Vector signal generator turns to ATE duties

The SMATE200A vector signal generator from Rohde and Schwarz is optimised for production testing, with extremely fast setting of frequency and level to allow high throughput.

The SMATE200A vector signal generator from Rohde and Schwarz is optimised for production testing, with extremely fast setting of frequency and level to allow high throughput.

Moreover, the generator excels with its repeatability, ensuring continuous measurement conditions.

Occupying only four height units, the R and S SMATE200A accommodates up to two independent generators.

High throughput, outstanding signal quality and reliable reproducibility are key requirements of test equipment used in a modern production environment.

The SMATE200A vector signal generator ideally meets these prerequisites.

The instrument is an ATE version of the tried-and-tested SMU200A vector signal generator.

Extremely short setting times of less than 2ms for frequency and level changes ensure fast measurements and thus high throughput.

In list mode, the setting time for frequency changes is typically only 400us.

An example of the outstanding signal quality is the exceptionally low SSB phase noise of typically -135dBc (at a carrier frequency of 1GHz and a carrier offset of 20kHz).

By using the low phase noise option, it even improves by a further 5dB to typically -140dBc.

With 3GPP FDD (test model 1/64), the adjacent channel leakage ratio (ALCR) is typically +70dB.

With a level of up to typically +26dBm with the high-power output option, the R and S SMATE200A has a power margin large enough to compensate for losses occurring in the test setup, even without external amplifiers.

A wear-free electronic attenuator allows fast level changes across the entire frequency range.

A temperature-controlled RMS detector ensures high measurement repeatability.

Irrespective of the signal characteristics, this detector makes for exact level settings.

As a result, the vector signal generator ensures identical test conditions over a long period of time.

The RF range can include up to two paths.

In this case, the modules cover a frequency range from either 100kHz to 3GHz or 100kHz to 6GHz.

Thanks to the modular generator concept, a module of up to 3GHz can be installed together with a module of up to 6GHz if the two-path option is used.

The two internal baseband generators produce signals that can be digitally added together if required.

This also allows users to apply a level and a frequency offset.

The R and S SMATE200A supports all common mobile radio standards such as GSM/Edge, 3GPP FDD including HSDPA, cdma2000 or IEEE802.11a/b/g.

Moreover, it handles conventional coding types and baseband filters.

By using R and S WINIQSIM simulation software, signals for further standards can be generated.

The internal baseband generator allows modulation bandwidths of up to 80MHz, which is sufficient for the next generation of broadband transmission methods.

In addition, analogue I/Q signals for the two generator paths can be fed in separately.

External I/Q signals provide a modulation bandwidth of up to 200MHz.

For the ATE model, the operating concept of the R and S SMU200A was adapted to meet production requirements.

For this reason, the R and S SMATE200A comes with only four LEDs on the front panel to indicate status.

All connectors are located at the rear.

The vector signal generator can be remote-controlled via GBIP and gigabit Ethernet interfaces.

The gigabit Ethernet interface with its high speed is ideal for the short measurement cycles required in production.

When an external monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected, the R and S SMATE 200A offers the tried-and-tested user interface of the R and S SMU200A.

The 4U housing accommodates up to two independent generators, thereby saving half the 19in rack space required by conventional instruments with a similar scope of function.

As production areas are often crowded, this can be a significant advantage.

The R and S SMATE200A can now be ordered from Rohde and Schwarz.

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