Below is a summary of the test and measurement news that we came across just prior to the start of IMS 2009:

Anritsu is highlighting their VectorStar premium series of microwave vector network analyzers (VNA). VectorStar 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. It brings high performance to traditional VNA markets, including aerospace/defense, satellite, commercial microwave communications, materials measurement and advanced research. Anritsu also introduced the MA24108A/MA24118A microwave USB power sensors that provide accurate average power measurements from 10 MHz to 18 GHz over 60 dB of dynamic range. Employing a “dual path” architecture to achieve True-RMS measurement similar to a thermal sensor over the entire frequency and dynamic range, the power sensors can measure CW, multi-tone, and digitally modulated signals used in commercial and aerospace/defense systems.

Agilent Technologies introduced a Microwave Signal Generator that breaks the one-watt output power barrier: The Agilent PSG E8257D option 521 signal generator delivers output power in excess of one-watt over most of its frequency range. With specified output power from +24 to +28 dBm over most of its 20 GHz of frequency range, it eliminates the need for additional hardware such as amplifiers, couplers and detectors in most high-power test environments.

Also the Advanced Wideband Vector Signal Analysis and Digital Troubleshooting: Agilent's Infiniium 9000 Series oscilloscopes offer the broadest measurement capability with true analog bandwidths up to 4 GHz. They have impressive scope performance and built-in logic and protocol analysis. These oscilloscopes are the world's first scopes with integrated logic analysis channels and a protocol analyzer viewer for buses such as PCIeTM and USB. These integrated features extend scope functionality, making it easier for engineers to test complex designs, and giving companies higher oscilloscope utilization for better return on capital equipment.

Agilent Technologies also expanded its mixed-signal and digital-storage oscilloscope portfolio with six new models that comprise its next-generation Infiniium 9000 Series. These scopes offer the broadest measurement capability with true analog bandwidths up to 4 GHz, impressive scope performance, and built-in logic and protocol analysis. Each model, equipped with the industry's largest screen -- a 15-inch (38.1 cm) XGA LCD display -- comes in a highly portable package that is just 9 inches (22.86 cm) deep and weighs only 25 pounds (11.3 kg).

Tektronix is displaying the recently introduced Option 200, for the RSA6000 Series spectrum analyzer. Innovative DPX Density™ triggering enables another unique method of isolating frequency domain signals based on statistical occurrence. The swept DPX functionality enables DPX spectrum viewing over the entire range of the spectrum analyzer, to 14 GHz, and the highest probability of detecting spectrum events. With >292,000 spectrum updates per second, the patented DPX technology represents a six-fold improvement on the first generation capability.

The RSA6000 Series spectrum analyzer with option 21 now includes new modulation analysis and display enhancements for the government communications designer and operators of spectrum management systems. The new modulation types enable development of cutting-edge communications systems necessary to meet the need for increased communications bandwidth and spectrum efficiency in military and homeland security applications.

Tektronix has teamed with Mesuro Limited to demonstrate the most advanced system for nonlinear measurements that is commercially available. Based on the Tektronix AWG7122B Arbitrary Waveform Generator and DSA8200 Sampling Oscilloscope, the Mesuro MB 20 Open Loop Active Harmonic Load Pull system enables the characterization of devices and power amplifiers for any signal and impedance environment up to 150 W in power. Being an all-electronic solution, it is ideal for on-wafer measurements. These solutions enable customers to design more efficient power devices for the wireless industry and have a demonstrated capability to optimize performance with first-pass designs. The system will be shown in the Tektronix booth #2624 at IMS2009.

Tektronix has new enhancements to improve the utility of its portable spectrum analyzers for remote RF monitoring and sensing applications. Users are able to improve spectrum awareness for unattended applications with synchronous triggering and GPS time stamps for RF measurements.

Tektronix also introduced a new software module for RFXpress (RFX100 option SPARA) that provides emulation of RF components from touchstone files. Engineers can use arbitrary waveform signals and cascade multiple touchstone files to emulate a RF chain gain insight into component behaviour with a complex stimulus and to shorten design time. The effect of the RF component can also be de-embedded by selecting the Inversion option.

Hittite Microwave launched the HMC-T2100, a new, easy to implement 10 MHz to 20 GHz Synthesized Signal Generator that provides the highest output power, lowest harmonic levels and broadest frequency range compared with any signal generator in its class for only $7,998.00.

Pendulum Instruments introduced the GSG-L1, a very cost-efficient GPS signal generator for production test or R&D purposes. GSG-L1 is suited for fast, efficient and low-cost production line testing of mobile phones with integrated GPS-receivers. Thanks to the very wide RF level range from –73 to –150 dBm with 0.1 dB resolution, the sensitivity of all types of integrated GPS receivers can be verified with a minimum of delay.

IFI is showing another versatile amplifier system that can be tailored to meet any customer’s requirement and application. The company's RS1802-1KW-500 is an ideal Integrated System for EMC applications. This system includes the SMCC1000, 1000 W amplifier for 200 MHz to 1.0 GHz as well as the 500 W amplifiers for 1 to 18 GHz (1.0 2.5 GHz, 2.5 to 7.5 GHz, 7.5 to 18.0 GHz).

As more Test and Measurement news comes in, we will try to add it.