used in 5G applications
Marvin Test Solutions has introduced its TS-960e-5G production test system designed for mmWave devices used in 5G applications and networks. The TS-960e-5G is based on the modular PXIe platform and can be configured with up to 24 independent VNA channels, up to 256 dynamic digital channels with per-channel parametric measurement units (PMUs) and a wide range of digital and analog instrument options. The TS-960e-5G also features a compact test system that supports both functional and DC parametric test capabilities. It also comes with 5G software tools and a digital vector conversion utility that supports ASCII, WGL, STIL, VCD, eVCD and ATP vector formats.
Function Generators get Ruggedized for Industrial Applications
RIGOL Technologies has announced a new series of ruggedized 16-bit arbitrary function generators designed for industrial applications. The GD2000 series offers three models that range from 50 MHz to 100 MHz, with all sharing the same feature set, including Dual Tone, Harmonics and Sequencing. The DG2000 series offers a ruggedized mechanical package and UI, making it ideal for manufacturing and automated platforms, and features network/LAN capabilities for automated control. RIGOL's enhanced SiFi II technology powers the DG2000 series for point-to-point sampling, ensuring high fidelity arbitrary generation with easy setup and adjustment.
