Instrument Basics: Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) with PicoVNA - Workbench Wednesdays

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) measure how a “network” of components changes the amplitude and phase of signals. By measuring across a wide frequency range, VNAs can create S-Parameters that fully describe the behavior of a circuit. This video uses a PicoVNA 106 to show the basics of what a VNA measures, how they work, and a brief overview of how to use one. bit.ly/32gXwYk
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#0:00 Welcome to Workbench Wednesdays
#0:55 VNA Measurement Examples
#3:11 How VNAs Work
#4:57 Reference Plane (Calibration)
#9:05 De-Embedding
#11:24 RF Connector Care
#13:26 Give your Feedback
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More links to tutorials and how-to's available on the Community bit.ly/32gXwYk
Network analyzer
VNA
PicoVNA
Vector network analyzer

[@bald_engineer]

As someone else noticed, there is a mistake on the S-Parameter List! (Around 4:26) S21 is supposed to be "Transmitted to Port 2 (over) Incident at Port 1." (Ports are opposite of S12). Even though I asked a few people to proofread, we missed it. Regardless, the mistake was mine and I apologize.

[@steve_case]

James, That was one of the best explanations of S-Parameters I’ve ever seen. Excellent animation was well worth the effort. Nice job.

[@radman999]

Thanks James, always look forward to your excellent content.

[@emailuser3869]

Great job. Huge topic and you provided a great overview. Kudos.

[@bxu789]

I always ran into James everywhere😊

[@dcinnovation4555]

Thanks!

[@donepearce]

Seems to do the job, but they seriously need to work on the default vertical scaling,

[@luisacosta4385]

hello, does the VNA generator sends one impulse at different frequencies? or is it one impulse per frequency? meaning that, if your freq. range is from 2Ghz to 18Ghz it will send one impulse, lets say for 2Ghz, then another one for 2.2Ghz and so on until 18Ghz?

[@TheMasterSpecter]

Hey, I worked on some software for a VNA on a previous job. Still not entirely sure how it works.

[@asht7788]

There is a mistake at 4:32, isn’t s21 the ratio of transmitted to port 2 over incident at port1? Or am I hallucinating

[@bald_engineer]

*Facepalm*

[@Potentialwinner2]

Memories... "Vector the signal analyzer monster" guy I worked with made a cartoon monster from the output patterns made during a power out calibration test. I assure you it was funny.

[@Scuba_Bro]

Does this unit also happen to have any power, noise, noise power capabilities? PS you should blow their minds and show them just how “expensive” an e-cal can be!!

[@NourMuhammad]

Now I remember why I do not own VNA!

[@MrRobot-lm2lo]

5000 Bucks

[@ahmetmetinuzun]

Let me guess, you are Helium Hotspot mining:)

[@bald_engineer]

Huh?

[@ahmetmetinuzun]

@@bald_engineer RF Engineering became a hot topic for a lot of folks recently with the Helium Hotpot proof of coverage cryptocurrency mining. A lot of channels popped up talking about high gain antennas, SAW filters, LNAs, cavity filters, etc. I thought your video somehow keyed off of that. Regardless, this is very useful content for those who are into Helium Hotspot mining as VNAs come in handy for those into the nitty gritty technicals of it.

[@bald_engineer]

@@ahmetmetinuzun I have zero clue what connection you’re making.

[@dalesmith8666]

At >$5000, best to buy a HP8753e! Far better, and less money. I have three for the price of just the one PicoVna.