Reduce rack space, accelerate test development, and integrate quickly with existing ATE software using SCPI-compatible USB and PXIe VNAs
Copper Mountain Technologies Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) are designed for easy integration into automated test equipment (ATE) and automated measurement systems. A USB interface provides direct communication between the VNA and host computer, while industry-standard SCPI commands simplify VNA automation and integration with existing test software. For systems already using another manufacturer’s VNA, CMT’s SCPI implementation is designed to minimize the software changes required when substituting instruments.
CMT VNA software can operate in the background with the graphical user interface hidden, allowing the VNA to operate as part of a fully automated test system. Test software can configure measurements, initiate sweeps, retrieve S-parameter data, perform pass/fail testing, and integrate measurement results with the rest of the production or validation process without operator interaction.
CMT provides programming examples and development resources for Python, MATLAB, C++, LabVIEW, and VBA, helping engineers move from basic instrument control to complete automated measurement sequences. Examples cover common tasks such as configuring measurements, initiating sweeps, acquiring S-parameter data, and incorporating measurement results into automated test routines.
For more complex applications, CMT engineers can assist with production test development, switching and fixturing, specialized measurements, and integration with existing test systems.
USB Connectivity
Direct PC-to-VNA communication without a redundant embedded operating system.
SCPI Control
Integrate with existing automation using familiar industry-standard commands.
Software Included
VNA software and programming interfaces included with the instrument.
Engineering Support
Access to RF engineers for automation and integration assistance at no additional cost.
VNA Hardware for Automated Test Equipment
Advanced Series VNAs for ATE
The Advanced Series combines high dynamic range and fast measurement speeds in a 19″ rack-mountable platform, making it well suited for demanding automated test applications. With models compatible with frequency extenders, the A2202-Fx and A2202-DFx can support mmWave S-parameter measurements up to 1 THz while providing the measurement performance needed for production and validation systems.
For ATE and OEM integration, the Advanced Series supports automated testing through LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, .NET, and other programming environments. The Manufacturing Test software plug-in enables integration into production test systems, while features such as limit testing and pass/fail criteria help streamline automated inspection and validation workflows.
Select Series VNAs are particularly well suited to benchtop ATE systems, where instrument space is often limited and the test configuration may change frequently. Their small footprint leaves more room for fixtures, switching hardware, power supplies, and the DUT, while their low weight makes them easy to reposition as the test station is reconfigured. Because the measurement hardware is separate from the controlling PC, the VNA can also be located close to the DUT, helping minimize RF cable length and simplifying fixture integration.
CMT VNAs are suited to production ATE systems where measurement time and instrument count directly affect test throughput. Measurement speeds of up to 24 µs support rapid S-parameter measurements within automated test sequences. The affordable instrument cost also allows multiple VNAs to be deployed across parallel test stations, or additional measurement channels to be added as production requirements increase. This enables ATE architectures to scale measurement capacity without requiring a corresponding increase in test time or per-station instrumentation cost.
For permanent 19-inch rack-mounted ATE systems, the A Series provides a form factor specifically designed for rack integration.
The PXIe-S5090 delivers metrology-grade VNA performance and speed to National Instruments’ PXI system. This high-performance vector network analyzer allows testing of two-port devices from the bench to the production floor in a compact, modular form factor. With 138 dB dynamic range and +13 dBm maximum power, this VNA is engineered for short time to first measurement and also for high performance automation with fast test times. Premium features including Time-Domain Measurements and Gating are included in standard software.
Because an ATE system already relies on a host computer for automation and instrument control, communicating with the VNA directly via USB eliminates the unnecessary redundancy of a second operating system embedded in the instrument.
Multi-OS Compatible
Seamlessly connect the VNA to any supported
Windows, Linux, or macOS computer and switch
between systems as needed.
Avoid Costly OS Upgrades & Downtime
Upgrade or replace the host computer as your IT
environment evolves without costly instrument
modifications or interruptions to your
measurement workflow: the USB VNA is not
dependent on your OS.
Enhanced Data Security
CMT VNAs do not retain user measurement data after power-down. Sensitive or classified measurement data remains on the host computer, where established IT security and data-handling policies can be applied.
No Manual Data Transfer
Measurement data is already on the
computer. There is no need to save results to
a USB memory stick and physically transfer
them from the VNA to another system.
Immediate Analysis and Automation
VNA data can flow directly into Python, MATLAB, automated test software, databases, or custom applications for immediate post-processing, reporting, and pass/fail analysis.
Compact and Portable
Without an internal PC, display, and associated hardware, CMT VNAs have a compact footprint that makes them easy to integrate into automated test equipment. The USB-based design connects directly to the system controller, helping reduce rack space, simplify integration, and leave more room for the other components of your test system.
The CMT team can modify the analyzer hardware to fit your system, extend frequency coverage, or characterize performance beyond the limits of our standard VNAs.
Learn how to set up Python and SCPI automation for Copper Mountain Technologies VNAs: from installing the required tools and libraries to connecting via the socket server and running your first automated measurement script.
Take your VNA testing beyond manual measurements. Explore practical approaches for controlling CMT VNAs programmatically and creating automated test setups that improve repeatability, efficiency, and integration into larger test systems.
This case study explores how integrating the CMT PXIe-S5090 helped enhance production testing performance, streamline the test process, and meet the measurement demands of ultrasound manufacturing.
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