PicoVNA® 100 Series vector network analyzers

Vector network analysis for the many

Once the domain of an elite few, microwave measurement has encroached into the lives of scientists, educators, surveyors, inspectors, engineers and technicians alike. Today’s

microwave measurements need to be straightforward, portable, accurate, cost-effective, easy to learn and as fast and automated as possible.

PicoVNAs are all-new, UK-designed, professional USB-controlled, laboratory grade vector network instruments of unprecedented performance, portability and value for money.

Despite their simple outline, small footprint and low cost, the instruments boast a four-receiver architecture to minimize the uncorrectable errors, delays and unreliability of internal

transfer switches.

The PicoVNA 108 delivers an exceptional dynamic range of 124 dB at 10 Hz (118 dB for the PicoVNA 106) and less than 0.006 dB RMS trace noise at its maximum operating

bandwidth of 140 kHz. The instruments can also gather all four S-parameters at each frequency point in just 182 µs (PicoVNA 106) or 189 µs (PicoVNA 108), or S

11 + S21 in less

than 100 µs. In other words, a 201 point 2-port .s2p Touchstone file in less than 38 ms or up to two .s1p files in less than 20 ms. Their low price makes them cost-effective as

deep dynamic range scalar network analyzers or single-port vector reflectometers as well as full-function dual-port, dual-path vector network analyzers. They are affordable in the

classroom, in small businesses and even in amateur workshops, yet capable of meeting the needs of all users up to the laboratory or production test technician or the metrology

expert.

Vector Network Analysis in the field, the work place or as embedded function

The PicoVNAs’ small size, light weight and low cost suit them to field service, installation test, embedded and

classroom applications. With their remote automation capability, they are also attractive in applications such as:

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Test automation, including multiple VNA control and measurement

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Manufacturers needing to integrate a reflectometry or transmission measurement core

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Inspection, test, characterization and calibration in the manufacture, distribution and service center industries

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Electronics component, assembly and systems, and interface/interconnect ATE (cable, PCB and wireless)

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Material, geological, life science and food sciences; tissue imaging; penetrating scan and radar

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Broadband cable and harness test and matching at manufacture and installation, and fault-over-life monitoring

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Antenna matching and tuning

Software development kits, including code examples in MATLAB and MATLAB RF toolbox, LabVIEW, C, C# and

Python, are all available for download from Pico Technology’s GitHub pages. Examples include multiple instrument

addressing and control.

Metrology and working standard accessories

6 GHz and 8.5 GHz models

Teaching aids and CAD integrations

Multiple-unit remote control