At European Microwave Week 2025, Electronic Specifier’s Editor, Mick Elliott speaks to Dr Joel Dunsmore, Research Fellow at Keysight Technologies about the frequency extender for the company’s PNA-X network analyser.
Keysight has introduced its new 250GHz network analyser, an extension to its standard PNA platform that pushes the measurement range from 67GHz up to 250GHz. Achieving this required the development of a new 0.5mm connector, along with an ecosystem of supporting components including probes, cables, and adapters developed in collaboration with industry partners. The extender features more custom ICs and includes integrated temperature control for improved stability. Demonstrations at the launch highlighted its dynamic range and consistency, with calibrations remaining accurate across days.
The system is designed with two key application areas in mind. The first is 6G on-wafer testing, where minimising wafer contact is critical to avoid damage while covering the full frequency spectrum in a single probe. The second is high-speed digital and AI computing, where emerging architectures demand components operating at 160GHz and beyond. By enabling precise characterisation at these higher frequencies, the analyser addresses urgent requirements in both communications and computing.
Customer feedback played a central role in development, with major data centre companies pushing for such capability to support differential, four-port measurements. Market response has been immediate, with demand reported from leading firms. Keysight positions this release as unique in the industry, claiming there is no comparable solution currently available.
Watch the video below to learn more.
