Anritsu VNAs Used for Outdoor Antenna Range Applications at Distances of 100 Meters

Anritsu, an innovative communications test and measurement solutions company, introduced the ShockLine ME7868A Vector Network Analyzer for outdoor antenna range applications. The Anritsu ShockLine ME7868A is a unique chassis-less, 2-port VNA with portable port modules covering a frequency range up to 43.5 GHz.

Antenna testing on outdoor test ranges presents a challenge for traditional VNAs. The distances involved in routing the signals between the antennas on the range and the VNA can typically preclude using coax cables because of significant insertion loss and phase instability. Additional hardware and complex methodologies are used to solve the long distance interconnect issues, raising costs and time required to make antenna S-parameter measurements on outdoor ranges.

Powered by the revolutionary PhaseLync™ technology, ShockLine ME7868A enables engineers to synchronize two portable one-port ShockLine MS46131A VNAs and connect them directly to a DUT to conduct vector transmission measurements over distances of 100 meters or more. Whether in a manufacturing, engineering, or education environment, this solution simplifies long-distance S-parameter measurements and VNA test system integration by removing the need to utilize conventional benchtop VNAs with long cable runs, which eliminates insertion loss, improves measurement stability, and lowers setup costs.

Antenna testing on outdoor test ranges presents a challenge for traditional VNAs. The distances involved in routing the signals between the antennas on the range and the VNA can typically preclude using coax cables because of significant insertion loss and phase instability. Additional hardware and complex methodologies are used to solve the long-distance interconnect issues, raising costs and time required to make antenna S-parameter measurements on outdoor ranges.

The ShockLine™ ME7868A offers a configurable VNA setup to maximize hardware utilization. Users can easily set VNA port count (single 1-port, dual 1-ports, or single 2-ports) from session-by-session to ensure maximum flexibility. With low-pass time domain with time gating option, users have access to a TDR-like display with more resolution than bandpass time domain for characterizing discontinuities. There is no need to purge data for secure applications because there is no onboard data storage.

Key Advantages of the ME7868A for Outdoor Antenna Range Applications

• Remote port modules eliminate cabling issues to range antennas
  1. No long cable runs to transmit or antenna under test
  2. Improved amplitude and phase stability over cabled solutions
  3. No coupling into RF cables
  4. Flexible, lower cost configuration
• Supports common outdoor antenna measurements
  1. Antenna return loss
  2. Antenna insertion loss
  3. Antenna gain
  4. Pattern measurements
  5. Path loss
  6. Phase front characterization
  7. Range match correction

Click here to learn more about the ShockLine ME7868A VNA.