Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/9000-rohde-schwarz-simplifies-complex-network-analysis-measurements

Rohde & Schwarz Simplifies Complex Network Analysis Measurements

January 18, 2010

The new R&S® ZVAX24 hardware extension unit from Rohde & Schwarz converts the vector network analyzers of the R&S ZVA family into space saving solutions to make intermodulation or pulse profile measurements easier, even for applications up to 43 dBm. Thanks to its modularity, the unit can be tailored to the individual application – it can be equipped with combiners, harmonic filters, pulse modulators and high power couplers. This new test and measurement solution enables manufacturers from the wireless communications, automotive, or aerospace and defense industries to develop active components and then test them in production.

The R&SZVAX24 is custom-tailored to the R&S ZVA24, but can be used with all vector network analyzers of the R&S ZVA and R&S ZVT family. Connecting the extension unit to the vector network analyzer is simple: The R&S ZVAX24 is placed under the vector network analyzer and the RF ports are connected via semi-rigid coaxial cables. Control is performed via USB directly from the vector network analyzer, which displays a dialog box containing a block diagram of the extension unit. Depending on the test task, the required RF components can be connected.

The combination of the R&S ZVA and R&S ZVAX24 is also particularly suited to measuring intermodulation. As the internal combiner of the extension unit uses the two sources of the four-port R&S ZVA and outputs the two-tone signal directly at the port, there is no need to perform any highly complex wiring and calibrations of any additional components. Together with the intermodulation wizard, intermodulation measurements can be configured and performed quickly and conveniently.

To test harmonics, the extension unit enables users to activate filters in the generator and the receive path. The filters improve signal purity and achieve very good suppression (60 dBc for the second harmonic, 70 dBc for the third harmonic) at maximum power. Furthermore, two high-power couplers can be integrated to permit an input level up to 43 dBm – a feature that enables tests on high-power amplifiers, for example.