My version of N2PK Vector Network Analyzer

60KHz to 60MHz. laboratory quality Vector Network Analyzer

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 including Measurement bridge and Deluxe Wooden Accessories Box.

The Vector Network Analyzer is made to order.

In addition assembling service of the VNA main PCB is available.

For details, please contact me.

The VNA set includes:

- VNA completely assembled, boxed and tested, ready to use.

- BNC, SMA, N, connector options.(BNC standard)

- Measurement bridge.

- Deluxe wooden accessories box. Including set of OSL calibration   standards, connector adapters and coaxial test cables.

- High speed USB cable.

- Technical information. CD-ROM

Accessories: (see below)

- Solid State RF switch for S-parameters test set

- 0-71dB step attenuator.

- General purpose mini measurement bridge.

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.

N2PK Vector network analyzer comparison.
by Rudy Severns N6LF

Hardware

In order to build the N2PK VNA I use the dual detector PCB, current version 5xx, from Ivan Makarov VE3IVM, designed under supervision of the author.
All information about the board can be found at http://www.makarov.ca/vna.htm.
To keep the published performance all parts used in the assembly comply with the author specifications.
All assembled boards are subject to a 24 hours burn test. Graphic test plots of the burn test are supplied to the customer.

Specifications:

- Frequency range: 60KHz to 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 over 50 Ohm

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

- Master Oscillator: Connor- Winfield 156.250MHz.

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

- PC interface: High speed USB v2.0

- Power Supply:Dedicated external 12V /500mA min.

- Enclosure Hammond model 1455T1601

- Size: 163mmx160mmx51.5mm.(6.417x6.29x2.028in)

Software

“My VNA” by Dave Roberts G8KBB.
It works with both Windows 32-bits and 64-bits operating systems. Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 are supported.
The drivers for the 64-bits systems are digitally signed with Verisign key for Windows users.
Software, USB drivers and utility tools together periodically updates with new features can be found at his web site:

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

DOS-based program from N2PK can not work with the Makarov v 5xx boards because the software was written for parallel port type of interface that is not supported.

My assenbled boards come with the USB chip firmware.
The user only need install the USB drivers according with his operate system the first time that the USB cable is plugged on the computer.

MyVNA Quick_Start_Guide (v0.63)
by Dave Roberts G8KBB.

My VNA Graphic User Interface

"My VNA" Software features:

• Reflection, Transmission or Dual detector scans

• S Parameter measurements with 5,6,10 or 12 term correction

• Automated Crystal Equivalent Circuit measurement

• Full transverter support

• Ability to load & store traces in multiple file formats

• Full set of display modes including Smith Charts and Polar displays

• Signal and sweep generator mode

• Integrated support for parallel and USB connection

• Runs under W98, ME, W2000, XP,Vista and W7 32/64 bits

• Basic, CDS, Harmonic Suppression and 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 harmonic modes

• Manual and automatic tracking markers with marker arithmetic

• Scans of up to 50,000 points per scan

• Averaging up to 10,000 readings per point

• Print & Windows clipboard copy support

• Switch and attenuator functions with manual or automated switching for S   parameter test set
.
• Test mode for I/O lines in parallel or USB mode

• RF IV & Reference Modes

• Logarithmic or linear scans and displays

• Drag & drop file import

• Network Client / Server for remote operation

• Vector Voltmeter (VVM)

• On screen cursors may be displayed in rectangular displays

• Arbitrary equation editor allows user defined functions to be created

• Basic network simulation

•TDR mode

Front view. BNC connectors with protective anti-dust caps (included)
BNC, N or SMA connectors option available. Standard is BNC type.

The Deluxe Wooden Accessories Box (included)

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.

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

SMA connectors

N connectors bidge

SMA connectors bridge

Type: SPDT Absortive. solid state (no relays)
Frequency range: 10KHz - 150MHz.
Insertion loss: see plot.
Isolation: 100dB (RF1-RF2)
VSWR: 1.2 typ.
IP3: 52dBm typ.
RF power rating: 2 watts.
Switch control: 1 bit
Switching time (ON-OFF): 35nS.
Power supply: 3V-5VDC/1mA
Connector options: SMA or BNC
Dimensions: SMA 74x37x20mm(2.91x1.45x0.78in) BNC 74x37x30(2.91x1.45x1.18in)

Isolation RF1 - RF2

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)

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
- Connector options: SMA or BNC
- Size: SMA 55mmx37mmx20mm (2.165 x 1.457x 0.787 in); BNC 55mmx37mmx20mm (2.16 x 1.45x 1.18 in)

Mini Z bridge data sheet.