Supporting high-volume production and short ramp-up time environments, the R&S ZNB3000 vector network analyzer (VNA) from Rohde & Schwarz combines high measurement accuracy with high-speed operation and high throughput rate. The VNA, which addresses applications such as large-scale production of RF components, has PCB-based front ends that offer high stability with minimal thermal drift. This allows for reliable measurements over several days without recalibration.
Operating at frequency ranges from 9 kHz to 4.5, 9, 20, and 26.5 GHz, the R&S ZNB3000 claims the highest dynamic range in its class (up to 150 dB) and a trace noise of less than 0.0015 dB RMS. The VNA also has the highest output power in its category at +11 dBm at 26.5 GHz, for better setup loss compensation.
Features include a segmented sweep that uses flexible intermediate frequency bandwidth and power levels to speed up measurements for different parts of the filter structure, which can be test tuned for compliance with pass/fail limit lines. A frequency upgrade concept enables the R&S ZNB3000 to meet fast scale-up requirements, and with external switch matrices, the instrument can be scaled up for up to 48-port measurements. Multiple software and hardware options are available for broad application support.
Useful in RF labs as well as on production lines, the R&S ZNB3000 can calculate measurement uncertainty for the S-parameter results of a device under test (DUT), which was previously only possible in a metrology lab. The R&S ZNB3-K50(P) option, developed in cooperation with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), enables the R&S ZNB3000 to perform this calculation on its own, displaying them along with the measured S-parameters.
Both the compact 2- and 4-port models offer low power consumption along with a sophisticated cooling concept to keep operating noise down.
According to Michael Fischlein, Vice President Spectrum & Network Analyzers, EMC & Antenna Test at Rohde & Schwarz, “Rohde & Schwarz invented the very first network analyzer over 70 years ago. This expertise has gone into the development of our latest instrument, the new R&S ZNB3000, which embodies our commitment to speed, scalability and stability.
"The R&S ZNB3000 enables engineers to navigate the complexities of next-generation technologies with confidence and precision, helping them fast-forward to results in high-volume production and short ramp-up time environments.”
