RF Testing with USB Vector Network Analyzers
in the Automotive Industry
In the fast-paced world of automotive production, comprehensive component testing and reliable throughput count for everything. The more you can improve and accelerate component testing, the greater the benefits in terms of streamlining processes, satisfying customers, and increasing profits.
Automobiles are relying on a growing number of wireless technologies as the connected car becomes a reality. Many vehicles already support LTE data connections and operate as small Wi-Fi hotspots while vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications are expected to become a reality over the next few years. With the advent of connected vehicles, the role played by RF communications within the vehicle and V2V and V2X communication has increased dramatically.
V2V and V2X connections have enabled new capabilities other than just communications and streaming services. These new capabilities will require advanced designs of the various electronics and sensors in vehicles. To address some of the complexities of automotive V2V and V2X testing, Microwave Journal created an eBook on ‘Design Trends in Automotive Electronics and Radar Sensors‘ that was sponsored by CMT. Some topics covered include high-resolution wide-band radar measurement challenges, automotive radar and the congested spectrum and proper antenna design/testing.
Copper Mountain Technologies USB Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) deliver high level of accuracy and performance at significantly lower total cost of ownership than traditional VNAs. The form factor enables engineers to use them in the lab, on the production floor, in the field and in the vehicle, to ensure the vehicle and all its components deliver the best and safest experience for the driver.
USB VNAs are designed for secure environments. Taking traditional network analyzers in or out of secure environments is a lot of work, requiring removable hard drives, data purging procedures, and oversight on those data purging procedures. With USB network analyzers the computer that stores and processes the data is separate from the measurement module. This means while the computer remains in the secure area, all concerns about data security are eliminated.
Because the processing of all USB VNA test data is done on an external PC, integration with other test systems is faster and more efficient and your results and instrument states can be saved directly onto your own computer. Copper Mountain Technologies’ VNAs can readily be automated to suite your application. Our team of expert engineers will work with you to design and perform your measurements in a simple and efficient way.
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.”
OTA Antenna Test Systems
5G OTA Antenna Test System for Far Field up to 72cm
18 GHz – 54 GHz
5G OTA Antenna Test System for Far Field up to 133cm
18 GHz – 54 GHz
5G OTA Antenna Test System for Far Field up to 193cm
18 GHz – 54 GHz
mmWave OTA Antenna Test System for Far Field up to 80cm
50 GHz – 220 GHz
mmWave OTA Antenna Test System for Far Field up to 158cm
50 GHz – 220 GHz
mmWave OTA Antenna Test System for Far Field up to 235cm
50 GHz – 220 GHz
OUR SOLUTIONS
1-Port VNA Series up to 18 GHz
Our patented 1-Port VNAs (cable and antenna analyzers) perform lab quality measurements connecting directly to the DUT without the need for a test cable.
Compact VNA Series up to 18 GHz
Compact VNAs have a dynamic range up to 140 dB which allows them to maintain a wide measurement range at high measurement speeds.
Cobalt VNA Series up to 20 GHz
Cobalt VNAs have up to 152 dB dynamic range which allows them to maintain a wide measurement range at high measurement speeds.
Multiport 9 GHz VNAs to 16 Ports
SN5090 Multiport VNAs are a competitively priced, versatile multiport solution with excellent dynamic range and measurement speed.
Build Your CobaltFx System
Use this form to build a CobaltFx Frequency Extension System, specifically designed to suite the needs of your automotive application.
Ask An Engineer
Still have questions? Our engineers are available to answer your questions about any VNA, frequency range, or testing application.
