As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the importance of accurate and reliable test and measurement equipment becomes increasingly vital. From telecommunications and manufacturing to aerospace and defense, these tools are essential for ensuring the quality and performance of a wide range of products and systems. We have compiled a list of trending test and measurement products in 2022 on everything RF.
Note: This list has been compiled based on user activity on everything RF. To ensure that we cover the whole range of test equipment we limited the number of products from each category and company. The listed products are shown in a random order and are grouped by category.
Antenna Measurement System from 650 MHz to 50 GHz for 5G Test Applications
The StarLab 50 GHz from MVG World is an Antenna Measurement System for 5G test applications that provides frequency measurements from 650 MHz to 50 GHz. Its spherical near-field measurement capabilities provide flexibility in types of antennas that can be tested, from low to high directivity. The patented multi-probe electronic scanning technology and oversampling capabilities limit mechanical movement.
The system integrates cutting-edge technology for the measurement and analysis of mm-Wave frequencies and provides fast and accurate test results for a variety of 5G devices. Read more
CATR-Based OTA Test Chamber for 5G NR mmWave Signals
The R&S®ATS1800C from Rohde & Schwarz is a CATR-based 5G-NR Over-The-Air (OTA) test chamber for measuring 5G NR mmWave signals from 23.5 to 44.3 GHz. This 3GPP-compliant chamber has a bidirectional parabolic reflector that collimates beams from the feed antenna or DUT and has a quiet zone of 30 cm or even 40 cm depending on the reflector size selected. The reflector has rolled edges that are modeled to minimize scattering while the surface is precisely polished to improve performance at high frequencies. It includes a positioner that enables smooth movement for fast and accurate measurements and supports heavy DUTs. The built-in hardware trigger functionality supports fast measurements, leading to shorter test times. Read more
USB-Controlled 3-Axis mmWave and THz Antenna Positioners
The GIM04 from MilliBox is a 3-Axis mmWave and THz Antenna Antenna Positioner which can control the rotation in Elevation, Azimuth, and Polarization axes. It can adjust to various DUT form factors and adds a new level of versatility for daily over-the-air measurements. The gears of this antenna positioner are made of precision machined Delrin material for higher strength, precision, and a longer lifespan. It has a 20 W base motor with a step resolution of 0.002°. The DUT platform can be placed at 2 depths from the rotation axis, making it easier to accommodate various DUT thickness and form factors. Read more
1-Port Modular Vector Network Analyzers from 1 MHz to 8/20/43.5 GHz
The ShockLine MS46131A series from Anritsu are modular 1-Port Vector Network Analyzers that operate from 1 MHz to 8/20/43.5 GHz.These PC-controlled VNAs are ideally suited for 1-port RF and microwave applications in engineering, manufacturing, and education. The VNA models have fast sweep speed times and excellent corrected directivity (>42 dB) making them suitable for a variety of 1-port device test applications including measuring passive 5G mm-Wave components. Read more
6 GHz Low Cost, High Performance USB-controlled VNA
The PicoVNA 106 is a 2-Port USB-controlled, laboratory-grade vector network analyzer that operates from 300 kHz to 6 GHz. This compact, low-cost, high-performance VNA has a "Quad RX" four-receiver architecture to eliminate errors, delays, and fragility of three-receiver designs with internal transfer switches.
It offers an exceptional dynamic range of 118 dB and only 0.005 dB RMS trace noise at its maximum operating bandwidth of 140 kHz. It can also gather all four s-parameters at every frequency point in just 190 µs i.e it can generate a 500 point 2-port .s2p Touchstone file in less than one-tenth of a second. Read more
2-Port Vector Network Analyzer from 100 kHz to 18 GHz
The S5180B from Copper Mountain Technologies is a 2-Port Vector Network Analyzer that operates from 100 kHz to 18 GHz. It has a built-in pulse modulator, synchronizer, and a set of logical generators supporting various pulse generation options and corresponding measurement modes. Pulses can be generated Synchronously or Asynchronously with respect to VNA measurement timing. This VNA supports 2 to 200,001 measurement points and has a dynamic range of 121 dB from 16 to 18 GHz.
The S5180B VNA includes an RF measurement module and the S2 software application which runs on Windows or Linux operating system on a PC, laptop, tablet, or x86 board computer connecting to the measurement hardware via USB interface. Read more
USB Controlled VNA from 100 KHz to 6 GHz
The TTR506A from Tektronix is USB Controlled Vector Network Analyzer that operates from 100 KHz to 6 GHz. This 2-port, 2-path S-parameter VNA has been developed for applications such as measuring passive/active components, antennas and matching networks, RF modules, test cables, adapters, and education. The TTR506A from Tektronix is Computer Controlled USB Vector Network Analyzer that operates from 100 KHz to 6 GHz. This 2-port, 2-path S-parameter VNA has been developed for applications such as measuring passive/active components, antennas and matching networks, RF modules, test cables, adapters, and education. Read more
2-Port Modular VNA from 300 KHz to 6 GHz
The eVNA from Mini Circuits is a high-quality, affordable VNA that operates from 300 kHz to 6 GHz. This 2-Port modular VNA has a dynamic range of greater than 120 dB, trace noise of less than 0.008 dBrms, and an output power from -50 to 7 dBm. It can be used to measure all 4 S-Parameters (S11, S21, S12, S22) as well as absolute receiver quantities from reference and reflection receivers. It supports normal and fast sweep modes and can measure up to 20,001 points.
