Rohde & Schwarz, a leader in high-precision test and measurement solutions, has upgraded its R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer to address the evolving needs of next-generation technologies. The new R&S FSWP-B56G option expands the instrument’s frequency range to 56 GHz, enabling advanced testing for higher-frequency applications.
With the added capability of supporting external high-end signal sources as local oscillators, the upgraded R&S FSWP–B56G offers the combined benefits of a user-friendly signal source analyzer and a high-performance phase noise tester. For additive and residual phase noise measurements on amplifiers, the frequency range of the internal signal source has been extended up to 54 GHz. Additionally, a new, highly simplified method for noise figure measurements has been introduced.
The R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer and VCO tester, recognized as an industry benchmark for phase noise testing and an ideal solution for radar systems as well as for the development and production of synthesizers, OCXOs, DROs, and VCOs, has undergone a significant performance upgrade. The new R&S FSWP-B56G, from Rohde & Schwarz, has extended the frequency range for absolute phase noise measurements from 50 GHz to 56 GHz, achieved at the push of a button without the need for external frequency converters. This frequency expansion supports critical applications in satellite communication and jitter testing for high-speed digital systems such as ultrafast LAN (IEEE 802.3dj) and CEI-224G (Common Electrical I/O).
Let’s Discuss the Updates to the R&S RSWP in Detail
Accelerated Measurements Using External High-End Signal Sources
The upgraded R&S FSWP now accommodates external signal sources as local oscillators for absolute phase noise measurements up to 56 GHz. Leveraging high-end external sources allows users to obtain results significantly faster, as fewer cross-correlations are needed to evaluate the phase noise of the DUT (Device Under Test), such as another high-end oscillator. Depending on the source quality, measurement speeds can be up to 1000 times faster than with the internal source. The R&S FSWP includes tuning outputs to lock external source frequencies to the DUT. In this mode, users can utilize one or two external oscillators to fully exploit cross-correlation techniques. Alternatively, the 2-DUT method enables measurement of two identical sources against each other with a 3 dB correction applied to the results.
Additive and Residual Phase Noise Measurements up to 56 GHz
With the R&S FSWP-B56G option, the analyzer now supports additive and residual phase noise measurements up to 56 GHz with a 40 MHz frequency offset on amplifiers or other components. The internal signal source for this application has been extended to 50 GHz and up to 54 GHz when equipped with the R&S FSWP-B56G option. When using external sources, measurements can be performed up to 56 GHz.
Noise Figure Marker
Furthermore, the R&S FSWP introduces a new marker function, “Noise Figure Marker,” which enables straightforward noise figure measurements by simply placing the amplifier between the signal source output and the FSWP input. This streamlined method leverages phase demodulation—similar to phase noise measurements—to determine the small-signal noise figure. Since the R&S FSWP also functions as a signal and spectrum analyzer, it supports both traditional Y-factor measurements using noise sources with calibrated ENR and the new demodulation-based approach in the phase noise testing environment.
The updated R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer and VCO tester will be available from Rohde & Schwarz starting July 2025. It is being showcased for the first time to the public debut at the IMS2025 from June 17 to 19, 2025, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA, at the Rohde & Schwarz Booth #1443.
Click here to view the R&S FSWP phase noise analyzer and VCO tester.