Rohde & Schwarz FE170ST and FE170SR D band frontend extensions

Rohde & Schwarz presents a signal generation and analysis solution for measurements in the D band that are designed to simplify early next-generation mobile communications research. The R&S FE170 frontend extensions are easy to mount to and configure with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser. The extensions allow the two high-end test instruments to cover frequency ranges between 110 GHz and 170 GHz — the key spectrum for beyond 5G, for 6G technology and for future automotive radar applications. The R&S FE170ST and R&S FE170SR extend the frequency range of the R&S SMW200A and the R&S FSW to 110–170 GHz.

The D band is a candidate frequency band for future mobile communications. Rohde & Schwarz has carried out sub-THz research with its test solutions. A test setup for sub-THz research using the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW is easy to configure, since only three connections are needed (IF, reference frequency and LAN) to integrate the new frontends into the base units. Users can enter the IP address in the user interface of the base units. After connection, the frontends are directly controlled by the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW, since the frontends’ control unit is integrated in their firmware. Because all correction data is considered, this concept offers the advantage of a fully calibrated solution.

With their compact form factor of 152 x 190 x 50 mm, both frontends take up little space. Since the high-performance internal synthesiser provides a local oscillator (LO), the test setup needs no additional analog signal source, thereby facilitating phase noise performance. Smart accessories such as bandpass filters and TX power amplifiers further enhance the solution’s performance.

Both devices will be available by the end of 2022.