DS Instruments TS-PS18000 Ku-Band Compact USB-Controlled RF Phase Shifter

Overview

The DS Instruments TS-PS18000 is a precision-engineered, handheld Ku-band RF phase shifter designed for laboratory, field-deployable, and automated test system applications requiring accurate, repeatable, and programmable phase control across 8–18 GHz. Operating on the principle of distributed transmission-line-based phase delay—implemented via switched-path or loaded-line architectures—the TS-PS18000 delivers discrete phase shifts from 0° to 355° in uniform 5.625° increments. Its bidirectional RF path supports both forward and reverse signal routing without performance degradation, enabling flexible integration into duplexed or T/R-switched configurations common in satellite communication ground terminals, phased array antenna calibration, and electronic warfare (EW) subsystem validation. Engineered for high thermal stability and mechanical robustness, the unit maintains phase accuracy under varying ambient conditions and repeated thermal cycling—critical for long-duration satellite link margin testing and beam-steering verification.

Key Features

• Compact, lightweight aluminum enclosure with industrial-grade powder coating for EMI shielding and mechanical durability
• Integrated monochrome OLED display for real-time phase setting, status indication, and firmware version readout
• Acoustic feedback (audible beep) confirms successful phase step execution—essential for blind-operation or noisy environments
• Micro-USB powered and controlled—no external power supply required; compatible with standard USB 2.0 hosts and embedded controllers
• Gold-plated 26 GHz SMA connectors ensure low intermodulation distortion and stable VSWR performance up to 18 GHz
• Firmware-upgradable architecture supporting future enhancements to control protocol, resolution modes, or calibration routines
• Optional Ethernet interface (RJ-45) enables integration into LXI-compliant test systems and remote rack-mounted deployments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TS-PS18000 is optimized for use with standard 50 Ω RF systems operating within the Ku-band spectrum. It supports continuous-wave (CW) and modulated signals—including QPSK, 16-QAM, and OFDM waveforms—without introducing measurable group delay variation or amplitude ripple across its operational bandwidth. The device complies with FCC Part 15 Subpart B for unintentional radiators and meets IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) and IEC 61000-4-3 (radiated immunity) requirements at Level 3. While not certified to MIL-STD-810G, its construction and thermal management align with environmental robustness expectations for Class II laboratory and mobile test equipment. All firmware and host software adhere to IEEE 1671-2020 (ATLAS) conventions for instrument driver interoperability.

Software & Data Management

DS Instruments provides a free, Windows-native PC application with intuitive GUI for manual phase adjustment, sweep sequencing, and script-based automation via Python-compatible SCPI command set (e.g., :PHAS:SET 123.4, :PHAS:STEP UP). The software logs timestamped phase settings, input power levels (when used with optional external power sensor integration), and error codes to CSV files for traceability. For production test environments, the TS-PS18000 supports NI LabVIEW™ drivers (version 2020+), Keysight PathWave VEE, and Python libraries (PyVISA, PySerial) with full command documentation and example scripts. Audit trail functionality—including user login, command history, and firmware version stamping—is available when deployed with enterprise-grade test executive platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Applications

• Phased array antenna element calibration and beamforming algorithm validation
• Satellite transponder loopback testing and uplink/downlink phase coherence assessment
• Electronic countermeasure (ECM) and electronic support measures (ESM) system alignment
• Radar cross-section (RCS) measurement system phase reference stabilization
• 5G mmWave base station prototype development requiring dynamic phase tuning
• RF component characterization fixtures where variable phase offset is needed for S-parameter de-embedding

FAQ

Is the TS-PS18000 suitable for pulsed RF applications?

Yes—it supports pulse widths ≥100 ns and duty cycles up to 50% within its CW power rating limits; however, peak power must remain below +32 dBm to avoid internal compression.
Can multiple TS-PS18000 units be synchronized for coherent multi-channel phase control?

No native hardware trigger synchronization is provided; however, phase alignment across units can be achieved via precise software-timed USB commands with sub-millisecond jitter using high-resolution system clocks.
Does the device require periodic factory recalibration?

No—its solid-state switching architecture and temperature-compensated design ensure long-term phase repeatability (<±0.5° over 12 months); calibration certificates are available upon request for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs.
What is the maximum allowable DC voltage on the RF ports?

The SMA connectors are DC-blocked; applying any DC bias will damage the internal switching diodes and void warranty.
Is Linux or macOS support available for the control software?

Native GUI support is Windows-only, but all SCPI commands function identically over USB CDC ACM or Ethernet TCP/IP on Linux/macOS using open-source VISA backends.