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xaVNA, a low-cost fully featured Vector Network Analyzer

By on November 9, 2017
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Developer Cary Wang  has created a new low-cost fully featured Vector Network Analyzer that is both easy-to-use and allows S parameter export.

The xaVNA two port Vector Network Analyzer offers users a typical frequency range of 137MHz to 3.5GHz, and a guaranteed frequency range of 140MHz to 2.5GHz.
It has been designed to plug directly into a spare USB connection and requires no additional power supply, and all measurements are completed using an intuitive and easy to use UI on a computer.

It is both open source hardware and open source software, with a GitHub repository containing all schematics, PCB layouts, FPGA VHDL, and software that will be kept updated during development. A VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) allows you to measure the impedance of an arbitrary device (such as an antenna) across a wide range of frequencies, as well as the transmission coefficient (gain/loss and phase) of a two port device (such as an amplifier, filter, or isolator).

Full Specs are listed below:

  • Frequency range (guaranteed): 140MHz to 2.5GHz
  • Frequency range (typical): 137MHz to 3.5GHz (achieved in iteration 1 prototype)
  • Signal level: -20dBm to 10dBm (achieved in iteration 1 prototype)
  • S11 trace noise: <<0.1dB (achieved in iteration 1 prototype)
  • S11 dynamic range: >50dB (achieved in iteration 1 prototype)
  • S21 dynamic range: target >=70dB (achieved 50dB in iteration 1 prototype)
  • Dimensions of the VNA board: 10cm x 10cm
  • Weight: <200g
  • Interface: Micro USB
  • RF ports: SMA Female
  • Current draw: ~500mA @ 5V
  • Windows, Linux, and Mac OS will be supported

Visit xaVNA’s Kickstarter page for more information.

About Luca Ruggeri

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