Keysight Adds Millimeter Wave Analysis to FieldFox Meters

This is a collaborative project with Virginia Diodes Inc (VDI) that enables Keysight's FieldFox A and B series handheld analyzers with frequencies of 18 GHz and above to be paired with the VDI PSAX frequency extender to operate in the sub-THz frequency range.

Keysight now offers various data measurement solutions

Field engineers need accurate mmWave measurements to improve modern wireless communications and radar systems. This measurement capability is critical in the fields of 5G, 6G, aerospace and defense, and automotive radar transmission/reception. However, mmWave signals are sensitive to obstacles, weather conditions, and interference. Accurate measurements help engineers understand the propagation characteristics of signals, which can improve network and radar system design, improve coverage, and increase reliability.

To gather insights, traditional tools typically include large, benchtop analyzers and signal generators that are expensive and cumbersome to use in the field. Keysight’s FieldFox solves this problem by providing a lightweight, portable solution that, combined with VDI’s PSAX frequency expansion modules, enables mmWave measurements.

Additionally, engineers can choose FieldFox with the downloadable Option 357 soft pulse generator, which pairs with the PSGX module from VDI and also provides mmWave signal generation up to 170 GHz. This gives users a simple, easy-to-use, and rugged solution for making accurate mmWave measurements.

Keysight's FieldFox meters combined with VDI frequency expansion modules also provide the benefit of supporting in-band signal analysis capabilities with spectrum analysis modes, IQ analysis modes or real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) modes with ultra-high sensitivity of -155 dBm/Hz typical value.

Vince Nguyen, Vice President and General Manager, Aerospace, Defense and Technology Solutions Groupgovernment at Keysight, said: “Aerospace, defense, and commercial sectors have been lacking a mobile solution that can accurately perform mmWave measurements. As customers innovate, they need access to higher frequencies in the radio spectrum, including mmWave. We worked with VDI to develop a solution that makes it easy to measure, analyze, and generate signals in the field and in the lab.”