New vector network analysers offer up to 67GHz frequency range

The Rohde & Schwarz R&S ZNA high-end vector network analyser now offers models with 50GHz and 67GHz maximum frequencies. This opens up the VNA’s excellent RF performance, individual hardware concept and innovative touch operation to new fields of application. Signal integrity measurements and A&D and 5G component and module characterisation are main applications for the new models.

The VNA provides outstanding RF performance, including a wide dynamic range and very low trace noise, and is provided with a user-friendly, purely touch-based GUI. Its unique hardware platform allows up to four internal, phase-coherent sources plus a fifth source which can be employed as a second internal local oscillator or as an extra source for measurements on mixers. With up to eight truly parallel measurement receivers, the VNA hardware architecture is excellent for demanding measurements on components and modules.

The device assists engineers working on tasks such as high-end research and development. The new models provide opportunities for the aerospace and defence industry by facilitating the characterisation of radar and transmitter/receiver modules and performing antenna measurements, and supporting satellite applications, including downconverter characterisation. They also provide versatile capabilities for both pulse generation and measurement, including a broad range of trigger functions. Since the analyser’s original introduction, updates have added new features, including direct source monitor access, allowing accurate measurements even on high gain devices such as satellite downconverters.

Covering the 5G frequency bands and, together with the company's mmWave converters, the 6G frequency bands, the new VNA is a future-proof solution for research on active and passive components such as LNAs, filters, antennas and mixers.