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VectorStar Family of RF, µW,  mmW VNAs MS4640B Series

VectorStar Family of RF, µW, mmW VNAs

MS4640B Series
Overview

The VectorStar™ family is Anritsu's Premium VNA line, providing the highest overall performance on a modern platform. The MS4640B VectorStar VNA offers the broadest coverage in a single instrument, 70 kHz to 70 GHz. The additional two decades at the low end are even more impressive than the guaranteed 70 GHz coverage on the high end.

IMDView™

Provides active menu sidebar with real time measurement display while modifying critical IMD parameters. The internal combiner option offers single connection testing of active devices for automatically switching between S parameter and IMD measurements without the need for reconnecting the DUT.

PulseView™

When combined with the innovative IF digitizing option, offers industry-leading 2.5 ns pulse resolution and 100 dB dynamic range with no compromises or trade-offs due to varying duty cycles. PulseView provides real time display of pulse measurements while dynamically modifying pulse parameters for immediate design validation.

DifferentialView™

When combined with the dual internal source option, offers real time display analysis of differential devices, drivers, and components while actively modifying phase and magnitude relationships of the internal dual sources.

Spectrum Analyzer Option

The spectrum analyzer option is the world’s first single sweep spectrum analyzer that covers frequency ranges from 70KHz to 220GHz using mm-wave modules. The Spectrum analyzer option is available on all baseband VectorStar models.

The Spectrum Analyzer option (Option 49) allows for convenient spectral domain measurements of quantities such as harmonics, spurs, distortion products, and general frequency content of a variety of devices. Common measurements include harmonics, tone-based distortion measurements, some spurious measurements, and spectral occupancy tests on devices that may include multiple outputs or input-output comparisons.

The noise figure option is based on a cold source technique for improved noise figure measurement accuracy. VectorStar is the only VNA platform capable of measuring noise figure from 70 kHz to 125 GHz and available with an optimized noise receiver for measurements from 30 GHz to 125 GHz. Additionally, VectorStar is the only VNA that offers a Differential Noise Figure option for characterizing the noise figure of differential devices.

For broadband applications, the ME7838 Series offers superior performance and coverage spanning a range from 70 kHz to 110 GHz, 125 GHz and 145 GHz in a single coaxial test port. The Anritsu developed Non-linear Transmission Line mmWave module is compact while providing high performance up to 145 GHz.

The Anritsu MS4640B Vector Network Analyzer offers a new level of performance for device modeling engineers struggling to accurately and reliably characterize their devices, for R&D engineers pushing the last fraction of a dB out of their state-of-the-art designs, and for the manufacturing engineer trying to maximize throughput without sacrificing accuracy. Backed by a 3-year warranty and the most responsive sales support team, the MS4640B is the VNA of choice for the discerning engineer.

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Spectrum Analyzer Option

  • SPA available from 70KHz to 20/40/70/110/125/145 and 220GHz. Also available for banded configuration to 1.1THz.
  • Dual SPA mode available: suitable for Mixers/Amplifier/ Harmonics /Spurious testing.
  • SPA available on all ports. User can define which port to use as SPA port.
  • Several detection types available in classical mode: Peak, minimum, RMS, Mean.
  • Various math functions can be applied on SPA mode like Min hold/max hold/ user defined equations.
  • Sources and receivers can be independently configured. Can be used as Tracking Generator.
  • For units that have a dual source, a dual drive option is available. Support for external source control also possible.
  • Phase synchronization for units with Dual source available. This feature allows users to control and configure the phase between the two sources.
  • Source and receiver attenuator available with VNA can be activated in SPA mode. Recommendation to use option 62 (with attenuator on receiver side) for measuring the spectrum content of high-power devices.
  • Software option: easy to install and upgrade existing user equipment.

Other Features

  • Broadest frequency span from a single coaxial test port covering 70 kHz to 70 GHz in a single instrument and 70 kHz to 145 GHz in the Broadband configuration. Extendable to 1.1 THz
  • Universal Fixture Extraction (UFX) software option provides advanced de-embedding tools for test fixture extraction.
  • IMDView™ software coupled with the internal combiner option offers the ability to switch from S parameters to IMD measurements in a single connection
  • Highest performance pulse measurements— PulseView™ offers 2.5 ns pulse resolution with 100 dB dynamic range
  • 4-port single-ended or balanced measurements using DifferentialView™ analysis
  • Internal trace-based eye diagram option provides the ability to display Time Domain, S-Parameters, and Eye Diagram analysis with active sweep updates
  • Superior Dynamic Range - up to 142 dB
  • High available power - up to +14 dBm
  • Best test port characteristic performance - up to 50 dB in Directivity
  • Best time domain analysis
  • Fast and accurate optoelectronic measurements from 70 kHz to 40, 70 GHz and 110 GHz, at 850, 1060, 1310 and 1550 nm wavelengths, using MN4765B O/E Calibration module

VectorStar Users Site

The VectorStar Users Site is a location where you can obtain Software, O/S Patches, and needed Utilities for your VectorStar instruments.

