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Description

A vector network analyzer is used to measure the performance of circuits or networks such as amplifiers, filters, attenuators, cables and antennas. It does this by applying a test signal to the network to be tested, measuring the reflected and transmitted signals and comparing them to the test signal. The vector network analyzer measures both the magnitude and phase of these signals.

The PicoVNA 106 and 108 are PC-driven vector network analyzers capable of direct measurement of forward and reverse parameters.

The architecture is based on a four-receiver (Quad RX) arrangement using a bandwidth of up to 140 kHz. Couplers A and B are wideband RF bridge components which provide the necessary directivity in both directions. Signal detection is by means of analog-to-digital converters used to sample the IF signal. The sample data is processed by the embedded controller to yield the I and Q components. The detection system operates with an IF of 1.3 MHz and employs a patented circuit technique to yield fast speeds with very low trace noise.

The instrument's software runs on a personal computer and communication with the instrument is through the USB interface. The software carries out the mathematical processing and allows the display of measured parameters in many forms, including:

frequency domain
time domain
de-embedding utility
measuring output power at the 1 dB gain compression point
measuring AM to PM conversion
measuring frequency mixer characteristics (PicoVNA 108 only)
measuring phase and amplitude alignment of two external signal sources (PicoVNA 108 only)

Model	PicoVNA-106	PicoVNA-108
Frequency range	300 kHz - 6 GHz	300 kHz - 8.5 GHz
Measurement bandwidth	140 kHz, 70 kHz, 35 kHz, 15 kHz, 10 kHz, 5 kHz, 1 kHz, 500 Hz, 100 Hz, 50 Hz, 10 Hz	140 kHz, 70 kHz, 35 kHz, 15 kHz, 10 kHz, 5 kHz, 1 kHz, 500 Hz, 100 Hz, 50 Hz, 10 Hz
Dynamic range	118 dB (at 10 Hz)	124 dB (at 10 Hz)
Average displayed noise floor	-110 dB (typ. at 0.3 - 10 MHz) -118 dB (typ. at 10 - 4000 MHz) -110 dB (typ. at > 4000 MHz)	-110 dB (typ. at 0.3 - 1 MHz) -124 dB (typ. at 1 - 6 GHz) -128 dB (typ. at > 6 GHz)
Measuring parameters	S11, S21, S22, S12; P1dB (1 dB gain compression); AM-PM conversion factor (PM due to AM)	S11, S21, S22, S12; P1dB (1 dB gain compression); AM-PM conversion factor (PM due to AM) Mixer conversion loss, return loss, isolation and compression (PicoVNA-108 only)
Interface	USB 2.0	USB 2.0

Quad RX four-receiver architecture

The PicoVNAs integrate a fast-stepping sine-wave signal source with a very fast-settling port transfer switch. Faster than dual-sweep competitor VNAs, within a single frequency sweep, at each frequency point, the PicoVNAs stimulate both ports in turn and twice measure phase and amplitude of incident, reflected and transmitted waves at the four receivers. This could be achieved with a degree of accuracy with a single source, a transfer switch and two receivers; the latter inputs being switched through a further pair of transfer switches. Alternatively, three receivers can be used with an additional input transfer switch. The PicoVNA, however, uses four receivers.

Using four receivers eliminates the receiver input transfer switch errors (chiefly leakage and crosstalk) that cannot be corrected. These residual errors are always present in two- and three-receiver architectures and lead to lower accuracy than that of the Quad RX design.

Dynamic range

The PicoVNA 108 delivers an exceptional dynamic range of 124 dB at 10 Hz (118 dB for the PicoVNA 106) and less than 0.006 dB RMS trace noise at its maximum operating bandwidth of 140 kHz. The instruments can also gather all four S-parameters at each frequency point in just 182 μs (PicoVNA 106) or 189 μs (PicoVNA 108) or or S11 + S21 in less than 100 μs. In other words, a 201 point 2-port .s2p Touchstone file in less than 38 ms or up to two .s1p files in less than 20 ms.

Bisa-Ts

Bias-Ts are often not provided, or available as costly extras, on other VNAs. Use the PicoVNAs' built-in bias-Ts to provide a DC bias or test stimulus to active devices without the complexity and cost of external DC-blocks. The bias is supplied from external power supplies or test sources routed to the SMB connectors adjacent to each VNA port.

PicoVNA 5: The game changer vector network analyzer software

PicoVNA 5 software achieves compatibility with older computing hardware while making efficient use of modern hardware (PC, Mac, or embedded systems; x86-64 or AArch64, inclusive Raspberry Pi3B+ and up) to unlock new processing and feature possibilities.

