VectorStar ME7838G4 4-Port Broadband Vector Network Analyzer, 70 kHz to 220 GHz

4-port broadband VNA system with single-sweep coverage from 70 kHz to 220 GHz and waveguide-band extension to 1.1 THz.

Broadband frequency range: 70 kHz to 220 GHz
Operational frequency range: 40 kHz to 226 GHz
Waveguide band configuration: 50 GHz to 1.1 THz
Number of test ports: 4

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu VectorStar ME7838G4 is a 4-port broadband vector network analyzer system that provides a continuous single sweep from 70 kHz to 220 GHz, without concatenating multiple systems. It is operational from 40 kHz to 226 GHz through a single coaxial-mode connector.

The system uses the Anritsu MA25400A mmWave module. This module combines Anritsu-developed Nonlinear Transmission Line (NLTL) technology in a compact package with a 0.6 mm test port connector. Each module weighs 0.27 kg (0.6 lbs), so it can be positioned easily on a wafer probe station. Port power is levelled in real time inside the module above 54 GHz, without the need for calibration software correction tables.

The broadband configuration is built around an MS4647B VectorStar VNA together with the 3739C and 3736B broadband test sets, an MN4697C four-port test set and four MA25400A mmWave modules. Covering near-DC through G band lets W-band devices be characterized well through the second harmonic of their operating frequency, which supports more accurate device modeling.

Waveguide configuration

The ME7838G4 can also be configured for waveguide-band operation from 50 GHz to 1.1 THz. This is done with WR5 adapters on the MA25400A modules, Anritsu 3744A-EE/EW modules, or external VDI frequency extension modules. The waveguide setup can extend the broadband system or run as a waveguide-only system.

Upgrade path

Existing ME7838A4X 125 GHz and ME7838D4 145 GHz broadband systems can be upgraded to 220 GHz by adding the MA25400A mmWave module.

Key Features

Single-sweep 4-port coverage from 70 kHz to 220 GHz, operational from 40 kHz to 226 GHz
Waveguide-band coverage from 50 GHz to 1.1 THz
MA25400A NLTL mmWave modules with 0.6 mm test port connector
Calibration and measurement stability of 0.1 dB over 24 hrs
Measurement speed of 310 ms for 401 points at 10 kHz IFBW
Real-time power leveling without calibration software correction tables
Supports tri-axial Kelvin bias tee connections for on-wafer device biasing up to 220 (226) GHz
Compact mmWave modules, 0.6 lb and 1/50 the volume of traditional mmWave modules
Upgrade path from ME7838A4X and ME7838D4 systems to 220 GHz
Spectrum analyzer option (Option 49) available on the broadband configuration
Noise figure measurements from 30 GHz to 125 GHz with Option 41 and 3744A-Rx receiver module
Differential noise figure measurements with Option 48

Specifications

Frequency

Broadband frequency range	70 kHz to 220 GHz Single sweep
Operational frequency range	40 kHz to 226 GHz
Waveguide band configuration	50 GHz to 1.1 THz In waveguide bands
Number of test ports	4
Test port connector	0.6 mm MA25400A mmWave module
Frequency resolution	1 Hz

Performance Highlights

Dynamic range	112 dB at 67 GHz, 108 dB at 110 GHz, 100 dB at 140 GHz, and 102 dB at 220 GHz
Measurement speed	310 ms for 401 points at 10 kHz IFBW
Calibration and measurement stability	0.1 dB over 24 hrs

System Dynamic Range (Flange Interface)

> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz Option 51	111 dB Typical, 10 Hz IFBW, port 1 or 3 driving
> 54 to 60 GHz Option 51	112 dB Typical, 10 Hz IFBW
> 105 to 110 GHz Option 51	106 dB Typical, 10 Hz IFBW
> 140 to 150 GHz Option 51	100 dB Typical, 10 Hz IFBW
> 200 to 220 GHz Option 51	98 dB Typical, 10 Hz IFBW
> 220 to 226 GHz Option 51	85 dB Typical, 10 Hz IFBW

Noise Floor (Flange Interface)

> 54 to 60 GHz Option 51, Option 62	–116 dBm Typical
> 200 to 220 GHz Option 51, Option 62	–113 dBm Typical

