Test and measurement company Tektronix has introduced the TTR500 Series USB Vector Network Analyzer, promising 40 percent reduction in cost.

The new TTR500 Series, as part of Tektronix’s USB-based RF test instruments, offers 40 percent lower cost than alternatives capable of matching its 122 dB dynamic range and 6 GHz frequency range. It features new VectorVu-PC analysis software and the only built-in bias tee for testing active devices in this category.

Designers rent or borrow VNAs, adding time and expense to projects, in many cases. This apart, students in education do not get enough time on the new instrument due to the high cost of VNAs. TTR500 Series dramatically lowers the barrier to entry and features an easy-to-use user interface for common tasks. The TTR500’s small, compact form factor eliminates the need to roll around a shared VNA.

“With its architecture and disaggregated design, TTR500 Series achieves the same level of performance as a benchtop VNA, but at 40 percent lower cost and one-seventh the size and weight of units with comparable performance,” said Jim McGillivary, general manager of RF and Component Solutions at Tektronix.

This new architecture also reduces component count and complexity for more reliability compared to benchtop VNAs.

The TTR500 Series offers a full 2-port, 2-path S-parameter VNA for such applications as measuring passive/active components, antennas and matching networks, RF modules, test cables, adapters and more.

It features specifications including 100 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range, 122 dB dynamic range, less than 0.008 dB trace noise, and -50 to +7 dBm output power, all in a compact package weighing less than 4 pounds.

TTR500 works with any Windows PC or laptop and the VectorVu-PC software delivers a traditional look and feel for controlling and calibrating the instrument. It offers full point and click usability with the ease of PC-based networking for saving and sharing files.

The price of TTR500 Series vector network analyzer is $9,000 for a 3 GHz instrument and $12,000 for a 6 GHz instrument.