The following are various published works that have utilized the VectorStar vector network analyzer to conduct their measurements. These papers are the property of their authors who have given Anritsu permission to post these.

3D Smith charts scattering parameters frequency-dependent orientation analysis and complex-scalar multi-parameter characterization applied to Peano reconfigurable vanadium dioxide inductors
Mueller, Andrei A. et al; nature.com Scientific Reports, 04 Dec 2019

A novel reconfigurable CMOS compatible Ka band bandstop structure using split-ring resonators and Vadandium Dioxide (VO2) phase change switches
Muller, Anrei A. et al; Infoscience EPFL scientific publications, 22 Aug 2019

Radio-Frequency Characteristics of Ge-Doped Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films with Increased Transition Temperature
Muller, Anrei A. et al; ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 16 Apr 2020

Anritsu has partnered with the following industry-leading companies to provide a variety of proven material measurement capabilities that are compatible with the VectorStar and ShockLine vector network analyzer families.

Material Measurements

Compass Technology Group logo
Compass Technology
Choose from off-the-shelf or custom-designed RF material measurement systems able to measure material properties from 100 MHz to 90 GHz. These solutions include: focused beam, resonant cavity, waveguides, spot probes, free space measurement systems, and more.

Anritsu and Compass Technology Group Material Measurements Solutions
Compass Technology Group VectorStar Integration [video]
KEYCOM Characteristic Technologies logo
Keycom Technologies
Select from a variety of material measurement solutions that leverage various methods including: resonator, frequency change, probe type, co-axial tube and waveguide type S-parameter, free space, capacitance, epsilometery, and more.

Anritsu and Keycom Material Measurement Solution
Swiss to 12 logo
SWISSto12
Providing hardware and software technology capable of measuring: solid samples; soft sample and foam; liquid samples and powder; thin films; dielectric coatings and multilayer materials; alumina plate; and more.

Anritsu and SWISSto12 Material Measurement Solution

EduPack Bundle

Making Anritsu’s leading test and measurement solutions readily available to universities and R&D institutions ensures their engineering labs are equipped with the state-of-the-art resources they need to teach students and continue their ground-breaking research using the latest technologies. The Anritsu EduPack Bundle provides students, engineers, and researchers with just that – a modular, flexible solution that is customizable based on the unique needs of the institution. The bundle comes standard with a modular VectorStar™ MS4644B 40 GHz vector network analyzer, calibration kit, active measurement suite, and Cadence AWR lite software. From there, configure the bundle to meet your specific design needs by selecting from the various options available. Whether you are designing for 5G, antennas, material measurements, etc., the Anritsu EduPack Bundle can power your innovation with the industry’s leading technologies.

Anritsu EduPack Bundle Product Brochure

Universal Test Fixture

When developing any device on a microstrip or conventional coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure, the final product does not always end up with a connectorized interface. To test the device’s response at various frequencies, engineers often use a fixture like Anritsu’s Universal Test Fixture (UTF) to conduct measurements. This gives them a structure that provides a precise connection to the DUT when no input/output connectors are available and avoids substantial errors in measurement results due to improper soldering.

Anritsu’s 3680 series UTF are highly accurate and precise fixtures that provide a repeatable solution for measuring microstrip and CPW substrate devices. Input and output connections are made to the substrate device by two spring-loaded jaws that include coax-to-microstrip/CPW launchers. The jaws accommodate substrates from 0.13 to 1.9 mm in thickness.

Anritsu Universal Test Fixture EduPack Bundle Solutions Brief

Spectrum Master™ MS276xA Ultraportable Spectrum Analyzer (9 kHz to 44 GHz)

More often than not, a spectrum analyzer is an integral part of a test bench in an education/ R&D institute and is widely used in many applications. Bundle 2 incorporates a Spectrum Master MS276xA 44 GHz ultraportable spectrum analyzer to deliver best-in-class price/performance ratio unmatched by traditional benchtop instruments. Leveraging Anritsu’s patented NLTL technology, these high-performance solutions provide leading dynamic range, sweep speed, and amplitude accuracy, while their small size allows a direct connection to almost any DUT and eliminates the need for low loss, expensive cables. This enables customers to efficiently advance their technology development while reducing time-to-market.