The VNA has Built-in bias tees accessible on both ports and an SCPI Command Interface. It can be controlled via software provided by Mini-Circuits which has a number of analysis modes built-in - Markers, Limit and Bandwidth Tests, time domain gating, time domain transforms, and many more. Read more
Real-Time Peak USB Power Sensors from 50 MHz to 40 GHz
The RTP5000 Series of USB Power Sensors from Boonton are Real-Time peak power sensors that operate from 50 MHz to 40 GHz (available in 6 GHz, 18 GHz, and 40 GHz configurations). They have a dynamic range from -60 dBm to +20 dBm with a measurement rate of 100,000 measurements per second, with no gaps in signal acquisition and zero measurement latency. These usb power sensors have a high video bandwidth and fast rise times.
These power sensors can be used in a wide range of applications including carrying out Crest Factor and Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) measurements for Power Amplifiers and RF components. Read more
Remote Spectrum Receiver with I/Q Recorder from 9 kHz to 18 GHz
The RFeye SenS Remote 100-18 from CRFS is a Remote Spectrum Receiver with I/Q Recorder that operates from 9 kHz to 18 GHz. It combines the RF and edge-processing capabilities of the RFeye Node 100-18 together with the high-speed recording feature of the RFeye SenS family. This recorder can perform all the functions of a standard CRFS Node but with the addition of an optical take-off for full 100MHz full-rate I/Q streaming. It uses a powerful COTS processor for secure rack-mounted recording and can be positioned in fixed, unmanned locations such as on a mast or tower. The weatherproof receiver heads can stream full rate 100 MHz IBW data down an armored fiber optic cable (up to 100 meters long) to a rack-mounted server and storage media, housed in a building or secure environmental enclosure. Read more
Forensics RF Test Enclosure with Audio/ Video Recording
The STE3000FAV2 from Ramsey is an RF Test Enclosure designed for forensics visual and hands-on interrogations of electronic devices. The system also supports electronic video/audio/timestamp recording of the entire interrogation process. It features improved attenuation gloves and a shielded viewing window, a 0.5-inch GEN-2 high-efficiency RF foam liner, GEN-2 high-efficiency RF gaskets, and an exclusive double lip RF seal to give isolation of more than 80 dB.
This test enclosure has built-in internal LED illumination, which allows seeing the device placed inside the enclosure. The enclosure also gives hands-on access to the device through silver mesh RF tight gloves. Read more
5G Wireless Test Platform
The E7515B UXM 5G Wireless Test Set from Keysight is 5G Network Emulation Solution to test 5G devices. Supporting the latest 3GPP Release 15 and beyond, the UXM 5G enables users to establish a 5G call with a device under test (DUT) in different 5G NR deployment modes (non-stand alone (NSA) and stand-alone (SA)) and frequency bands (FR1 and FR2) and perform signaling test in terms of device RF characteristics, protocol compliance and functional key performance indicators. It also supports LTE and C-V2X signaling formats. Read more
High-Performance RF test set for WLAN & Bluetooth Devices
The IQxel-80 connectivity test system is a One Box Tester (OBT) that enables testing for the full range of 802.11 WLAN, Bluetooth (1.0 to 5), ZigBee, Z-Wave, WiSUN, and DECT devices. It exceeds the demanding bandwidth and Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) requirements of 802.11ac equipped devices. The IQxel covers the 80 MHz version of 802.11ac. The test set provides fully calibrated RF connections for 2 devices simplifying manufacturing test and ensuring the best possible measurement accuracy. It is available in a compact 2U high chassis requiring no external PC for processing, using standard gigabit Ethernet communication. Read more
Rubidium Signal Generators from 9 kHz to 20/43.5 GHz
The Rubidium MG362x1A from Anritsu are RF/Microwave Signal Generators that operate from 9 kHz to 43.5 GHz. These Rubidium Signal Generators offer atomic clock frequency stability with an internal rubidium frequency reference option. Alternatively, customers can also get exceptional frequency stability by locking an internal oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) reference to an external GNSS/GPS signal. The exceptional frequency stability makes the generators ideal for Metrology and high-speed clock applications.
They deliver an output power of up to +20 dBm with an SSB phase noise of -136 dBc/Hz and have a frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz. Read more
Broadband Portable Signal Generator from 0.5 to 40 GHz
The BLX-403 Lab Brick from Vaunix is a portable and programmable signal generator that operates from 0.5 to 40 GHz. It has a resolution of 100 Hz, switching time of 5 ms, output power of 10 dBm, and 40 dB of output level control. It has advanced features such as frequency sweeping, internal/external 10 MHz reference, and standard pulse modulation. The BLX-403 has excellent phase noise characteristics and can easily be programmed via a USB or Ethernet connection to a PC.
