A new vector network analysis (VNA) solution to shorten design and verification cycles for 5G and emerging 6G applications has grown out of a collaboration between some key players in the electronics design and testing space.
A new broadband vector network analysis solution has grown out of a collaboration between some key players in the electronics design and testing space. Source: Keysight TechnologiesThe 170 GHz/220 GHz broadband VNA solution enables customers to address the needs of 5G and future 6G technologies that will have a significant impact on communications through the internet of things (IoT) and ubiquitous wireless connections. It provides on-wafer mmWave component characterization under various conditions, offering an advanced dynamic range, high output power and maximum stability.
The solution allows designers to efficiently characterize on-wafer devices and circuits, enabling the creation of accurate process design kits (PDKs) that can be used to design integrated circuit models and shorten the design and verification cycle. It also enables rapid deployment of devices for the emerging 5G and 6G monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), a type of integrated circuit device that operates at microwave frequencies.
The fully integrated solution is comprised of:
- Keysight N5291A 125 GHz broadband VNA - Single-sweep solution with compact frequency extenders, delivering accurate leveled power
- Dominion MicroProbes / FormFactor T-Wave GSG dual band probes - Devices providing wafer-level electrical measurement of mmWave devices and materials up to 1.1 THz
- Virginia Diodes Sub-THz frequency VNA extenders- Specially designed devices that allow for high-accuracy measurement of on-wafer devices under test, from 900 Hz to 170 GHz/220 GHz in a single frequency sweep
Key solution specifications include:
- Shorten the design and verification cycle of next-generation projects with a single sweep from 900 Hz to 220 GHz
- Output power at probe tip: 0 dBm at 220 GHz
- Dynamic range: 110 dB at 220 GHz
- Frequency range: 900 Hz to 220 GHz
- Upgradable from the 125 GHz VNA configuration with N5295AX frequency extenders
Companies that collaborated on the development of the new solution include design and validation solution provider Keysight Technologies; test and measurement provider FormFactor; and Dominion MicroProbes and Virginia Diodes, both developers of millimeter and terahertz technologies.
