pico Technology PicoVNA 5 User Manual

Vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA

Vector Network Analyzers

PicoVNA 5 User's Guide

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Page 1 PicoVNA ® Vector Network Analyzers PicoVNA 5 User's Guide...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Contents . Safety . . Symbols ......... .
Page 3 .8. . Display preferences ....... .8. . Data preferences and interpolation options ....Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 4 . . . Enhanced isolation calibration ......Calibrating for highest accuracy during time domain measurements ..v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 5 . . . SCPI Command Reference ......6 . . Binary data broadcasts (data retrieve only) ..... . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 6: Safety
Pico Technology. Protection provided by the product may be impaired if used in a manner not speci ed by the manufacturer.
Page 7: Maximum Input/Output Ranges
AC or DC voltage between the instrument’s ground and the point to which you intend to connect Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 8: External Connections
To prevent injury or death, do not use the VNA or an accessory in wet or damp condi- tions, or near explosive gas or vapor. CAUTION To prevent damage, always use and store your VNA or accessory in appropriate envi- ronments. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 9: Care Of The Product
The product and accessories contain no user-serviceable parts. Repair, servicing and calibra- tion require specialized test equipment and must only be performed by Pico Technology or an approved service provider. There may be a charge for these services unless covered by the Pico three-year warranty.
Page 10: Quick Start Guide
Chapter Quick start guide Software installation Windows . Obtain the PicoVNA software from www.picotech.com/downloads . Follow the instructions in the installer. . Once the software is installed, connect the PicoVNA instrument to the computer and open the software. macOS . Obtain the PicoVNA software from www.picotech.com/downloads.
Page 11: Setting The Measurement Parameters
An example of such a control is shown in Figure . . Values can be input by typing, using the popup increment controls, or by hovering over the control and using the mouse scroll wheel. Figure . : Measurement span controls. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 12: Setting Up The Display
For more options, refer to Chapter . Figure . : The axis options pop-up context menu, for con guring the measurement parameter and plot type of that axis. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 13: Loading Or Performing A Calibration
“Searching for devices” dialog appears, click on “Demo mode”. On the next screen, the software will offer a selection of demonstration measurements. When a demonstration measurement is selected, the software will enter demo mode. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 14: Vector Network Analyzer Basics
Chapter Vector network analyzer basics A vector network analyzer (VNA) is used to measure the performance of circuits or networks such as ampli ers, lters, attenuators, cables and antennas. It does this by applying a test signal to the network to be tested, measuring the re ected and transmitted signals, and comparing them to the test signal.
Page 15 USB interface. The software running on the host com- puter carries out the mathematical processing and allows the display of measurement param- eters in many forms, including: • frequency domain • time domain • de-embedding utility Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 16: Structure Of The Vna
DUT to the Port receiver where its magnitude and phase are measured. The measurements at the Port and Port receivers are referenced to the measurements made by the Ref and Ref receivers so that any variations v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 17: Introduction To Measurement
For complex impedances the maximum power is transferred when the load impedance is the complex conjugate of the source impedance, as illustrated in Figure . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 18: S-Parameters
RF. Other parameters require the measurement of currents and voltages, which is dif cult at high frequencies. They may also require open circuits or short v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 19: Calibration And Error Correction
These sources of error are typically predictable and can be eliminated with a user calibration. Other sources of error, such as drift error and random errors, remain and mean that a user cali- bration must be performed each time accurate measurements are required. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 20: Calibration Procedure Overview
The VNA can determine the time domain response to a step input from a broad band frequency sweep at harmonically related frequencies. An inverse Discrete Fourier Transform is performed on the re ected frequency data (S ) to give the impulse response in the time domain. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 21: Background: Traditional Tdr
Also, by observing the position in time when the re ections arrive, it is possible to determine the distance to the impedance discontinuities. : Traditional TDR setup Figure . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 22 . . . Example: open-circuited ohm transmission line : Simpli ed representation of the response of an open line Figure . v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 23 A positive pulse indicates a connector that is inductive or damage to a cable, such as removal of part of the outer screen. A negative-going pulse indicates a connector with too much capacitance or damage to the cable, such as being crushed. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 24: Time Domain Measurements From A Vector Network Analyzer
∆t = In bandpass mode, the resolution is half that given by Equation . . Some examples of ranges and resolutions achievable in lowpass mode are given in Table . . v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 25: Bandpass Method
• No window, also known as the rectangular window. This is the default. • Hanning window, also known as the raised cosine window. • Kaiser-Bessel window. The order of the Kaiser-Bessel window is con gurable. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 26: Basic Operation
Chapter Basic operation The PicoVNA software allows you to program the measurement parameters and plot the mea- surement results in real time. The main window includes a status panel that displays informa- tion including calibration status, sweep status, sweep parameters, and trigger status. The PicoVNA main window The PicoVNA...
