Features Wide Dynamic Range and Extremely Low Trace Noise
Rohde & Schwarz revealed the latest version of its ZNA high-end vector network analyser (VNA), featuring a frequency range up to 67GHz, on 7 April. This means the VNA range now includes models with 50 and 67GHz maximum frequencies, opening up performance to new areas of operation.
Signal integrity measurements as well as aerospace/defence and 5G component/module characterisation are the principal applications for the new analyser models; the ZNA is, in fact, the world’s first purely touch-operated VNA, and features excellent RF performance, including a wide dynamic range and extremely low trace noise. It comes with a user-friendly, touch-based GUI and its unique hardware platform offers up to four internal, phase-coherent sources, plus a fifth source which can be used as a second internal local oscillator or as an additional source for measurements on mixers. In combination with up to eight truly parallel measurement receivers, the ZNA hardware architecture is ideal for demanding measurements on components and modules.
The device benefits engineers working on tasks such as high-end research and development. The new 50 and 67GHz ZNA models offer opportunities for the aerospace and defence industry by enabling characterisation of radar and transmitter/receiver modules, as well as performing antenna measurements and supporting satellite applications such as downconverter characterisation. They also offer versatile capabilities for both pulse generation and measurement, including a wide range of trigger functions. Since the analyser’s original introduction two years ago, updates have added new features such as direct source monitor access, enabling accurate measurements even on high gain devices such as satellite downconverters.
High-end R&D signal integrity measurements on differential lines up to 67GHz (and beyond, when used in combination with Rohde & Schwarz mmWave converters), are a strength of the new ZNA models. In combination with integrated deembedding solutions (ISD, SFD, DELTA-L and EZD), the ZNA provides characterisation of PCB conductor structures for high-speed signal transmission. The effects of fixtures, lead-ins and lead-outs are removed from measurement results.
Covering the 5G (and 6G, using mmWave converters) frequency bands, Rohde & Schwarz’ ZNA is a future-proof solution for research on active and passive components such as LNAs, filters, antennas and mixers. Over-the-air tests with the company’s OTA test solutions benefit from the analyser’s excellent dynamic range. Rohde & Schwarz ZCxxx mmWave converters extend the frequencies into the terahertz range, and provide high dynamic range and output power for on-wafer device characterisation, and antenna measurements on 6G components and modules.
