Rohde & Schwarz and Marvin Test Solutions have cooperated to create a unique turnkey solution suited for beamforming integrated circuits (IC) used in 5G mmWave (FR2) and satellite communications (SATCOM) — the resulting production tester TS 900e-5G from Marvin Test Solutions is based on the new R&S ZNBT40 multi-port vector network analyzer (VNA) from Rohde & Schwarz.
Beamforming is becoming a default concept in 5G NR and SATCOM and is also a common technology in the aerospace and defense industry, the specialty field of U.S. based aerospace test and measurement provider Marvin Test Solutions. The cooperation between the two companies began when Marvin Test Solutions showed interest in the capabilities and specifications of the R&S ZNBT40 by Rohde & Schwarz as the basis for their 5G beamforming IC production tester.
The Rohde & Schwarz R&S ZNBT40 Vector Network Analyzer.
The new, industry-leading R&S ZNBT40 is a multi-port VNA enabling fast, reliable and extensive verification and characterization of beamforming ICs with typically 5, 9 or even 17 RF ports. It is a unique vector network analyzer with a frequency range from 100 kHz to 40 GHz and a true, multi-port architecture. In addition to testing multi-port devices under test (DUT), such as the beamforming ICs, it also allows parallel testing of multiple DUTs using its up to 24 ports. The large number of ports makes it possible to characterize a beamforming IC in full detail and see the cross-correlation effects while monitoring all antenna connections.
Major General Stephen T. Sargeant, USAF (Ret.), CEO of Marvin Test Solutions, said that for the heart of this test set, the company selected the Rohde & Schwarz R&S ZNBT40 vector network analyzer over the competition due to the product's unique, cutting-edge capabilities. The firm's collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz enables the two companies the opportunity to deliver the best available solution to meet customers' demanding requirements.
Alexander Keck, Director of Product Management Vector Network Analyzer at Rohde & Schwarz, added that Rohde & Schwarz has a strong and long-standing tradition in making high-quality instruments. The firm is happy to be cooperating with a dynamic test house such as Marvin Test Solutions on creating industry-leading turnkey test and measurement solutions.