Tektronix, Inc. introduced the TTR500 Series USB vector network analyzer (VNA), adding to the growing Tektronix portfolio of USB-based RF test instruments. According to Tektronix, the TTR500 Series delivers 122 dB dynamic range and a 6 GHz frequency range for 40 percent lower cost than competitive products, and it includes advanced features like the new VectorVu-PC analysis software and a built-in bias tee for testing active devices.
The TTR500 Series offers a full two port, two path S-parameter VNA covering 100 kHz to 6 GHz, with 122 dB dynamic range, less than 0.008 dB trace noise and −50 to +7 dBm output power, all in a compact package weighing less than 5 pounds. An important feature of the TTR500 is the built-in bias tee that handles 0 to ±24 V and 0 to 200 mA on both ports. The built-in bias tee enables active devices to be biased without an external bias tee or paying for a higher-priced VNA with an internal bias tee.
The TTR500 is designed to work with any Windows PC or laptop. The VectorVu-PC software has a traditional look and feel for controlling and calibrating the instrument, with a point and click interface and the ease of PC-based networking for saving and sharing files. For automated test systems in design or manufacturing, VectorVu-PC offers programming support for SCPI commands, including compatibility with legacy VNAs, which allows the TTR500 to be integrated into existing test systems. The software offers an offline mode for data analysis and an output file format compatible with common EDA simulation tools.
The TTR500 Series VNA is available now. Pricing starts at $9,000 U.S. MSRP for a 3 GHz instrument and $12,000 for a 6 GHz instrument. Accessories available for the TTR500 include a rugged carrying case, rack mount kits, rugged phase-stable cables, attenuators, adapters and calibration kits.
“With its innovative architecture and disaggregated design, the TTR500 Series achieves the same level of performance as a benchtop VNA, but at 40 percent lower cost and one-seventh the size and weight of units with comparable performance,” said Jim McGillivary, general manager of RF and Component Solutions at Tektronix. “This new architecture also greatly reduces the number of components in the instrument, which reduces complexity for better reliability compared to traditional benchtop VNAs.”
The TTR500 Series dramatically lowers the barrier to entry, particularly for markets facing a critical need for an affordable VNA: the Internet of Things (IoT) design and education. To learn more, go to www.tek.com/TTR500 or contact your local Tektronix account manager.