Latest VNA offers more range, more functionality, says Pico Technology
Responded to customer feedback for more frequency range, more port power and dynamic range and more functionality, Pico Technology has introduced PicoVNA 108. The vector network analyser (VNA) is in the same low cost, small footprint and portable format as earlier versions. It provides new “save on trigger” synchronisation for multiple measurements, for example with changing conditions or multiplexed measurement routings. This, combined with convenient integrated bias-Ts, speeds batch test and device characterisations, says the company. It has also added offset frequency capability to the quad RX four-receiver architecture, and synchronisation and control of the PicoSource AS108 8 GHz agile synthesiser from within the PicoVNA 3 software. The partnership allows RF mixer and RF/IF system characterisations using the PicoVNA 108. Other popular third-party signal generators are also supported.
The PicoVNA 108 can deliver all four s-parameters in as little as 190 microseconds, with high dynamic range and accuracy. The VNAs are supported with SMA and PC3.5 calibration standards and test leads, all with precision-machined stainless steel connectors.
PicoVNA software supports eight- or 12-term calibration, including the “unknown thru” method. Unwanted measurement contributions from feedlines or test jigs can be eliminated using manual or auto-sensed reference plane shift, normalisation or de-embedded Touchstone, taken from either measurement or EM simulation. Fast Fourier time-domain transformation and impedance transformation are both included as standard. TDT / TDR plots have a system rise time down to 58 picoseconds and resistance and distance to fault readout out to over 100m.
Pico Technology has over 25 years’ experience in the design, development and manufacture of PC oscilloscopes and RF instrumentation.
The company has a portfolio of small footprint, high performance products and software. Models includes the PicoScope PC sampling oscilloscope range with bandwidths up to 25GHz, RF and microwave signal sources and probes, real-time oscilloscopes with fixed and flexible hardware resolutions up to 16 bits, deep buffer memories and mixed-signal capability, the TC-08 and PT-104 temperature data loggers and the multi-award-winning automotive oscilloscope kit.
