Vector Field Analyzer™

ELE-VFA

FEATURES
• Industry leading performance with up to 16 million measurements per second
• Enhanced dynamic range and -126 dBm sensitivity
• Frequency coverage from 10 MHz to 1 THz
• Expandable number of simultaneous measurement channels, 2 or 4 per unit
• Built-in LO/IF distribution components to support remote mixing
• Internal local oscillator signal source
• Supports multi-port switching, synchronization and pulse mode options

DESCRIPTION
NSI-MI Technologies' Vector Field Analyzer™ (VFA) incorporates the latest technology for making antenna, radome,
and electromagnetic field probing measurements. This simultaneous multi-channel precision measurement
receiver adds powerful new capabilities to display polarization parameters. When used with a dual polarized
probe, the Vector Field Analyzer™ measures both polarization ports and calculates key polarization parameters.
Results include axial ratio, tilt angle, sense of rotation, and displays of the polarization ellipse. The VFA combines
the best RF performance, fastest measurement speed, and most advanced features available in the industry to
create the foundation of a state of the art measurement system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Function / Parameter Performance
RF frequency range 10 MHz – 1 THz (with mixer options)
1– 26.5 GHz
Internal mixers
1– 50 GHz
Low frequency converter 10–210 MHz
0.15– 6 GHz
Remote mixers 1– 26.5 GHz
1– 50 GHz
mmWave modules > 50 GHz
Simultaneous channels 1
4 (max. per unit)
Measurements per second 1
4 Channels x 4 MHz (max.)
Continuous throughput Up to 600,000 measurements/second
Internal data buffer 16 million measurements
IF bandwidth 1
100 Hz to 5 MHz (max.)
RF performance (3 –18 GHz) (@RF input to 1 – 26.5 GHz Remote Mixer)
IF bandwidth Dynamic range Sensitivity Max input
250 Hz 101 dB -126 dBm -25 dBm
10 kHz 101 dB -110 dBm -9 dBm
5 MHz 71 dB -78 dBm -7 dBm
Maximum input power Adjustable
(0.1 dB compression) -5 to -25 dBm (at mixer input)
IF Linearity +/- 0.1 dB (0 to -50 dB full scale)
Max remote mixer cable length
53 m (175 ft)
(@ 0.2dB/ft cable loss)
Multiplexer control Two 8-bit multiplexer control ports
Measurement plan 1
250,000 test states max.
Pulse mode 1
Optional (min. pulse width = 200 ns)
Advanced pulse modes 1
T/R Sync; Dynamic BW, Reference, & Ratio
Tracking feedback 1
Optional
LO frequency range 0.1 – 20 GHz
Standard: 300 µs
Internal LO frequency switching speed
Optional: 40 µs
Internal LO frequency list 10,000 max.
Remote control interface Ethernet
Trigger signals Trigger BusTM/TTL
Size (Height x Width x Depth) 4U Rack-Mountable or Desktop
Main chassis 178 x 432 x 585 mm (7 x 17 x 23 in.)
With handles, rack ears, rear hardware 178 x 483 x 686 mm (7 x 19 x 27 in.)
Weight 15 kg (33 lb) max.
Environmental 0– 40 °C
AC power 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 200 W max.
Requires firmware license upgrade for maximum functionality.
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VFA TYPICAL SYSTEM DIAGRAM
A multitude of microwave measurement applications are possible using the Vector Field Analyzer™. A typical
configuration using a 2-channel VFA with an Internal Local Oscillator and two Remote Mixers is shown below. An
Amplifier/Coupler assembly is used to pick off a sample of the transmitted signal from the Signal Source for the
Reference input to the VFA. The Test input is connected to a 2-port Multiplexer that is used to select between
ports of the Rx antenna, such as a dual linearly polarized probe. The Position Controller moves the antenna
and probe as required and triggers the VFA at the desired locations. The Measurement Workstation is used to
configure the instruments and to collect, analyze, and display the data.

