R&S®ZN-Z8x Switch matrix

Meet demands

Cost-effective multiport extension

Rohde & Schwarz switch matrices are used in many applications. Typical applications include the design, validation and production of antenna arrays, data converter interfaces, RF components and more. R&S^®ZN-Z8x switch matrices cover wide frequency ranges and come with a modular port expansion concept. Matrix models such as the R&S^®ZN-Z86 and the R&S^®ZN-Z86X support frequency ranges up to 26.5 GHz with optional extensions for 24 outputs. Cascading two R&S^®ZN-Z84 or R&S^®ZN-Z86 switch matrices increases the test port count to 48 ports. The switch matrices can even be used in combination with a true multiport VNA such as the R&S^®ZNBT to dramatically increase the number of test ports and enable parallel testing.

High adaptability

Improves efficiency and performance

Users can select and adapt optimum configurations for low insertion loss, maximum accuracy and a high port counts with Rohde & Schwarz vector network analyzers and switch matrices.

• The R&S®ZN-Z86X switch matrix can be used on a 2 port or 4 port vector network analyzer by simply repositioning the RF links on the device front panel. No hardware or software upgrades necessary. A unique feature of the R&S®ZN-Z86X is that it allow users to utilize the SP4T relays and DP6T relay modules independently. This not only reduces insertion loss but also allows attenuators, amplifiers and/or couplers to be inserted for more advanced applications.
• In a mixed configuration setup that combines a four-port vector network analyzer and a switch matrix enables superior performance and high port counts. Two VNA ports are used as a regular VNA for low insertion loss as well as maximum output power and accuracy. The other two ports use a two input switch matrix for switching between multiple DUTs or multiport DUTs.

Simple to operate

Easy setup, easy configuration

R&S^®ZN-Z8x switch matrices are designed and optimized for use with Rohde & Schwarz VNAs. The switch matrices are simple to setup and come nearly ready to measure out of the box.

• Two boxes, one operation; a vector network analyzer provides a uniform display and control interface 
• Trouble-free port setup with automatic port detection
• Convenient switch control graphical user interface (GUI) including port extension 
• The intelligent switching algorithm in the Rohde & Schwarz VNA optimized for speed or precision assigns the best possible route to the VNA driving port during measurement.
• Immediate and clear display of measurement results
• Remote control via LAN, USB or an optional dedicated digital interface

Trigger function

Enables advanced automation

All R&S®ZN-Z86 and R&S®ZN-Z86X switch matrices come with hardware trigger capabilities. The key benefits of the trigger functions include:

• Automation via user-defined test sequences
• No control platform timing inaccuracies
• Precise and reproducible switching in line with trigger signals
• Up to 2048 test sequences can be defined and supported
• Trigger types: R&S®ZN-Z8X toolbox software (mouse-click), external trigger signal via BNC connector (TTL) or SCPI commands

R&S®ZN-Z8X toolbox

Convenient, saves time and effort.

The R&S®ZN-Z8X Toolbox software helps users to getting-started, device monitoring, firmware updates and manual switching of defined routes of the connected switch matrix.

• All-in-one convenient switch matrix management
• Easy path switching via mouse-click or trigger
• SCPI command and control interface includes switch matrix feedback logs
• Usable on any switch matrix in the same network 
• Operated on a Windows desktop, laptop or tablet via LAN.

Calibration

3 E's calibration with multiport calibration unit

The calibration concept focuses on the 3 E's – easy, efficient and error-free.

• The R&S®ZN‑Z154 (up to 8.5 GHz) has 24 calibration ports that can be conveniently combined with an R&S®ZN‑Z84 switch matrix and Rohde & Schwarz VNA for fast and automated calibration to greatly reduces setup times. 
• R&S®ZN-Z5x automatic calibration units (with 2 or 4 ports) are available for higher frequency ranges. R&S®ZN-Z5x automatic calibration units are automatically detected upon connection to the VNA with virtually no warm-up time required for operation. When combined with the VNA S-parameter wizard, prompts efficiently guide users though a calibration, so that they can track all required port combinations and make sure they are calibrated.