New equipment at C2N for the SPINCHARAC project: a very high-frequency vector network analyzer

As part of the SPINCHARAC project, the SPIN Research Program visited the C2N laboratory in Palaiseau to oversee the installation of the new Keysight N5290A equipment, a high-precision vector network analyzer (VNA) system. The equipment is now fully operational and ready to open up new opportunities for the characterization of millimeter-wave devices

© Margaux Monvoisin
© Margaux Monvoisin
The Keysight N5290A is an ultra-wideband vector network analyzer (VNA) system, covering a frequency range from 900 Hz to 110 GHz, designed for the electromagnetic characterization of devices and materials in the millimeter-wave domain.
As part of sample analysis, this system enables the measurement of scattering parameters (or “S-parameters”) of a sample with electrical contacts. These parameters describe the reflection and transmission behavior of a component when subjected to an RF signal, including:
> S11 (input reflection): indicates whether the sample reflects a portion of the signal back toward the source.
> S21 (transmission): shows how efficiently the signal passes through the sample.
> These measurements are essential for evaluating insertion losses, impedance mismatches, parasitic resonances, and of course, the dynamic behavior of the samples under characterization.
The N5290A at C2N will most often be used with high-frequency probe stations to test spintronic components directly on silicon or other substrates, without packaging. It features miniaturized frequency extenders, exceptional stability, and includes all advanced software options such as vector calibration, high-frequency access de-embedding, as well as all the necessary tools for the electromagnetic modeling of circuits and their constituent materials.
This instrument will thus be used as part of the cross-disciplinary SPINCHARAC project, which aims to provide cutting-edge infrastructure and equipment specifically designed for advanced characterization, including both physical and magnetic characterization.
Below is a time-lapse of the instrument’s installation⤵️​

Margaux Monvoisin

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15 May 2024