Rohde & Schwarz has launched the R&S ZNLE vector network analyzer to address the requirements of customers looking to perform RF measurements to characterize components such as antennas, attenuators, filters and PCBs. The new standalone instrument weighs 6 kg and has a footprint of 408 mm x 235 mm, saving; it is claimed, up to two thirds of space on the workbench compared with competitive VNAs.
The two-port vector network analyzer not only saves space but also provides quick and accurate measurements, not least due to its easy-to-use S-parameter wizard. The R&S ZNLE performs bidirectional measurements of the S11, S21, S12 and S22 S parameters. An optional GPIB interface is available for remote control of the analyzer. The instrument comes in two models with frequency ranges from 1 MHz to 3 GHz (R&S ZNLE3) and to 6 GHz (R&S ZNLE6).
The R&S ZNLE is said to offer outstanding RF performance with a wide dynamic range of typically 120 dB and measurement bandwidths from 1 Hz to 500 kHz. Measurement time is just 9.6 ms for 201 points at 100 kHz measurement bandwidth, for a 200 MHz span, with two-port TOSM/SOLT calibration. For stable, repeatable measurements, the R&S ZNLE produces low trace noise of typically 0.001 dB.
The R&S ZNLE features a large 10.1" WXGA touchscreen, providing good visibility of all traces. The touchscreen supports zooming in and out of traces using multitouch gestures. The well-structured user interface makes it possible to access every function with a minimum number of steps. Undo/Redo softkeys are available to cancel and restore user entries. Context-sensitive help menus for the diverse functions and parameters facilitate interactive operation.
Calibration of the instrument is also straightforward. The R&S ZNLE incorporates the well-known calibration wizard used in other Rohde & Schwarz R&S ZNx analyzers. Calibration units are also supported. To make life even easier, the Start Auto Cal function delivers automatic calibration at the touch of a button.