Keysight Technologies FieldFox handheld analyzer with VDI spread spectrum module to achieve millimeter wave analysis function

• Through a partnership with Virginia Diodes Inc. (VDI), the FieldFox handheld analyzer supports frequencies up to 170 GHz, providing a rugged, lightweight and portable solution for mmWave signal analysis

• Providing on-site testing capabilities for aerospace and defense applications, effectively shortening development cycles

Keysight Technologies has upgraded its FieldFox handheld signal analyzers to extend the frequency range to support millimeter wave (mmWave) signal analysis up to 170 GHz. Through a collaboration with Virginia Diodes Inc. (VDI), Keysight's A-Series and B-Series FieldFox handheld analyzers operating at 18 GHz and above can be combined with VDI's PSAX frequency extenders to provide full coverage of the sub-THz frequency range.

Keysight Technologies FieldFox handheld analyzer with VDI spread spectrum module enables millimeter wave analysis

For the development of modern wireless communications and radar systems, accurate millimeter wave measurements by field engineers are essential, especially in the fields of 5G, 6G, aerospace, defense, and automotive radar transceiver testing. However, millimeter wave signals are easily affected by obstacles, weather conditions, and interference. Therefore, understanding their propagation characteristics through accurate measurements is of great significance for engineers to design more efficient network and radar systems, expand coverage, and improve system reliability.

In order to gain a deeper insight into the characteristics of millimeter waves, large benchtop signal analyzers and signal generators are traditionally used as measurement tools. However, these devices are not only expensive, but also bulky and inconvenient to carry when measuring on site. To this end, Keysight's FieldFox handheld analyzer effectively solves this problem. When used in combination with VDI's PSAX frequency extender, it can provide a lightweight and easy-to-carry millimeter wave measurement solution. In addition, engineers can also choose a FieldFox handheld analyzer equipped with option 357 (pulse generator), which can work with VDI's PSGX module to provide a millimeter wave signal generation solution up to 170 GHz. This solution is not only simple and easy to use, but also rugged and durable, which can help users easily obtain accurate millimeter wave measurement results.

Key benefits of combining Keysight's FieldFox handheld analyzers with VDI frequency extenders include:

• Expanded frequency coverage: Depending on the model, FieldFox handheld analyzers extend frequency coverage from 18 GHz up to 170 GHz for both signal analysis and signal generation.

• Optimized performance in the mmWave range: Supports in-band signal analysis with a choice of spectrum analyzer mode, IQ analyzer mode, or real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) mode, all with excellent sensitivity of -155 dBm/Hz typical.

• Significant cost-effectiveness: Combining Keysight's FieldFox handheld analyzers with VDI frequency extenders can reduce costs by half or more compared to traditional mmWave signal analysis and generation solutions.

• Portable and easy to test: Keysight's FieldFox handheld analyzer and VDI frequency extender combine to weigh less than 4 kg, greatly improving the feasibility and convenience of mmWave field testing, making it easy to complete testing in both outdoor and laboratory environments.

Dr. Thomas W. Crowe, CEO of VDI, said: "VDI specializes in producing cutting-edge test and measurement equipment for millimeter-wave and terahertz applications, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers and signal generator extension modules. These products enhance the capabilities of high-performance microwave measurement tools by pushing the operating frequency to higher levels. Through this collaboration with Keysight, VDI is very proud to provide frequency extenders for FieldFox handheld analyzers, allowing customers to easily perform signal analysis and generation in the millimeter-wave band while enjoying excellent signal quality and measurement accuracy, and the entire solution is lightweight and easy to carry."

"A portable solution that provides accurate mmWave measurements has been lacking in the aerospace, defense and commercial sectors," said Vince Nguyen, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions group . "As customers continue to innovate, they need access to higher frequencies in the radio spectrum, especially mmWave frequencies. Working closely with VDI, we were able to develop a solution that makes signal analysis and generation testing easy in both field and lab environments."

Keysight will exhibit FieldFox combined with VDI frequency extenders for the first time at electronica 2024, the world's leading electronics industry event, from November 12 to 15, 2024, in Hall A3, Booth 506.