Featured Image

Optimizing VNA Measurement Speed

Sept. 29, 2020
Generally speaking, the measurement cycle for any VNA consists of three major components. As will be seen, some of the delay components are effectively fixed, while others depend upon the measurement parameters and thus may be optimized by the user.
Users of Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) often need to estimate and strive to optimize their instrument’s measurement speed. Many RF Engineers are interested in the tradeoffs between speed, accuracy and resolution in VNA measurements, especially those striving to achieve optimal automation of the instrument integrated in a larger measurement system or production environment. This application note details the determining factors for measurement cycle time in Copper Mountain Technologies VNAs.