Anritsu Introduces Broadband Vector Network Analyzer with Industry-Best Performance from 70kHz to 110GHz in Single Coax Connection

(Product News, 12 Jun 2009)

Anritsu Co. introduces the VectorStar Broadband ME7828A vector network analyzer system that produces industry-best dynamic range, measurement speed, and calibration and measurement stability over the broadest frequency range of 70kHz to 110GHz. The performance and frequency coverage provide designers and manufacturers of microwave/millimeter wave components and devices with a single system to accurately and quickly measure devices from DC to daylight.

Users performing device modeling and characterization need to measure across the widest frequency range possible for optimum model accuracy. During the design phase they must constantly re-verify their device models through measurement verification, and just as important as confirming performance at higher frequencies is confirming DC performance. Up to now, users have been constrained by the poor performance of microwave VNAs below 500MHz. Signal to noise ratio diminishes below 500MHz due to microwave coupler roll-off. The result has been a significant weakness in device models at the low end. Previously, the only solution was to re-measure the device on a different low frequency system and thereby living with large concatenation errors. Now, with the advent of VectorStar’s low-end frequency of 70kHz, it is possible to accurately measure devices starting at 70kHz for DC information and up to 110GHz for capturing all the performance of the device at multiple fundamental harmonics.

Based on Anritsu’s VectorStar design, the ME7828A delivers dynamic range improvements of up to 30dB compared to previous systems. It also incorporates the fast switching speed of Anritsu’s MG37022A sources to produce a sweep speed of 120ms for 201 points, and up to four times faster than leading competitive instruments. Combining the broadest frequency range with 100,000 points in a single channel, the ME7828A provides the most complete time domain analysis capability presently on the market.
On-wafer environments require measurement stability because the process of re-calibration is very time consuming and expensive. The ME7828A delivers industry-best calibration and measurement stability, typically 0.1 dB over a 24-hour period.

Two configurations are available. The standard ME7828A provides basic measurement capabilities for active device testing. The ME7828A-012 delivers additional optimal performance for active device testing, time domain analysis and device characterization. Both configurations are compatible with existing SUSS and Cascade probe stations and appropriate positioners.

The ME7828A system can be configured with a full range of banded millimeter-wave modules extending the frequency range up to 500GHz. A variable attenuator in the millimeter band modules for both configurations allows matching power of the two bands for a smooth transition when measuring active devices in the forward and reverse directions.

Kelvin bias tees are designed into the multiplexing combiner modules in both configurations. The Kelvin bias tees provide sense and force capabilities, and are positioned close to the device under test (DUT) for optimum performance and sensitivity. The result is a significant reduction in IR losses compared to bias sourcing from inside the test set. In addition, the sensing circuit continuously monitors the bias conditions at the DUT and provides feedback corrections to the Source Monitor Unit (SMU) bias supply equipment, as needed.

Anritsu developed the ME7828A for designers and manufacturers of microwave/millimeter-wave components and devices, especially where broadband measurements are needed for accurate device modeling and circuit simulation. Broadband devices are integral to designs used in emerging 60GHz Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN), optical networks operating at 40Gbps and faster, 77GHz automobile radar, digital radio links, and 94 GHz used for imaging millimeter-wave radar in astronomy, defense and Homeland Security applications.