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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
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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)
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