With a PicoVNA 106 or PicoVNA 108 the PicoVNA 5 software enables you to customize an array of frequency domain and time domain viewports (display channels). In addition, you are able to add and group markers with comprehensive user configurable readouts, and be able to cross-reference memory traces. Organize all of this on a thoroughly modern, snappy, multi-port UI (User Interface). Whether local, network remoted or SCPI commanded; or an inter-acting combination of all three!

PicoVNA 5 has been designed for all our system and OEM embed integrators, that we know are out there. A high-performance API separately provides you (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python users, etc.) with SCPI or API options when interfacing. Both the software and the API are designed to be capable of rapid expansion to meet ever-evolving user requirements; which we hope you will share with us via an in-application feedback utility. Ongoing development of PicoVNA 5 will port all functionalities of its predecessor PicoVNA 3 across to the new software.

While that continues, PicoVNA 3 remains available and fully supported as does its remote interface DLL.

PicoVNA 5 software will be preferred by most users. There will however be a brief period for which certain PicoVNA features are not yet addressed in the new software. PicoVNA 3 software therefore remains available and fully supported.

Vector network analyzers for the many

Once the domain of an elite few, microwave measurement has encroached into the lives of scientists, educators, surveyors, inspectors, engineers, and technicians alike. Today’s microwave measurements need to be straightforward, portable, accurate, cost-effective and easy to learn.

Pico vector network analyzers are UK-designed, professional USB-controlled, laboratory-grade vector network instruments of unprecedented performance, portability, and value for money. Despite their simple outline, small footprint, and low cost, the instruments boast a four-receiver architecture to minimize the uncorrectable errors, delays, and unreliability of internal transfer switches.

Play The PicoVNA 108 delivers an exceptional dynamic range of 124 dB at 10 Hz (118 dB for the PicoVNA 106) and less than 0.006 dB RMS trace noise at its maximum operating bandwidth of 140 kHz. The instruments can also gather all four S-parameters at each frequency point in just 182 μs (PicoVNA 106) or 189 μs (PicoVNA 108), or S11 + S21 in less than 100 μs. In other words, a 201 point 2-port .s2p Touchstone file in less than 38 ms or up to two .s1p files in less than 20 ms. Their low price makes them cost-effective as deep dynamic range scalar network analyzers or single-port vector reflectometers as well as full-function dual-port, dual-path vector network analyzers. They are affordable in the classroom, in small businesses, and even in amateur workshops, yet capable of meeting the needs of all users up to the laboratory or production test technician or the metrology expert.

Series PicoVNA Measurement Devices by Pico Technology, Front view Vector Network Analysis in the field, the workplace or as embedded function

Vector Network Analysis in the field, the workplace or as embedded function

The PicoVNAs' small size, lightweight, and low cost suit them to field service, installation test, OEM embedded, and classroom applications. With their remote automation capability, they are also attractive in applications such as:

Test automation, including multiple VNA control and measurement
Manufacturers needing to integrate a reflectometry or transmission measurement core
Inspection, test, characterization, and calibration in the manufacture, distribution, and service center industries:
- Electronics component, assembly, systems, and interface/interconnect ATE (cable, PCB, and wireless)
- Material, geological, life-science, and food sciences; tissue imaging; penetrating scan and radar
Broadband cable and harness test and matching at manufacture and installation, and fault-over-life monitoring
Antenna matching and tuning

Software development kits, including code examples in MATLAB and MATLAB RF toolbox, LabVIEW, C, C#, and Python, are all available for download from Pico Technology’s GitHub pages. Examples include multiple instrument addressing and control.

Accessories

Pico VNA Accessories

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TA338 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
High-quality, robust flex-form cables with stainless steel connectors. These cables are flexible but tend to hold their form until intentionally moved to a new position. This enhances repeatability for bench measurements at fixed port locations or for test installations.

Flatness and phase variation are specified at up to 8.5 GHz when a straight cable is formed as one 360° turn around a 10 cm mandrel.

TA339 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
High-quality, robust flex-form cables with stainless steel connectors. These cables are flexible but tend to hold their form until intentionally moved to a new position. This enhances repeatability for bench measurements at fixed port locations or for test installations.

Flatness and phase variation are specified at up to 8.5 GHz when a straight cable is formed as one 360° turn around a 10 cm mandrel.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA340 is a premium PC3.5(m) to PC3.5(m) test port adaptor that allows a female test port to be changed to a male test port. PC3.5 connectors offer closer impedance tolerance than SMA

Using test port adaptors to change the gender of the test port is an easy and economical way to interface with both male and female DUTs. Bear in mind, however, that adding an adaptor increases measurement uncertainties.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA341 is a premium PC3.5(f) to PC3.5(f) test port adaptor that allows a male test port to be changed to a female test port. PC3.5 connectors offer closer impedance tolerance than SMA

Using test port adaptors to change the gender of the test port is an easy and economical way to interface with both male and female DUTs. Bear in mind, however, that adding an adaptor increases measurement uncertainties.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA342 is a standard SMA(m) to SMA(m) test port adaptor that allows a female test port to be changed to a male test port.

