The University of Ottawa is pleased to invite qualified vendors to submit a proposal for a Vector Network Analyzer to support research activities in the University of Ottawa’s Photonic Technology Laboratory (PTLab), which is related to photonics technology-based microwave to THz frequency sources with state-of-the-art low noise & drift, high spurious sidemode suppression, tuning over a wide range and compact integration.
The random fluctuations within an oscillator (clock) limit the precision of time and frequency measurements, which is of major consequence in applications such as optical & wireless communications, high speed digital electronics, radar & lidar, and astronomy. The University of Ottawa’s PTLab is engaged in microwave-photonic research currently focussed on the development of microwave frequency sources with state-of-the-art low noise & drift, high spurious sidemode suppression, tuning over a wide range, and compact integration. The research is envisaged to expand into other microwave-photonic functionalities and applications, for example 6G wireless.
The University requires a versatile, robust and future-proof instrument to fully characterize the Scattering Parameters (S-parameters) of passive, active and frequency-converting components or subsystems equipped with microwave ports; be they fully based on microwave technology or have substantial photonic technolog content. The components & subsystems often feature 4 or more measurement ports. Consequently, a multiport measurement capability is desirable, and the ideal solution will include 4 measurement ports in total. The research envisages raising the operating frequency of the sources to millimeter and (sub-) THz frequencies. While external frequency conversion is expected to be necessary to ultimately reach target frequencies, the priority is to evaluate the scaling of performance with frequency. Consequently, a high upper operating frequency of the instrument is desirable and at least 20 GHz is required.
Mandatory Requirements:
1. Vector Network Analyzer
1.1 Must have a frequency range extending over at least 100 kHz - 20 GHz
1.2 Must have a minimum of 4 device under test (DUT) ports capable of measuring Sij where i=1,2,3,4 and j = 1,2,3,4 (i.e. must be capable of measuring a total of 16 s-parameters simultaneously.)
1.3 Must be equipped with a second internal microwave source
1.4 Must be capable of performing measurements on active, passive and frequency converting components or subsystems equipped with microwave ports.
1.5 Must have a maximum output power greater than 0 dBm over a frequency range of 100 kHz – 20 GHz
1.6 Must have a dynamic range of at least 120 dB over a frequency range of 10 MHz-20GHz
1.7 Must have trace noise of at most 0.005 dB for an Intermediate Frequency (IF) Bandwidth (BW) of 10 kHz
1.8 Must be capable of a power sweep over a 40 dB range, at minimum
2. Essential Accessories
2.1 Must include an automatic calibration kit
2.2 Must include a power sensor
2.3 Must include all necessary cables for the functionality of Mandatory Requirements 2.1 & 2.2
3. Other Requirements
3.1 Installation and training must be included.
3.2 Must include a minimum of one (1) year warranty on parts and labour
