Question 1

What is Vector Network Analyzer?

Accepted Answer

A vector network analyzer is an instrument that measures the frequency response of a component or a network composed of many components, which can be both passive and active. A VNA measures the power of a high-speed signal going into and coming back from a component or a network, because power, in contrast to voltage and current, can be measured accurately at high frequencies. Both amplitude and phase of the high-frequency signal are captured at each frequency point. The built-in computer in the VNA calculates key parameters such as return loss and insertion loss of the network under test. It is also capable of visualizing the results in different formats—for example, real/imaginary, magnitude/phase, Smith chart, etc. In high-speed system tests, VNA is often used to characterize multi-port networks consisting of components such as connectors, filters, amplifiers, and transmission line/coaxial channels. A vector network analyzer is an instrument that measures the frequency response of a component or a network composed of many components, which can be both passive and active. A VNA measures the power of a high-speed signal going into and coming back from a component or a network, because power, in contrast to voltage and current, can be measured accurately at high frequencies. Both amplitude and phase of the high-frequency signal are captured at each frequency point. The built-in computer in the VNA calculates key parameters such as return loss and insertion loss of the network under test. It is also capable of visualizing the results in different formats—for example, real/imaginary, magnitude/phase, Smith chart, etc.

Question 2

Where to use Vector Network Analyzer?

Accepted Answer

Vector Network Analyzer is usually used by parties (researcher or manufacturer) in high-speed system tests, VNA is often used to characterize multi-port networks consisting of components such as connectors, filters, amplifiers, and transmission line/coaxial channels.

Question 3

How does a Vector Network Analyzer work?

Accepted Answer

The stimulus signal is injected into the DUT and the Vector Network Analyzer measures both the signal that's reflected from the input side, as well as the signal that passes through to the output side of the DUT. The Vector Network Analyzer receivers measure the resulting signals and compare them to the known stimulus signal. The measured results are then processed by either an internal or external PC and sent to a display. A Vector Network Analyzer’s primary function is to analyse the transmission of signal patterns. Hence, it contains both generator and receiver. The generator was used to generate a known stimulus signal, while Receivers were used to determine changes to the stimulus signal by the tested device. The stimulus signal is generated from the network generator into the tested device, usually antennas, amplifiers, cables, filters, or mixers. The signal is being measured on both signals reflected from the input side and the signal that passes through to the output side of the tested device. The Receivers will then measure the resulting signals and compare them to the known stimulus signal. The result will be processed and show up on the analyser display. Common measurement performed using VNA is Return Loss (S11) and Insertion Loss (S21). Return Loss is a measure in relative terms of the signal's power reflected by a discontinuity in a transmission line, while Insertion Loss is the amount of energy that a signal loses as it travels along with a cable link.

Question 4

What is the difference Between Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA)

Accepted Answer

A Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) is an instrument that measures the performance of a device towards a certain network. It consists of both generator and receiver. Meanwhile, Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) is meant to analyse the signals received from a designated device only. It is paired with a Vector Signal Generator (VSG), where the VSG generates signals for analysis. Hence, the difference is that VNA analyses the network from end to end, while VSA only gives us results in receiving certain signals. VNA target devices will be antennas, amplifiers, cables and more, while VSA will be the devices themselves, such as Mobile Phone.

Question 5

What is a vector signal analyzer?

Accepted Answer

A vector signal analyser is an instrument that measures the magnitude and phase information of RF/Microwave signals. It is also known as RF Vector Signal Generator. These instruments usually have heterodyne receiver architecture, enabling wider frequency bandwidth and dynamic range. It can convert signals to IF signals and process them in the DSP (digital signal processing) units to get the magnitude and phase information of the signals.  It is also used to measure demodulation error data, spectral flatness, and error vector magnitude.

Question 6

What is a Handheld Signal Generator?

Accepted Answer

Handheld Signal Generator is a signal generator designed for portable use. It can create voltage and charge signals over a wide range of frequencies (usually from 10MHz to 6GHz). The latest model is also compatible with a full range of communication standards, including the latest technology, 5GNR. For Sanko GeneMini Handheld Signal Generator, we have a Modulation width of 20MHz and can upgrade to 100MHz upon request.

Question 7

What is 5G NR?

Accepted Answer

5G NR is referring to the 5th generation of wireless technology while NR stands for a new cellular networks and physical connection method of radio based communication. It is a new wireless communication standard that is going to replace 4G LTE. 5G NR provides transmissions with extremely low latency requirements which makes a difference compared to 4G LTE.  There are 2 frequency ranges in 5G NR which are FR1 and FR2. FR1 (frequency range 1) consists of 6 Ghz frequency bands or below while FR2 (frequency range 2) consists of mmWave range which is range between 20 - 60 Ghz. Owing to its high performance, 5G NR can be widely used in certain areas such as: Internet of things (IoT), managing city transportation and areas that require low latency connection.

Question 8

What is ECAL?

Accepted Answer

Ecal stands for Electronic Calibration modules where it is usually used to calibrate vector network analyzers. It provides an efficient single calibration standard for your VNA with precision and saves time. Ecal provides consistent and stable calibration, at the same time eliminates operator error while bringing convenience and simplicity to your VNA calibration routine. Traditional mechanical calibrations require intensive human operation, which is prone to errors. With ECal, we just need to connect the ECal module to the network analyzer and the ECAl software performs the rest of the work.

Question 9

What is impedance matching?

Accepted Answer

Impedance matching is the process of designing the input and output impedance of an electrical load. The objective is to minimize the signal reflection or increase the power transfer of the designated load. To get an impedance matching, a source of electric power such as amplifier or transmitter is required. This power has a source impedance equivalent to an electrical resistance in series with a frequency-dependent reactance. Engineers had developed a few impedance matching charts that help in solving complex problems of transmission lines and matching circuits. Besides that, there is an impedance matching formula which consists of the Resistor (R) and Inductor (L) and the Capacitor (C).

Sanko Technologies

Expert Provider for Wireless Communication Test Equipment

Vector Network Analyzer

Vector Signal Analyzer (Spectrum Analyzer)

Vector Signal Generator

Bench-top Vector Network Analyzer VNA

BN1000

BN100

USB Vector Network Analyzer VNA

Vector Signal Analyzer (Spectrum Analyzer)

BA100

BG100

Vector Signal Generator VSG

GENEMINI

Handheld
Signal Generator

Sanko's Vector Network Analyzer Official partner: Bird

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Sanko Technologies

Expert Provider for Wireless Communication Test Equipment

Vector Network Analyzer

Vector Signal Analyzer (Spectrum Analyzer)

Vector Signal Generator

Bench-top Vector Network Analyzer VNA

BN1000

BN100

USB Vector Network Analyzer VNA

Vector Signal Analyzer (Spectrum Analyzer)

BA100

BG100

Vector Signal Generator VSG

GENEMINI

Handheld Signal Generator

Sanko's Vector Network Analyzer Official partner: Bird

Bird and Sanko Technologies Sign Brand License Agreement

FAQs for Sanko's RF Test Equipment

Get Exclusive Quote for Sanko's Wireless Communication Test Equipment

Become our Distributor

Handheld
Signal Generator

Get Exclusive Quote for
Sanko's Wireless Communication Test Equipment