SELECTION GUIDE
The Vector Field Analyzer™ has several options that can be configured for a variety of applications. To configure a
VFA, complete the following steps:
• Choose the required number of RF (internal mixer) or LO/IF (external mixer) channels (0, 2, or 4)
• Choose the required LO source option
• If using RF channels, choose Internal Mixers for the required test frequency range
• If using LO-IF channels, choose Remote Mixers for the required test frequency range
• Choose the VFA firmware license that supports the required test capabilities
The VFA can be supplied with two or four measurement channels, where one channel is generally used as a
reference for phase measurements. Each channel is measured simultaneously. Additional simultaneous coherent
measurement channels can be accommodated by combining multiple VFAs with a Multi-Channel Extender unit.
In the Pre-Configured VFA Models & Options table on page 4, “IF Only” channels have no mixer support, just an
IF (usually 45 MHz) input for use with external frequency converters. “LO-IF Channels” provide support for various
external mixers covering 10 MHz to 50 GHz, as well as millimeter-wave modules. Finally, “RF” in this table indicates
internal mixers directly covering the stated frequency range. Optionally, an internal Local Oscillator (LO) Signal
Source can be supplied with the VFA, depending on frequency switching speed. Note that an export license may
be required for some of the models listed here.

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VFA TEST & MEASUREMENT OPTION PACKAGES
The Vector Field Analyzer™ is available in four different test packages: Basic, Multi-Channel,Advanced, and Tracking.

Basic Multi-Channel Advanced Tracking

Features
(BC) (MC) (AD) (TR)
Maximum # channels 2 4 4 4
Maximum IF bandwidth 62.5 kHz 1 MHz 5 MHz 5 MHz
Maximum measurements/s 3 x 62.5 kHz 4 x 950 kHz 4 x 4 MHz 4 x 4 MHz
Measurement plan size 1024 8192 250,000 250,000
Pulse mode No Yes Yes Yes
Advanced pulse mode No No Yes Yes
Tracking feedback No No No Yes

PRE-CONFIGURED VFA MODELS & OPTIONS

Model Number Description BC MC AD TR
ELE-VFA-X00 No LO, IF Only
ELE-VFA-X01 No LO, 2 LO-IF Channels
ELE-VFA-X02 No LO, 2-Ch RF 1-26.5 GHz
ELE-VFA-X03 No LO, 2-Ch RF 1-50 GHz Upgrade Upgrade Upgrade
Included
ELE-VFA-S00 300-μs Internal LO, IF Only Available Available Available
ELE-VFA-S01 300-μs Internal LO, 2 LO-IF Channels
ELE-VFA-S02 300-μs Internal LO, 2-Ch RF 1-26.5 GHz
ELE-VFA-S03 300-μs Internal LO, 2-Ch RF 1-50 GHz
ELE-VFA-X11 No LO, 4 LO-IF Channels
ELE-VFA-X22 No LO, 4-Ch RF 1-26.5 GHz
ELE-VFA-X33 No LO, 4-Ch RF 1-50 GHz
ELE-VFA-S11 300-μs Internal LO, 4 LO-IF Channels
ELE-VFA-S22 300-μs Internal LO, 4-Ch RF 1-26.5 GHz
ELE-VFA-S33 300-μs Internal LO, 4-Ch RF 1-50 GHz
Upgrade Upgrade
ELE-VFA-H00 40-μs Internal LO, IF Only Included
Available Available
ELE-VFA-H01 40-μs Internal LO, 2 LO-IF Channels
ELE-VFA-H02 40-μs Internal LO, 2-Ch RF 1-26.5 GHz
ELE-VFA-H03 40-μs Internal LO, 2-Ch RF 1-50 GHz
ELE-VFA-H11 40-μs Internal LO, 4 LO-IF Channels
ELE-VFA-H22 40-μs Internal LO, 4-Ch RF 1-26.5 GHz
ELE-VFA-H33 40-μs Internal LO, 4-Ch RF 1-50 GHz

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OPTIONS
Several additional options may be required for some applications:
• VFA Adapter Panel
• Multi-Channel Extender
• Multiplexers
• Signal Sources

| VFA ADAPTER PANEL

The VFA Adapter Panel provides a simple upgrade path to incorporate legacy multiplexers, provides an interface
to tracking instrumentation and has 6 additional multi-configurable BNC connections for supporting third party
instrumentation. Compatible with both NSI2000 and MI-3000 software, this adapter panel also allows for legacy
BNC connections to support measurement timing products and signal sources.