Maximum Available Test Port Power (Flange Interface)

> 0.01 to < 2.5 GHz Option 51	8 dBm Typical, ports 1 and 3
> 60 to 67 GHz	–3 dBm Typical
> 200 to 220 GHz	–15 dBm Typical
> 220 to 226 GHz	–18 dBm Typical

Power Range, Accuracy, and Resolution

Power resolution	0.01 dB Typical
Power accuracy, > 200 to 220 GHz	±4.0 dB Typical
Power range, > 200 to 220 GHz	–50 to –15 dBm Typical

Uncorrected Port Characteristics

Port match, 70 kHz to 10 MHz	8 dB Typical, at the MA25400A flange interface
Port match, > 80 to 110 GHz	7 dB Typical
Port match, > 200 to 220 GHz	5 dB Typical

Corrected System Performance (3659 0.8 mm Cal Kit, SOLT/SSST)

Directivity, 2.5 to 20 GHz	40 dB Typical
Directivity, > 95 to 110 GHz	34 dB Typical
Directivity, > 140 to 145 GHz	26 dB Typical

Mechanical

MA25400A mmWave module dimensions (H x W x D)	32.5 mm x 54 mm x 83 mm
MA25400A mmWave module weight	0.27 kg (0.6 lbs)
MS4640B VNA weight	< 28 kg (< 62 lbs) Typical weight for a fully-loaded MS4647B VNA
3739C test set weight	5.75 kg (12.7 lbs)

Environmental

Operating environment	Conforms to MIL-PRF-28800F (Class 3)
Operating temperature	0 ºC to +50 ºC Without error codes, except for 'unleveled' messages at the extreme edges of the range
Operating relative humidity	5 % to 95 % at +30 ºC, Non-condensing
Altitude	4,600 m (15,000 ft)
Non-operating temperature	–40 ºC to +71 ºC

General

Warm-up time	90 minutes
Recommended calibration cycle	12 months
Warranty	1-year warranty from the date of shipment Excluding VDI modules and MPI probes

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

On-wafer device characterization
Device modeling
mmWave component testing
W-band and G-band device characterization
mmWave noise figure measurements
mmWave antenna measurements
Spectrum analysis of harmonics and spurious signals

Included

MS4647B VectorStar VNA, 70 kHz to 70 GHz with Option 7, Option 51/61/62, Option 70, and Option 80/81/84/85
3739C Broadband Test Set and Interface Cables
3736B Broadband mmWave Test Set and Interface Cables
MN4697C (four port) Test Set
MA25400A mmWave Module, 4 each
Two Accessory Kits (2000-1956-R) with interface thru, two 1 mm (M) to interface adapters, a 1 mm F-F adapter, extra flange screws, and a torque wrench

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MS4640B-002	Time Domain
MS4640B-021	Universal Fixture Extraction
MS464xB-031	Dual Source Architecture
MS464xB-032	Internal RF Combiner
MS4640B-041	Noise Figure
MS4640B-043	DifferentialView
MS4640B-044	IMDView
MS4640B-046	Fast CW
MS4640B-047	Eye Diagram
MS4640B-049	Spectrum Analysis
MS464xB-051	External VNA Direct Access Loops — One of Option 51/61/62 is required
MS464xB-061	Active Measurement Suite, with 2 Attenuators — One of Option 51/61/62 is required
MS464xB-062	Active Measurement Suite, with 4 Attenuators — One of Option 51/61/62 is required
3744E-Rx	30 to 110 GHz mmWave Receiver for Noise Figure and mmWave Antenna Measurements
3744E-EE	56 to 95 GHz WR-12 Waveguide Module
3744E-EW	65 to 110 GHz WR-10 Waveguide Module
SC8215	Kelvin Bias Tee — V-connectorized bias tee for the rear of the module, bias from 70 kHz to the module's maximum frequency; Max Voltage 16 VDC, Max Current 100 mA
SC7287	Kelvin Bias Tee — V-connectorized bias tee for the rear of the module, bias from 100 MHz to the module's maximum frequency; Max Voltage 50 VDC, Max Current 500 mA