Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading provider of high-performance, modular instrumentation, today announced the M9393A high-performance PXIe vector signal analyzer (VSA), which extends the 50 GHz frequency band to provide unprecedented frequency coverage in modular instruments. Covering frequencies beyond the Ka band, the M9393A brings Keysight's proven mmWave measurement technology to the PXI form factor for manufacturing and designing modems, transponders, and subcomponents of commercial and military satellite communications.

The innovative design of the M9393A allows engineers to verify the performance of Ka-band designs with continuous frequency sweeps from 3.6 to 50 GHz (Option FRX) and direct access to 800 MHz of IF bandwidth (Option WB1). The M9393A also offers the fastest low-level spur detection in the market, with a DANL of less than -155 dBm/Hz at 40 GHz and faster sweep speeds. The compact modular form factor allows for dual-channel configurations within a single chassis for increased measurement throughput and multi-channel radio frequency measurements.

“Satellite communication system designers are leveraging the Ka-band from 26.5 to 40 GHz to enable high-capacity data links,” said Mario Narduzzi, marketing manager for Keysight’s communications measurement solutions. “The M9393A’s extended frequency bandwidth to 50 GHz, wideband IF output, and industry-leading spur search capabilities provide satellite communication developers with unmatched test speeds.”

Enables spectrum measurements at 20 GHz with a noise level (DANL) of -110 dBm in less than 10 seconds.

The M9393A's extremely low noise floor in the Ka-band, combined with Keysight's 89600 VSA software, enables the fastest measurement of low-level harmonics and spurs, enabling 20 GHz spectrum measurements with a noise level of -110 dBm in less than 10 seconds. This fundamental test is a standard requirement, a key indicator of system performance, and a common testing challenge. In the past, test engineers had to trade off coverage for time, running tests for minutes or even hours. The M9393A's frequency sweep speed overcomes this challenge, enabling the measurement of even subtle signal distortions that were previously difficult to inspect.

Upgradeable performance, including frequency, bandwidth analysis, channel count, and memory, enables engineers to quickly adapt to changing test requirements while reducing overall test costs. The M9393A's scalable, modular architecture allows for the easy addition of the M9169E PXI-h (switchable input programmable step attenuator module), which provides reliable power control up to 50 GHz with low noise. The M9169E improves amplitude accuracy and uptime, while also enabling automatic routing of the M9393A's built-in calibrator signals.