Rohde & Schwarz, Inc. claims that its eight-port vector network analyzer is one of its kind. The ZVT8 makes it easier and faster than ever to measure multiport and balanced devices with high accuracy and wide dynamic range over a measurement range of 300 kHz to 8 GHz. The ZVT8 has a reflectometer (VSWR bridge, measurement receiver, and reference receiver) at each of its eight test ports, so it can perform measurements at all ports of a multiport component or even several components simultaneously. No other commercially available vector network analyzer has this capability, according to the maker.

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The ZVT8 features dynamic range greater than 120 dB, a maximum output power of at least 13 dBm at all test ports, and an electronic level sweep range of 50 dB. The instrument is based on Windows XP Embedded, so its user interface is easy to use. Its modern Windows-based user interface includes wizards for complex measurement tasks and is operated via an external monitor using a mouse and keyboard. Up to 20,001 points per trace can be selected, and a virtually unlimited number of diagrams, channels and traces are available. A 201-point trace can be captured in as few as 0.7 ms depending on programming interface. Test routines can be stored on hard disk and loaded into RAM, several at a time if desired. Switching between instrument setups takes no more than 10 ms and less than 1 ms between channels.

The direct generator/receiver access option for the ZVT8 provides direct access to all 16 receiver and eight generator paths, which further increases the output level and sensitivity of the unit. Its advanced calibration techniques allow calibration to be performed directly on wafer structures. In addition to standard Through Open Short Match (TOSM) calibration, the ZVT8 allows seven-term calibration techniques such as Through Open Match (TOM), Through Reflect Match (TRM), and Through Reflect Line (TRL). Calibration techniques for multiport applications are also available.

It also offers features to speed up complex, remote-controlled test sequences when used in the production environment. In addition to remote control capability via IEEE-488 GPIB and 10/100BaseT Ethernet interfaces, it features a port for controlling test sequences and external devices of production systems, eliminating the need for an external controller. Programming can be performed remotely as well. The instrument allows data to be transferred via the GPIB bus or Ethernet while data is being captured, making data transfer time insignificant.

The ZVT8 can be configured with various options. The base unit consists of two ports, with up to eight ports available individually. Direct generator access is available for each port, as well as a time-domain measurement option, and an ovenized time-base reference. It is offered at a price range beginning at $49,630.