Pico VNA Accessories
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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.
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.
Downloads
Datasheet
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
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).
PicoVNA series, Programmers Guide
Language: English
Version: pvpg-4
File Size: 747.68 KiB
Release Date: 17.12.2021
Programmers Guide
PicoVNA series, Quick Start Guide
Language: English
Version: DO296-6
File Size: 3.23 MiB
Release Date: 25.01.2022
Quick Start Guide
PicoVNA series, User Guide
Language: English
Version: pvug-7
File Size: 4.33 MiB
Release Date: 15.07.2022
User Guide