Introduction to Broadband and Millimeter Wave

Broadband and millimeter wave measurements using external modules are important applications that allow work above the 70 GHz basic limit of the MS464xB Series VNA family. Part of the APPLICATIONS menu is devoted to making these measurements simple and straightforward to do.

In classical 3738-based broadband/mmWave mode, two external Anritsu synthesizers are used to form the base RF and LO to drive the external modules. These synthesizers are controlled to provide the correct frequency and powers to these modules. The application also controls an external test set (3738X) that handles transfer switching and IF processing. This mode applies to OEM mmWave modules from OML, Inc. and Virginia Diodes, Inc. along with any others that meet the frequency plan and signal level assumptions (see appendix)

In modular broadband/mmWave mode, external synthesizers are not used. The MS4647B VNA in conjunction with the 3739x Test Set handles the RF and LO requirements to drive the modules. This mode applies to the Anritsu 374xx and MA25x00A modular mmWave components, as well as to OEM mmWave modules from OML, Inc. and Virginia Diodes, Inc. along with any others that meet the frequency plan and signal level assumptions. Option 8X is required to use this mode.

In broadband mode, one continuous sweep is possible from 70 kHz to 110 GHz (OEM versions and 3743E/EX modules), 125 GHz (with the 3743x modules) or 145 GHz (with the MA25300A modules, operational to 150 GHz) or 220 GHz (with the MA25400A modules, operational to 226 GHz). In mmWave mode, just the external modules are used.

All RF calibrations are supported in both of these modes although certain algorithms may be more optimal for the frequencies involved. Cal merge is particularly useful in broadband mode where one will often want to mix algorithms


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