RF Component Testing with a USB Vector Network Analyzer

Using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) for RF component testing for design and manufacturing is based on how the component performs. The analyzer is used in multiple ways from design to manufacturing to tuning, field monitoring and maintenance of antennas, filters, mixers, amplifiers, circulators, isolators, and other RF components. Key considerations component designers should pay attention to when finding an analyzer that fits their needs is a great dynamic range, and fast measurement speed.

Copper Mountain Technologies offers affordable, high-performance VNA solutions with NIST traceable metrology-grade accuracy for RF component testing for manufacturers and designers with 130 dB – 152 dB dynamic range, and fast measurement speed to provide accurate testing results. We also have many resources for antenna design available on our Resources for IoT Designers page.

Key Considerations:

Dynamic Range

CMT Vector Network Analyzers have industry-leading dynamic range and sweep speed. These VNA solutions feature a large frequency range with options for frequency scan segmentation. This allows for optimal use of the device to realize the maximum dynamic range while maintaining high measurement speed, which is ideal for RF component testing.

Measurement Speed

A fast measurement speed is especially important in production environments when you need to do RF component testing quickly on the line. Copper Mountain Technologies VNAs have many models with fast measurement speed, like the Cobalt models with as low as 10 microseconds per point. CMT’s Manufacturing Test software enables automated manufacturing capabilities that streamline production test processes to quickly deliver accurate and repeatable measurement results

Cobalt VNAs for RF Component Testing

Our Cobalt Vector Network Analyzers deliver industry-leading dynamic range and sweep speed, with all the features engineers have come to expect included standard in our software: linear/logarithmic sweeps with multiple trace formats, power sweeps, time domain and gating conversion, frequency offset mode, fixture simulation (embedding/de-embedding), 16 independent channels with up to 16 traces each, markers with marker search tools and marker math, various conversion algorithms, and limit tests for pass/fail criteria, etc. We offer the Cobalt series in both 9 GHz and 20 GHz. The VNAs have the base models, a Direct Receiver Access (DRA) models, and Frequency Extension compatible models.

Need Chamber Antenna Measurements?

A new turnkey solution for customers needing to make far-field antenna measurements above 18 GHz. The over-the-air (OTA) antenna measurement chamber solution features a wide array of configurations depending on the user’s anechoic chamber requirements, antenna size, desired frequency range, and antenna positioner functionality.

CMT has partnered with MilliBox and Eravant to offer a complete OTA antenna measurement chamber solution for engineers needing to make measurements from 18 GHz to 220 GHz. Each OTA bundle can be configured with a set of 2,3, or 4 anechoic chamber cubes, depending on far field measurement requirements.

The measurement system is anchored by CMT’s 2-port 9 GHz Cobalt VNA and includes a 3D antenna positioner (Gimbal), sophisticated but intuitive measurement software, frequency extender modules, and other necessary accessories to fully set up a chamber for far field antenna measurements.

These comprehensive OTA solution bundles provide a low-cost, space-saving solution that is ideal for antenna testing applications across automotive radar, aerospace, satellite communication, and similar industries.

The OTA bundle is an all-in-one solution that provides everything needed to accurately test a large number of antennas. The combination of affordability and portability will enable multiple systems in a single lab environment for users to simultaneously test multiple antennas.”