Anritsu Extends Frequency Range of VectorStar™ 4-port Solutions to Measure Passive High-Speed Balanced Transmission Lines and Connections

2009-10-05

Morgan Hill, CA – September 29, 2009 – Anritsu Company announces it has extended the low-end frequency of its MN469xB VectorStar 4-port test sets, making the instruments the first microwave multiport Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) solutions to measure down to 70 kHz. The MN469xB series now combines DC coverage and the wide dynamic range time domain capability of a VNA, making the test sets ideal for digital engineers who need to conduct signal integrity measurements on passive high-speed balanced transmission lines and connections in order to optimize their Gbit designs.

Two models are available in the MN469xB series. The MN4694B covers up to 40 GHz while the MN4697B has a frequency range up to 70 GHz. Both include bias tees for active measurement applications. The industry best accuracy, created by a dynamic range that is 12 dB wider than alternative solutions, and the best-in-class measurement speed of 30 us/point make the MN269xB series well suited for both R&D and manufacturing environments.

The VectorStar multiport solution provides 4-port capability using an external test set driven by the base VNA. This flexibility allows the removal of the test set for uncompromised 2-port measurements or for use with multiple VNAs. This 4-port architecture is ideal for single-ended devices, balanced passive devices, and balanced linear active devices.

About the Base VectorStar
The MN469xB brings the inherent advantages of VectorStar to multiport applications. The MS4640A delivers 2-port best-in-class frequency coverage of 70 kHz to 70 GHz, dynamic range of 103 dB at 67 GHz, and measurement speed of 20 us/point to establish a new performance benchmark for S-parameter measurements on RF, microwave, and millimeter wave devices. VectorStar’s 100 dB dynamic range at 70 GHz creates accuracy never before seen in a microwave VNA.

Supplementing the wide dynamic range is the MS4640A’s excellent receiver compression level. It has a receiver with a +10 dBm 0.1 dB compression level at 70 GHz. With Precision AutoCal for 70 kHz to 40 GHz or 70 GHz calibrations, residual directivity of 42 dB can be achieved at 70 GHz, and up to 50 dB at 20 GHz. This type of performance allows devices to be more tightly specified with greater confidence.

The real measurement speed of 20 us/point is achieved without any restrictions typically found in traditional VNAs. This type of performance allows the MS4640A to acquire the data necessary for the best device characterizations over multiple physical and environmental conditions, drive levels, or frequency ranges.

The MN469xB series test set has a delivery of 10 weeks ARO.

About Anritsu
Anritsu Corporation (www.anritsu.com) has been a provider of innovative communications solutions for more than 110 years. The company's test and measurement solutions include wireless, optical, microwave/RF and digital instruments, operations support systems and solutions that can be used during R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed devices for design into communication products and systems. Following its acquisition of NetTest in 2005, it has expanded its offering to provide complete solutions for existing and next-generation wireline and wireless communication systems and service providers. Anritsu sell in over 90 countries worldwide with approximately 4,000 employees.

Jonathan Borrill
Director of Marketing
Anritsu EMEA Limited
200 Capability Green
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3LU
Tel: 01582 433200
Fax: 01582 731303
Email: Jonathan Borrill