RF and HF Test and Measurement
The RF and microwave test and measurement category covers all the instruments used to characterise radio, microwave and millimetre-wave signals. It includes spectrum analysers, RF generators, vector network analysers (VNA), power meters, attenuators and power detectors. This equipment measures amplitude, phase, phase noise and spectral purity over ranges from a few kHz to 67 GHz, and even beyond in the millimetre range. In R&D, they are used to qualify amplifiers, filters, antennas and oscillators; in production, they ensure the conformity of RF modules and the repeatability of transmission/reception chains. GPIB, LAN or USB interfaces make them easy to integrate into automated test benches for S-parameter measurements, calibration or drift monitoring. For EMC qualification, these instruments check electromagnetic compatibility and compliance with EN 55032 or DO-160 standards. Used in the telecoms, radar, defence, aeronautics, automotive and space sectors, this instrumentation structures spectrum control and the reliability of modern radio communications.
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85047A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Module Paramètres S pour HP 8753 avec bande passante de 300KHz à 6GHz.
2399A
IFR Systems
Analyseur de spectre IFR 2399A avec écran TFT couleur et large gamme de fréquences.
8752A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Analyseur de réseaux 300KHz à 1.3GHz avec mesures vectorielles.
8561A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
High-performance portable spectrum analyser, 50Hz to 6.5GHz.
E4407B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Analyseur de spectre hautes performances 9 KHz à 26,5 GHz, programmable IEEE.
MS2720T-0720 / 0009-0019-0031-0881-0883
ANRITSU
Analyseur de spectre portable avec une large bande passante de 9KHz à 20GHz.
8753C
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
GP-IB programmable 300 KHz to 6 GHz vector network analyser.
E5061A-250
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Colour Vector Network Analyser: 300KHz/1.5GHz with S-parameter test set.
N4431B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Electronic calibration module for vector network analysers.
FSP38
ROHDE & SCHWARZ
FSP38 spectrum analyser with colour screen and advanced functions.
MG3692A-2A-3-4-11-15A-16
ANRITSU
HYPER synthesised frequency generator with bandwidth from 10 MHz to 20 GHz.
N5182A-506 + 1EM-UNT
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Synthesised frequency generator from 9 kHz to 6 GHz.
E5071C- 4D5019-TDR-UNQ
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
High-performance vector network analyser for RF/microwaves.
MT8852B-OPTION-015
ANRITSU
Bluetooth test bench with audio analysis and graphical LCD screen.
8757D
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Colour scalar network analyser with GPIB and bandwidth from 10MHz to 110GHz.
practical questions on RF and HF Test and Measurement
01
Why is calibration critical in RF and microwave?Because in RF, measurement always includes the complete chain: cables, connectors, adapters and bench. Without appropriate calibration (SOLT, TRL, etc.), the instrument measures its own errors as much as the device under test. At high frequencies, a few millimetres or an imperfect connection are enough to distort amplitude and phase.
02
What is the difference between measuring power and measuring S-parameters?Power measurement provides information about the energy transmitted or dissipated. S-parameters describe the complete behaviour of an RF component: reflection, transmission, impedance matching. The power indicates “how much”, the S-parameters explain “how” the signal behaves in the circuit.
03
Why does RF performance sometimes deteriorate without any apparent change to the system?RF systems are sensitive to thermal drift, ageing of active components, impedance variations and environmental conditions. A system can remain functional while gradually moving outside its spectral or linearity margins, hence the importance of regular, comparable measurements over time.
04
When is a vector network analyser essential?As soon as you work on antennas, filters, amplifiers or RF links where impedance matching, phase and return losses condition overall performance. Without VNA, certain degradations remain invisible, even leading to losses in range, interference or EMC non-compliance.
05
Does refurbished RF equipment make sense for demanding applications?Yes, because RF metrology relies on stability, calibration and traceability far more than on new equipment. A reconditioned, checked and documented spectrum analyser, RF generator or VNA can perfectly well meet R&D, production or qualification requirements, as long as its specifications are adapted to the application.
