SPARQ Signal Integrity Newtwork Analyser Introduction Video

The LeCroy SPARQ is a new class of instrument; the Signal Integrity Network Analyzer. SPARQ, which stands for "S-parameters Quick", is a TDR/TDT-based analyzer that measures 40GHz, 4port S-parameters with a single button press, and at a fraction of a cost of a VNA. Fully calibrated measurements can be made in minutes, and without any need to connect or disconnect cables to calibration kit standards or electronic calibration modules.

Key features:

• Provides S-parameter measurements up to four-ports
• Measures from DC to 40 GHz
• One-button-press internal OSLT calibration
• Analyzes in both frequency- and time-domain
• Produces mixed-mode and single-ended simulation-ready S-parameters
• Includes advanced de-embedding features
• Inherent TDR / TDT capability and preview modes for quick checks and debugging
• Available at a fraction of the cost of other network analyzer solutions

The SPARQ signal integrity network analyzers connect directly to the device-under-test and to PC-based software through a single USB connection for quick, multi-port S-parameter measurements.

SPARQ is the ideal instrument for characterizing multi-port devices common in signal integrity applications at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. It is ideal for:

• Development of measurement-based simulation models
• Design validation
• Compliance testing
• High performance TDR
• PCB testing
• Portable measurement requirements

High-bandwidth, Multi-port S-parameters for the Masses
S-parameter measurements are most often produced by a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), a difficult instrument that is beyond many budgets. SPARQ is very affordable and simplifies measurements, making S-parameters accessible to all.

PC-Based, Small and Portable
Traditional instruments that produce S-parameters are large and fundamentally stationary. The SPARQ, in contrast, is small and weighs less than 20 lbs. It connects to any standard PC through a USB 2.0 interface, allowing SPARQ to run where computing power is easily upgraded.

S-parameters, Quick
VNA measurements begin with the unpleasant and complex task of calibration. This involves multiple connections that can produce misleading results due to operator error. The SPARQ provides calibrated measurements with a single connection to the device-under-test and offers simple setup choices. Start – and complete – the entire measurement with single button press.

Internal Calibration
SPARQ takes a revolutionary approach to calibration by building in calibration standards. This enables measurements to be made without multiple connection steps and removes the need for additional electronic calibration (ECAL) modules. Calibration proceeds quickly without user intervention, so one can calibrate often without resorting to the use of saved calibrations that are out-of-date and lead to incorrect measurements.

Includes the Tools That You Expect
A signal integrity network analyzer should include well integrated tools for providing measurement and analysis in both time and frequency domains. Signal integrity requires more than just S-parameters. The time-domain offers important insight as it shows the performance of the S-parameter models in simulation.

SPARQ includes all of the hardware and software tools standard to make signal-integrity measurements right out of the box. These tools include capabilities that cost extra on most instruments, including mixed-mode S-parameter conversion and port-renumbering, passivity, reciprocity and causality enforcement, and built-in time-domain views like impedance, rho, step response and impulse response. All time-domain results can be normalized to your system rise time.

The SPARQ hardware includes calibrated cables for each port, calibrated female 2.92 mm connectors for each port for adapting the connector gender, a universal wrench for holding most popular connector sizes, and a precision torque wrench.

Streamlined Setup
The simple setup shown in the main setup screen above is all that is needed to configure a SPARQ measurement. You provide the frequencies and number of ports and go. Helper information like time length help in frequency spacing choices and DUT length modes control the pulser repetition rate for faster measurements. Various measurement sequence control modes allow for trade-offs between dynamic range and speed with time estimates shown. All measurements proceed automatically without user intervention. Advanced screens are easily accessible for extra capability, including differential or mixed-mode measurements.

A Wide Variety of Measurement Types
SPARQ can perform all tests currently made with TDR or VNA instruments – only easier. Some measurements and tests that SPARQ performs include:

• Impedance
• Return loss
• Impedance Imbalance
• Insertion loss
• Crosstalk (near- and far-end)
• Differential- to common-mode conversion
• Common- to differential-mode conversion
• Intra-pair skew
• Voltage transfer functions
• Differential- and common-mode step response at input and output ports
• Mode conversion step response
• Both mixed-mode and single-ended measurements standard
• Risetime normalization for all time-domain results
• TDR and TDT mode

For more information please feel free to contact us or visit www.lecroy.com