My implementation of N2PK Vector Network Analyzer

60kHz to 60MHz. laboratory quality Vector Network Analyzer

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

After evaluation, I am offering to Radio Amateurs either assembling and testing service of the VNA PCB boards or ready to use boxed version including OSL calibration kit, Measurement bridge and Deluxe Wooden Accessories Box.

The VNA boxed version set includes:

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

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

- Assembled measurement bridge.

- 0-71dB variable step attenuator, ladder configuration, 1dB resolution.

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

- High speed USB cable.

- Builder technical information in CD-ROM.

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

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: https://groups.io/g/N2PK-VNA/topics

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

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.

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

The Hardware. VNA core board.

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 https://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 together documentation

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 or equivalent.

- 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.

- Aluminium enclosure: Hammond model 1455T1601

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

The Software application "My VNA" by Dave Roberts G8KBB

https://www.g8kbb.co.uk/html/myvna.html

My VNA terms and conditions. End-user license agreement for myVNA. by Dave Roberts G8KBB.	MyVNA User Manual (v1.0.5) by Dave Roberts G8KBB.

"My VNA" Graphic User Interface snapshot
(click on picture to enlarge)

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.

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: BNC standard. SMA or N connectors option available.
External Dimensions: (H,W,D): 30x37x148mm (1.18x1.45x5.82in)

Features:
- Attenuation cells: Minicircuits PAT series (DC-7GHz)
- Power rating: 1-Watt (30dBm) max NO DC IN CIRCUIT.
- Impedance: 50 Ohms
- Bandwidth: DC-1GHz.
- Connectors: standard: BNC, optional: N, SMA
- External dimensions: 148mmx37mmx30mm(5.827x1.457x1.181in)

Step Attenuator response plot.
(click on picture to enlarge)

9MHz CW Xtal roofing filter
Transmission-Return loss

160m, 80m, 40m BPF
Transmission mode

10.7 MHz crystal BPF response.

Working on Very Low Frequencies.
3kHz-9kHz band pass filter plot

Working on Very Low Frequencies.
3kHz band pass filter plot.

Working on Low Frequencies.
50kHz-100kHz band pass filter plot.

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)

Some examples of customize versions

N connectors

SMA connectors

N connectors bidge

SMA connectors bridge

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.