R&S®FE170ST Frontend

SUB-TERAHERTZ, ABOVE EXPECTATIONS

Key facts

Fully calibrated solution
Ease of operation
Fully automated
Smart accessories
Compact form factor

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Frequency extension to D-Band (110 GHz to 175 GHz)

The R&S®FE170ST is ideal for early subterahertz and 6G research. By extending the frequency ranges for the R&S®SMW200A, R&S®SMM100A and R&S®SFI100A to the D band (110 GHz to 175 GHz) engineers can access the range they need and develop the next generation of mobile communications. The easy-to-use, fully-calibrated solution is compatible with our signal generator, analyzer and oscilloscope environments. Plug it in and start designing the next generation of mobile communications today.

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Features & benefits

Fully calibrated solution

The R&S®FE170ST is designed as an external frontend for the R&S®SMW200A, R&S®SMM100A and R&S®SFI100A vector signal generators. Every R&S®FE170ST is fully characterized during production. As soon as the R&S®FE170ST is connected via LAN, the correction data in the frontend automatically transfers to the base unit, ensuring a fully calibrated signal generation solution and reducing the time and equipment needed for setup and calibration while enhancing measurement fidelity.

Ease of operation

The R&S®FE170ST fits seamlessly into the operating concept of the R&S®SMW200A, R&S®SMM100A and R&S®SFI100A vector signal generators. As soon as the frontend is connected with a LAN, IF or REF connector, the R&S®SMW200A, R&S®SMM100A and R&S®SFI100A are converted into signal generators for D band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) applications. Setting up automated measurements is easy and reliable because multiple instruments do not need to be programmed.

**R&S®FE170ST connection** - The R&S®SMW200A user interface with a connected R&S®FE170ST

Excellent signal performance

Generating wideband-modulated signals with excellent modulation quality is essential when developing next generation mobile communications and automotive radar applications. The R&S®FE170ST has outstanding modulation quality. A 5G NR signal with a channel bandwidth of 2 GHz (960 kHz SCS) and QPSK modulation can be analyzed with an EVM better than -36 dB (at 144 GHz). This excellent modulation quality is maintained over a wide dynamic range.

**EVM values versus RMS output power** - Measured EVM of a 5G NR signal (2 GHz BW, 960 kHz SCS, QPSK) at 148 GHz center frequency.

Smart accessories

External bandpass filters optimize spur performance and are available as options for the R&S®FE170ST and R&S®FE170SR. The R&S®FE170-Z01, R&S®FE170-Z02 and R&S®FE170-Z03 waveguide bandpass filters have low insertion loss and an excellent voltage standing wave ratio. Device characteristics are stored on an EPROM. A simple cable connection provides data to the base instruments. This data is automatically included for a fully calibrated solution.

Compact form factor

The compact design allows the R&S®FE170ST to be positioned closely to the device under test. This minimizes the length of additional RF feed lines that can increase losses. Short distance to the DUT reduces the level ripple over frequency and improves signal quality. Versatile mounting points and adjustable feet allow for more flexible positioning of the R&S®FE170ST. Thanks to the R&S®WR6.5 waveguide connector, a DUT or antenna can be directly mounted for OTA measurements.