USB-based spectrum analyser adds built-in bias tee
Article By : EDN Asia
The TTR500 Series offers a full 2-port, 2-path S-parameter VNA for applications such as measuring passive/active components, antennas and matching networks.
Tektronix's new USB-based spectrum analyser, the TTR500 Series USB Vector Network Analyser (VNA), features 100kHz to 6GHz frequency range, 122dB dynamic range, less than 0.008dB trace noise and -50 to 7dBm output power.
Among the markets with a critical need for an affordable VNA are IoT design and education. VNAs help IoT designers match Bluetooth, WLAN, RFID and other radios to antennas, but in many cases, designers must rent or borrow VNAs, adding time and expense to projects. The high cost of VNAs also means students get little to no hands-on time with the instrument.
The TTR500 Series offers a full 2-port, 2-path S-parameter VNA for applications such as measuring passive/active components, antennas and matching networks, RF modules, test cables, adapters and more, according to Tektronix.
An important feature of the TTR500 is the built-in bias tee that is accessible on both ports and allows for active devices, such as amplifiers, to be easily DC biased. No longer will users need to contend with an external bias tee or pay a premium for an instrument with an optional internal bias tee, according to Tektronix. The TTR500's built-in bias tee allows for 0 to ± 24V, and 0 to 200mA on both ports for active devices.
The TTR500 works with any Windows PC or laptop and the VectorVu-PC software delivers a traditional look and feel for controlling and calibrating the instrument. It offers full point and click usability with the ease of PC-based networking for saving and sharing files. For automated test systems in design or manufacturing, VectorVu-PC offers programmatic support for SCPI commands, including command compatibility with common legacy VNAs for easy integration into existing test systems. In addition, the software offers an offline mode for data analysis with an output file format compatible with common EDA simulation tools.
The TTR500 Series vector network analyser is available now and pricing starts at $9,000 for a 3GHz instrument and $12,000 for a 6GHz instrument.
