Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/8552-rohde-schwarz-presents-67-ghz-vector-network-analyzer

Rohde & Schwarz Presents 67 GHz Vector Network Analyzer

September 29, 2009

By showcasing its new R&S ZVA67, Rohde & Schwarz is presenting its first vector network analyzer for the frequency range from 10 MHz to 67 GHz. Based on the established R&S ZVA family, it is the fastest vector network analyzer in its class with the highest dynamic range. Users from research and development can apply the instrument to measure components for civil or military radar applications or microwave links. In addition, the R&S ZVA67 offers a user-friendly solution for measuring noise figures on amplifiers.

The R&S ZVA67 has a large dynamic range of 110 dB at 67 GHz and a high throughput – the measurement time is only 3.5 µs for each test point. Users involved in industrial development and production and at research institutes and universities thus have today's most powerful vector network analyzer up to 67 or 70 GHz overrange. Featuring high output power of 6 dBm at 67 GHz and a broad power sweep range of > 40 dB, the R&S ZVA67 can characterize small and large signal behavior on active components, including amplifiers. Moreover, it analyzes not only S-parameters, but also harmonics, compression, intermodulation and noise parameters.

In aerospace & defense, the R&S ZVA67 is used in military radar applications for development and production purposes. The measurement bandwidth of up to 30 MHz allows pulse profile measurements on amplifiers with a resolution of 12.5 ns. In conjunction with the new 67 GHz R&S NRP-Z57 power sensor, the instrument enables users also to perform noise figure measurements up to 67 GHz for the first time. Impedance tuners or a noise source are no longer necessary. The vector network analyzer furthermore measures the relative and absolute group delay on frequency-converting components such as mixers even when the local oscillator (LO) is not accessible.

The R&S ZVA67 can be configured as needed and is a safe investment thanks to its wide choice of options and measurement accessories from the Rohde & Schwarz portfolio. For example, the T&M expert offers millimeter-wave converters for expanding the frequency range of the vector network analyzer up to 325 GHz.