Broadband and millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) measurements using external modules are important applications that allow work above the 70 GHz basic limit of the MS4640A Series VNA family. Part of the APPLICATIONS menu is devoted to making these measurements simple and straightforward to do.
Some key points:
• 3738 Broadband/Millimeter-Wave (BB/mmWave) Mode
In classical 3738-based broadband/mm-Wave 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 mm-Wave modules from OML, Inc. and Virginia Diodes, Inc. along with any others that meet the frequency plan and signal level assumptions (see appendix)
• 3739 Broadband/Millimeter-Wave (BB/mmWave) Mode
In modular broadband/mm-Wave mode, external synthesizers are not used. The MS4647A VNA in conjunction with the 3739x Test Set handles the RF and LO requirements to drive the modules. This mode applies to the Anritsu 3743x, MA25300A, and 3744x modular mm-Wave components as well as to OEM mm-Wave modules from OML, Inc. and Virginia Diodes, Inc. along with any others that meet the frequency plan and signal level assumptions. Option 08X is required to use this mode.
Note
When using MA25300A BB/mm-Wave modules, the 3739C Test Set is required.
• Continuous Sweep
In broadband mode, one continuous sweep is possible from 70 kHz to 110 GHz (OEM versions), 125 GHz (with the 3743A modules), or 145 GHz (with MA25300A modules, operational to 150 GHz). In mm-Wave mode, just the external modules are used.
• RF Calibrations
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
The main APPLICATION menu is shown here with the broadband and mm-Wave selections highlighted.
APPLICATION Menu – Multiple Source Selections – MS4642A, MS4644A, and MS4645A
1. APPLICATION menu default appearance for any VNA when Option 007 Receiver Offset is not installed.
2. APPLICATION menu, Multiple Source button, and Multiple Source Setup button – For MS4642A, 44A, and 45A VNAs when Option 007 Receiver Offset is installed but Option 082/083 is not installed. Option 080/081 is not available for these VNAs.
3. APPLICATION menu, Multiple Source button, and Multiple Source Setup button for model MS4644A and MS4645A VNAs when Option 007 Receiver Offset and Option 082/083 is installed. Option 080/081 is not available for these VNAs.
APPLICATION Menu – Multiple Source Selections – MS4647A
1. APPLICATION menu, Multiple Source button, and Multiple Source Setup button – For MS4647A VNAs when Option 007 Receiver Offset is installed but Option 080/081 or Option 082/083 is not installed. Note that Option 080/081 and Option 082/083 are mutually exclusive.
2. APPLICATION menu, Multiple Source button, and Multiple Source Setup button – For MS4647A VNAs when Option 007 Receiver Offset and Option 082/083 is installed but Option 080/081 is not installed.
3. APPLICATION menu, Multiple Source button, and Multiple Source Setup button – For MS4647A VNAs when Option 007 Receiver Offset and Option 080/081 is installed but Option 082/083 is not installed.
