TEST & MEASUREMENT APPLICATION NOTES AND WHITE PAPERS

  • Directivity And VSWR Measurements: Understanding Return Loss Measurements

    The characterization of microwave networks requires discriminating between forward and backward traveling waves. Unfortunately no directional device is perfect, leading to potentially dramatic measurement errors. In this note we show that return loss and VSWR measurements are greatly complicated by the finite performance of the directional device used to measure the reflected power.

  • Certium VCS Test System For Aircraft Manufacturers

    New aircraft need to have their radiocommunication systems tested with compact voice communication systems like CERTIUM VCS. This is cost-effective, space-saving, and scalable thanks to its IP-based infrastructure.

  • Design Of A Complete RF Downconverter Module For Test Equipment

     The example module and its constituent parts were designed and simulated with AWR Design Environment software using circuit- and system-level analyses. The integration of the downconverter within a mechanical outline influences the layout of the individual radio blocks.

  • Speeding Up Reflection Measurements On Antenna Systems

    Reflection measurements are a common way of assessing antenna system performance. When a minimum amount of the transmitted signal is reflected, it indicates that the transmission energy can reach the intended coverage. Undesired high reflection causes the system to be inefficient and can damage components. This application note presents solutions for aiding fast and efficient reflection measurements on antenna systems to get it right the first time.

  • Ensuring Test Site Compliance for Radiated Emissions With Normalized Site Attenuation

    This application note provides a synopsis of Normalized Site Attenuation (NSA) and Reference Site Method measurements which indicate a challenging but important aspect of radiated emissions measurements on an OATS, SAC, or FAR.  

TEST & MEASUREMENT SOLUTIONS

The series of GORE® VNA microwave/RF test assemblies from W.L. Gore are designed to provide the most precise VNA measurements in laboratory conditions, setting the standard for vector network analyzers (VNAs) through 70 GHz. These test assemblies deliver the highest accuracy and greatest time intervals between recalibrations for many applications, including those with vector network analyzers, critical measurements, and laboratory testing.

The dB-3908 TWT Amplifier (TWTA) is designed to use two wideband, periodic permanent magnet (PPM)-focused TWTs to amplify CW, AM, FM or pulse-modulated signals. The dB-3908 offers higher saturated output power and improved harmonic performance when compared to a single TWT approach.

The GORE® PHASEFLEX® Series offers the smallest, lightest, internally ruggedized microwave/RF test assemblies for high density interconnection in RF and uW modular applications as well as in high speed digital testing. These assemblies feature ON cable construction and provide consistent, repeatable measurements with electrical performance up to 18, 26.5, 40, or 50 GHz.

The dB-9003 and dB-9005 from dB Control are custom-mounted Integrated Stabilized RF Sources (ISRFS) designed to operate in the I and Ka-band frequency range. Both products feature high accuracy and a wide temperature operating range. They can be controlled and set up with a digital port. The units are packaged in a custom configuration with conduction cooling.

The Si894x is a galvanically isolated delta-sigma modulator which outputs a digital signal proportional to the voltage level at the input. 

XF leverages the EM principle of superposition to quickly analyze port phase combinations with a single simulation.

The SI893x’s 0 to 2.25 V specified input range is ideal for isolated voltage sensing. The Si8935/36/37 provides delta-sgma modulated output with flexible options for external or internally generated clock.

Model HP 4268A is a capacitance meter designed for testing high value multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) designs