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VNAs add dynamic range, cut measurement times

Rick Nelson, Editor-in-Chief, Test & Measurement World - August 11, 2011

Targeting use in the production and development of RF components, the ZNB and ZNC VNAs (vector network analyzers) from Rohde & Schwarz feature a dynamic range as high as 140 dB and a sweep time as low as 4 msec for 401 points. Both the ZNB and the ZNC have a 12.1-in.-diagonal touchscreen that allows users to access all instrument functions with no more than three operating steps.

VNAs add dynamic range, cut measurement times imageThe ZNB, the more powerful of the two instruments, provides development labs and production lines with performance characteristics previously found only in high-end analyzers. The ZNB covers the frequency range of 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz or 8.5 GHz and is available in both two- and four-port models. It features a dynamic range of 140 dB, trace noise of 0.004 dB rms, and output power as high as 13 dBm, which users can adjust electronically over a 90-dB range. The ZNB’s low magnitude and phase drift result in temperature and long-term stability to minimize the need for recalibration. The ZNB suits use in the measurement of high-blocking filters or amplifiers that operators must manually adjust on high-volume production lines in which speed and efficiency are critical. You can also use the network analyzer to characterize duplex filters, multiport DUTs (devices under test), mixers, or differential SAW (surface-acoustic-wave) filters for transmitters or mobile terminals.

The ZNC, with a frequency range from 9 kHz to 3 GHz, is an alternative for users who have lower requirements regarding dynamic range and functional scope. The ZNC is available with two test ports and offers a sweep time of 11 msec with 401 points and a dynamic range as high as 130 dB. Its primary use is for testing passive RF components, such as filters and cables.

The touchscreen on both instruments eliminates the need for using submenus or nested menus. With the ZNB and the ZNC, all context-based control elements are directly available on the soft panel, and all instrument functions are accessible in three or fewer operating steps. Simply by touching the screen, users can create measurement windows, shift traces, set markers, adjust scales, and zoom in and out for detailed analyses. Users can arrange and instantaneously call up instrument setups on individual tabs, allowing the efficient characterization of DUTs such as amplifiers or RF modules. The user interface and online help are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Russian.

Measuring 18.2×9.6×13.9 in., the ZNB and ZNC leave room on the workbench measurement. Test cables’ small bending radii can sometimes cause problems, and the units’ widely spaced test ports below the touchscreen eliminate these issues, resulting in fewer phase errors and less cable wear. Low power consumption and sophisticated cooling minimize operating noise and heat dissipation and reduce operating costs.

Rohde & Schwarz, www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/znb and www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/znc.

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