Rohde & Schwarz presents a new upconverter for testing satellite payloads

Rohde & Schwarz presents a new Q/V band RF upconverter for testing satellite payloads

To enable continually higher data rates for end users of satellite links, satellite operators are using higher frequencies, such as the Q/V band, where larger bandwidths are available. The new R&S SZV100A RF upconverter from Rohde & Schwarz now offers a solution for testing broadband transponders in the payloads of very high throughput satellites (VHTS). With its 2 GHz modulation bandwidth, the R&S SZV100A covers the entire frequency range from 36 GHz to 56 GHz.

Munich, August 10, 2020 — The Q/V band offers larger bandwidths for feeder links to satellites, making it ideal for the implementation of upcoming data links with high bit rates. This includes future communications and cellular backhaul networks that can provide end users with large volumes of data. Operators of conventional geostationary satellites as well as LEO satellites in the new space environment are discovering the advantages of these new satellite bands.

High demands are placed on microwave components in the Q/V band, which means they must undergo extensive testing during development and verification. Amplifiers, converters, receiver modules and complete satellite payloads are just a few examples of components that have to be tested in the Q/V band. Especially for satellite payloads, test equipment must meet very high requirements for signal quality. Together with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, the R&S SZV100A Q/V band RF upconverter provides continuous coverage of all satellite bands from VHF to V band as well as the frequency bands for 5G in the Q/V band.

The test setup consists of the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, the R&S SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator, and the R&S SZV100A Q/V band RF upconverter. With its outstanding RF performance, the R&S SMW200A delivers the modulated broadband IF signal with bandwidths up to 2 GHz, while the R&S SMA100B provides the high-precision LO signal. The maximum output power of the R&S SZV100A is as high as +16 dBm (at 1 dB compression point).

The compact housing design, low weight and mounting points of the R&S SZV100A allow mounting as close as possible to the DUT, for example on the outside of a thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC). The distance between the IF source or LO source and the R&S SZV100A can be as much as 10 meters, allowing an optimized test setup.

The upconverter and the signal generators can be operated remotely with a PC software over a LAN connection. The R&S SZV remote control software enables simple and convenient configuration of the entire device setup.

The R&S SZV100A is ideal as a low-cost upgrade for existing test systems. Thanks to the control software, the setup consisting of the R&S SZV100A, R&S SMW200A and R&S SMA100B can be operated as a single instrument. The R&S SZV100A is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.

Press contacts:

Europe (headquarters): Patrizia Muehlbauer (phone: +49 89 4129 0; email: press@rohde-schwarz.com)
North America: Tomas Berghall (phone: +1 503 5239489; email: Tomas.Berghall@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com)
Asia Pacific: Wen Shi Tong (phone: +65 6 307-0029; email: press.apac@rohde-schwarz.com)

Contacts for readers:

Customer Support Europe, Africa, Middle East: +49 89 4129 12345
customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com

Customer Support North America: +1 888 TEST RSA (+1 888 837 87 72)
customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com

Customer Support Latin America: +1 410 910 79 88
customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com

Customer Support Asia Pacific: +65 65 13 04 88
customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com

Customer Support China: +86 800 810 8228 or +86 400 650 5896
customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com

 

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace | defense | security and networks and cybersecurity. The technology group’s innovative communications, information and security products help industry and government customers ensure a safer and connected world. On June 30, 2019, Rohde & Schwarz had 12,100 employees. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.14 billion in the 2018/2019 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with regional hubs in Asia and America.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
All press releases, including photos for downloading, are available on the Internet at http://www.press.rohde-schwarz.com.