PicoVNA® Vector Network Analyzers
The incredible PicoVNA: Low cost, high performance
The PicoVNA 106 and PicoVNA 108 are low cost, small footprint, USB controlled Vector Network Analyzers that offer up to 8.5 GHz of bandwidth with performance that punches well above their weight.
Accurate: With up to 124 dB of dynamic range and RMS trace noise of just 0.005 dB at maximum resolution bandwidth, you know that what you are recording is a true reflection of the device you are measuring.
Fast: Capable of up to 5500 dual-port S-parameter measurements per second; that is, creating a 201-point two-port .s2p file takes less than 38 ms.
Affordable: Not only is the unit itself excellent value, calibration kits are highly affordable and easily repairable, keeping total cost of ownership low.
Reliable: The quad-RX architecture minimizes uncorrectable errors and delays.
Simple: Automated calibration with the E-Cal kit makes it easier and faster to get up and running.
PicoVNA 5 software
The new PicoVNA 5 software makes measurements easy. The intuitive controls allow you to fully customize your viewports to your needs. Add a mix of frequency and time domain measurements, group markers across traces and configure readouts exactly how you need them.
Because PicoVNA is USB controlled, it is simple to save data to your drive — in a number of different formats including .csv and .s2p — to use with other software or share with your team.
For those who want to control their PicoVNA remotely, or perhaps want to run automated tests, the PicoSDK is also available with PicoVNAs. Control can be by either API calls or standard SCPI commands, and you can control multiple instruments at once.
The SDK works with Labview, MATLAB, Python and C/C++/C#. As you would expect, there are many examples to get you started on the Pico GitHub.
Simple, fast calibration
Calibrating your VNA can be a time-consuming and error-prone process, particularly for those new to microwave measurements. Using the automated Pico E-Cal can reduce errors and uncertainties, as well as increasing productivity by speeding up the calibration process, even while improving the quality of the resulting calibration.
Manual SOLT calibration kits are also available, with both male and female models and either standard (SMA) or premium (3.5 mm) connectors, and the Pico VNA 5 software will guide you through the whole process to minimize errors.
PQ187 calibration kit
All Pico cal kits and check standards, whether automated or manual, are individually characterized using the more accurate TRL (through, line, reflect) calibration type. The kits are supplied with S-parameter data, allowing you to transfer the high quality characterization to your instrument as you calibrate it. This characterization process reduces the manufacturing cost of the cal kits without compromising on calibration quality; in fact, the correct port match is an excellent 46 dB typical on both source and load ports.
PicoVNAs support many calibration methods, including 8- and 12-term calibration, unknown through and also TRL and TRM (Through, Reflect, Line/Match). TRL and TRM calibrations are used when measuring a DUT mounted on a substrate, so are perfect for your network that's already mounted to a PCB.
PicoVNAs have been designed with the professional user in mind, but that doesn't mean they can't be suitable for inexperienced hobbyists or students.
For educators, the Network Metrology Training Kit provides an ideal platform for covering all the basics of RF measurements. Included in the full kit is a PCB with a number of different circuits to test, plus a basic cal kit, N to SMA adaptors, SMA m-m and f-f adaptors, SMA test leads, a Pico wrench and a memory stick containing PicoVNA software (also available for download) and recommended software setups for use with the Kit.
Also included on the memory stick is comprehensive instructions demonstrating a huge variety of possible measurements, providing a great starting point for any RF training course or for self study.
The PCB itself has over ten different circuits. At one end of the board is a feed line based SOLT (short, open, load, through), for a different method of calibration. There is also a 25 Ω mismatched Beatty line, low pass and band pass Butterworth filters, an attenuator, a 6 dB power divider and space for adding your own 0603 component for testing. The final item on the board is a 6 GHz broadband amplifier (requires external +5 V DC supply, not supplied).
Paired with a PicoVNA, it provides an introduction to VNA measurements and high frequency design. Once the basics have been grasped, it also allows demonstration of more complex topics such as P1dB and AM to PM conversion.
To take it one step further, Pico has partnered with Cadence AWR Microwave Office. The PCB files for the Network Metrology Training Kit are available to import to Microwave Office so you can compare simulations and real-world measurements. Even better, Pico's Cadence AWR DE Interface wizard allows you to import VNA measurements to enhance your simulation.
Network metrology training kit
Get connected
Your PicoVNA comes bundled with everything to get the unit up and running: USB 2 cable, a power supply (12 V 3.5 A universal supply), two RF combination spanners and a sturdy carry case to keep it all in, plus a USB drive with the PicoVNA software and digital copies of the user guide. Measurement cables are available separately - see the accessories page for details.