Page 27: Measurement Start/Stop
Sidebars can be closed either by clicking again on the corresponding controls in the lower right of the main window, or by pressing the X button in the top right of the sidebar. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 28: Con Guring Measurements Per-Plot
To open the axis options context menu, click anywhere in the left half of the legend for the axis, above the graph. The measurement parameter displayed on the plot axis, and the plot type, can be con gured via this pop-up context menu, shown in Figure . . v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 29 The reference position can be set by clicking on and dragging the triangular reference position indicator up or down on the corresponding plot axis. The reference position indicator is shown in Figure . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 30: Con Guring The Plot Layout
“Add Graph” button in the lower right. To remove a plot, press the corresponding X button for that plot; you will not be asked for con rmation before the plot is removed. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 31: Con Guring The Measurement Span
For frequency domain measurements, both the centre frequency and the span can be adjusted using the popup under the central control. : Measurement span controls. Figure . Memory PicoVNA software supports an unlimited number of memory traces. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 32: Creating A New Memory Trace
The visibility of individual memory traces can be controlled using the “eye” icon highlighted in Figure . . The visibility of all memory traces can be toggled simultaneously using the control under the “Show Memory Data” title, also highlighted in Figure . . v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 33: Per-Plot Memory Trace Visibility
One- or two-port data can be imported from Touchstone les (Touchstone v and v are supported). The data will be imported to a new memory channel; one memory channel is created per data import. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 34: Data Markers And Readouts
On Smith charts or polar linear charts, a readout only appears on the trace closest to the mouse cursor. The trace cursor can be useful when quickly inspecting a plot, although markers are often more useful for generating readouts at a precise frequency or set of frequencies. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 35: Placing, Editing And Deleting Markers
. . . The new readout can be con gured in addition to the existing readout (in which case the marker will be visible on both the original and new trace type) or the new trace type can replace Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 36: Marker Readouts
“Measurement point” title in the markers sidebar can be used to move the marker to sit exactly on the next previous or next measurement point. This function is only available for frequency domain markers. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 37: Marker Visibility
To temporarily toggle the visibility of a marker and its associated readout, click on the lter controls at the top of the readout panel, shown in Figure . . This can be useful for improving clarity when many markers and readouts are required. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 38: Marker Groups And Delta Readouts
Markers sidebar and are highlighted in Figure . Delta readouts are enabled by default when a group is created. They are displayed in the read- outs panel alongside other readouts. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 40: Measurement Enhancement
However, it may be necessary to reduce the test level, particularly when measuring active devices such as ampli ers. For maximum dynamic range, use the highest power setting. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 41: Receiver Measurement Bandwidth
• Sweep progress indicator size Can be used to make the sweep progress indicator appear smaller or larger on plots. • Show phase axis in calibration. When enabled, both log magnitude data and phase will be shown on calibration feedback graphs during manual calibrations. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 42: Data Preferences And Interpolation Options
To magnify a plot, open the plot options menu for that plot by clicking on the button in the lower right corner of the plot and click magnify. To stop magnifying, press “Stop Magnify” at the top v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 43: Span Zoom
Figure . 8 where the new plots have been changed to show phase. A span region can be deleted by selecting it and pressing the “Delete” button. Any plots showing only that span region will also be removed. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 44 Figure . 6: A new graph can be created in any of the available display slots (highlighted). v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 45 The sensitivity has been adjusted in the lower left plot to inspect pass-band ripple. Figure . 8: The plot type of the lower graphs can be changed to inspect the phase to be inspected in each of the span regions. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 46: Reset To Factory Default Settings
(any of: data, calibration, settings or all three), shown in Figure . . It is also possible to choose whether to overwrite the current workspace, or recall the le to a new workspace. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 47: Exporting Measurement Data
Trigger sidebar and ensure that a trigger signal is connected to the instrument’s rear panel Trigger terminal. The instrument supports either positive or negative edge trigger depending on the radio button selected on the main panel. The input impedance is kΩ. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 48: Manual Trigger
Section . . Note that the measured phase is relative to the calibration reference plane as discussed in Chapter . The reference plane can be shifted at any time using the De-embed sidebar. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 49: Insertion Loss/Gain
Figure . is likely to yield best results in terms of repeatbility by virtue of using only one test cable, thus reducing the effect of errors due to cable exing. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 50: Time Domain Measurements
Calibration for the highest accuracy in time domain instruments is disussed in • DC termination. Sets the DC termination (if known). Auto nds the DC termination through interpolation. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 51: Reverse Measurements On Two-Port Devices
The facility can be used, for example, to provide DC bias to an active device being measured. CAUTION To avoid causing permanent damage to the internal biasing circuit, do not exceed the voltage and current ratings. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 52: Exiting The Software
