Keysight Announces First Mid-Range Network Analyzer

The need for ever-higher data rates and ultra-low latency is driving the radio frequency (RF) operating range of next-generation wireless communications systems. To ensure that 5G New Radio (NR) transmitters meet these operational demands, RF engineers must fully validate the design and performance of components such as power amplifiers (PAs).

PA measurements in real-world conditions require a lot of time, instrumentation, and setup effort to be performed. Additionally, 5G certification of PA components requires the use of a high-performance VNA analyzer that can perform the necessary precise EVM measurements.

Keysight’s new ENA-X addresses this need by providing RF engineers with a mid-range network analysis platform with built-in modulation distortion analysis, enabling full vector correction at the device under test (DUT) in a single test setup. With its unique architecture, ENA-X can perform multiple measurements with a single connection, simplifying test setup, supporting repeatability, and speed.

The device also offers a single test setup, operates with one connection and requires only one calibration, reducing PA specification time for 5G transmitters in the 5G NR FR1 and FR2 frequency bands by up to 50%.

“Combined with powerful modulation distortion analysis software found only on our highest-performance PNA Series network analyzers, the new mid-range E5081A ENA-X VNA is the ideal solution for power amplifier characterization for 5G transmitters,” said Joe Rickert, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s high-frequency measurement center. “Custom MMICs give the ENA-X the maximum output power, dynamic range, and system stability RF engineers need without compromising the performance of the power amplifier being measured.”