Agilent analyser measures X-parameters to 67GHz

Agilent Technologies has expanded its PNA-X non-linear vector network analyser range to cover the 67GHz band.

A 67GHz phase-reference calibration standard, configured to work with the 67GHz PNA-X NVNA, is also available.

X-parameters can be measured up to 67GHz, so providing a model of linear and nonlinear component behaviour at very high frequencies and wide bandwidth.

Agilent demonstrated the 67GHz PNA-X NVNA and phase reference-calibration standard at European Microwave Week in Manchester earlier this month.

The 67GHz phase-reference calibration standard is intended to support traceable non-linear measurements to 67GHz using the NVNA.

The phase reference generates a comb of frequencies from 10MHz to 67GHz with a known cross-frequency phase relationship traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

This relationship calibrates the NVNA to measure spectrum to 67GHz with a predictable and accurate cross-frequency phase.

“With this capability, it is now possible to do characterization and X-parameters modeling of active components like transmit and receive modules where accurate measurement and prediction of harmonic content and distortion to 67 GHz is required,” said the company.

T/R modules typically operate in the 20GHz fundamental frequency range and consist of power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers and mixers.

Characterising the module’s nonlinear behaviour requires measurement up to the third harmonic (60GHz), with a converter down-converting a 65GHz signal to an intermediate frequency of 500MHz.