Frequency extenders and calibration kit extend VNA up to 250GHz

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has introduced two new mmWave frequency extender modules, the NA5305A Frequency Extender up to 170GHz and NA5307A Frequency Extender up to 250GHz, and the 85065A Precision Calibration Kit 0.5mm. When used with the company's PNA/PNA-X VNA and the N5292A Test Set Controller, the new accessories allow engineers to achieve fully calibrated single-sweep broadband S-parameter measurements from 100kHz (or 10MHz) to 170/250GHz. Existing customers using the 110GHz/120GHz VNA can easily upgrade their configuration, supplying added value to their original investment.

The 85065A Precision Calibration Kit 0.5mm enables precise measurements up to 250GHz when used with the broadband VNA solution. The broadband VNA accessories simplify test setups, allowing engineers to characterise various sub-THz on-wafer or packaged components, such as optical RF drivers, TIAs, PCBs, cables, packages, and passive devices. The new accessories enable engineers to characterise these components and reduce lengthy design and verification cycles.

As AI pushes the limits of data communications with 1.6Tb/s and 3.2Tb/s networks and wireless research continues in sub-THz frequencies, test and measurement solutions must evolve to keep pace. Engineers developing next-generation semiconductors and high-speed interconnects, mmWave and sub-THz wireless devices, and advanced semiconductors need instruments that supply accurate broadband VNA measurements at ever-higher frequencies to validate designs and correlate simulations with real-world performance.

Among the benefits of the new broadband VNA accessories:

• Achieve the system dynamic range of 105dB at 170GHz to accommodate various measurements, lossy passive component test, high rejection filters, and active devices test under various power levels.
• Provide differential measurement capability to help engineers validate differential active devices and the signal integrity of high-speed interconnects.
• Enable greater insight into the characteristics of active components like amplifiers with the maximum output power of 0dBm at 170GHz and – 5dBm at 220GHz.

Measuring sub-THz signals in on-wafer and packaged components demands specialised probes, adapters, and test cables that complement the company's new frequency extenders and calibration kit to form a comprehensive test setup.