Inside the Lab: Exploring the Vector Network Analyzer

Overview of ventureLAB's Hardware Catalyst Lab and Keysight E5080B Vector Network Analyzer

At ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Lab, precision is paramount for fostering hardware innovation and product development. A critical tool in this environment is the Keysight E5080B Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), which accelerates the creation of advanced hardware products by enhancing the speed and confidence with which innovators can bring their devices to market. With measurement capabilities that extend up to 53 GHz, this tool has become indispensable for researchers and developers striving for high-performance outcomes.

What is the Keysight E5080B Vector Network Analyzer?

The Keysight E5080B VNA is an advanced instrument tailored for teams working on high-performance electronic systems. It is engineered for both flexibility and accuracy, featuring high dynamic range and trace noise levels that enable precise, repeatable measurements even in complex testing environments. This VNA's functionality transcends standard testing; it comes with optional built-in DC sources, bias tees, pulse generators, and modulators to provide comprehensive insights about electronic devices—all within a single machine. Users can adapt the analyzer to their needs by selecting either 2-port or 4-port configurations depending on the complexity of their testing requirements.

Key Features:

1. Frequency Range: Measures from 100 kHz to 53 GHz.
2. Port Configurations: Choice between 2-port and 4-port setups for flexibility.
3. Built-in Components: Optional DC sources, bias tees, pulse generators, and modulators.
4. Accuracy: Low trace noise and high dynamic range for reliable measurements.
5. Time Domain Analysis: Supports fault localization and time gating.
6. Broad Measurement Capabilities: Includes power, impedance, and S-parameter measurements.
7. Efficiency: Fast measurement speeds suitable for production-level testing.
8. Expandable: Multiport measurement support with optional expansion modules.

Applications in the Community

The impact of the Keysight E5080B is vividly illustrated by its users, such as Tenstorrent and AKS Innovation Solutions Inc.

Tenstorrent, a company specializing in AI-driven computing, utilizes the VNA to analyze the signal behavior of their printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. The tool aids in validating signal integrity and performance, facilitating the design of high-performance computing systems.

AKS Innovation Solutions Inc. focuses on advanced electronic design and testing. They employ the Keysight E5080B VNA to enhance the performance of high-power electronic systems, including a 50-watt amplifier for a client in Silicon Valley. By leveraging features like port extension calibration and test result overlays, AKS improved the amplifier’s output power and ensured signal cleanliness, achieving over 65% efficiency. This sophisticated testing helped eliminate unwanted signal effects and allowed for comprehensive comparisons across multiple testing iterations, culminating in superior device performance.

Conclusion

The Keysight E5080B Vector Network Analyzer serves as a pivotal resource in ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Lab, propelling innovation by accelerating product validation and enabling the precise characterization of complex systems. Its contributions extend across various sectors, demonstrating its versatility and significance in the realm of hardware development and testing. Through the integration of such advanced tools, ventureLAB continues to foster an environment ripe for technological breakthroughs and industry advancements.