Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/2161-test-equipment

Test Equipment

October 1, 1997

TEST EQUIPMENT

Radio Communication Analyzer Option

The IS-136 option is now available for the company's model MT8801B radio communication analyzer. The new option extends the analyzer's ability to quickly perform dozens of tests that previously required several interconnected instruments to the evaluation of all analog and TDMA transmitter and receiver parameters of the IS-136 digital cellular standard, including call processing. The device comprises an RF analyzer that covers the 10 MHz to 2.2 GHz frequency range, a signal generator covering 300 kHz to 3 GHz, a modulation analyzer capable of £ 2 percent error, a power meter and a bit error rate tester. IEEE-488, RS-232 and Centronics interfaces, as well as a 3.5-inch floppy disk and color thin-film transistor liquid-crystal display (LCD) are standard.

Anritsu Wiltron Co., Morgan Hill, CA (408) 776-8300.

 

Sensor Data Adapter

This sensor data adapter has been developed for use with power sensors for the company's model 4230 power meter. The adapter is ruggedly designed and eliminates the need to re-enter calibration data manually, increasing productivity and improving accuracy when making power measurements. State-of-the-art circuitry within the adapter stores calibration data on up to four sensors in a built-in electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. The data then can be stored in the power meter for access through the menu-driven LCD. The power meter measures power from -70 to +44 dBm and covers 10 kHz to 100 GHz. As many as 200 readings per second can be made in single-channel mode.

Boonton Electronics Corp., Parsippany, NJ (973) 386-9696.

 

Instantaneously Ultra-wideband Tuners

These computer-controlled microwave tuners (CCMT) cover the 400 MHz to 40 GHz and 33 to 110 GHz frequency ranges in coaxial and waveguide forms, respectively. The concept of a dual vertical axis designed for ultra-wideband on-wafer operations (especially noise measurements up to 50 GHz) has been modified and adapted to the CCMT tuners, which are designed more for test fixture operation and high power tests. This feature allows for instantaneous coverage of multi-octave frequency ranges without recalibrating in each band. Operation is compatible with CCMT software upgrade 5.0 (January 1997) and requires a new model CC-3 tuner controller.

Focus Microwaves, St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada (514) 335-6227.

 

Benchtop Personal Probe Station

The model HPS2 hybrid probe station offers a low cost benchtop test solution for thin- and thick-film circuit scientists and engineers. The unit is equipped with two DC needle positioners to locate test probes precisely on active and passive devices and test structures. Additional positioners can be located on the top plate. Chucks with a vacuum device-under-test hold down slide in and out with positive locking for repeatable measurements. User-friendly accessories include an integral vacuum manifold, vacuum chuck and stereo zoom microscope. Delivery: less than six weeks.

J microTechnology, Portland, OR (503) 614-9509.

 

Multipath Fading Emulator I/Q Interface Option

This in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) interface option allows digital systems to be tested at baseband before the corresponding RF system is completed. The interface provides two input ports and two output ports per channel in either single-ended or differential format. The unit can accommodate up to two channels in one chassis to function with the company's models MP2500 and MP2600 multipath fading emulators. Nominal input and output power levels are 0 and -24 dBm, respectively. Standard connectors are BNC female with 50 W impedance.

Noise Com Inc., Paramus, NJ (201) 261-8797.

 

VHF/UHF Digital Direction Finder

The model DDF190 compact direction finder add on for VHF/UHF receivers operates on the correlation principle and is used mainly for locating sources of interference and unauthorized emitters. With an upper frequency of 3 GHz, the device can detect sources of interference affecting new radio services. The device is also fully remote controlled and compatible with commercial receivers with an unregulated 10.7 Hz or 21.4 MHz IF output. The entire frequency range from 20 to 3000 MHz is covered with just two antennas, and installation is simple and low cost.

Rohde & Schwarz UK Ltd., Fleet, Hampshire, UK 01252 811377.

 

Upgraded Spectrum Analyzers

The 2390 series spectrum analyzers are available in enhanced versions with a color LCD and hard copy output capability. Three units cover the frequency ranges from 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz (model 2392A), 9 kHz to 22 GHz (model 2390A) and 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz (model 2393A). A front-panel LO output (3 to 12 GHz) is available for driving external mixers to increase the frequency measurement range up to 130 GHz. Improved soft-key operation is provided and setup information is displayed within the 640 x 480 pixel overall screen area. A single-keystroke preset facility allows a known measurement environment to be set up to allow quick identification of signals. Resolution bandwidth filters from 3 Hz to 30 MHz allow detailed examination of a wide range of signal types. Built-in receivers for both AM and FM signals are featured. Price: starts at $15,695. Delivery: five weeks (ARO).

Marconi Instruments Inc., Fort Worth, TX (888) 369-2586.