Using test port adaptors to change the gender of the test port is an easy and economical way to interface with both male and female DUTs. Bear in mind, however, that adding an adaptor increases measurement uncertainties.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA342 is a standard SMA(f) to SMA(f) test port adaptor that allows a male test port to be changed to a female test port.

Using test port adaptors to change the gender of the test port is an easy and economical way to interface with both male and female DUTs. Bear in mind, however, that adding an adaptor increases measurement uncertainties.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA344 calibration kit provides the elements for performing Short–Open–Load and Through calibrations for VNA measurements. Pico offers two grades of 50 Ω short, open, load and thru (SOLT), 4-piece, 5-port calibration kits in both male and female genders. All kits have high-performance tight tolerance stainless steel interface connectors. Kits are supplied as an assembled five-port “Ұ” SOLT, either male or female. They can be disassembled for individual usage, or for refurbishment should a calibration standard be damaged. Each SOLT is supplied with traceable calibration data linked to the kit serial number, and is supplied in a protective carry case.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA345 calibration kit provides the elements for performing Short–Open–Load and Through calibrations for VNA measurements. Pico offers two grades of 50 Ω short, open, load and thru (SOLT), 4-piece, 5-port calibration kits in both male and female genders. All kits have high-performance tight tolerance stainless steel interface connectors. Kits are supplied as an assembled five-port “Ұ” SOLT, either male or female. They can be disassembled for individual usage, or for refurbishment should a calibration standard be damaged. Each SOLT is supplied with traceable calibration data linked to the kit serial number, and is supplied in a protective carry case.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA346 calibration kit provides the elements for performing Short–Open–Load and Through calibrations for VNA measurements. Pico offers two grades of 50 Ω short, open, load and thru (SOLT), 4-piece, 5-port calibration kits in both male and female genders. All kits have high-performance tight tolerance stainless steel interface connectors. Kits are supplied as an assembled five-port “Ұ” SOLT, either male or female. They can be disassembled for individual usage, or for refurbishment should a calibration standard be damaged. Each SOLT is supplied with traceable calibration data linked to the kit serial number, and is supplied in a protective carry case.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA347 calibration kit provides the elements for performing Short–Open–Load and Through calibrations for VNA measurements. Pico offers two grades of 50 Ω short, open, load and thru (SOLT), 4-piece, 5-port calibration kits in both male and female genders. All kits have high-performance tight tolerance stainless steel interface connectors. Kits are supplied as an assembled five-port “Ұ” SOLT, either male or female. They can be disassembled for individual usage, or for refurbishment should a calibration standard be damaged. Each SOLT is supplied with traceable calibration data linked to the kit serial number, and is supplied in a protective carry case.

TA430 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA430 CHK-INS-MF is a check standard for use with an insertable DUT, with a male and a female port that can be used to validate the accuracy of a network analysis test setup and its calibration before and during or after measurements are made. Akin to the Beatty line, each check standard is a short length of mismatched line (75 mm of 25 Ω) with a predictable, smooth and stable mismatch and transmission characteristic that spans the frequency range of the PicoVNA 106 and 108. These devices validate system measurement accuracy in the presence of high and varying mismatch and thus present a demanding validation on which to base confidence in a setup.

A comparison utility is provided in the PicoVNA 2 software to evaluate the comparison against a combination of specified measurement uncertainties for the device, test leads and instrument. Each check standard is supplied with Touchstone measurement data on USB memory. The data is traceable via PC3.5 standards to national standards. The supplied Touchstone measurement data is compatible with and can be used to manually validate a measurement of any manufacturer’s VNA.

TA431 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA431 CHK-NON-F is a check standard for use with a noninsertable DUT, with a female to female port that can be used to validate the accuracy of a network analysis test setup and its calibration before and during or after measurements are made. Akin to the Beatty line, each check standard is a short length of mismatched line (75 mm of 25 Ω) with a predictable, smooth and stable mismatch and transmission characteristic that spans the frequency range of the PicoVNA 106 and 108. These devices validate system measurement accuracy in the presence of high and varying mismatch and thus present a demanding validation on which to base confidence in a setup.

A comparison utility is provided in the PicoVNA 2 software to evaluate the comparison against a combination of specified measurement uncertainties for the device, test leads and instrument. Each check standard is supplied with Touchstone measurement data on USB memory. The data is traceable via PC3.5 standards to national standards. The supplied Touchstone measurement data is compatible with and can be used to manually validate a measurement of any manufacturer’s VNA.

