Anritsu chose IMS 2015 to introduce two vector network analyzers. The VectorStar ME7838A4 4-port broadband VNA system features a differential broadband sweep from 70 kHz to 110/125 GHz and utilizes the smallest mmWave modules to conduct highly stable and fast measurements when characterizing differential devices. And the company expanded its ShockLine family of affordable vector network analyzers (VNAs) with the introduction of the Performance ShockLine MS46500B Series, which lowers the cost of test and speeds time to market in numerous testing applications up to 8.5 GHz, including designing and manufacturing mobile network equipment, mobile devices, automotive cables, high-speed data interconnects, and system integration components.
The VectorStar ME7838A4 4-port broadband vector network analyzer (VNA) system provides on-wafer and signal-integrity engineers with a new level of performance when conducting differential measurements so they have greater confidence in their next-generation communications system designs.
A key advantage of the VectorStar ME7838A4 4-port broadband system is the integration of the 3743A mmWave modules. Utilizing an exclusive Anritsu design that incorporates nonlinear transmission line technology (NLTL), the modules are much more compact than competitive alternatives, for easy mounting on space-limited wafer-probe station platens. Additionally, smaller and lighter modules improve overall performance, including superior raw directivity performance that results in superior calibration stability. Modules are available that can extend the VectorStar ME7838A4 to a 4-port 145 GHz system.
The VectorStar ME7838A4 4-port broadband system uses an internal substrate-mounted source for excellent thermal stability, resulting in calibration and measurement stability of 0.1 dB over 24 hours. It also features measurement speed of 55 ms for 201 points at 10 kHz IFBW.
The company said engineers benefit from unparalleled mmWave noise floor sensitivity and the industry’s only available mmWave real-time electronic power leveling that eliminates the need for time-lagging software correction tables. Because internal frequency multiplication begins at 54 GHz in the VectorStar ME7838A4 compared to 67 GHz for other 4-port broadband systems, RF cable losses are reduced for improved dynamic range and phase stability.
Installation and operating costs are reduced with the VectorStar ME7838A4. Probe station positioner costs are lower due to the compact size and lighter weight of the modules. There is also significant savings from the longer interval times between calibrations.
Anritsu’s advanced True Mode Stimulus is available for the VectorStar ME7838A4. With the option, engineers can program two internal signals to deliver a true 180⁰ (or 0⁰ for common mode) differential signal for comprehensive device analysis.
New ShockLine VNA
The new Performance ShockLine MS46500B series comprises the 2-port MS46522B and 4-port MS46524B models, expanding the ShockLine family to a broader spectrum of RF test applications. Each instrument features an independent source per VNA port, and all the sources can sweep at the same time for measurement of forward and reverse S-parameters simultaneously. This unique Simultaneous Sweep feature allows 2-port measurements to be conducted twice as fast and 4-port measurements 4x as fast. With shorter test times, the MS46500B series significantly improves throughput in manufacturing environments.
With its industry best dynamic range, low trace noise, and fast sweep speed, the company said, the MS46500B series addresses the S-parameter and time-domain measurement requirements of a complete range of passive device applications. Faster frequency and time domain measurements can be achieved with a time gating option. In this configuration, the 4-port MS46524B VNA can conduct single-ended, mixed-mode, and time domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements on multiport and differential devices.
The MS46500B series is housed in a 3U high chassis to fit in conventional rack systems and the VNAs short depth allows more bench space for cabling and the DUT. The MS46500B VNAs use industry standard LAN communications for robust remote control in production test environments.
ShockLine software also provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for manual test and engineering use. When attached to a user-supplied touchscreen monitor, the full-featured GUI provides comprehensive capabilities, including network extraction, embedding/de-embedding networks, and time domain with time gating. Developing and troubleshooting test programs are made easier, due to advanced marker and limit lines features.
In addition to the MS46500B series, the ShockLine family consists of the MS46121A 1-port USB VNAs, MS46122A 2-port USB VNAs, and MS46322A Economy ShockLine VNAs. ShockLine VNAs eliminate the need to buy expensive instruments for simple S-parameter measurements, and employ multiple architectures that reduce manufacturing costs, enhance calibration stability and minimize measurement uncertainty.
IMD measurement capability
Anritsu also at IMS 2015 highlighted new intermodulation distortion (IMD) options for its VectorStar platform that expand the measurement capability of the VNA family to meet the needs of design and production engineers who must conduct highly accurate and efficient IMD measurements on their amplifier designs. Included in the enhancements is the new IMDView software that creates an advanced, easy to use graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies complex IMD measurements and allows for more thorough IMD evaluation.
An internal RF combiner/switch option for VectorStar has also been introduced that provides single connection IMD measurements without the need to re-cable the measurement setup. This is an extremely useful capability, as it reduces setup and measurement time and improves overall accuracy by reducing concatenation errors of multiple calibrations and system setups.
IMDView provides a wide range of tools so engineers have greater confidence in their amplifier designs. Multiple channels and traces allow for the simultaneous display of IMD swept frequency and IMD CW performance under different operating conditions. IMDView also has a unique ability to modify key parameters while monitoring the effects, so engineers can quickly determine optimum performance capabilities without switching between configuration panels to view results. The software also tracks the frequency bands of interest, as well as the power levels required of the two tones. During power calibration, the software automatically switches the paths to provide calibrated tones at the DUT input.
With the enhancements, VectorStar can offer engineers three different IMD setups and the ability to upgrade to any of the configurations. IMDView is a software option that simplifies the setup of traces for IMD parameters such as TOI, IM products, and power calibrations. Adding an Internal Second Source option simplifies establishing the second source and reduces setup time by eliminating the need to locate the proper source. The aforementioned Internal RF combiner/switch option provides the capability to alternate between S-parameter and IMD measurements without reconnecting the setup. In addition to saving time, it improves overall accuracy by eliminating multiple calibrations and concatenation errors.
The VectorStar NLTL-based receiver provides exceptional linearity while maintaining very low noise floors, even at millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies. VectorStar provides receiver IP3 performance in the +35 dBm range.
IMDView can be used with the VectorStar ME7838x broadband system to establish an easy to configure accurate mmWave IMD measurement solution that reduces setup and calibration time. It provides a calibrated 1-mm test port for easy conversion to on-wafer measurements or to waveguide ports for waveguide DUTs. IMDView automatically sets up the frequencies and power levels to configure the 3743A mmWave modules for two-tone operation and the receiver for the different IMD responses. The software also provides internal controls of frequency and power during the required IMD power calibrations, providing calibrated power to the DUT’s 1mm, coplanar, or waveguide input port.
