What is Vector Network Analyzer?

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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.

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Where to use Vector Network Analyzer?

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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.

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How does a Vector Network Analyzer work?

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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.

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

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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.

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What is a vector signal analyzer?

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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.

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What is a Handheld Signal Generator?

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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.

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