S-parameter measurements

Anritsu has introduced the MN469xA series four-port test sets for use with its VectorStar MS4640A vector network analyser.

The development of the series takes advantage of VectorStar’s 70 GHz switching technology to produce the high accuracy and wide dynamic range necessary to conduct 16 fully corrected S-parameter measurements with speed and accuracy.

It has been developed for integrated multiport assemblies and common three-port devices, such as combiners, diplexers and couplers. The configuration is also suitable for measuring balanced two-port devices such as high-speed transmission line backplanes, connectors, cables, balanced amplifiers, baluns and transceivers.

Measurements can be made in 30 µs/point, making it suitable for both R&D and manufacturing.

The test sets provide 10 MHz to 20/40/70 GHz four-port capability, using an external test set driven by the base VNA. This flexibility allows the removal of the test set for two-port measurement or for use with multiple VNAs.

The chosen architecture is suitable for single-ended devices, balanced passive devices and balanced linear active devices.

The unit brings the advantages of VectorStar to multiport applications. The MS4640A delivers two-port 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 performance benchmark for S-parameter measurements on RF, microwave and millimetre wave devices. The 100 dB dynamic range at 70 GHz is claimed to create accuracy never before seen in a microwave VNA.

Supplementing the wide dynamic range is the receiver compression level with a +10 dBm 0.1 dB rate at 70 GHz.

With 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.