The terms spontaneous emission and stimulated emission sometimes get confused. The term thermal emission sometimes gets thrown into the mix as well. Here are the basic definitions to help sort things out and the procedures for measuring these parameters. When we speak of spontaneous or stimulated emissions we are referring to atoms whose electrons are […]
Test and Measurement Tips
O-RAN Alliance develops first open radio access network 5G mmWave radio unit
The industry’s first O-RAN (open radio access network) 5G mmWave radio unit (O-RU) combines essential building blocks to create and test a blueprint for next-generation RAN. “This achievement within O-RAN is exciting because it proves that a radio unit can be built on an open architecture platform,” said Andre Fuetsch, President AT&T Labs and Chief […]
Big waveform memory lets AWG handle EW testing, wireless comm apps
The AWG70000B Series Arbitrary Waveform Generator supports the testing of complex electronic warfare and wireless communications systems that require the ability to dynamically alter signal sequences during test scenarios. Those running complex test scenarios need to accurately recreate real-world signals and cycle through fast-changing signal tests quickly. To meet these requirements, Tektronix is bringing new […]
First integrated dual-channel 44-GHz vector signal generator with 2-GHz bandwidth
Dual-channel microwave signal generators support up to 44 GHz signals and 2-GHz RF modulation bandwidth in a single instrument. Keysight’s new VXG microwave signal generators address the most demanding wideband millimeter wave (mmWave) applications for 5G and satellite communications by decreasing test set-up complexity and reducing path losses introduced in over-the-air (OTA) test environments. Many […]
First integrated dual-channel 44-GHz vector signal generator with 2-GHz bandwidth
Keysight’s new VXG microwave signal generators are the first dual-channel microwave signal generators that support up to 44-GHz signals and 2-GHz RF modulation bandwidth in a single instrument. They are designed to address the most demanding wideband millimeter wave (mmWave) applications for 5G and satellite communications by making test set-up less complex and reducing path […]
Digital caliper, Pt 2: Implementation and extensions
Use of electronics and capacitive-based position sensing have transformed the caliper, a fundamental and essential instrument of precision linear-dimension measurement. Part 1 of this FAQ looked briefly at the basic mechanical, Vernier, and dial-readout calipers, as well as the micrometer. All these mechanical-only embodiments of the caliper were made obsolete within a few years with […]
The difference between attenuation in conductors and optical fibers
Electrical power moves through a conductor when opposing dc or ac voltages are applied at opposite ends. Charge carriers — free electrons or electron holes in semiconductors, ions in electrolytes – migrate toward the opposite poles. Metals, with abundant free electrons, have high conductivity. All conductors are partial insulators and all insulators are, to some […]
Electrical tester calibrator helps comply with new regulatory standards
The 5322A Electrical Tester Calibrator is a multi-device calibrator built to facilitate compliance with exacting international standards such as the UK’s BS7671 17th Edition, IEC/EN Standards, Australia and New Zealand’s AS/NZS 3000 and Chinese verification/calibration regulations for various electrical testers. The 5322A combines many functions into a single instrument, replacing discrete resistors, decade boxes, and […]
Rugged real-time spectrum analyzer/RF recorder works up to 20 GHz
The Spectran XFR V5 PRO Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer is a portable, rugged RF detection device designed to capture even the briefest signal transmissions. Its rapid signal acquisition scans a 20-GHz bandwidth in less than 20 msec, making it the world´s fastest counter-surveillance receiver. The instrument’s internal GPS also indicates the precise location of the measured […]
Low-cost spectrum analyzers monitor in real-time to see intermittent and frequency-hopped signals
The compact ThinkRF R5500 Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer series is designed to monitor and analyze wireless signals in real-time and not progressively scanned like most common spectrum analyzers. Real-time analysis is vital for being able to observe intermittent or frequency-hopped signals. The R5500 series comes in three models to cover 8, 18, or 27-GHz signals. They […]