The Rohde & Schwarz ZVCE is a three-channel vector network analyzer spanning 20 kHz to 8 GHz, engineered for high-speed S-parameter characterization of RF components in development and production environments. The instrument integrates a signal generator, test set, and receiver into a single compact unit, delivering dynamic range exceeding 125 dB and measurement speeds surpassing 25 sweeps per second at 200 points. Its patented automatic two-port calibration (Autocal) and support for multiple manual and automatic calibration techniques—including TOM, TRM, TRL, TNA, TOM-X, and TOSM—enable rapid deployment without external calibration hardware. The ZVCE measures all four S-parameters independently with magnitude and phase, supports multiport configurations, and performs bidirectional measurements without reconnection. An integrated test set combines two SWR bridges or directional couplers with RF switching and dedicated measurement and reference channels. The 26 cm color LCD display provides intuitive visualization with segmented diagram axes and Smith chart zoom capability. Internal Windows NT PC with hard disk enables standalone operation and external device control via dual IEC/IEEE bus interfaces. Low inherent noise below -130 dBm at 3 kHz measurement bandwidth ensures sensitivity for passive and active device characterization.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency range: 20 kHz to 8 GHz
• Dynamic range: >125 dB; >130 dB at IF bandwidth 10 Hz and measurement bandwidth 10 Hz
• Measurement speed: >25 sweeps/s (200 points); <125 µs/point normalized; <240 µs/point fully calibrated
• Inherent noise: <-130 dBm (measurement bandwidth 3 kHz)
• Data transfer: <15 ms per 200-point sweep via IEC/IEEE bus
• Display: 26 cm (10.4 inch) high-resolution color LCD
• Channels: 3-channel configuration
– Key Features
• Patented automatic two-port calibration (Autocal) with AutoKal option
• Manual calibration methods: TOM, TRM, TRL, TNA, TOM-X, TOSM
• Independent four S-parameter measurement with magnitude and phase
• Bidirectional measurement without changing test connections
• Segmented diagram axes and Smith chart zoom function
• Multiport measurement capability
• Power calibration support for active devices
• Integrated test set with RF switching and reference channel
• Optional increased output power (Option ZVCE-B10)
• Optional Ethernet interface for LAN control (Option ZVCE-B16)
• Optional internal PC IEC/IEEE bus interface (Option ZVCE-B17)
– Typical Applications
• Component characterization and validation
• Production S-parameter measurements
• Active device testing with integrated power calibration
• High-stopband-attenuation component analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
Dual IEC/IEEE bus interfaces support analyzer control via external PC and external device management. Internal Windows NT PC with integrated hard disk enables standalone operation and custom test automation.
