Advanced Calibration Technology for US Air Force

Rohde & Schwarz has developed the R&S FSMR3000AF measuring receiver to calibrate signal generators and attenuators with one single instrument By DA Staff / 04 Mar 2022

RF Attenuators

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
R&S FSMR3000AF
Follow DA

In response to the Air Force Metrology and Calibration Authority (AFMETCAL)’s need to purchase Microwave Measurement Receivers (MMR) for its Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratories (PMEL) and Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory, Rohde & Schwarz has developed the R&S FSMR3000AF measuring receiver to calibrate signal generators and attenuators with one single instrument. 

AFMETCAL is responsible for the calibration of equipment used worldwide. It writes all procedures for calibrating equipment at over 60 PMEL. AFMETCAL required nearly all the parameters of a signal generator to be calibrated with the R&S FSMR3000AF MMR, including analog modulation for AM, FM and PM. 

The AFMETCAL Program will use the R&S FSMR3000AF to ensure Air Force systems and equipment are accurate, uniform, reliable, and traceable to national metrology institute or other sources as approved by AFMETCAL (Metrology).

The purchase also included alignment systems and/or equipment or accessories required for periodic recertification and adjustment of the MMR. This procurement seeks to replace and improve upon the microwave measuring receiver which was implemented in 2005 and the first one to reside on a spectrum analyzer platform.

Designed with a goal to reduce the complexity associated with the calibration of signal generators and attenuators, the R&S FSMR3000AF measuring receiver test platform incorporates innovative features and functionality that reduces a calibration’s lab test process complexity. 

The 26.5 GHz and 50 GHz instruments provide all needed measurement capabilities integrated in a single box instrument taking up minimum space.

The high dynamic of the R&S FSMR3000AF provides for a level measurement range of –148 dBm to +30 dBm. In addition, the instrument’s high linearity of 0.01 dB + 0.005 dB per 10 dB step in conjunction with absolute power calibration with a power sensor provides highly accurate signal level measurements.

A built-in analog modulation analysis capability that encompasses AM, FM, and PM modulation measurements is incorporated by the R&S FSMR3000AF. AM modulation depths from 0 % to 100 % and FM frequency deviations as wide as 16 MHz can be measured. For the modulation analysis, an internal signal analysis bandwidth of up to 80 MHz is provided by the instrument with a 16-bit A/D converter with 200 Msamples/s, which can be used for modulation measurements on digital signals as well, if the vector signal analysis option is installed.

The R&S FSMR3000AF provides for high performance spectrum analysis measurements. For base frequencies above 8 GHz, a preselection filter option is utilized to address image frequency suppression and unwanted mixing products. Accordingly, it offers complete analysis capability of harmonics, spurious emissions or phase noise up to 50 GHz. Marker functions and measurement functions for all interesting spectrum measurements are provided, e.g. to measure noise power, ACLR, harmonic distortion, occupied bandwidth, spectrum emission masks. The resolution bandwidth can be set between 1 Hz and 10 MHz and channel filters are provided in addition.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Precision Airdrop System Receives Marketing Approval

ParaZero has received marketing approval from the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s DECA for the DropAir™ Precision Airdrop System, developed in collaboration with Heven Drones

Apr 24, 2025
Supporting Tactical Operations & Mission Training with Enhanced Reality Systems

FlySight explains how its OPENSIGHT Enhanced Reality System delivers layered AR visualization, real-time video enhancements, and customizable overlays for airborne, tactical, and training operations

Apr 24, 2025
Rugged Electro-Mechanical Servo Actuators for Mission-Critical Aerospace & Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Ultra Motion's range of rugged electro-mechanical linear and rotary servo actuators for aerospace and defense applications

Apr 24, 2025
Leveraging Modularity for Operational Agility in Defense Applications

MilDef outlines how modularity ensures that defense forces can respond rapidly to evolving operational requirements while maintaining system longevity and performance consistency

Apr 23, 2025
Rugged Supercomputing Solutions Company Receives AI Excellence Award

Aitech has won an Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award for the A230 Vortex rugged AI supercomputer, designed to meet growing demands for higher power and enhanced efficiency

Apr 23, 2025

Featured Content

Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.