Transmit/receive module and AESA radar testing

Your task

Transmit/receive modules, which integrate transmit and receive submodules, require advanced measurement capabilities – including amplifier testing (compression point (CP), intermodulation (IM), noise figure (NF)), high/low power handling, multiple frequency conversion and multiple phase-controlled sources – to ensure comprehensive characterization.

Rohde & Schwarz solution

The R&S®ZNA vector network analyzer is designed to meet the unique measurement requirements of TRM, providing a flexible and comprehensive solution for amplifier testing and frequency conversion. With its internal combiner and up to four internal sources¹⁾, the R&S®ZNA enables engineers to perform a wide range of measurements, including receiver intermodulation, compression testing and group delay testing of embedded LO devices. This makes it an essential tool for engineers working with complex RF and microwave systems.

¹⁾ With the optional second internal LO, accessible on the rear panel, a fifth source up to 26.5 GHz and +25 dBm is available as a high-power LO source

Features and benefits

• Up to four internal sources with flexible sweep mode configuration and internal combiner enable receiver intermodulation and compression testing, frequencyconverting modules with LO access (through support of dual LO design) and group delay testing of embedded LO devices
• Phase-coherent source allow phase measurements on converters and radiation pattern testing with beamforming submodules
• Multichannel spectrum analysis option enables a spurious emission search with all R&S®ZNA receivers, which is effective with up to four receivers in parallel
• Enhanced trigger and pulsed I/O provides DUT synchronization and control for DUT phase and power settings with synchronized measurement
• Two-port R&S®ZNA with two sources and options for high/low power and noise figure tests characterizes a two-port TRM and measures its performance under various conditions, including intermodulation, compression point and embedded LO converter group delay

Summary

To address the complex measurement requirements of TRM, the R&S®ZNA vector network analyzer offers a comprehensive solution that combines advanced amplifier testing capabilities – including compression point, intermodulation and noise figure measurement – with flexible frequency conversion and phase-controlled sources.