The VectorStar ME7838x4 Broadbａnd systems provide high performance 4-port measurements utilizing compact mmwave modules with industry-best calibration stability. While other broadbａnd systems continue to provide raw performance with negative directivity in critical frequency bands, the ME7838 series, which includes the 4-port systems includes broadbａnd systems with positive raw directivity. The result is better calibration stability and better measurement stability with significantly longer time between calibrations for accurate measurements and improved productivity. The new ME7838G4 takes high performance 4-port broadbａnd measurements to a new level by incorporating the Anritsu MA25400A mmWave module. The MA25400A module combines Anritsu developed Nonlinear Transmission Line (NLTL) technology in a small, compact high performance mmWave module with a 0.6 mm test port connector for measurements up to 220 GHz.

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.

The VectorStar ME7838x4 broadbａnd system VNA offers the widest available 4-port single sweep measurements from 70 kHz to 110, 125, 145, and 150 GHz with mmWave bands up to 1.1 THz

Spectrum Analyzer Option

Other Features

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.

Extraordinary Permittivity Characterization of 4H SiC at Millimeter-wave Frequencies
Lei Li, Mohammad Javad Asadi, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University Steve Reyes, Anritsu Company Patrick Fay, Department of Electrical Engineering, The University of Notre Dame James C. M. Hwang, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University And Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University. 22 June 2023

Calibration, Repeatability and Related Characteristics of On-wafer, Broadbａnd 70kHz-220 GHz Single-Sweep Measurements
Andrej Rumiantsev, MPI Corporation Jon Martens, Steve Reyes, Anritsu Company. 02 Nov 2020

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

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; 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

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 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 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
	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