High-end VNA Simplifies Measurement Configuration

Article By : Rohde & Schwarz

R&S ZNA, a new generation of high-end vector network analyzers offering outstanding RF performance and a unique hardware concept that simplifies measurement configuration.

Rohde & Schwarz presents the new R&S ZNA high-end vector network analyzer for characterizing active and passive DUTs. The two models R&S ZNA26 (10 MHz to 26.5 GHz) and R&S ZNA43 (10 MHz to 43.5 GHz) offer an outstanding dynamic range of 146 dB (typ.) and a trace noise as low as 0.001 dB at 1 kHz IF bandwidth. These two features are essential for measurements on high-rejection filters.

With its unique hardware concept, the R&S ZNA can perform mixer measurements for RF and IF in parallel, delivering measurement speed twice as fast as with the conventional approach. Amplifier characterization becomes easy with a 100 dB power sweep range, a pulse generator and modulator per test port, versatile intermodulation measurement capabilities and spectrum analyzer functionality.

The R&S ZNA offers four internal, phase-coherent sources, eight truly parallel receivers and two internal local oscillators (LOs). This simplifies the test setups for characterizing frequency-converting devices, amplifiers and even complex T/R modules, requiring the DUT to be connected only once. Users can perform vector corrected conversion loss, phase and group delay measurements in half of the time required with the conventional approach and without the need for a reference mixer.

The R&S ZNA offers a unique approach, focused on the DUT, to simplify measurement configuration. The user first selects the type of DUT (e.g. mixer or amplifier) and is then guided step by step through configuration to the desired test setup. This solution significantly speeds up and facilitates test setups. Alternatively, users can take the conventional approach and configure measurements individually, providing high flexibility to master even the most challenging measurement tasks.

The R&S ZNA is the first purely touch-operated vector network analyzer, using a 12.1" touchscreen as the main display and a 7" touchscreen instead of a hardkey panel. Together with the DUT-centric approach, the second touchscreen provides a seamless user experience.