Copper Mountain Technologies (CMT) and Farran Technology (FTL) have worked together to create the CobaltFx, an entirely new piece of technology for millimeter-wave S-parameter measurements that establishes lab quality results in a more compact and significantly more affordable solution. This system is the first millimeter-wave frequency extension solution built on a 9 GHz vector network analyzer (VNA) and is available in three dedicated waveguide bands: 50-75 GHz, 60-90 GHz and 75-110 GHz.
The CobaltFx, was showcased at the CMT's booth at the International Microwave Symposium 2016 being held in San Francisco from 24-26 May, 2016.
This system is anchored by a 9 GHz Vector Network Analyzer from CMT’s Cobalt Series. It features fast sweep speeds down to 10 microseconds per point and a dynamic range of up to 162 dB, all comprised in a compact USB form factor. The C4209 works seamlessly and exclusively with Farran Technology (FTL) millimeter-wave FEV frequency extenders.
These extenders are packaged in small and versatile enclosures that allow for flexible port arrangements with respect to the waveguide. Waveguide ports are manufactured in accordance to the new IEEE 1785-2a standard and ensure industry best alignment and repeatability of connection, allowing for long interval times between calibration.
Utilizing a lab-quality yet low cost 9 GHz USB VNA and other innovations in the extension modules make the CobaltFx compact and significantly less expensive compared to existing solutions in the same frequency range (about half the cost). The size and flexibility of the waveguide ports allow for significant improvements in portability and the lab-quality measurements make it ideal for many burgeoning RF industries like 5G applications, WiGig at 60 GHz, Backhaul at 70 and 80 GHz and automotive radar and sensor testing.
