For radio frequency (RF) engineers working in advanced wireless communications, radar or high-speed digital applications, the time-consuming and complex setup of multiple instruments is probably par for the course.
Keysight Technologies said some of the reasons why in a recent press release announcing an expansion of its signal source analyzer (SSA) portfolio. Evolving RF technologies and new, advanced standards demand more precise and cleaner signal sources with the lowest possible phase noise and jitter to support higher frequencies and data bandwidths and rates. RF engineers also need to make other measurements such as frequency and power transient measurements as well as spectrum analysis to fully characterize signal sources such as synthesizers, clocks and oscillators. In addition, engineers may need to measure the residual phase noise of active devices used in signal and data transmission paths.
The company said that the new higher-frequency models of its SSA-X Signal Source Analyzer series are designed to address these challenges with a one-box solution that includes a clean signal enabled through a direct digital synthesis (DDS) source and proprietary cross-correlation channels.
With its new availability in 26.5 GHz, 44 GHz and 54 GHz configurations, the SSA-X series offers a host of benefits:
- Integrated, one-box solution
- “Best-in-class” phase noise sensitivity
- Flexible software
- Precision clock jitter analysis
“With the addition of three new models covering frequencies up to 54 GHz, the SSA-X series enables more accurate and higher quality evaluations that accelerate time-to-market of cutting-edge technologies,” said Joe Rickert, vice president and general manager for the Keysight High Frequency Measurements Center of Excellence.
