PXIe VNAs allow BTS component, active multiport test

Keysight Technologies Inc. has unveiled a series of hardware and software options for the M9485A high-performance PXIe multiport vector network analyser (VNA). According to the company, the options improve the modular nature of the M9485A VNA by incorporating various capabilities in support of applications such as base transceiver station (BTS) component test and active multiport module test.

During production test, engineers face a number of challenges. For those testing handset front-end modules with active components and tuning BTS high-rejection filters/duplexers, the challenge involves using instrumentation with the right mix of measurement performance and configuration flexibility. Also critical is the ability to measure active components. The M9485A's fast measurement speed and high-power handling capability, coupled with its new hardware and software options, make it suitable to address these challenges head on, noted the company.

Configurable test set and direct receiver access (DRA) hardware options

The configurable test set option allows users to create their own combination of VNA receivers and adjust receiver performance as needed, to fit the needs of their specific application.

The direct receiver access (DRA) option allows engineers to configure mixed receiver systems by either using the DRA module in the M9485A system as one receiver, or with a coupler module to make a configurable test set port. 2–/4–/6–/8–/10–/12–port option is available.

These hardware options provide superior yield for the test of wireless components and modules with high-power handling or high-rejection performance via a tailored multiport network analysis system. As an added benefit, the easy upgrade process associated with the M9485A, whereby different type of receivers are combined modularly in one system, helps engineers better prepare for future device-under-test trends and updates.

RF pulse measurement and gain compression analysis software options

The M9485A also features two software options: a basic RF pulse measurements option and a gain compression analysis option, each designed to help engineers evaluate active components. The pulse measurement option performs point-in-pulse and pulse profile measurements down to a pulse width on the order of one microsecond, while the gain compression analysis option quickly and easily performs measurements to search for the gain compression point over frequency. For added convenience, both options share the same easy-to-use user interface and trusted measurement science as PNA network analysers.

Keysight's M9485A PXIe multiport VNA supports a frequency offset mode, time domain analysis, basic RF pulse, gain compression and N–port calibrated measurements based on the same measurement science and calibration science as trusted PNA/ENA network analysers. The VNA provides notable performance with a fast speed (5ms at 201 points with 2–port calibration) and wide dynamic range (up to 160dB dynamic range, typical). It also delivers low trace noise (0.001dBrms at 10kHz IFBW) and high stability (0.005dB/°C) as well as high output power (17dBm) and high receiving power (40dBm). When coupled with the M9485A's multiport and multi–site measurement capabilities, this level of performance helps decrease the cost of test.

Keysight's hardware and software options for the M9485A PXIe VNA are available. The M9485A–2xx with a 2–port option costs ₹32.89 lakh ($49,000) while the 12–port option costs ₹1.04 crore ($155,000). The M9485A–3xx without Coupler option with 2–port option can be had for ₹30.20 lakh ($45,000), while the 12–port option is at ₹79.87 lakh ($119,000).