R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer and VCO tester now supports up to 56 GHz and external signal sources
Rohde & Schwarz has updated the R&S FSWP for upcoming applications. The new
option R&S FSWP-B56G extends the frequency range up to 56 GHz. With the support
of external high-end sources as local oscillators it combines the advantage of an
easy-to-use signal source analyzer and a high-end phase noise tester. For additive
and residual phase noise measurements on amplifiers Rohde & Schwarz has
extended the frequency range of the internal signal source up to 54 GHz. In addition,
a new and very easy method for noise figure measurements has been added.
Munich, June 17, 2025 — The R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer and VCO tester from
Rohde & Schwarz, the industry standard for phase noise testing, has just received a major
performance update. It is the optimal test solution for radar applications and when
developing and manufacturing synthesizers, OCXOs, DROs and VCOs. With the new
option R&S FSWP-B56G, Rohde & Schwarz has extended the frequency range for
absolute phase noise measurements from 50 GHz up to 56 GHz. Done simply by pushing
a button, no external converter is needed. These frequencies are needed for satellite
communication and for jitter measurements in high-speed digital applications such as ultrafast
LAN IEEE 802.3dj or CEI-224G (Common Electrical I/O).
Speeding up measurements with external high-end signal sources
In addition, the updated R&S FSWP now supports external signal sources as local
oscillators for absolute phase noise measurements up to 56 GHz. Using a high-end signal
source enables users to get their results much faster, because only a few cross
correlations are needed to measure the phase noise of the DUT, such as another high-end
oscillator. Depending on the quality of the source, users can measure up to 1000 times
faster compared to the internal source. The R&S FSWP provides tuning outputs to lock the
signal source frequencies used as local oscillators to the DUT frequency. In this mode,
users can measure with one or two external oscillators to get the full advantage using
cross-correlation techniques. Alternatively, they can use this mode to measure two identical
sources against each other (2 DUT method) and correct the results by 3 dB.
Additive and residual phase noise measurements up to 56 GHz
Equipped with R&S FSWP-B56G option, the instrument is also useful for additive and
residual phase noise measurements up to 56 GHz with a frequency offset of 40 MHz on
amplifiers or other components. The frequency range of the internal source for this
application is now extended to 50 GHz, or up to 54 GHz with the R&S FSWP-B56G option.
With external sources users can measure up to 56 GHz.
In addition, the R&S FSWP features a new marker function “NOISE FIGURE MARKER”.
Users can measure the noise figure of an amplifier easily, just connecting it between the
output of the signal source and input of the R&S FSWP. This easy new method for
measuring the small signal noise figure of amplifiers is based just on the phase
demodulation same as the phase noise measurement. As the R&S FSWP is equipped with
a signal and spectrum analyzer, it delivers both the Y-factor measurement based on noise
sources with a calibrated ENR in the spectrum analyzer as well as the new noise figure
measurement based on demodulation in the phase noise tester.
The updated R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer and VCO tester is available from
Rohde & Schwarz as off July 2025. It will be showcased for the first time to the public at
IMS2025 Exhibition from June 17 to 19, 2025, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco,
CA, at the Rohde & Schwarz booth 1443. For further product information, go to:
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/fswp
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions.
For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company’s leading edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated a net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.
