ATLAS VNA for Anritsu ShockLine™ and VectorStar™ 4-Port Performance VNA

 

ATLAS VNA is a precision insertion loss measurement package designed specifically for PCB fabricators and OEMs. It provides accurate, repeatable measurements of frequency based transmission line losses, allowing fabricators to meet stringent targets that maintain signal integrity within the limits of the latest high-speed chipsets. Atlas Si for Anritsu ShockLine™ and VectorStar™ 4-Port Performance VNA insertion loss test supports the Delta-L test method for differential and single ended insertion loss testing.

 

ATLAS VNA interfaces with industry standard Anritsu ShockLine™ MS46524B 43.5GHz 4-Port Vector Network Analyser. The MS46524B 4-Port VNA covers the broadband frequency range from 50 kHz to 43.5 GHz, measuring single-ended and mixed-mode s-parameters. The MS46524B series supports SCPI command programming and uses industry standard LAN communications for remote control in test applications.

 

Multi-GHz PCB Fabrication

For PCBs operating above 2GHz signal losses become a major problem for PCBs manufactured in conventional FR4 and other low cost laminate materials. As more OEMs integrate high-speed chipsets onto their boards, the need for PCB fabricators to measure and control frequency-based losses increases. Measuring transmission line losses presents fabricators with a set of challenges with dielectric loss and smoothness of the copper foils the crucial parameters for controlling frequency-based losses. Fast and accurate measurement of transmission line losses in the production environment allows you to increase manufacturing yield and reduces the comparatively high cost of multi-gigahertz PCB fabrication.

 

Delta-L Test Method

ATLAS VNA is compliant with IPC TM650 2.5.5.12 (Test Methods to Determine the Amount of Signal Loss on Printed Boards) and supports the Delta-L 4.0 test method for extraction of differential insertion loss and effective Er from a suitably designed coupon.

 

The Delta-L technique uses long-line short-line measurement combined with innovative via de-embedding techniques; Atlas fully incorporates Delta-L with the current settings and parameters. Delta-L provides a sound method for removing the via effects from differential (mixed mode) s-parameters when characterising raw PCBs for insertion loss

 

Delta-L 4.0 Eigenvalue test method

Is fully supported on both Shockline and VectorStar VNAs Delta L 4.0 with Eigenvalue method.

ATLAS VNA uses powerful mathematical processing techniques to allow measurement of differential frequency-dependent losses from a test coupon quickly and easily. The system is easy to set up, easy to use and delivers fast results without the need for extensive operator training. A single insertion loss test can be performed in a fraction of the time needed for traditional techniques.

 

Controlled impedance test

ATLAS VNA Software also includes traditional lossless controlled impedance test.

Using Polar ATLAS VNA Insertion Loss Measurement Systems in conjunction with the Polar Industry Standard Si9000e Field Solver enables PCB fabricators to predict and measure the characteristics of ultra high speed differential signal lines and reduce the number of prototype turns before committing to production.

PC Specifications: See Application Note AP605 for Atlas software system requirements.

 

Atlas Licensing: FlexNet key protected.

 

* Availability: Atlas for Anritsu ShockLine™ and VectorStar ™is shipping now with Delta L 4.0 support. Consult AP608 for the latest version.

 

Atlas for VNA is a fully integrated industry grade rackmount solution and comprises the following:

Anritsu ShockLine TM MS46524B 4-Port Vector Network Analyser with

Option MS46524B-043 (50 kHz to 43.5 GHz)

Option MS46524B-002 Time Domain with Time Gating

Option MS46524B-001 Rack Mount Kit

Calibration Kit Type K(f) DC to 43.5 GHz, 50 Ω

2 pc Delta-L 4.0 Probes

4 pc Precision Cables: 40 GHz, 1000 mm, 2.92 (m) - 2.92 (m), with Armor.

4 pc Precision Adapter, DC to 40 GHz, K(f)-K(f), 50 Ohm

19” Rackmount PC with ATLAS VNA Software preinstalled

19” Rackmount Touch Screen Monitor

KVM Switch

Uninterruptible Power Supply

Network Switch

Foot Switch

 

 

Polar products for insertion loss test and modeling include:

 

Atlas Si – GHz insertion loss test system

Si9000e – PCB transmission line field solver

Speedstack Si – Layer stackup design and documentation system

Speedstack Flex – Rigid flex stackup design and documentation system

CGen Si – Coupon generator with support for accurate Insertion loss test coupons

Applicable standards:

Atlas fully incorporates Delta-L 4.0 With Eigenvalue method with the current settings and parameters

Ordering information:

Order: Atlas VNA for Delta-L