From RF and microwave engineering to photonics and high-speed digital design, explore the measurement science and technologies that power our instrument platforms.
Proprietary ASIC-based receiver architectures delivering industry-leading dynamic range and phase noise performance from DC to 110 GHz. Integrated downconversion, digitization, and signal processing in custom silicon.
Phase Noise DANL mmWaveOscilloscope front-end technology with industry-highest bandwidth (110 GHz real-time) using indium phosphide (InP) process technology. Proprietary RealEdge sampler architecture for faithful waveform capture.
InP 110 GHz BW JitterEnd-to-end 5G NR test solutions covering protocol conformance (3GPP TS 38.521), RF parametric testing, beamforming verification, and network emulation for FR1 and FR2 bands.
5G NR MIMO BeamformingHigh-resolution optical spectrum analyzers, tunable laser sources, and lightwave component analyzers for characterizing coherent transceivers, silicon photonics devices, and DWDM systems.
Coherent SiPh DWDMPrecision source/measure units (SMUs) and power analyzers for characterizing wide-bandgap semiconductors (GaN, SiC), battery cells, and power converter efficiency across the full operating range.
GaN SiC SMUSoftware-defined test platforms for network performance monitoring, protocol analysis, and security testing across Layer 2-7. Scalable to 800G Ethernet and beyond.
800GE Protocol Security| Parameter | EXA N9010B | MXA N9020B | PXA N9030B | UXA N9040B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 Hz - 44 GHz | 10 Hz - 50 GHz | 2 Hz - 50 GHz | 2 Hz - 50 GHz |
| DANL (1 GHz) | -154 dBm/Hz | -168 dBm/Hz | -172 dBm/Hz | -174 dBm/Hz |
| Phase Noise (1 GHz, 10 kHz offset) | -109 dBc/Hz | -120 dBc/Hz | -128 dBc/Hz | -136 dBc/Hz |
| Analysis Bandwidth | 25 MHz | 160 MHz | 510 MHz | 510 MHz |
| Typical Application | Manufacturing | R&D General | R&D Advanced | Cutting-Edge R&D |
Choosing the right measurement approach requires understanding the engineering trade-offs inherent in each technology. Below are two common selection decisions our customers face.
Traditional swept-tuned analyzers (such as the EXA/MXA) offer lower noise floors and wider frequency coverage, making them ideal for characterizing CW signals and measuring close-in phase noise. However, they cannot capture transient events shorter than their sweep time.
Real-time spectrum analyzers (PXA/UXA with RTSA option) use FFT-based processing to provide gap-free capture up to 510 MHz bandwidth, essential for detecting frequency-hopping, pulsed radar, or intermittent interference. The trade-off: real-time mode typically exhibits 2-5 dB higher DANL compared to swept mode at the same resolution bandwidth, and analysis bandwidth is limited to 510 MHz versus the full instrument frequency range in swept mode.
Recommendation: For general-purpose signal characterization, swept analysis remains the default. Switch to real-time only when transient capture or probability-of-intercept requirements demand it.
Benchtop instruments (PXA, MXA, PNA-X) deliver the highest dynamic range, lowest phase noise, and widest analysis bandwidth. They are the correct choice for R&D labs, standards compliance testing, and any scenario requiring measurement uncertainty within ±0.5 dB.
Handheld instruments (FieldFox series) combine spectrum analysis, VNA, cable/antenna testing, and power measurement in a MIL-STD-810G rugged form factor weighing under 3.2 kg. However, they trade approximately 10-15 dB of dynamic range and 5-8 dB of phase noise performance compared to benchtop counterparts. Maximum frequency is limited to 50 GHz (versus 110 GHz for benchtop), and analysis bandwidth is capped at 10 MHz.
Recommendation: Use FieldFox for field deployment, tower maintenance, and cable verification. For design validation, conformance testing, or measurements requiring better than -160 dBm/Hz DANL, benchtop instruments are required.
All measurement instruments operate within defined performance boundaries. Understanding these limitations is essential for selecting the right instrument and interpreting results correctly.
Most benchtop instruments are specified for operation at 0°C to +55°C. Performance parameters (especially DANL and phase noise) are specified at +20°C to +30°C. Operating outside this range may degrade specifications by 1-3 dB. Handheld FieldFox units are rated for -10°C to +55°C per MIL-STD-810G, but LCD readability decreases below -20°C.
Standard calibration interval is 12 months. Measurement accuracy degrades gradually between calibrations — typical amplitude drift is ±0.2 dB/year for signal analyzers and ±0.05 dB/year for power sensors. For applications requiring tighter uncertainty (e.g., regulatory compliance testing), 6-month calibration intervals are recommended.
All RF measurements are subject to impedance mismatch uncertainty at connector interfaces. Even with precision Type-N or 3.5mm connectors, mismatch contributes ±0.1 to ±0.5 dB uncertainty depending on VSWR. This is a fundamental physics limitation, not an instrument deficiency. Using adapters or non-precision connectors increases mismatch uncertainty significantly.
Measurements above 50 GHz (using external harmonic mixers or frequency extenders) exhibit higher noise floors (+10-20 dB versus direct connection) and increased measurement uncertainty. Over-the-air (OTA) measurements for 5G FR2 beamforming devices add chamber reflections, positioning uncertainty, and path loss variability that do not exist in conducted-mode testing.
White papers, application notes, and measurement guides from our engineering team.
A comprehensive overview of spectrum analysis architectures, from traditional swept-tuned to FFT-based real-time analyzers.
Practical guidance on setting up FR1 and FR2 conformance test benches using Keysight UXR oscilloscopes and signal generators.
Measurement techniques and best practices for accurate phase noise characterization using cross-correlation methods.
Step-by-step measurement procedure for validating 800G transceiver PAM4 receiver sensitivity using stressed eye calibration.
Field measurement techniques for antenna VSWR, cable loss, and PIM testing using handheld FieldFox analyzers.