This modular signal generator can be handheld, set on a benchtop, or fixed inside a small rack. Read more
Dual-Path Vector Signal Generator from 100 kHz to 67 GHz
The R&S SMW200A from Rohde and Schwarz is a dual-path Vector Signal Generator that operates from 100 kHz to 67 GHz. It has a modular design that can be equipped with the exact options required for specific applications. This signal generator can be used in a number of configurations from a classic single-path vector signal generator to a multichannel MIMO receiver tester. It supports all major digital communications standards and can be used as an advanced GNSS and radar simulator. The signal generator has a modulation bandwidth of 2 GHz and integrated fading with up to 800 MHz bandwidth and up to 8x8 MIMO. Read more
10 MHz to 40 GHz, Phase Coherent, Multi-Channel RF Synthesizers
The HSX Series are broadband, phase coherent frequency sources that are available in five frequency configurations from 10 MHz to 3 GHz, 6 GHz, 12 GHz, 24 GHz, and 40 GHz. They have industry-leading phase noise and spectral purity performance coupled with a highly accurate dynamic range from -110 to 20 dBm. They are available in 1, 2, 3 or 4 channel Custom COTS models that can be ordered with any combination of frequency options. The HSX Series exhibits optimal phase coherency between each channel providing the ultimate in channel-to-channel stability. Read more
High Performance Signal Analyzers for mm-Wave 5G and SATCOM Applications
The N9042B UXA X-Series from Keysight Technologies are Signal Analyzers that operate from 2 Hz to 26.5/44/50 GHz and cover current 5G-NR, FR1, FR2 as well as most RADAR, EW and satellite bands. They provide an ultra wide analysis bandwidth of up to 11 GHz which is configured using an external digitizer. They also have a deep dynamic range to help solve the most difficult mmWave challenges. The analyzers have an excellent swept Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) of -174 dBm.
The N9042B Series signal analyzers have a modular, upgradeable Intel i7 6-core CPU that has a clock speed of 1.9 GHz with an 8 GB DDR4 DRAM. Read more
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer and RF Recorder from 9 kHz to 6 GHz
The BB60C is a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer and RF Recorder that operates from 9 kHz to 6 GHz. It has a realtime bandwidth of 27 MHz and a resolution bandwidth of up to 10 MHz. The Signal Hound BB60C is ideal for real-time spectrum monitoring, manufacturing process control, interference hunting, spread spectrum signal analysis, capturing intermittent events, and general purpose spectrum analysis.
When compared to the BB60A this new model has improved SFDR (Spurious-Free Dynamic Range) by typically 20 dB the noise floor has been flattened by reducing frequency band transitions more than 8 dB operating temperatures have been extended down to -40 Degree C and up to +65 Degree C and streaming I/Q (In-phase Quadrature) bandwidth is now selectable from 250 kHz to 27 MHz. Read more
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer with GNSS Capabilities
The R5750 from thinkRF is a Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer with GPS is built for mobile wireless situational awareness applications such as RF drive testing, coverage mapping, propagation analysis, direction finding & transmitter localization and vehicle based spectrum monitoring. With built in GPS capabilities, this Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer enables engineers in the field to conduct in-depth analysis of complex waveforms while knowing the location and time of each measurement.
This spectrum analyzer has a frequency range from 9 kHz to 27 GHz with real time bandwidth of 0.1 Mhz / 10 MHz / 40 MHz / 100 MHz. Read more
Portable Monitoring Receiver from 8 kHz to 8 GHz
The R&S PR200 is a portable monitoring receiver that operates from 8 kHz to 8 GHz (extended up to 18 GHz with R&S HF907DC SHF handheld antenna). It is an indispensable tool for regulatory authorities, mobile network operators, police forces, military units and other security organizations. They can use this portable receiver to search for and analyze known and unknown radio emissions and to localize signal sources.
The R&S PR200 performs signal processing in two separate paths, each with up to 40 MHz realtime bandwidth, making it possible to simultaneously display the spectrum and analyze in the frequency domain, as well as to display the signal and demodulate in the time domain. Read more
Dual USB Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer with 245 MHz true I/Q streaming
The SPECTRAN V6 X from Aaronia is a high-performance USB real-time spectrum analyzer that operates from 10 MHz to 6 GHz. The analyzer support dual USB True I/Q streaming of up to 245 MHz (IQ rate) real-time bandwidth. Multiple devices can be cascaded together to achieve an even higher real-time bandwidth. The analyzers have a DANL of -170 dBm/Hz with internal pre-amp on and an amplitude accuracy of +/- 0.5 dB.
The spectrum analyzers have an extremely small Probability of Intercept (POI) of up to 10ns and thus can capture even extremely short signals. Furthermore, the SPECTRAN V6 X integrates a vector signal generator/tracking generator with a modulation bandwidth of up to 120 MHz. With a sweep speed of over 1THz/s, it can sweep 6 GHz in less than 5 ms and also allows parallel measurement of several frequency bands. Read more
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