Keysight Technologies, today announced two new millimeter-wave frequency extender modules—the NA5305A Frequency Extender (up to 170 GHz) and NA5307A Frequency Extender (up to 250 GHz)—along with the 85065A Precision Calibration Kit 0.5 mm. When paired with Keysight’s PNA/PNA-X Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and the N5292A Test Set Controller, these new solutions enable fully calibrated single-sweep broadband S-parameter measurements from 100 kHz (or 10 MHz) to 170/250 GHz. Existing users of 110/120 GHz VNAs can easily upgrade their systems, adding significant value to prior investments.
The 85065A Precision Calibration Kit 0.5 mm ensures precise measurements up to 250 GHz, supporting characterization of sub-THz on-wafer or packaged components, including optical RF drivers, TIAs, PCBs, cables, packages, and passive devices. The broadband VNA solution simplifies test setups and accelerates design and verification cycles.
Meeting the Demands of Next-Generation High-Frequency Systems
As AI pushes data communications to 1.6 Tb/s and 3.2 Tb/s networks, and sub-THz wireless research continues, test and measurement tools must evolve. Engineers developing next-generation semiconductors, high-speed interconnects, and millimeter-wave wireless devices require instruments that deliver accurate broadband VNA measurements at ever-higher frequencies to validate designs and correlate simulations with real-world performance.
Key Benefits of Keysight’s Broadband VNA Accessories
- High Dynamic Range: Achieves 105 dB at 170 GHz, supporting lossy passive components, high-rejection filters, and active device testing across various power levels.
- Differential Measurement Capability: Validates differential active devices and high-speed interconnect signal integrity.
- Active Component Insight: Measures amplifiers and other active devices with maximum output power of 0 dBm at 170 GHz and –5 dBm at 220 GHz.
- Comprehensive Sub-THz Test Ecosystem: Specialized probes, adapters, and test cables complement the frequency extenders and calibration kit for complete measurements of on-wafer and packaged devices.
Industry Partnerships Enable Full Sub-THz Testing
Keysight collaborated with leading partners to provide a complete high-frequency solution:
- FormFactor Inc.: Introduced the InfinityXF™ 250 GHz probe series with advanced thin-film contact technology for fast, precise, and repeatable measurements from DC to sub-THz frequencies.
- MPI Corporation: Integrated TITAN™ probe technology with Keysight’s broadband extenders, enabling rapid deployment, seamless reconfiguration, and protection of sensitive components.
- Spinner GmbH: Developed ruggedized 0.5–0.8 mm coaxial adapters and PCB-mount connectors supporting frequencies up to 167 GHz.
- Junkosha Inc.: Provided high-performance 0.5 mm test cables.
Executive Insights
Jens Klattenhoff, SVP, FormFactor Inc.:
Our partnership with Keysight delivers a fully integrated on-wafer coaxial solution up to 250 GHz, enabling engineers to achieve fast, precise, and repeatable measurements across next-generation semiconductor RF applications.”
Dr. Stojan Kanev, GM, MPI Corporation:
Combining Keysight’s PNA-X platform with our TITAN™ probe technology delivers a 250 GHz solution that ensures rapid deployment and robust protection of sensitive system components.”
Joe Rickert, VP, Keysight High-Frequency Measurements Center of Excellence:
With our 170 and 250 GHz broadband VNA extenders and complete 0.5 mm coaxial ecosystem, engineers now have a simplified, high-confidence path to validate next-generation semiconductors and high-speed network components.”
Resources:
- [Technical Overview: 170/250 GHz Millimeter-Wave Broadband VNA Solutions Using NA5305A/7A Frequency Extenders]
- [NA5305A Frequency Extender up to 170 GHz]
- [NA5307A Frequency Extender up to 250 GHz]
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
