Focus Microwaves - Noise Modules
Noise measurements allow the determination of the four Noise Parameters of a device (transistor). Focus’ Noise Modules integrate well with various third party noise receivers.
Noise Parameters: These are four numbers that fully describe the noise behaviour of an active or passive device (twoport) at a given frequency. For practical reasons we use the following quantities as Noise Parameters:
Focus’ noise parameter extraction routines leverage the PNA-X’s unique implementation
of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements.
of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements.
A RF down conversion stage might be required if the frequency of noise measured exceeds the receiver’s bandwidth. Focus offers noise modules which support down conversion for optimal speed and performance.
Hardware
Noise Measurement System
| Model | Frequency | Insertion Loss | VSWR | Min. Gain | Max. VSWR | Connector |
| NMS-2600 | up to 26.5 GHz | 0.80 dB | 1.61 | 29 for 0.8-26.5GHz | 1.8:1 | 3.5mm |
| NMS-4000 | up to 40 GHz | 0.91 dB | 1.81 | 30 for ≤26.5GHz, 29 for 26-40GHz | 2.1:1 | 2.9mm |
| NMS-5000 | up to 50 GHz | 0.99 dB | 1.8:1 |
27 for ≤26.5GHz, 27 for 26-40GHz, 28 for 40-50GHz |
2:1 | 2.4mm |
| NMS-6700 | up to 67 GHz | 1.12 dB | 1.91 |
29 for ≤26.5GHz, 28.5 for 26-40GHz, 28 for 40-50GHz, 21 for 50-65GHz |
3:1 | 1.85mm |
| NMS-6700-DC* | up to 67 GHz | 1.12 dB | 1.9:1 |
29 for ≤26.5GHz, 28.5 for 26-40GHz, 28 for 40-50GHz, 37 for 50-65GHz |
3:1 | 1.85 mm |
| NMS-75500-DC* | 50 to 75 GHz | 0.4dB | 1.2:1** | 40 for 50-75GHz | 1.6:1** | WR-15 |
| NMS-90600-DC* | 60 to 90 GHz | 0.9dB | 1.3:1** | 35 for 60-90GHz | 1.8:1** | WR-12 |
| NMS-110750-DC* | 75 to 110 GHz | 1.1dB | 1.3:1** | 36 for 75-110GHz | 1.9:1** | WR-10 |
| NMS-1701100-DC* | 110 to 170 GHz | 1.3dB | 1.4:1** | 36 for 110-170GHz | 2:1** | WR-6.5 |
* with Downconverter
** +/-10%
Graphs
Noise Parameters
Noise Circles & Stability Regions
Noise Parameters: Minimum Noise Figure / Rn / Gamma Opt / Phase of Gamma Opt
Setup
More Product Information
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High SNR mode (up to 24 dB better signal-to-noise ratio)
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Low-noise binning mode
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Shading correction
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Defect pixel correction
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Area of interest (AOI), separate AOI for auto features
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Binning
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Decimation
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Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 24.4 dB)
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Auto exposure (31 µs to 67 s)
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Auto white balance
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Look-up table (LUT)
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Hue, saturation
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Color correction
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Local color anti-aliasing
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Reverse X/Y
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Deferred image transport
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Trigger programmable, level, single, bulk, programmable delay
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Sequence mode (changes the camera settings on the fly)
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SIS (secure image signature, time stamp for trigger, frame count etc.)
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Storable user sets
Scope of delivery
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Camera and IEEE 1394b cable (other configurations on request)
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High SNR mode (up to 24 dB better signal-to-noise ratio)
-
Low-noise binning mode
-
Shading correction
-
Defect pixel correction
-
Area of interest (AOI), separate AOI for auto features
-
Binning
-
Decimation
-
Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 24.4 dB)
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Auto exposure (49 µs to 67 s)
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Auto white balance
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Look-up table (LUT)
-
Hue, saturation
-
Color correction
-
Local color anti-aliasing
-
Reverse X/Y
-
Deferred image transport
-
Trigger programmable, level, single, bulk, programmable delay
-
Sequence mode (changes the camera settings on the fly)
-
SIS (secure image signature, time stamp for trigger, frame count etc.)
