VectorStar MS4640A/ME7838A vector network analyser range

A noise figure measurement capability has been introduced for the VectorStar MS4640A and ME7838A vector network analysers.

Option MS4640A-041 equips the family with 70 kHz to 125 GHz noise figure measurement capability, enabled, in part, by a receiver optimised for measurements from 30 to 125 GHz.

Noise figure measurements enable test engineers to determine potential degradation of signal-to-noise ratio from system components in applications including radar, wireless communications and digital communications.

Noise figure measurement capability continues to add to the VectorStar’s toolbox for active device test. The series already includes features such as a gain compression capability, where a user can display gain compression, at up to 401 frequencies, to characterise performance over a DUT’s operating bandwidth, in one step.

If there is a need to perform active device testing at the wafer level, the analysers can use active and passive tuning of source and load impedances to help account for both fundamental and harmonic content, ensuring optimum DUT performance during test.