Test Equipment
V-band Programmable Tuner
The model 7550 programmable waveguide tuner is designed for optimum on-wafer operation and testing, maximum reflection factor and minimum loss. The company supplies a manual prematching device for the unit’s compatible waveguide probes to increase the reflection coefficient at device under test reference plane by simultaneously keeping the tuner’s loss reasonable.
Focus Microwaves Inc., St-Laurent, Quebec, Canada (514) 335-6227.
65 GHz VNA
The model 37X97 vector network analyzer (VNA) is designed to meet the testing needs of higher frequency systems, such as wireless networking, low earth orbit satellite communications systems and intelligent transportation systems. The single-unit, self-contained VNA combines a microwave source, test set and analyzer into one benchtop instrument and is capable of measuring four S parameters at speeds that permit real-time tuning of components in manufacturing. The 37X97 offers electrical performance of > 70 dB dynamic range and > -5 dBm leveled output power. High performance double and quadruple modules with GaAs MMIC output amplifier stages provide the VNA with the capability to make active device measurements over a range of input levels. Other features include a four-channel display to view all S parameters at once, a four-sampler architecture and a built-in hard disk drive. Price: from $110,000 to $130,000.
Anritsu Co., Microwave Measurement Division, Morgan Hill, CA (408) 778-2000.
Commercial Measurement Program
The EMICMP (version 3.0) commercial measurement program for conducted measurements from 9 kHz to 30 MHz is designed for use with Hewlett-Packard’s 8590 series spectrum analyzers. The EMICMP allows the measurement of trace data, individual signals data with option for peak, average and Q/P detection. Other features include high probability of signal detection, E-field ambient options and five antenna factors and five limits per measurement band. Signal selection is either by a marker mode or by a cutoff mode; printed output includes both tabular and graphic data. Data sets storage also is provided.
EMC Consulting, Silver City, NM (505) 388-5512.
RF and Microwave System Analyzer
The 6800 series RF and microwave system analyzer is now available with higher output pow-er, making the instrument even more suitable for mixer, amplifier and converter testing. The system analyzer provides a minimum of +10 dBm of leveled power up to 24 GHz. With increased output power, the dynamic range in the scalar and tuned input modes is increased by a further 5 dB, yielding up to 90 dB for filter and passive component testing. The system analyzer is well suited for applications such as frequency conversion, gain compression, intermodulation and transmission line measurements.
IFR Americas Inc., Wichita, KS (316) 522-4981.
Communications Antenna Test System (CATS) Performance Monitor
The model CATS 76000E in-site RF performance monitor features three instruments in one single unit: a spectrum analyzer (monitors receive antennas and displays channel activity, interfering signals and rogue transmitters), an RF power meter (scans and displays transmit antenna and signals, measures CDMA power, single-channel AMPS or NAMPS power) and an antenna SWR and fault analyzer (performs antenna SWR measurements). Designed to be permanently installed in sites, the CATS 76000E executes programmed measurements, data storage and analysis, and sets alarms for high SWR, low power and high receive interference.
Narda Microwave-East, a division of L-3 Communications, Hauppauge, NY (516) 231-1700.
2 GHz RF Power Meter
The model LPT-2010A hand-held RF power meter offers simple operation for every bench or technician. The input level range is from -20 dBm (0.01 mW) to over +23 dBm (200 mW) and the frequency range is greater than 2 GHz bandwidth. Powered by internal batteries, each reading appears on a 3-1/2" digital liquid crystal display. Weight: less than 2 lb. Price: less than $495.
LP Technologies Inc., Wichita, KS (316) 831-9696.
Type 25 Shaped Probe
The Type 25 shaped probe monitors an area for dangerous radiation levels regardless of probe orientation and, for complex transmission sites, can measure up to 600 percent of standard and up to 10,000 percent in single-source environments. The probe measures frequency ranges from 300 kHz to 18 GHz and provides a percentage display that corresponds to the occupational Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Maximum Permissible Exposure Limits for communications and broadcast workers. The probe evaluates all incoming signals according to their frequency-dependent limit values and can be applied to OSHA RF safety program requirements. Price: $2400. Delivery: stock.
Wandel & Goltermann, Flanders, NJ (973) 252-6605.