-
Storable user sets
Scope of delivery
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Camera and IEEE 1394b cable (other configurations on request)
Focus recommends TRL Calibration Kits for applications such as load pull & noise parameters. Due to high reflection and low loss, tuner S-parameter measurements represent a challenge for VNA’s, because of error term determination and coupler directivity. Long experience has taught us not to rely on other calibration techniques than TRL (Thru-Reflect-Line). The popular SOLT technique is conditionally useable, but not guaranteed, up to 4GHz. The much convenient ECal method has provided questionable and inconsistent results. Our Customers are advised to be very careful with VNA calibrations, because the whole measured data depends on that.
Because of this, and to save our customers time and doubt, Focus has developed and offers a set of precise and reliable TRL calibration kits from 0.03 to 110 GHz with the following connector types: 7/16, N, APC-7, 3.5mm, 2.9mm, 2.4mm, 1.85mm, WR-15, WR-10. Our calibration kits are compatible with all commercial network analyzers.
For more information on TRL Calibration Kits, please read the following paper on TRL Versus SOLT
Noise measurements allow the determination of the four Noise Parameters of a device (transistor). Focus’ Noise Modules integrate well with various third party noise receivers.
Noise Parameters: These are four numbers that fully describe the noise behaviour of an active or passive device (twoport) at a given frequency. For practical reasons we use the following quantities as Noise Parameters:
Focus’ noise parameter extraction routines leverage the PNA-X’s unique implementation
of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements.
of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements.
A RF down conversion stage might be required if the frequency of noise measured exceeds the receiver’s bandwidth. Focus offers noise modules which support down conversion for optimal speed and performance.
-
High SNR mode (up to 24 dB better signal-to-noise ratio)
-
Low-noise binning mode
-
Smear reduction
-
Shading correction
-
Area of interest (AOI), separate AOI for auto features
-
Binning
-
Decimation
-
Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 24 dB)
-
Auto exposure (27 µs to 67 s)
-
Auto white balance
-
Look-up table (LUT)
-
Hue, saturation, color correction
-
Reverse X
-
Deferred image transport
-
Trigger programmable, level, single, bulk, programmable delay
-
Sequence mode (changes the camera settings on the fly)
-
SIS (secure image signature, time stamp for trigger, frame count)
-
Storable user sets
The LN112-30 Lens Adaptor is used for creating a 30° focused beam spread when attached to a SL112 or SL162.
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Camera Link InGaAs SWIR camera
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VGA resolution
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Large pixel with high dynamic
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Strong sensor cooling
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No condensation
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Very strong sensor cooling for low-noise imaging with long exposure times
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Camera Link interface with GenCP support
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Comprehensive I/O control options
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Automated on-board image correction
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Extended operating temperature range
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Defect pixel correction (on/off)
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Fixed pattern noise correction (on/off)
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Region of interest (ROI)
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Gain (manual control, 0 to 20 dB)
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Exposure (manual control, 44.2 µs to 1.4 s)
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Gamma correction
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Reverse X
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DeviceLinkThroughputLimit (easy bandwidth control)
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Sync out modes: Waiting for a trigger, exposing, readout, imaging
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Storable user sets
Focus Microwaves
Focus Microwaves is a pioneering engineering company, built around the innovations of its founder Dr. Christos Tsironis who developed his first manual tuner in 1973 and is the inventor of most existing electro-mechanical tuner families. The success of Focus is based on the engineering and manufacturing skills of its highly motivated and experienced team of engineers and technicians, who have been trained and encouraged to develop new technologies. In addition, listening to our customers needs and insights helps us discover and develop new and measurement methods on an ongoing basis, relentlessly pushing the limits of what is possible.
From humble beginnings in 1988, Focus has become the main supplier of advanced Load Pull and Noise Tuner Systems. Our mission is to provide effective, reliable and innovative solutions for non-50 Ohm testing (Noise and Load Pull) of RF microwave transistors, thus enabling our customers to compete in the marketplace with better designs and to advance the understanding and knowledge of the field.
Contact Details
Focus Microwaves Inc. Main Head Office
4555 Chem. du Bois-Franc, Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1A8, Canada
Phone: +1-514-684-4554
Test & Measurement
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