Introduction; Via Bravo Mri Highlights; Using This Manual - AEA VIA Bravo MRI Operating Manual

1 Introduction

1.1 VIA Bravo MRI Highlights

The VIA Bravo MRI analyzer measures complex impedances of electrical components,
cables, antennae, and MRI Tx and Rx coils. The results of the measurements are displayed
graphically, with some numeric detail. You can choose to display the impedance from among
several formats. The VIA Bravo MRI sweeps across a range of frequencies, or operates in
CW. Either way, the display is continuously updated with new measurement results.
This unit has many applications, including:
1. Tune coils/antenna and their feed systems.
2. Measure Z, Phase Angle, Resistance, and/or Reactance of a load or circuit.
3. Portable and economic replacement for network analyzer applications that measure
S11.
4. Find resonant frequency.
5. CW signal generator.
Two plots may be simultaneously viewed on the same graph. The VIA Bravo MRI
connects to your PC with the VIA-RTD Software to view results on a multi color, large screen
display in an X-Y plot format.
The Z-altering effects of coax cable can be nulled out so that the load at the end of the
coax is displayed. The VIA Bravo MRI operates over a wide range of characteristic
impedances, so you are not limited to measuring 50 ohm systems.
The VIA Bravo MRI periodically self calibrates during operation. The VIA Bravo MRI
determines when recalibration is required and displays the marquee screen with a
"CALIBRATING" message during the calibration. The unit begins measurements after a few
seconds. This does not occur if you are "Cable Null" mode.
Operator conveniences include: non-volatile storage, auditory cues, back lit display,
display contrast adjustment, and versatile output displays.
Included accessories are the VIA-RTD Software, a power pack, a serial port cable and a
soft case with shoulder strap.

1.2 Using This Manual

Throughout this manual, references are made to FREQ and WIDTH keys. Each of these
keys has an UP or DOWN option. The operator selects the up or down arrow keys depending
on desired results.
Certain words that appear as all capitals (FREQ, WIDTH, ON, OFF EXAM/PLOT,
ENTER) refer to keys on the VIA Bravo MRI keypad. Other capitalized "words" are acronyms
(VIA, SWR, MRI, CW, etc).
VIA is an acronym for Vector Impedance Analyzer, SWR stands for Standing Wave
Ratio, CW for Continuous Wave, and of course, MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Image
(...er, ...ing).
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