High frequency
The high-frequency department is all about the science of measuring electrical voltages, currents, and powers that change rapidly, such as with radio frequencies (RF), microwaves, and electromagnetic fields.
Electricity
High frequency
The high-frequency department is all about the science of measuring electrical voltages, currents, and powers that change rapidly, such as with radio frequencies (RF), microwaves, and electromagnetic fields.
High-frequency signals find their use in communication technologies such as mobile phones, radars, and satellites, but there are also many applications in the automobile industry, healthcare, and semiconductor industry, like the production of chips. It is crucial for these technologies and advancements to be able to measure high-frequency signals reliably and accurately.
VSL offers, among other things, unique facilities aimed at the growing need for accuracy and traceability for on-wafer, high-frequency systems and quantum systems, but also the more classic Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) systems and RF power measurements.
Would you like to know more about our services?
Our experts are happy to help.
Michael van Schaik
Sr. Accountmanager
Calibrations
VSL provides the most accurate RF measurements in the Netherlands. To guarantee this, the high-frequency department is split up into several facilities:
RF Power
The RF Power facility at VSL is equipped to conduct precise power calibration for power sensors across a comprehensive frequency spectrum, ranging from DC to 50 GHz. This facility can accurately assess power levels from 1 μW to 10 mW, tailored to accommodate various connector types (2.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, APC, and N-type connectors). The facility can offer measurements with an absolute expanded uncertainty ranging from 5.0E-3 to 1.5E-2. Typical measurements performed at this state-of-the-art laboratory focus on determining both the calibration factor and the absolute power of the power sensors and signal generators.
S-parameter measurements of coaxial components
VSL operates high-quality VNA measurement setups, capable of covering a frequency range from 10 Hz to 50 GHz. These setups allow for the calibration of items such as calibration kits, attenuators, and other VNAs by measuring reflection and transmission parameters (S-parameters). Calibrations of multiport devices are also possible. S-parameter measurements are offered for various connector types, including 2.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, APC, and N-type connectors. For more information about the uncertainties we can achieve at VSL, please refer to our RvA accreditation K999.
S-parameter measurements of on-wafer components
VSL houses state-of-the-art measurement facilities for characterizing the electrical properties of on-wafer components up to 110 GHz. Our on-wafer measurements are performed using VSL’s fully automated probing system powered with our autonomous measurement software, redefining RF probing. Our primary calibration substrate establishes SI traceable S-parameter measurements up to 110 GHz, supported with a detailed uncertainty analysis. Feel free to contact us with your on-wafer measurement challenges.
S-parameter measurements at cryogenic temperatures
VSL supports the technological evolution of the quantum supply chain with its state-of-the-art high-frequency characterization facilities operating at 77K and 4K temperatures. VSL can provide calibrated S-parameter measurements of quantum components and circuits mounted with 3.5 mm and 2.92 mm coaxial connectors up to 40 GHz. All cryogenic measurements are supported with detailed uncertainty analysis.
RF attenuation
VSL can provide RF attenuation calibration services for RF attenuator standards operating at dedicated frequency points, including 50 MHz, 100 MHz, and 1 GHz. Attenuation measurements up to 80 dB are supported with an uncertainty of 0.02 dB.
Consultancy
Het nauwkeurig meten van hoogfrequent-signalen is een specialisme. VSL heeft de ervaring, expertise en faciliteiten om u bij te staan in uw RF ontwikkelingen. In samenwerking met onze metrologen en wetenschappers zorgen we ervoor dat u in alle aspecten ontzorgd bent. Van het ontwerpen, inkopen en opbouwen van meetopstellingen, geschikt voor uw activiteiten, maar ook het uitwerken van onzekerheidsbudgetten en het trainen en coachen van uw technici, VSL biedt praktische en complete oplossingen.
Proficiency testing
VSL offers protocols and artefacts for the organisation and execution of proficiency testing (according to the EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010). We can arrange a round for groups of participants, such as a team of employees or a group of laboratories. Additionally, VSL provides proficiency testing on demand, allowing you to obtain results whenever you need them.
Read more on our page on proficiency testing.
Custom services
VSL has been innovating in the field of HF measurements for several decades. The expertise that has been gathered is the basis for unique, custom solutions.
