Anritsu Co. re-establishes itself as the leader in Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) technology with the introduction of the VectorStar™ premium series of microwave VNAs. The MS4640A delivers best-in-class frequency coverage of 70 kHz to 70 GHz, dynamic range of 103 dB at 67 GHz, and measurement speed of 20 μs/point to establish a new performance benchmark for S-parameter measurements on RF, microwave and millimeter-wave devices.
The VectorStar MS4640A family offers three standard frequency ranges that go to 20, 40 and 70 GHz. This high-performance two-port engine is designed to add future capabilities, and is compatible with existing four-port and broadband mmW systems for 70 kHz to 110 GHz measurements, or waveguide banded measurements up to 500 GHz. VectorStar brings unprecedented performance to traditional VNA markets, including aerospace/defense, satellite, commercial microwave communications, materials measurement and advanced research.
For true broadband applications such as device modeling, the 70 kHz low-end provides seven octaves of additional information below the traditional 10 MHz cut-off of conventional microwave VNAs. This improves the error-prone task of DC-approximation, providing better device models and circuit simulation. The result is designs that work as predicted the first time, eliminating long and costly fabrication cycles. The low-end frequency also improves stability as it eliminates coupler roll-off below 1 GHz, a necessary evil of competitive VNAs.
VectorStar’s 100 dB dynamic range at 70 GHz creates accuracy never before seen in a microwave VNA. Supplementing the wide dynamic range is the MS4640A’s excellent receiver compression level. The VNA’s receiver has a +10 dBm 0.1 dB compression level at 70 GHz. With the new Precision AutoCal for 70 kHz to 40 GHz or 70 GHz calibrations, residual directivity of 42 dB can be achieved at 70 GHz, and up to 50 dB at 20 GHz. This type of unmatched performance allows devices to be more tightly specified with greater confidence.
Today’s engineering environments, from R&D through to manufacturing, require fast measurement speed. VectorStar’s 20 μs/point real measurement speed without any restrictions, such as un-synthesized, unleveled, no display, or CW frequency conditions typically found in traditional VNAs, allows the MS4640A to acquire the data necessary for the best device characterizations over multiple physical and environmental conditions, drive levels or frequency ranges.
VectorStar MS4640A achieves outstanding performance because it features a completely new VNA platform that uses an innovative architecture. For applications from 70 kHz to 2.5 GHz, a mixer-based receiver with bridges for directional devices is used. Above 2.5 GHz, a harmonic-sampling receiver is incorporated, with the traditional couplers for directional devices. Since the couplers are not taxed by extending to low frequencies, raw directivity is not traded for frequency coverage, resulting in superior stability.
Non-Linear Transmission Line (NLTL) technology, also known as Shockline technology, is used for the receiver, resulting in uncompromising performance to 70 GHz and beyond. This monolithic sampling technology, along with the usage of a higher LO frequency, provides extraordinary conversion flatness, isolation and dynamic range.
The digital and mainframe architectures behind VectorStar take advantage of the latest off-the-shelf technology. This strategy allows the platform to remain current, and helps it handle the fast-changing pace of digital standards and operating systems.
The MS4640A is built on a Windows XP Pro OS, and offers a 26 cm touch-screen LCD display with USB 2.0, Ethernet and GPIB connectivity. The VNA has enough memory and graphics capability to offer 16 independent channels, with 16 traces each, 13 makers per trace, and up to 25,000 points per channel. For applications such as time domain that require as many points as possible, 100,000 points are available when VectorStar operates in single-channel mode.
Solidifying its position as a leader in mmW frequencies, the new 70 kHz to 70 GHz Precision AutoCal exceeds the performance of previously available e-calibrators. This type of performance has been achieved because the new AutoCal is designed with advanced software algorithms and new switching hardware, and references an LRL calibration up to 70 GHz. Anritsu’s 70 GHz switching technology provides the lowest parasitics to produce the lowest losses and best matches to create the most accurate corrected residuals.
Pricing for the VectorStar starts at $80,950 for the base 20 GHz VNA. Delivery at introduction is set at 12 weeks, but expected to quickly reach 4-6 weeks.
