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Rohde & Schwarz presents the R&S ZNB with four test ports for fast, precise multiport network analysis

Munich, Oct 13, 2011 - The latest generation network analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz now also comes with four test ports and a second internal generator. Users who need to characterize multiport DUTs, mixers and amplifiers will benefit from the extremely wide dynamic range, short measurement times and exceptionally easy operation.

The new four-port R&S ZNB models cover the frequency ranges from 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz or 8.5 GHz. Rohde & Schwarz has designed the powerful instruments for demanding applications in the production and development of RF components with multiple ports. Two internal signal sources and a frequency-converting mode enable comprehensive measurements on mixers or amplifiers. Using mixed-mode S-parameter measurements, the R&S ZNB fully characterizes even balanced DUTs such as SAW filters used in mobile phones.

For balanced measurements, the network analyzer determines the mixed-mode S parameters without using external baluns. Extensive analysis functions make it possible to display the desired measured quantity directly on the screen in realtime. External postprocessing is not necessary.

The four-port network analyzer can also be used to measure high-blocking duplex filters, couplers, splitters or isolators. They need only be connected once to the R&S ZNB. In addition to mixer conversion loss and impedance matching, users can determine virtually any secondary measured quantities, including crosstalk between ports. Thanks to the R&S ZNB’s second internal source, intermodulation measurements on amplifiers can be configured with a single, compact instrument – and considerably faster than would be possible using an external generator.

All R&S ZNB models feature excellent performance characteristics: a wide dynamic range of more than 140 dB, low trace noise, IF bandwidths of 1 Hz to 10 MHz and an output power of up to +13 dBm, which can be lowered electronically by 100 dB. The network analyzer therefore ensures high throughput and short measurement times, which makes manual adjustment significantly easier, even with high signal attenuation. The R&S ZNB offers a sweep time of only 4 ms for 401 points. Its magnitude and phase drift are very low, resulting in excellent temperature and long-term stability. This makes it possible to perform precise measurements without recalibration over an extended period of time.

Due to the large touchscreen (12.1" / 30.1 cm), configuring and analyzing are particularly easy. All instrument functions are accessible in no more than three operating steps via the soft panel. A toolbar and drag & drop functionality allow users to configure the R&S ZNB very quickly. They can switch between measurement setups at the touch of a finger. Traces and measurement channels can be configured and combined as desired. Users can therefore display results in a clear and straightforward manner even for complex measurements.

The R&S ZNB with four test ports up to 4.5 GHz or 8.5 GHz is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.

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