| MULTIPLEXERS
Multiplexers simplify and reduce the cost of RF transmit and receive systems by economically converting a single
receiver into a multi-channel measurement system. Operators can switch a single RF source through the multiplexer
to one of several outputs or a single receiver can be used to connect to multiple antenna ports in sequence. The
Multiplexers can be used on either the transmit or receiving side of the measurement system.

| SIGNAL SOURCES
The microwave signal sources address a broad spectrum of measurement system requirements. They provide
extremely low phase noise and high output power across the full 0.01 to 20 GHz frequency range. Fast, predictable
frequency switching makes it particularly suited for automated microwave measurement systems. Designed to be
used in situations where agile RF/microwave frequency tuning is required, the signal source provides a fast and
accurate signal generation solution for wireless, satellite, radar, automated testing and other microwave
measurement applications.

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| MULTI-CHANNEL EXTENDER
The Multi-Channel Extender is designed to combine multiple VFAs to provide up to twelve simultaneous, phase
coherent test channels plus one common reference signal of phase coherent RF data. The Multi-Channel Extender
distributes a common IF reference signal, LO Signal and 10 MHz reference signals to each connected VFA. Having
a depth of only 8” and designed for rear rack installation, the compact extender has front panel connections
making for easy cabling to the Vector Field Analyzers.

| REMOTE MIXERS
Remote Mixers are required to make use of the LO-IF channels. These mixers are not included with the VFA and
must be specified separately. Below is a table of the mixer models we offer and a desciption:

Model Number Description

ELE-MIX-1-50 Remote Mixer, 1–50 GHz
ELE-MIX-1-26.5 Remote Mixer, 1–26.5 GHz
ELE-MIX-0.15-6 Remote Mixer, 0.15–6 GHz
ELE-MIX-LFC Low Frequency Converter, 10–210 MHz

RF PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES
The VFA provides the RF performance characteristics most
desirable for measuring electromagnetic fields. In these
measurements, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) is a key
characteristic to determining uncertainty and measurement
speed. The inherently low noise floor of the Vector Field
Analyzer™ provides high SNR, resulting in more accurate
measurements. Its low noise floor also allows the use of
wider IF bandwidths than other instruments for a given
SNR. With a 10 dB lower inherent noise floor, a factor of
10 times wider IF bandwidth can be used, resulting in 10
times faster measurement speed. The superior dynamic
range and sensitivity of the VFA significantly enhances
flexibility and productivity for test ranges.

Measurement uncertainty due to SNR

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ACQUISITION COORDINATION
Radiating fields propagate in three-dimensional space, requiring positioning systems to change the orientation of
the probe and/or the device under test. For highest range productivity, one or more axes are moved while fields
are being measured. This requires coordination between the test instrumentation and the positioning system. As
the probe or antenna under test is moved, each vector field measurement can be associated with a specific
location in space. Maximizing the axis speed demands instrumentation with superior measurement speed, data
buffering capability, and high continuous throughput.

Many systems also require multi-frequency operation and real-time control of multiplexers for antennas with
multiple ports. NSI-MI's Multiplexer products support up to 256 ports per channel. Controlling and synchronizing
these test parameters with measurements requires a flexible acquisition controller with precise timing. The
Vector Field Analyzer™ is the instrument that best supports the requirements of the electromagnetic test
environment and provides the ideal solution for your measurement needs.

PULSE MODE MEASUREMENTS

For the Vector Field Analyzer™, two levels of pulse mode operation are available as licensed options: standard
pulse mode and advanced pulse mode.

| STANDARD PULSE MODE

Standard pulse mode includes the ability to make one measurement on each RF pulse and the ability to use
multiple RF pulses for a single measurement. Synchronization of the VFA measurement to the pulse is accomplished
using the Pulse Trigger input. The standard pulse mode features are included in the “Multi” software license and
higher. This mode includes synchronous single measurements per pulse and multi-pulse averaging.

| ADVANCED PULSE MODE

Advanced pulse mode adds the ability to make multiple measurements during various phases of a single RF pulse
period. Synchronization to the leading and trailing edges of the Pulse Trigger input signal are allowed, and
synchronized measurements can be followed by other measurements in a controlled sequence. For active
antennas that transmit high power pulses and have the ability to receive signals between transmit pulses, the
Advanced Pulse mode can be used to improve test productivity. The advanced pulse mode features are included
in the Advanced software license or higher. This mode enables multiple measurements per pulse period. This may
include applications where the device under test is transmitting during a portion of the pulse period and receiving
during the other portion of the pulse period.

