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.