SMM100A Vector Signal Generator for 5G & RF Component Testing
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information about recent upgrades and enhancements to the SMM100A. This article was originally published on August 6, 2021.
Rohde & Schwarz has upgraded the SMM100A vector signal generator with improvements in error vector magnitude (EVM) performance.
Besides a redesigned front panel and user interface, it now has modified microwave hardware for better EVM performance as well as higher output power in the frequency range above 20 GHz. This helps meet the demands of 5G NR FR2 research and RF component and module testing.
This upgrade comes with an RF linearization software option SMW-K575, which uses digital pre-distortion technology to optimize EVM at high output power, ensuring high accuracy and stability, even for complex modulation schemes in the entire frequency range.
The SMM100A also now comes with a low-phase noise option, SMM B709. With this option, it can provide an EVM performance better than –53 dB for an IEEE802.11be signal with a bandwidth of 320 MHz, for example.
Original Release: Published 8/06/2021
Rohde & Schwarz introduces the R&S SMM100A, the only vector signal generator with mmWave testing capabilities in its class. The instrument meets the expectations for generating digital signals for the most advanced wireless communication devices entering production, as well as for developing future products and technologies.
Manufacturers of state-of-the-art 5G devices wishing to test the whole frequency range possible, expect to do so with a single signal generator for both 5G NR FR1 and FR2 frequencies. The vector signal generator meets this need, displaying excellent RF characteristics across the entire frequency range from 100 kHz to 44 GHz. It covers all the bands used by any wireless standards, including LTE and 5G NR, as well as the latest WLAN standards Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E (up to 7.125 GHz). Wireless personal area networks such as Bluetooth are covered, too.
The instrument’s maximum RF modulation bandwidth of 1 GHz meets the requirements to generate the broadband signals used by devices making full use of the most demanding wireless standard specifications, including IEEE 802.15.4z Ultra-Wideband (HRP-UWB).
The SMM100A offers a maximum output power of +18 dBm, which reduces the need for external amplifiers. Excellent modulation frequency response, error vector magnitude (EVM), and adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) performance result in signal quality for reliable, repeatable test accuracy.
The same wide-ranging potential to meet RF performance requirements from development through to production extends to the extreme flexibility of the option concept. The R&S SMM100A comes with six maximum frequency options from 6 GHz to 44 GHz, and four modulation bandwidth options from 120 MHz to 1 GHz to meet all major device band requirements. Users can upgrade their instrument’s capabilities according to their needs anytime by simply entering a key code.
Both, real-time signal generation with an internal baseband generator for one-box signal generation with on-the-spot configuration of signal parameters, and an arbitrary waveform generator (ARB) for waveforms defined with the R&S WinIQSIM2 simulation software are available.
The R&S SMM100A features a large ARB memory depth of up to 2 Gsample and a high maximum sampling rate of 1.2 Gsample/s. For production use, the Multi-Segment Mode speeds up test sequences even more, with fast switching between individual baseband signals.
Features:
- Frequency range from 100 kHz to 44 GHz
- Internal RF modulation bandwidth of up to 1 GHz
- Excellent modulation frequency response, EVM, and ACPR
- 5G NR signal generation up to 44 GHz
- Support for WLAN requirements for RF frequency, bandwidth, and performance
Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
Columbia, MD
Local: (410) 910-7800
Toll free: (888) 837-8772
[email protected]
rohde-schwarz.com
