Keysight Technologies, Inc. has officially announced a decision to expand the frequency range of its FieldFox handheld signal analyzers, offering up to 170 GHz support for millimeter-wave (mmWave) signal analysis.
According to certain reports, the company has partnered with Virginia Diodes Inc. (VDI), to ensure that its A- and B-Series FieldFox handheld analyzers with 18 GHz or higher, can be paired with VDI PSAX frequency extenders to cover sub-THz frequency range.
Before we dig any further into the given proposition, though, we must acknowledge how field based engineers need precise mmWave measurements to advance modern wireless communications and radar systems. While such advancement is crucial for 6G, aerospace and defense, as well as automotive radar transmission/receiving tests, mmWave signals also remain highly sensitive to obstacles, weather conditions, and interference. Hence, one must learn about their propagation characteristics through precise measurements to design more efficient networks and radar systems for the overarching purpose of improving coverage, and enhancing reliability.
Having said so, acquiring this piece of information requires traditional tools to include large desktop signal analyzers, generators, and other components that are often very expensive and cumbersome for field measurement use cases. Keysight FieldFox, quite fortunately, addresses this issue by enabling mmWave measurements in a lightweight portable solution. This it does using VDI’s PSAX frequency extender modules.
More on the same would reveal how engineers who choose to leverage Keysight’s latest brainchild can also opt for the FieldFox equipped with a downloadable Option 357 pulse generator. This, in turn, can be paired with a PSGX module from VDI to further offer a mmWave signal generation solution up to 170 GHz. All in all, such a setup treads up a long distance in the context of empowering users to avail accurate mmWave measurements in a simple, easy to use, and rugged solution.
“VDI manufactures state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment for mmWave and THz applications, including vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, and signal generator extension modules. These products enhance the capabilities of high-performance microwave measurement tools by extending them to higher frequencies. Through our collaboration with Keysight, VDI is excited to provide frequency extenders for the FieldFox handheld analyzers, offering customers lightweight solutions for both signal analysis and generation in the mmWave range, with exceptional signal quality and measurement integrity,” said Dr. Thomas W. Crowe, CEO of VDI.
Taking a specific view of the benefits we can expect from Keysight’s FieldFox mechanism when combined with VDI frequency extender modules, they begin from an expanded frequency coverage. You see, the stated solution arrives on the scene with an ability to expand FieldFox’s frequency coverage from as low as 18 GHz, depending on models, up to 170 GHz for either signal analysis or generation.
Next up, there is a prospect of optimized performance at the mmWave range. This translates to how the technology can effectively support in-band signal analysis with selection of spectrum analyzer mode, IQ analyzer mode, or real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) mode bearing extraordinary sensitivity of -155 dBm/Hz typical value. Another detail worth a mention here is rooted in a shot at cost efficiency. Basically, as compared to traditional mmWave signal analysis and generation solutions, the combination of Keysight FieldFox and VDI frequency extenders can markedly reduce costs by almost half or even more.
Rounding up highlights would be the potential for portable and convenient testing. As the whole setup weighs less than 4 kg in total, the combination of Keysight FieldFox and VDI frequency extenders makes the mmWave field testing much more feasible and convenient in terms of both field and lab environment.
“The aerospace, defense, and commercial sectors lack a portable solution which can provide accurate mmWave measurements. As customers explore innovations they need access to higher frequencies in the radio spectrum, including mmWave. Working with VDI, we’ve developed a solution that is easy to test signal analysis and generation in the field as well as in the laboratory,” said Vince Nguyen, Vice President and General Manager of Aerospace, Defense, and Government Solution Group at Keysight Technologies.
