The R&S FE170ST from Rohde & Schwarz is an External Frequency Extension Frontend with output frequency in the D-Band from 110 to 170 GHz. It can extend the frequency range of various test and measurement products such as the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer, R&S RTP oscilloscope, R&S SMW200A, and R&S SMM100A vector signal generators for wideband signal generation and analysis. This frontend offers a compact and easy-to-use solution to process signals and analyze them over a wide frequency range for next-generation backhaul communication and 6G research technologies. It provides a user-friendly operation by reducing the installation time and connections to various equipment.
The R&S FE170ST can be connected to a LAN, IF, or REF connector to convert signals from signal generators and analyzers to the D-band and set up automated measurements, without the need to individually program every equipment. It has an outstanding modulation quality with an EVM of better than -36 dB (at 144 GHz), allowing the front end to analyze 5G NR signals with a channel bandwidth of 2 GHz. The instrument is supported with smart accessories such as waveguide bandpass filters that have low insertion loss and an excellent VSWR. It allows the device characteristics to be stored on an EPROM, which can be accessed later via a simple cable connection.
This frontend has a compact design that allows it to be positioned closely to the device under test (DUT), which in turn minimizes the length of additional RF feed lines, reduces ripple levels over frequency, and improves the signal quality. It has a displayed average noise level (DANL) of -152 dBm and a phase noise of -118 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. This frontend is available in a module that measures 150 x 57 x 190 mm with WM1651 and WR6.5 waveguide interfaces.