TA518 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
Minimized as far as possible, the manual calibration process involves several torqued connect/disconnect operations and a manual loading of unique data files for each standard. The E-Cal SOLT calibration process reduces this to just one connection by internally switching its calibration standards. The process becomes automatic and highly repeatable, with power, control and data read all managed by the PicoVNA software over a USB interface.

TA519 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
Minimized as far as possible, the manual calibration process involves several torqued connect/disconnect operations and a manual loading of unique data files for each standard. The E-Cal SOLT calibration process reduces this to just one connection by internally switching its calibration standards. The process becomes automatic and highly repeatable, with power, control and data read all managed by the PicoVNA software over a USB interface.

TA520 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
Minimized as far as possible, the manual calibration process involves several torqued connect/disconnect operations and a manual loading of unique data files for each standard. The E-Cal SOLT calibration process reduces this to just one connection by internally switching its calibration standards. The process becomes automatic and highly repeatable, with power, control and data read all managed by the PicoVNA software over a USB interface.

TA354 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA354 is an 18 GHz "within series" 50 Ω adaptor from PC3.5 plug (f) to PC3.5 plug (m).

PQ186 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The Pico PQ186 Network Metrology Training Kit includes N(m) to SMA(f) inter-series adaptors, SMA(m-m) test leads and fixed SMA wrenches – all that the student will need to pair with a PicoVNA to begin their practice learning. Printed circuit layout of the Network Test PCA is generic to support modification to alternative passive network and components.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
This demonstrator kit includes Pico’s now widely respected Standard SMA professional grade test leads, a female SOLT calibration kit and an SMA non-insertable female to female Check Standard; both with reference data, traceable back to national standards.

This kit can realise and verify the full measurement capability and accuracy of a PicoVNA. High-quality, low-uncertainty measurements can then be made, suiting this training investment to much wider application within research and doctorate projects. Accurate measurement can also establish accurate reference and error terms in the measurements that students are making when using the PQ186 Training kit.

Series Neues Modell Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
This demonstrator kit includes Pico’s now widely respected Precision PC3.5 professional grade test leads, a female SOLT calibration kit and an SMA non-insertable female to female Check Standard; both with reference data, traceable back to national standards.

This kit can realise and verify the full measurement capability and accuracy of a PicoVNA. High-quality, low-uncertainty measurements can then be made, suiting this training investment to much wider application within research and doctorate projects. Accurate measurement can also establish accurate reference and error terms in the measurements that students are making when using the PQ186 Training kit.

PQ189 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
Available as a replacement part to our PQ186 Network Metrology Training kit.

This item is made available so that damaged items can be replaced or so that existing test leads and standards can be used by preference and without unnecessary cost.

This low-cost printed circuit accessory hosts a variety of example lumped element, active and passive and transmission line DUTs and end-of-line SOLT (short-open-load and through) calibration standards.

TA050 Measurement Accessory by Pico Technology — Be the first to write a review
The TA050 attenuator set consists of four coaxial attenuators designed for use with signals up to 1 GHz. Each attenuator has a male and a female BNC connector.

Usage note The TA050 attenuators must be used with a matched 50 Ω source and load. If you wish to attenuate a signal before feeding it into a high-impedance measuring instrument, you must add a 50 Ω feedthrough terminator such as the Pico Technology TA051 feedthrough terminator.

Downloads

Downloads

Datasheet

Adobe PDF

PicoVNA® 100 Series, data sheet

Language: English
Version: MM084.en-16
File Size: 7.29 MiB
Release Date: 02.05.2023

functions and specifications

Manual

Adobe PDF

PicoVNA Interface Wizard AWRDE, User Guide f. Interface f. AWR Design Environment

Language: English
Version: pv-awr-ug-1
File Size: 215.34 KiB
Release Date: 10.12.2019

The PicoVNA 106 Wizard for NI AWR is an application from Pico Technology that allows you to use the PicoVNA 106 6 GHz vector network analyzer with AWR Design Environment (AWRDE).

Adobe PDF

PicoVNA series, Quick Start Guide

Language: English
Version: DO296-6
File Size: 3.23 MiB
Release Date: 25.01.2022

Quick Start Guide

Adobe PDF

PicoVNA series, User Guide

Language: English
Version: pvug-7
File Size: 4.33 MiB
Release Date: 15.07.2022

User Guide

Guide

Adobe PDF

PicoVNA series, Programmers Guide

Language: English
Version: pvpg-4
File Size: 747.68 KiB
Release Date: 17.12.2021

Programmers Guide

Reviews