Vector Network Analyzer

1 Introduction As the core components of a system, amplifiers are widely used in various RF and microwave systems. Amplifiers have a linear gain region where the input power and output power are linearly related. The gain in this region is referred to as linear gain (also known as small-signal gain). As the input power … Continued

1 Introduction Frequency-translating devices such as mixers and converters are fundamental building blocks of most RF and microwave communication systems. Accurately characterizing the performance of these devices is a critical factor in the design process. The frequency offset function provided by Siglent SNA series allows the source to work at the mixer’s input frequency while … Continued

1        Introduction With the increasing number of ports on components, testers need to perform accurate and fast multi-port network analysis. Optimizing the configuration of vector network analyzer (VNA) is the key to minimize test cost during the manufacturing stage. The multi-port measurement capability of VNA can improve test throughput and thereby significantly reduce device test … Continued

SNA is connected with SSM switch matrix to expand into N-port network analyzer. For example, vector network analyzer SNA5032A is expanded to 16 ports by using switch matrix SSM5124A, and perform full 16 ports calibration. The expansion process involves the following steps： Connect SNA5302A and SSM5124A through USB cable. Select System > External Ports > … Continued

1        Introduction Material measurement is integral when developing solutions in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency range, it can provide the electrical or magnetic characteristics of the materials, which proved useful in many research and development fields. PCB, antenna, material science, microwave circuit design, biological research, and automotive engineers along with metrology and research institutes must characterize … Continued

Introduction Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is an important method for measuring cable and connection quality for high-speed transmissions. Some measurements that broadly fall into this category include characteristics like distance to fault as TDR makes it easy to visualize impedance changes over distance. Some of the basic analysis modes can be implemented on cable analyzers … Continued

The following are some recommended common practices when performing any RF measurement. Use good quality RF cables. Double shielded with tin foil is recommended for phase stability and isolation. Use properly power rated RF cables. Use properly frequency rated connector type. BNC type is rarely used above 500 MHz sense they do not provide a … Continued

Mixers are typically 3-port devices that produce the sum or difference of two input frequencies. Most of the mixers are active ones require external power supply. But there are also passive mixers like audio mixer that doesn’t require any power because it doesn’t have an amplifier.   A typical mixer is shown in Figure 1, … Continued