When paired with the VectorStar MS4644B VNA, this combination is ideal for applications requiring intermodulation distortion (IMD), harmonics, on-wafer simultaneous S-parameters, and spectrum measurements. For 5G beamforming antennas (passive and active), the Spectrum Master MS276xA becomes a very useful tool as it can measure very low-level signals and, when combined with a directional antenna, be used as a reference signal measurement tool.

Anritsu Ultraportable Spectrum Analyzer EduPack Bundle Solutions Brief

Antenna Measurement System with MilliBox Anechoic Chamber

With continued 5G antenna research, especially in the 28 and 39 GHz frequencies, having a compact antenna testing solution is ideal for universities and R&D centers. While various parameters (e.g., return loss, polarization, radiation pattern, gain, E-H plane, 2D-3D patterns, etc.) are vital for antenna measurements, the most important are antenna radiation pattern measurements as these determine how effectively an antenna radiates in comparison to an isotropic antenna. This particular measurement requires a VNA, an anechoic chamber, and software. Bundle 3 includes a portable benchtop anechoic chamber and open source software from MilliBox, and equips universities and R&D labs with a complete, cost-effective antenna measurement system.

MilliBox offers a family of modular, compact, and affordable mmWave antenna test systems. Fully compatible with the VectorStar MS4644B VNA, these systems are tailored for applications between 18 GHz and 95 GHz, include various combinations of chambers and 3D positioners, and are easy to setup and take measurements. The positioner controller software is based on an open source Python script that communicates directly with the VectorStar VNA, enabling it to take the needed antenna radiation pattern measurements. Since the software is open source code, students, teachers, and researchers can modify and customize capabilities for antenna measurements on their own, which also provides students with another valuable opportunity to develop their real-world skill set (MilliBox will provide software support).

Anritsu Anechoic Chamber Measurement EduPack Bundle Solutions Brief

Options

Spectrum Analyzer Options:

MS4642B-049 70 kHz to 20 GHz Spectrum Analyzer option
MS4644B-049 70 kHz to 40 GHz Spectrum Analyzer option
MS4647B-049 70 kHz to 70 GHz Spectrum Analyzer option
MS4640B-049 SPA options for all broadband and banded solutions

Key Configuration Items:

MS4642B VNA, 10 MHz — 20 GHz, 2-port, K(male)
MS4644B VNA, 10 MHz — 40 GHz, 2-port, K(male)
MS4647B VNA, 10 MHz — 70 GHz, 2-port, V(male)
Option 001  Rack Mount 
Option 002 Time Domain with advanced capabilities
Option 007 Receiver Offset with Multiple Source Control for frequency-translated measurements
Option 021 Universal Fixture Extraction
Option 031 Dual Source
Option 032 Internal Combiner
Option 035 IF Digitizer
Option 036 Extended Memory (Must be purchased with Option 35)
Option 041 Noise Figure
Option 042 PulseView™
Option 043 DifferentialView™
Option 044 IMDView™
Option 046 Fast CW 
Option 047
Eye Diagram
Option 048
Differential Noise Figure
Option 053 External ALC leveling
Option 05x Direct Access Loops for total measurement flexibility
Option 06x Active Measurement Suites with 2 or 4 attenuators
Option 070 70 kHz Low-end Frequency Extension for an unprecedented frequency coverage
Option 08x Broadband/Milllimeter Wave Interface
MN469xC 4-port Test Sets, K and V for 70 kHz to 70 GHz multi-port solutions
MN4765B Optical VNA measurements O/E Calibration Module. Options available for 40, 70 GHz and 110 GHz, at 850, 1060, 1310, and 1550 nm wavelengths



Software
AWR Connected™ to Anritsu VectorStar AWR Microwave Office Connected - View Full Size

Anritsu's VectorStar Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) uniquely combines design and measurement by including NI AWR Design Environment™ software as a standard feature within the instrument, as a separate application on your desktop.

You now have access to all of the design tools essential for high-frequency IC, PCB, and module design at your fingertips, right on your VNA, including:

  • Linear circuit simulators
  • Electromagnetic (EM) analysis tools
  • Integrated schematic and layout
The integration of high-frequency design tools within high-performance VNAs is the way of the future - but it's available today, only from Anritsu and AWR.
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