Solutions for complex RF applications

In wireless communication and electronic industry, with the improvement of microwave integrated circuit technology and device performance requirements, the demand for reducing size, cost, weight and power consumption is pushing complex multiport devices to replace discrete components. This is especially true with differential RF devices now widely in use.

Rapidly growing mobile data traffic requires continuous further development of technologies and an increase in the share of the frequency spectrum for mobile communications. Components used in modern communication devices such as mobile phones and tablet PC front-end modules support more frequency bands and functions, such as WLAN, Bluetooth and GPS. An important element of 5G development is that the number of ports in the front-end module has increased rapidly, including filters, amplifiers and other components. The complexity of these FEM, including the high efficiency of test requirements and the stability of mass production, has become the key to efficient design.

When it is necessary to accurately characterize the performance parameters of microwave networks, vector network analyzers are used to measure the scattering parameter (S parameter) matrix of the network. New multiport and balancing devices often have more than the typical 2 or 4 ports on a network analyzer complicating characterization. Repeated tests, multiple connection points, and repeat calibrations slow test results and introduce additional errors. The measurement result is the common result of real multiport S parameters and errors. Designing test systems that combine RF switching, electronic calibration, and S parameter measurements improves test speed and accuracy. SIGLENT’s multiport device test solutions combine increased speed, accuracy, and efficiency with cost-effective test expansion options.

SIGLENT’s new SEM5000A series electronic calibration (ECal) modules, SSU5000A series mechanical switch and SSM5000A series switch matrix are designed and optimized for use with the SHA850A, SVA1000X and SNA5000A series vector network analyzers from SIGLENT. They offer a comprehensive, cost-effective total solution for simple to complex RF measurement tasks on multiport and multiple devices.

SSU5000A Series Mechanical Switch

Built into an easy-to-use USB-connected enclosure, switches can be configured programmatically using VISA and SCPI or free, standalone software. For small switch systems that require high frequency and good signal fidelity, the SSU5000A mechanical switch systems combine capability and value in a small package.

SEM5000A Series Electronic Calibration (ECal) Modules

SEM5000A series electronic calibrators include 5002A / 5012A / 5022A / 5032A / 5004A / 5014A / 5024A / 5034A, covering the frequency bands of 9kHz to 4.5GHz / 9kHz to 9GHz / 100kHz to 13.5GHz / 100kHz to 26.5GHz, with USB interface for communication and power.

SSM5000A Series Switch Matrix

Use with a vector network analyzer such as the SNA5000A series to characterize large RF networks in a complete multiport test system. With a multitude of switch system configurations available quickly design a custom test system built for your devices at an incredible value versus competitive packaged solutions.