M0WWA_vna

My version of N2PK VNA

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Since I introduced my assembled versions of N2PK Vector Network Analyzer on my web site I received several inquires about the possibility of supplying it.

After evaluation, I am offering the VNA totally assembled, boxed and tested, ready to use with connectors option available.
( SMA,BNC, N).

It is made to order.

In addition PCB assembling service is available.

For details about or if you have any question, please feel free to contact me.

Two versions are available:

USB interface. Plug and Play (built in USB power supply).

Parallel Port interface. Externally powered.

60KHz to 60MHz. laboratory quality Vector Network Analyzer

Overview

I chose the N2PK VNA project for laboratory and antenna measurements due to its superior design, reliability and no less important the excellent support by the author Paul Kiciak N2PK, gives to builders and users through his forum:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/N2PK-VNA

Since the project published several years ago, hundreds of N2PK VNA have been built around the world for amateur and professional use, giving testimony of its excellent performances.

It is not only a VNA but also a “Lab in a box” that can perform others functions since it incorporates dual DDS generators and dual detectors. It is able to execute functions as RF generator, Sweep generator, Power detector, Vector voltmeter, IP3 measurements, Antenna Analyzer and many more.

You can find a set of comprehensive documentation about N2PK VNA on his web site at http://n2pk.com

Rudy Severns N6LF perform comparisons measurements of several VNA using different loads and an HP3577A VNA as a reference.

Vector network analyzer comparison.

In order to build the N2PK VNA I use the dual detector PCB board v4.3 Parallel Port that Ivan Makarov VE3IVM designed under supervision of the author. Information about the board can be found at http://www.makarov.ca/vna.htm To connect the VNA to an USB port on PC I designed and USB Adapter&Power Converter with built-in USB power supply. It allows connecting to a High Speed USB port instead the parallel port, powering at the same time the VNA, Plug and Play feature.

This architecture lets plug back to ParallelPort if is needed.

Several authors wrote code for the N2PK VNA. Among them I highly recommend “My VNA” by Dave Roberts G8KBB, for Windows users. His software package includes the 500mA USB driver needed for the USB Adapter&Power Converter, if is needed. He keeps periodically updated the software with new features at:

http://g8kbb.roberts-family-home.co.uk/html/n2pk_vna.html

The original N2PK VNA DOS based software program can be found at his web site.

In addition, you may find these of interest:

VNA4win by Roger Blackwell, GM4PMK, and Ian White, GM3SEK.
http://www.marsport.org.uk/vna4win/index.htm

Exeter by Greg Ordy, W8WWV.
http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Software/Exeter.htm

Zplots Dan Maguire, AC6LA.
http://ac6la.com/zplots.html

WinVNA13 by Joakim Soya, OZ1DUG.
http://www.oz6frs.dk/2004/Projekter/Igang/N2PK/N2PK_VNA.htm

The set comprises:

- Completely assembled dual detector VNA, boxed and tested, ready to use.

- USB or Parallel port version. BNC, SMA, N, connector options.

- Measurement bridge.

- Deluxe wooden accessories box, including set of OSL (Open-Short-Load) calibration standards connector adapters and no short-circuited metallic dust caps (BNC option only), RG 223 double Silver Plated Copper Braid Shields coaxial tails and High Speed v2 USB cable.

- Documentation CD ROM.

The VNA is delivery ready to use after a comprehensive functional performance lab test including 24 hours burning test run.

(Accessories are available at the bottom of this page.)

Features

To keep the published performance all parts used in the assembly comply with the author specifications.

- Frequency range: 0.05...60MHz

- Dynamic range: >120dB

- Number of detectors: 2

- Detector ports input impedance: 50 Ohm

- Detector ports Return Loss: 30 dB

- Detector ports input power: +10dBm

- Detector ports ADC resolution: 24 bit

- RF DDS port max output power +4 dBm

- Detector Resolution Bandwidth: Selectable from 7Hz to 3.4kHz

- Features: VNA, Dual RF signal, Sweep generator, Vector Voltmeter, Power Detector.

- PC interface: High speed USB v2 - Parallel Port.

- Power consumption: 5V 350mA, 12V 50mA

- Enclosure size: 23x17x5.5cm.(9.05x6.69x2.16in)

Some snapshots using "My VNA" program software by Dave Roberts G8KBB
(click to enlarge)


9MHz CW Xtal roofing filter Transmission-Return loss	160m, 80m, 40m BPF Transmission mode	Testing a cheap ECS-10.7-7.5B (2x2poles cascade) crystal filter Transmission at -3dB /-90dB /-120dB
Diamond W-8010 80m/40m/20m/15m/10m Trap Dipole Antenna plot. VSWR-Return Loss (Reflection mode) (Snapshot on Windows Vista OS)	VSWR-Xs (Reflection mode) (Snapshot on Windows Vista OS)	BroadCast Band (BCB) Rejection Filter (Transmission mode)
The SCR Preselector at 160m band (Transmission mode)	The SCR Preselector at 40m band (Transmission mode)	Titanic SCR Preselector (Transmission mode)

Some examples of customize versions

	N connectors version	SMA connectors version

	Mini-Z bridge embeded version	Embedded USB adaptor/Power converter

Measurement bridge

SMA or N connectors option available. Standard is BNC type.
Assembled in 0.5mm. tin plate enclosure providing more efficiency Faraday screening to electric and magnetic fields.
Original Mini-Circuits transformer coupling circuit covering the range of the instrument.
Connectors plug let to connect directly to the VNA front ports.
Range 60KHz to 60MHz.
Size: 11x3.8x2.8cm.(4.3x1.49x1.10in)

Optional general purpose measurement bridge option.

