Keysight supports continuous-sweep signal analysis to 110 GHz
Keysight Technologies today at European Microwave Week 2016 in London announced an industry-leading breakthrough in spectrum and signal analysis at millimeter-wave frequencies. Mario Narduzzi, director, Communications Solutions Group Marketing, said in a phone interview that the Keysight N9041B UXA X-Series signal analyzer is the first to provide frequency coverage to 110 GHz with a maximum analysis bandwidth of up to 5 GHz with an external oscilloscope. Internal bandwidth is up to 1 GHz.
Key applications areas, he said, include 5G and automotive radar. For the latter, challenges involve resolving small targets in dense environments. For 5G, the new instrument can help meet challenges presented by the massive growth in mobile data demand and number of connected devices as well as exploding diversity of wireless applications.
The N9041B UXA exemplifies the company’s unique capabilities with attributes such as advanced front-end indium-phosphide circuitry that achieves low loss and efficient mixing, providing a displayed average noise level (DANL) as low as -150 dBm/Hz when characterizing wideband modulated signals in the millimeter-wave band.
“This new UXA is a clear example of Keysight’s leadership in providing the tools our customers need to achieve their time-to-market goals in the fast moving communications market,” said Mike Gasparian, president, Keysight Communications Solution Group, in a press release. “Together with the 802.11ad RF test solution, the UXA adds a new level of insight to millimeter-wave applications such as 5G, 802.11ad, and automotive radar, and it is the next step in our program to bring technology above 50 GHz to commercial applications.”
The challenges of designing systems at these frequencies are significant, increasing the need for integrated tools in design, simulation, measurement, and analysis. Keysight software solutions for design and simulation provide an efficient workflow that accelerates development of next-generation devices and systems. These tools were used in the development of the N9041B UXA and enabled first-time-correct designs of its millimeter-wave circuits. Keysight engineers also used the company’s millimeter-wave measurement tools, including network analyzers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and associated application software, to fully characterize their devices.
Current applications of these tools include development of 5G wireless communications, millimeter-wave backhaul, satellite communications, automotive radar, military radar, and electronic warfare systems. Emerging applications encompass development of devices and systems capable of performing high-resolution materials measurements for manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and medical.
Narduzzi said prices for the N9041B will range from $350,000 to $450,000.
Keysight’s millimeter-wave solutions will be on display at European Microwave Week through October 8. Additional information is available at www.keysight.com/find/millimeter-wave. A video is available at www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvQ5Bzr3tM50DBXpoDRDSvbGo-wdNM4zX.
