What is a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and what is it used for?

A vector network analyzer (VNA) is a key instrument in the evaluation of radiofrequency (RF) devices and coaxial cables, as it analyzes how high-frequency signals are transmitted and reflected through a device under test (DUT). 

Copper Mountain VNAs are known for their precision and portability, with models covering a wide frequency range from 9 kHz to 330 GHz. They are ideal for applications in telecommunications, research, and development.

A USB VNA, such as those from Copper Mountain, generates RF signals that are applied to the DUT to measure transmitted and reflected signals, separating signals traveling in opposite directions on a transmission line. The bridges in the VNA split these signals between two ports, and its receivers analyze the incoming and outgoing waves. By normalizing magnitudes and phases, the VNA can predict the DUT's behavior under various impedance conditions, which is essential for accurate and reliable evaluation.

VNA Applications in the RF Industry

VNAs are widely used for:

• Evaluating RF amplifiersThey measure gain, return loss, and stability.
• Analyzing RF filters They assess parameters such as insertion loss (S21) and return loss (S11), as well as measure passband and rejection in a single test.
• Measuring antennas They evaluate reflection to determine radiation efficiency using the S11 parameter or VSWR.
• Measuring cables and waveguides: Used in RF cable production, portable models allow performance verification directly on machines. They also analyze feedlines and waveguides, detecting damage or irregularities.
• Material testing: Millimeter-wave VNAs help measure dielectric properties, critical in radomes, antennas, and other component applications.

New Models: SC7540, SC5065, and SC5090

Copper Mountain has launched the new SC7540 VNA, a compact 2-port model with 75-ohm impedance and a frequency range up to 4 GHz.

This equipment is ideal for confined testing environments, offering precise measurements in limited spaces, making it an excellent option for small laboratories or production areas requiring high precision without compromising space.

Additionally, the SC5065 y SC5090 models have been introduced to replace the models being discontinued.

With an expanded frequency range of 6.5 GHz and 9 GHz, respectively, the SC5065 and SC5090 represent a significant upgrade in Copper Mountain's VNA technology, allowing users to meet the most demanding requirements in high-frequency device testing. These new versions not only improve stability and accuracy in measurements but are also designed to support advanced RF applications, facilitating the analysis and verification of a wide variety of devices and cables.