The R&S ZNB3000, introduced in February 2025, has already set a benchmark in the mid-range vector network analyzer market with its industry-leading measurement speed, scalability and best-in-class RF performance. With the addition of new high-frequency models, the R&S ZNB3000 will cover an even wider range of applications. At this year’s European Microwave Week (EuMW) in Utrecht, Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate how the new R&S ZNB3000 – now covering up to 54 GHz – helps engineers fast forward to results.
Designed to combine precision and speed in a scalable platform, the R&S ZNB3000 vector network analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz helps engineers and researchers accelerate innovation in high-performance RF applications and signal integrity testing. By extending the maximum frequencies up to 32 GHz, 43.5 GHz and 54 GHz, Rohde & Schwarz addresses even more applications with the R&S ZNB3000, from RF component testing for 5G, 6G and Wi-Fi applications to advanced high-speed interconnect testing for AI data centers and next-generation RF component testing for satellite communications in the Ka band and V band.
Optimized for high-speed interconnect testing for AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in data centers demand ultra-fast, high-bandwidth interconnects to efficiently handle massive data loads. Technologies such as high-speed Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ck) require testing solutions that can operate at frequencies up to 50 GHz to ensure optimal signal integrity. The new PCIe 7.0, Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, currently under development, will double the supported data rates up to 128.0 GT/s. This requires testing at higher frequencies, as well.
Covering up to 54 GHz, the R&S ZNB3000 is designed to meet these requirements, enabling precise characterization of high-speed PCBs, cables, and interconnects used in AI data center infrastructure. At EuMW 2025, Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the new 54 GHz model of the R&S ZNB3000 for the first time in public. The setup, which includes a PCIe cable as the device under test (DUT), showcases how to ensure the reliability of high-speed interconnects for AI-driven workloads.
Industry-leading performance and flexibility
The R&S ZNB3000 family offers best-in-class RF performance with a high dynamic range of up to 150 dB, high output power, and low trace noise of less than 0.0015 dB RMS. These attributes ensure highly accurate and fast measurements, even at higher frequencies. The new models retain the series’ characteristic features, including:
- Ultra-fast measurement speed: Maximizes throughput and reduces the cost of testing.
- Low start frequency of 9 kHz: Enables precise time-domain analysis for signal integrity and high-speed testing.
- Flexible frequency upgrade concept: Customers can start with a base unit and expand the maximum frequency later by purchasing upgrade options, ensuring a targeted investment approach.
Expanding to new RF applications
The new high-frequency models also support advanced RF component testing for SatCom applications in the Ka and V bands, such as filters, mixers, amplifiers, switches and beamformers, which operate at these high frequencies. It also enables RF component testing for 5G, 6G and Wi-Fi applications. This makes the R&S ZNB3000 an ideal choice for both production environments and research labs working on next- generation technologies.
The new frequencies 32 GHz, 43.5 GHz and 54 GHz of the R&S ZNB3000 will be available by the end of 2025 from Rohde & Schwarz. Visitors to the EuMW 2025 can see the 54 GHz instrument live at booth A026 in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht from September 23 to 25, 2025. For more information about the instrument, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/znb3000