The Mini-Z Bridge is a general purpose measurement bridge designed to be allocated in the enclosure near the main board with shorten connections.
As general purpose bridge it can be use together with other measurement instruments up to 100MHz usable up to 150MHz.

Features:
- Impedance: 50
- Range: 50KHz to 100MHz (usable up to 150MHz)
- Directivity: Better than 50dB@50MHz; 40dB@100MHz
- Insertion loss: 13dB
- Size: 55mmx37mmx20mm (2.165 x 1.457x 0.787 in)
- Connectors: SMA

Mini Z bridge data sheet.

The Main Dual Detector board

4.3 version main board.
Screen walls among detectors and DDS sections.
DDS ICs and Valpey Fisher master oscillator cover by double heatsink.
(current version uses Connor- Winfield master oscillator)

USB adaptor&Power converter (built in USB power supply)

Parallel port to USB adaptor

Dual DC/DC converters for 5V and 12V to power the VNA from USB bus.

The Deluxe Wooden Accessories Box included with the set.

SMA or N connectors option available. (Connectors are Amphenol original)

Including OSL terminations standard, assorted BNC adaptors, no short-circuited metallic dust caps and RG 223 double Silver Plated Copper Braid Shields BNC-BNC coaxial leads.
High speed USB2.0 cable included on USB interface version.

Accesories

VHF/UHF Transverters.

The Vector Network Analyzer, covers the frequency range of 0.05...60MHz. To extend the range of frequencies to perform measurements on VHF/UHF frequencies, especially on 2m and 70cm bands transverters are used.
The up/down frequency translation is done in a narrow-band fashion and its working range is only limited by the frequency range of the mixers and bandpass filters. Quadrature signals are preserved over the frequency translation. It includes low phase noise custom LO oscillator for Up and Down conversions.

0 TO 71 dB step attenuator Ladder configuration.

Based on Minicircuits PAT+ series, wideband DC to 7GHz fixed ceramic attenuator cells, gives a precise reference of signal levels and improves matching between circuits.
Features 0dB to 71dB in 1 dB step through eight high quality low stray capacitance STS, sub miniature Toggle Switches, to switchover 1dB-2dB-3dB-5dB-10-dB-10dB-20dB-20dB.
Power Rating: 1Watt
Impedance: 50 Ohm.
Connectors are high quality Amphenol original. (SMA or N connectors option available)
External Dimensions: (H,W,D): 30x37x148mm, 1.18x1.45x5.82in)

Mini Low Pass Filter

Range of eleven Low Pass Filter covering from 300KHz to 500MHz
Esential on measurement applications, Receivers , RF Generators, Local oscillators, RF amplifiers, RF mixers.
- Topology: Passive, 7th order, Elliptic
- Input/Output impedance: 50 Ohm.
- Insertion loss: < 0.3 dB
- Sharp roll-off, Stop band attenuation: >75dB typical.
- Power rating: 27dBm
- Connectors: BNC or SMA available
- Size: 56mmx20mmx20mm( 2.205x0.787x0.787in)

Range of frequencies: (3dB cutt-off frequency)

- 300KHz
- 600KHz
- 1.5MHz

- 3MHz
- 6MHz
- 15MHz

- 30MHz
- 60MHz
- 150MHz

- 300MHz
- 500MHz

250 mW Pad attenuators range

Range of attenuators based on Susumu wideband DC to 3GHz fixed PAD series showing excellent high frequency characteristics.
Thin film metalization technology provides very stable characteristics over temperature and time. Esential on measurement applications, suitable for Receivers , RF Generators, Local oscillators, RF amplifiers, RF mixers.
Range of 1dB, 2dB, 3dB, 5dB, 6dB, 10dB, 20dB.

- Impedance: 50 Ohms ± 0.3dB
- Attenuation: nominal.
- VSWR: 1.2 max.
- Power rate: 250mW (24dBm)
- Size: 48mmx20mmx20mm( 1.89x0.787x0.787in)

100 Watts 40dB Tap attenuator

Lets to measure or display the signal of high power transmitters
The Tap attenuator extends the range of measurement of any instrument such as Logarithmic Detectors, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, RF voltmeters, etc
For example if a Logarithmic Detector with +10dBm range is connected to the Tap attenuator if range extends to 50dBm or 100Watts.
Configuration: Three 50 ports. High power Input/Output, 40dB Att. Output.
Power Rating: 100Watts
Frequency response: DC to 500MHz 1dB
Connectors: N (Iput/Output high power); BNC att. output.
Size: 110mmx37mmx40mm( 4.331x1.457x1.575in)

The Vector Network Analyzer is made to order. For details, please contact me.