For Rohde & Schwarz, the 10th European Microwave Week is on home turf, as it is being held in Munich, Germany, where the electronics company has its headquarters. A leading supplier of microwave test and measurement equipment, the company will assert its presence at this year's trade fair by showcasing many of its stars. The R&S FSU67 spectrum analyzer is the first instrument worldwide that allows spectrum analysis up to 67 GHz in a single sweep. In addition, a new mm-wave converter expands the frequency range of the R&S ZVA high-end network analyzers to 110 GHz. Plus, the new R&S SMF100A signal generator generates highly pure signals up to 43.5 GHz. Earlier this summer, the company presented unique innovations such as true differential network analysis as well as the generation and analysis of pulsed signals. Rohde & Schwarz will also offer an extensive workshop program at European Microwave Week.
New products – new products – new products
The world's first spectrum analyzer from 20 Hz to 67 GHz: the new R&S FSU67 The R&S FSU67 from Rohde & Schwarz extends the upper frequency limit in spectrum analysis from 50 to 67 GHz, making external waveguide mixers superfluous. In addition, the continuous frequency range starting at 20 Hz simplifies harmonics measurements, for example, since the test setup does not have to be reconfigured. Developers and manufacturers of microwave components, oscillators and communications equipment thus profit from high measurement accuracy, excellent RF performance and clear signal display.
R&S ZVA-Z110: network analysis up to 110 GHz
With the R&S ZVA-Z110 mm-wave converter, Rohde & Schwarz adds the frequency range from 75 to 110 GHz to its high-end network analyzers. This covers important frequency bands such as for a future vehicle distance radar (77 GHz) or defense applications (94 GHz). The R&S ZVA-Z110 converter can be easily connected to the base unit. Additional hardware is not necessary, which saves time and cost. The four-port models of the instruments do not require an additional external generator, thus considerably reducing measurement times. The dynamic range of typ. 100 dB makes it possible to characterize components in the mm-wave range. The R&S ZVA-Z110 is available for the R&S ZVA24, R&S ZVA40 and R&S ZVT20.
Ultra-pure signals: the R&S SMF100A for telecommunications/radar applications
With the new R&S SMF100A analog microwave signal generator, Rohde & Schwarz sets standards for single-sideband (SSB) phase noise. A unique value of –115 dBc (at 10 GHz/10 kHz offset) allows the signal generator to be used for a variety of telecommunications and radar applications. In addition, its high output power of typ. +25 dBm at 20 GHz and extremely short setting times make the R&S SMF100A the ideal instrument for production. The signal generator is currently designed for a frequency range up to 43.5 GHz.
Analog signals up to 6 GHz with the new R&S SMB100A
When looking for a signal source, high signal quality, wide flexibility and low operating costs are primary considerations also in the mid-range class. Rohde & Schwarz has developed the R&S SMB100A with a frequency range from 9 kHz to 6 GHz to meet specifically these requirements: With its low SSB phase noise of typ. –128 dBc and its unique output level of >+18 dBm over a wide frequency range (1 MHz to 6 GHz), the new signal generator sets standards. As users can perform instrument servicing themselves, instrument availability is increased and low cost of ownership ensured.
New measurement solutions – new measurement solutions – new measurement solutions
Don't guess – measure! True differential network analysis up to 40 GHz
In the RF and microwave range, components and circuits are increasingly operated in differential mode. Up to now, users had to calculate the differential parameters from unbalanced single measurements in order to perform measurements on such components. Rohde & Schwarz has now added a true differential measurement mode to its R&S ZVA and R&S ZVT network analyzers. For the first time, it is possible to directly and precisely characterize balanced components. In addition, simulation and measurement on active components have never before yielded such close results near the compression point. RF circuits can thus be selectively optimized, which speeds up development and reduces production costs.
Compact test setup: pulse profile measurements with the R&S ZVA family
The high-end network analyzers of the R&S ZVA family support pulse profile measurements on amplifiers, semiconductor components, as well as antenna and radar systems, for example. Absolute levels, complex S-parameters and quantities derived from them can thus be displayed in realtime by using pulses with an IF bandwidth of up to 30 MHz and a resolution of 12.5 ns. Besides periodic pulses, non-periodic and single pulses can be analyzed. In addition, the new method simplifies the test setup, and the adaptive system error correction makes it easier to change measurement settings. This reduces costs and the amount of time required for pulse profile measurements.
New PC software for generating pulsed signals with Rohde & Schwarz
In many T&M tasks in the field of telecommunications or radar technology, it is necessary to generate pulsed signals. The requirements placed on generating such signals are becoming more and more stringent, which often calls for very complex pulse trains. For this reason, Rohde & Schwarz offers the R&S pulse sequencer PC software for its signal generators. This software allows users for the first time to easily generate libraries from complex pulses and combine them into pulse trains. For use in military applications, proprietary intra-pulse modulations can be integrated via a plug-in interface.
The option is available for the R&S SMU200A, R&S SMJ100A, R&S SMATE200A, R&S AMU200A and R&S AFQ100A.
Other highlights – other highlights – other highlights
The R&S NRP-Z81 wideband power sensor sets standards
The new R&S NRP-Z81 wideband power sensor saves space and cost when it comes to sophisticated measurements on radar and mobile radio signals. For the first time, RF detector, analog and digital signal processing, as well as the entire evaluation logic of a peak power meter are combined in one sensor that is directly controlled via USB. Its unparalleled accuracy, functional scope and versatility set the power sensor apart from other USB-based solutions: A video bandwidth of up to 30 MHz and a rise time of typ. 11 ns make the R&S NRP-Z81 the ideal instrument for high-resolution envelope analyses. Complete statistical analysis of a signal is performed within only a few milliseconds. For average power measurements, the R&S NRP-Z81 provides a dynamic range of 80 dB; its frequency range covers 50 MHz to 18 GHz.
Data security and cost savings with the R&S FSUP
The R&S FSUP is a phase noise tester and spectrum analyzer in one. It reduces, above all, the time and cost investment when phase noise measurements as well as general data on harmonics and nonharmonics are needed. This is often the case with defense applications. Especially because of the high security requirements in this field, the R&S FSUP can now be specially equipped with a removable hard disk. If the hard disk is removed, no user data remains on the instrument.
Slim and trim for microwave – the R&S FSH18 spectrum analyzer up to 18 GHz
With the R&S FSH18, Rohde & Schwarz presents the world's lightest handheld spectrum analyzer up to 18 GHz. The latest member of the established R&S FSH family can thus be used in the field for a variety of applications in the microwave range. The R&S FSH18 has the same compact dimensions as the 3 GHz and 6 GHz models, plus it features excellent RF characteristics as well as extensive measurement functions.
More information about the workshop program can be found at: www.rohde-schwarz.com/contact/eumw2007.html.