RF-vector-network analyzers make short work of difficult measurements

The relentless push to higher frequencies in communications is increasing the importance of measuring the magnitude and phase of components' impedance and transfer functions. As the quantity of devices produced increases, the need grows for faster measuring instruments that don't require highly skilled operators. These needs have prompted Agilent Technologies to add models to its PNA series of RF-vector-network analyzers and to introduce the ENA series (Picture).

The E8364A, the PNA-series flagship, whose prices start at $105,000, replaces the 85107A and, according to Agilent, provides the fastest measurements, highest dynamic range, and lowest trace noise of any 50-GHz network analyzer. The unit is a two-port, four-receiver design that offers sweep speeds as high as 35 µsec/point, 103-dB dynamic range, and 0.02-dB-rms trace noise at 50 GHz. Models are available for 3, 6, and 9 GHz. The unit aims at users who require high performance, advanced calibration tools, and the ability to characterize devices on-wafer.

The E8800A with prices starting at $36,000 and the N3380A with prices starting at $41,000 are PNA-series instruments that meet the needs of high-volume manufacturers of wireless-infrastructure components. The lower cost, two-port, three-receiver E8800 series aims at component manufacturers that require PNA-level performance and must configure analyzers for their needs but that do not need a fourth receiver for on-wafer and in-fixture measurements. N3380A instruments are three-port, four-receiver designs that allow the measurement of all nine S-parameters in three sweeps and include full three-port calibration for design and test of low-isolation devices, such as couplers and duplexers. Both series provide models with frequency ranges to 3, 6, and 9 GHz.

ENA-series instruments offer the capabilities that passive-component manufacturers need to increase production-test throughput at low cost. These Windows-based instruments allow integration into ATE systems and have advanced features for measuring balanced and multiport devices. The series includes models with prices starting at $28,000 that cover frequencies to 3 GHz and 8.5 GHz with prices starting at $35,000.

Agilent Technologies, 1-800-452-4844, www.agilent.com.