(following the procedure described in Section . . ) or discarded by resetting to factory default settings (as described in Section . . ). v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 54 Chapter Calibration The instrument must be calibrated before any measurements can be carried out. This is done by loading a previous calibration (using “My Calibrations”) or carrying out a fresh calibration. Overview Below is a summary of the calibration types supported by the PicoVNA software, together with the standards required to complete each calibration.
Page 55: Calibration Sequence
Figure . : The rst step when starting a new calibration: select the type of calibration to perform. Step : set the sweep parameters Next, select the measurement parameters for the new calibration. The frequency limits, receiver bandwidth, number of measurement points, and power level can be adjusted. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 56: Step : Select Or Import The Calibration Kits
You can select calibration kits that you have previously imported, or created using the calibration kit editor. Alternatively, you can import new calibration kits using the “Import Calibration Kit” button. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 57: Step : Carry Out The Calibration
Follow the instructions and steps in the wizard in order to carry out the calibration. The exact steps will depend on the type of calibration being performed. Figure . : The calibration wizard: follow the instructions in the wizard in order to carry out the calibra- tion. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 58: Step : Name And Save The Calibration
Equivalently, the lowest measurement frequency is equal to the step frequency. That is, all the measurement frequencies satisfy ( . ) = k f Meas Step for some k > 0. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 60: Advanced Operation: Fixture Removal And De-Embedding
Chapter 6 Advanced operation: Fixture removal and de-embedding Reference-plane offset The reference plane extension facility on the PicoVNA 6 and 8 allows the measurement ref- erence plane to be shifted away from that set during calibration. This can be useful in removing the effect of interconnecting cables or microstrip lines from measurements.
Page 61: Embedding Arbitrary Networks
The de-embed sidebar allows de-embedding and reference plane offset to be toggled on and off for both live data and memory data separately. This can be useful for comparing the results of measurements with and without de-embedding and reference plane offset applied. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 62: Remote Control And Apis
Chapter Remote Control and APIs There are three interfaces for programmatically controlling and retrieving data from the Pi- coVNA instrument: . API . SCPI . Binary data broadcasts (data retrieve only) The API allows the PicoVNA instrument to be controlled directly, without running the PicoVNA software.
Page 63: Scpi
If you give the name of a SCPI subtree, summary information about all commands in that SCPI subtree is given. If no argument is given, summary information is given for all commands. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 64: Scpi Command Reference
<instrument rmware version> To facilitate interoperability with other software, the value returned by this command may be modi ed using the SYSTem:IDENtify command. Example of string returned Pico Technology Ltd,PicoVNA-108,A0000.00000,5.2.4-0-0 . . . :*OPC?: *OPC? Returns ..
Page 65 <Average: BOOL> Whether or not averaging should be enabled on this channel..:CALCulate<Ch>:AVERaging:COUNT CALCulate:AVERaging:COUNT <NumAvgs: INT> Change the number of averages. Parameters <NumAvgs: INT> The new number of averages. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 66 # Get some data out. There will be a pause after running the first of these # commands while we wait for measurement to finish. The latter 3 will return # instantly. CALC:DATA S11,LOGMAG CALC:DATA S12,LOGMAG CALC:DATA S21,LOGMAG CALC:DATA S22,LOGMAG v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 67 Note that for group delay, Note that the rst value will always be NaN, because group delay cannot be computed for the rst measurement point..:CALCulate<Ch>:DATA:STIMulus? CALCulate<Ch>:DATA:STIMulus? Output the stimulus values for the given sweep segment..:CALCulate<Ch>:SMOothing CALCulate:SMOothing <Smooth: BOOL> Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 68 Afterwards, the new channel can be assigned a friendly name using CONFigure:CHANnel:NAME. Parameters [MemChanID: INT] The ID of the memory channel to write..:CHANnel<Ch>:MEMory:CATalog:COUNt?: CHANnel:MEMory:CATalog:COUNt? Print the number of existing memory channels. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 69 Get the ID of the channel associated with the given name, if any..:CONFigure:CHANnel<Ch> <OnOff: BOOL>:NAME?: Returns the name associated with the speci ed channel ID, if any. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 70 . . . :INITiate:CONTinuous: <Cont: BOOL>: Set the continuousness of measurements on this channel..8 :INITiate:CONTinuous: <Cont: BOOL>:ALL: Change the continuous measurement setting for all channels at once. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 71 . . . 8 :MARKer<M>:READOUT? <Type: (LOGMAG | LINMAG | PHASe | TD | REal | IMag | GD | VSWR)> <State: BOOL>: Query the readouts shown in the UI for this marker. Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 72 Query the bandwidth of the sweep..:SENSe:FREQuency:STARt <StartFreq: DOUBLE> Change the start frequency of the sweep..8 :SENSe:FREQuency:STARt? Query the start frequency of the sweep. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 73: Binary Data Broadcasts (Data Retrieve Only)
PicoVNA software in real-time. Data is broadcast by a server accepting connections on TCP port The data stream is broadcast in the following format: Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd v . .
Page 74 , the sweep will be stopped. The sweep may be restarted using the user interface, or via remote control (SCPI). This guarantees that updateFirstSweepIndex will be in the rst update that any binary data client receives. v . . Copyright © – Pico Technology Ltd...
Page 75 Room 2252, 22/F, Centro Im Rehwinkel 6 568 Hengfeng Road 30827 Garbsen Zhabei District Germany Shanghai 200070 PR China Tel: +49 (0) 5131 907 62 90 Tel: +86 21 2226-5152 info.de@picotech.com pico.asia-pacific@picotech.com www.picotech.com Copyright © 2023 Pico Technology Ltd. pv5ug-2...

pico Technology PicoVNA 5 User Manual

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