This article is part of the TechXchange: Vector Network Analyzers.
Anritsu's VectorStar ME7838x4 broadband vector-network-analyzer (VNA) systems provide four-port measurements. According to the company, they offer better calibration stability and better measurement stability with significantly longer time between calibrations.
The ME7838G4 leverages the MA25400A mmWave module, which implements Anritsu's Nonlinear Transmission Line technology for measurements up to 220 GHz. Its Spectrum Analyzer option is presented as the first single-sweep spectrum analyzer that covers frequency ranges from 70 kHz to 220 GHz using mmWave modules; it's available on all baseband VectorStar models. The Spectrum Analyzer option performs spectral domain measurements of quantities such as harmonics, spurs, distortion products, and general frequency content.
VectorStar is presented as the only VNA platform capable of measuring noise figure from 70 kHz to 125 GHz. It comes with an optimized noise receiver for measurements from 30 to 125 GHz, with a differential noise figure option for characterizing the noise figure of differential devices. For broadband applications, the ME7838 Series covers from 70 kHz to 110, 125, and 145 GHz in a single coaxial test port.