R&S ZNL and ZNLE vector network analysers

Four more portable benchtop vector network analysers (VNAs) are now available from Rohde & Schwarz: the R&S ZNL14, R&S ZNL20, R&S ZNLE14 and R&S ZNLE18. The ZNL models have two-port network analysis for a complete set of component S-parameters from 5 kHz to 14 GHz and 5 kHz to 20 GHz. The ZNLE models have two-port network analysis for a complete set of S-parameters from 100 kHz to 14 GHz and 100 kHz to 18 GHz (20 GHz in overrange).

Most 5G FR1 applications use frequencies between 3 and 5 GHz, while wireless LAN for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) uses the 6 GHz band. Debug trials in the design stage need to include the third harmonic, or frequencies up to 18 and 20 GHz. The devices in the ZNL/ZNLE family help meet the demand for network analysis at these microwave frequencies, with suitability for signal and power integrity applications as well as cable and filter testing. The instruments are intended for the education, service lab, production and automated testing markets where a small size factor and ease of use are top priorities.

The light weight and small form factor make it easy to move the ZNL/ZNLE between test stations or labs. Users just push a button to switch on the instrument and start measuring; no external monitors, notebooks or additional software installations are needed. The ZNL also comes with an optional battery pack for field use.

The ZNL is suitable for commercial standards of 5 kHz and upwards and can also perform radiated emission measurements that include scans of up to 18 GHz in the time domain to measure voltage standing wave ratios. The ZNL14 and ZNLE14 cover all frequencies in the X band for commercial ground-based and airborne weather monitoring, air traffic control, military satellite transmissions, positioning and target identification. The ZNL20 and ZNLE18 also support applications measuring in the lower K band (Ku), such as satellite point-to-point communications for GNSS systems, television satellite broadcasts and backhaul links.