The SPARQ is a time-domain instrument that, using TDR/T technology and LeCroy's patented innovations, quickly acquires waveforms and measures the S-parameters of a device under test. The SPARQ measures both frequency and time domains, providing Touchstone-standard S-parameter files ready for
loading into the user's simulation software. The unit is small, rugged, PC- and laptop-based, and includes all the hardware and software tools a signal integrity engineer needs for passive device characterization.
The SPARQ calibrates using an internal OSLT calibration kit. This allows for automatic calibration and measurement with a single click of a button, eliminating the need to connect and disconnect calibration standards. With the SPARQ, the painstaking, lengthy, and error-prone calibration procedure is finally eliminated.
The SPARQ "E" model units include the internal calibration standard and also support manual calibration using an external calibration kit.
Setting up the SPARQ is quick and easy; all configurations for the measured S-parameter are contained on a single setup screen.
When using automatic calibration, the SPARQ incorporates the necessary cables, adapters, and accessories to transmit the S-parameter to the device under test. Users don't need to worry about the location of the reference plane or use additional software to assist in the measurement process.
All signal integrity tools are standard with a familiar software interface.
The SPARQ standard includes all the hardware and software tools required for fast and accurate S-parameter measurement
with high dynamic range. Users can measure single-ended, differential, and mixed-mode (magnitude and phase) S-parameters and view the corresponding time-domain results, including step response, impulse response, rho, and normalized Z for a user-selectable rise time. These features are available at no extra cost to the user. TDR and DTT waveforms can also be viewed, and the unit includes a highly dynamic TDR/DTT operating mode for debugging applications.
The software supplied with the SPARQ will be familiar to users of LeCroy Windows-based oscilloscopes.
Up to 16 S-parameter waveforms can be displayed simultaneously, with the ability to zoom, reposition, and perform mathematical operations and measurements on the waveforms
in a manner similar to leading LeCroy oscilloscopes.
Three models are available: the SPARQ-4004E (40GHz, 4-port, internal calibration), SPARQ-4002E (40GHz, 2-port, internal calibration), and SPARQ-4002M (40GHz, 2-port, manual calibration).
