At IMS 2026 in Boston, Anritsu introduced its next-generation Tenzor Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) platform, highlighting a series of demonstrations that underline advancements in measurement speed, flexibility, automation, and user interaction it provides. The new platform is designed to address complex RF and high-speed digital testing requirements across applications including mmWave systems, high-speed interconnects, and advanced component characterization.
Navneet Kataria first introduced us to the Tenzor VNA, which operates across a frequency range from 10 MHz to 43.5 GHz, with the capability to extend up to 220 GHz using external millimeter-wave (mmWave) modules. The system supports both Anritsu-developed and third-party modules, including waveguide solutions, providing flexibility for varied test environments without the need for external test sets. This architecture allows users to configure the instrument for baseband, broadband RF, or mmWave measurements within a single platform.
A key feature of the Tenzor platform is its multi-source, multi-receiver architecture, where each port is equipped with an independent source and dual receivers. In a four-port configuration, this results in four sources and eight receivers, enabling parallel measurements. This setup allows users to perform multiple tests simultaneously, like 4 gain compressions and 2 two-tone measurements across different devices, reducing overall testing time. The instrument also supports multi-frequency gain compression measurements, allowing simultaneous sweeps across frequency and power to generate multidimensional characterization data.
The platform incorporates dual local oscillators (LOs) with coherent signal paths, enabling vector mixer characterization and multi-stage frequency conversion testing. These measurements are usually complex and require additional setups in conventional VNAs, but they are integrated into the Tenzor system.
Naveen demonstrated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Tenzor platform to enhance user interaction and measurement efficiency. The AI functionality is available in both offline and online versions. The offline version operates without internet connectivity and provides a conversational interface to guide users through configuration and measurement tasks. The online version enables voice-based interaction and extended capabilities through cloud connectivity.
During the demonstration, the AI assistant was used to explain Smith charts and gain compression, as well as to execute commands including adjusting power levels and autoscaling measurement traces. The AI system is designed to function as an interactive assistant, helping users configure measurements, reduce errors, and streamline workflows without navigating complex instrument menus.
Another demonstration by Product Manager Krishna focused on high-speed cable testing using an integrated solution consisting of the Tenzor VNA, a configurable switch matrix, and dedicated test automation software. The setup was used to characterize an eight-lane differential backplane cable, which expands into 32 single-ended coax connections. Traditional testing methods require repeated manual reconnections for each lane and measurement permutation, resulting in long test times and reduced connector reliability.
With the integrated system, the switch matrix automatically routes signals across all channels, while the software controls calibration, measurement execution, and data collection. The solution captures parameters such as differential insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and skew, and generates results in formats including PDF and CSV. The automated workflow significantly reduces testing time, improves repeatability, and enables scalability for production environments. The switch matrix is designed for high durability, supporting over one million switching cycles.
In addition to measurement capabilities, the Tenzor platform emphasizes on speed, with a sweep rate of 6 microseconds per point, supporting faster data acquisition. To complement this, Anritsu introduced a four-port automatic calibration (AutoCal) kit operating up to 43.5 GHz, extending beyond the conventional limit of 26.5 GHz. This allows users to reduce calibration time while maintaining measurement accuracy. This video shows the Tensor VNA with support for millimeter-wave frequency extension.
Across the demonstrations, the Tenzor VNA platform was positioned as a unified solution combining high-speed measurement performance, flexible hardware architecture, automated test workflows, and AI-assisted operation. These features collectively aim to simplify complex RF testing processes and improve efficiency in both research and production environments.