STANDARD COMPONENTS
The ELE-VFA Vector Field Analyzer unit is delivered with the rear panel RF cables detached to prevent damage
during shipping. Several other items are included in the package:
• Vector Field Analyzer™ unit
• Rear panel RF jumper cables
• Power cord
• User guide
• Desk Mount kit (ELE-VFA is shipped with rack ears installed)

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ELE-VFA REAR PANEL
Name Description Function Connectors
Provides a nominal
LO/IF Channels A, B, C Connection between LO/IF module
LO output power Type N for LO/IF modules;
and Remote Mixers (internal or
and D of +10 dBm and those are for RF inputs
external)
0.1 – 20 GHz
IF Out and IF In connectors for each
IF Output Flexible SMA connector; jumper
channel (IF Out A to IF In A, IF Out B to
IF Input Configurations cables
IF In B, etc.)
Provides a nominal
For units that include internal Local LO output power SMA connector; jumper
LO Out
Oscillator of +10 dBm and cables
0.1 – 20 GHz
For units that include internal Local SMA connector; jumper
LO In
Oscillator cables
Multiplexer control port (P) intended
to be used with RF switches. Interface used with
25-pin D-subminiature
Multiplexers (P) For applications that use legacy probe side of the
sockets;
range cabling, the Adapter Panel is range
recommended.
Multiplexer control port (Q) intended
to be used with RF switches.
Interface used with 25-pin D-subminiature
Multiplexers (Q) For applications that use legacy
AUT side of the range sockets;
range cabling, the Adapter Panel is
recommended.
Trigger input &
Trig A and B Trigger bus connections RJ45 connectors
output
VFA has an internal 10 MHz reference
10 MHz Ref 10 MHz BNC connector
oscillator
This port is required to access the
100/GbE VFA web page and to use its SCPI Ethernet Connection Ethernet cable
programming interface.
100— 240 V 50/60 Hz
IEC 60320-1 C14 appliance
AC Power Input Power supply 250 W Max
coupler
Fuse TSA 250 V
Auxiliary trigger, timing, and status 37 pin D-subminiature
Auxiliary TTL TTL
signals socket;
Covered to restrict access to the SD SD card; console & Host Port USB Type A
Service Panel
card; console & host service ports host service ports Console Port USB Type B

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 NSI-MI Technologies introduced the world to microwave
antenna measurement systems and is the preferred global
supplier of antenna, radar cross section, and radome
measurement solutions. Today, our innovative products,
systems, and services lead the industry in setting new
standards for tomorrow’s performance. From world-
class in-house testing facilities to delivering industry-
leading turnkey systems, we provide the highest quality
measurement products on the market.

Our full range of standard products and custom-designed

systems are backed by our longstanding commitment
to precision-engineered accuracy, reliability, and lasting
performance. We provide the right solution for every RF
measurement need and our worldwide network of service
professionals are always available to offer support.

For more information on ordering NSI-MI Technologies'

Test products, applications or services please contact your

nearest NSI-MI office. Our complete sales team
with information is available at: www.nsi-mi.com/contact-us

Confidence

ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED LOCATIONS

1125 Satellite Blvd., Suite 100 +1 678 475 8300
Atlanta, Georgia 30024-4629
USA

19730 Magellan Drive +1 310 525 7000

Torrance, CA 90502-1104
USA

Unit 51 Harley Road +44 7493 235224

Sheffield, S11 9SE
UK

DS-VFA 2.1/05/21

Information contained herein shall not be used as a contractual document. All products and their specifications subject to
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change without notice. © Copyright 2021, all rights reserved, NSI-MI Technologies | www.nsi-mi.com | sales@nsi-mi.com