A Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) is an extremely useful tool for radio hobbyists as it allows you to measure and tune antennas and filters, as well as measure cables. The most affordable such instrument for some time has been NanoVNA.
NanoVNA V2 Vector Network Analyzer can be viewed as next updated version of NanoVNA. The NanoVNA V2 (aka S-A-A-2) is a vector network analyzer (VNA) with 50 kHz to 3 GHz frequency range.
The S-A-A-2/NanoVNA_V2 uses a similar user interface to the NanoVNA, but with a different technical architecture. The 50K-1500MHz frequency range of the si5351 direct output provides better than 70dB dynamic, The extended 150M-3000MHz band provides better than 60dB of dynamics, and S11 noise floor (calibrated): -50dB (up to 1.5GHz), -40dB (up to 3GHz)
Because I wanted a somewhat better VNA than NanoVNA, I decided to get NanoVNA V2. I ordered this product:
S-A-A-2 NanoVNA V2 50kHz – 3GHz 3.2 Inch Large Screen 3G Vector Network Analyzer S-A-A-2 NanoVNA V2 Antenna Analyzer Shortwave HF VHF UHF Measure Duplexer Filter
Here is my NanoVNA v2 in use for measuring RF Demo kit:
Portable and compact, easy to use and carry.
Measurement frequency range is 50KHz~3GHz.
High stability, high sensitivity, high accuracy, greatly improved performance.
Metal housing, 3.2-inch large screen is more accurate for touching, easy to operate, no need to connect power, get rid of the shackles of data cable, and can be used alone.
This product can reach 3GHz, can measure 2.4GHz antennas, can also measure duplexer, filter.
Specifications:
Material: PCB+metal
Main color: black+gold
Measurement frequency range: 50KHz-3GHz
System dynamic range (after calibration): 70dB (50k to 1.5GHz); 60dB (up to 3GHz)
S11 noise floor (after calibration): -50dB (up to 1.5GHz); -40dB (up to 3GHz)
Sweep rate: 100 points / second
Sweep points (on device): 10-201 points, adjustable
Sweep points (USB): 1-1024 points, adjustable
Power supply: USB, 4.6V–5.5V
RF port: SMA
USB interface: Micro USB
Display screen: 3.2-inch TFT
Battery: 1 * lithium battery, 1950mAh (included)
Port 2 return loss: ≥13dB (up to 3GHz), 20dB (up to 1.5GHz)
Display tracking: 4, Marking: 4, Setting save: 5
Operating ambient temperature: 0-45℃
Item size: 115 * 80 * 27mm / 4.5 * 3.1 * 1.1in
Note:
1. Software download: https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-QT/releases
2. User guide: https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-QT/raw/master/ug1101.pdf
I have tested only part of the features, but I must say that I like this new model. The better dynamic range and higher frequency range are very good features. This one comes with decent casing and internal battery. And the cost was in around same price range than NanoVNA was one year ago. NanoVNA V2 really feels like a huge improvement on the features I have tested over my old NanoVNA with old firmware in it.
This is a very decent product, delivered with USB cable, two semi-rigid extension cables, and open/short/load/through pieces. It is a fantastic piece of kit for the home RF lab. Price vs. funtionality blew my mind. Worth every penny, but doesn’t come close in performance to the high-end equipment.
Here are some videos on NanoVNA V2:
NanoVNA V2: Female Calibration Kit vs. Port Extensions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H2gpB30SXU
NanoVNA V2: RTL-SDR.com FM Bandstop Filter Measurements via NanoVNA QT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPRxjm2obdo
#318: NanoVNA comparison measuring a duplexer – NanoVNA-H4 and SAA-2N
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GipCVEsiqXc
NanoVNA V2: Measuring DIY Microstrip L-Band LNAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scU5MLnxBJ0
NanoVNA V2: Measurements of an Active Device (SAWbird+ NOAA) with NanoVNA-QT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCcygWhmPW0
NanoVNA V2 First Measurements V2: Log Spiral & Clover Antennas (Above 900 MHz & up to 3GHz)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqpGvYg1XDs
NanoVNA V2: RTL-SDR.com FM Bandstop Filter Measurements via NanoVNA QT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPRxjm2obdo
NanoVNA V2: Measuring DIY Microstrip L-Band LNAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scU5MLnxBJ0
NanoVNA V2: Rebuilding a Lodestar Variable Attenuator Switch Box
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJpLL6Y3SuU
#754 How To Use NanoVNA V2 To Find Antenna Resonant Frequency
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b88f_DEm5rg
TTT320 NanoVNA V2 Review and Comparison
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W03NaNt_bJA
37 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
View what is inside:
http://m1kta-qrp.blogspot.com/2020/06/nanovna-v2.html
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/nanovna-v2-now-readily-available-for-60-us-stock-available-at-rl/
Tomi Engdahl says:
NanoVNA V2 / SAA-2 / S-A-A-V2 / SAA-2N / All V2 flavours
Users discussion and Support Group
https://groups.io/g/NanoVNA-V2
Tomi Engdahl says:
NanoVNA V2 home page
https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Which NanoVNA Should I buy? – TheSmokinApe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNNtM_mUAqc
In the “Lid Tips” series where we discuss topics of intereast to Ham or Amateur Radio Operators. In this episode we discuss my buddy Stan and his desire to purchase a NanoVNA
Tomi Engdahl says:
NanoVNA V2: Female Calibration Kit vs. Port Extensions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H2gpB30SXU
In this video I make a comparison between 1 and 2 port device measurements when using a female calibration kit vs. a negative port extension to move the measurement plane back to the male SMA connector when using the stock NanoVNA V2 calibration kit. I observe that a negative port extension (negative electrical delay) is probably not a reliable way of making measurements with the NanoVNA V2, especially at microwave frequencies. I also provide some other recommendations for possibly de-embedding a 2-port device measured using a standard NanoVNA V2 calibration kit.
#317: NanoVNA Port Extension using the Electrical Delay setting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEPUePy_buM
Tomi Engdahl says:
NANOVNA V2 VIDEO TUTORIALS
https://qrznow.com/nanovna-v2-video-tutorials/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Use NanoVNA to measure coax length
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9thbTC8-JtA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9thbTC8-JtA)
Tomi Engdahl says:
#317: NanoVNA Port Extension using the Electrical Delay setting
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bEPUePy_buM
Julkaistu 30.7.2020
The user calibration, described in video #313 (https://youtu.be/x-tbvAbh9jk), establishes a calibration or reference plane for the complex reflection/impedance measurement on the VNA. If you need to use adapters, fixtures, cables, etc. to connect to you DUT, you may need to apply a port extension to move the calibration plane to the DUT end of these “additions”. This video discusses what a port extension is, why you might need it, and how to do it on the NanoVNA.
NanoVNA V2: Female Calibration Kit vs. Port Extensions
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=_H2gpB30SXU
Julkaistu 11.8.2020
In this video I make a comparison between 1 and 2 port device measurements when using a female calibration kit vs. a negative port extension to move the measurement plane back to the male SMA connector when using the stock NanoVNA V2 calibration kit. I observe that a negative port extension (negative electrical delay) is probably not a reliable way of making measurements with the NanoVNA V2, especially at microwave frequencies. I also provide some other recommendations for possibly de-embedding a 2-port device measured using a standard NanoVNA V2 calibration kit.
Tomi Engdahl says:
SMA connectors are rated for up to 500 mating cycles,[5] but to achieve this it is necessary to properly torque the connector when making the connection. A 5/16-inch torque wrench is required for this, set to 3–5 in·lbf (0.3 to 0.6 N·m) for brass, and 7–10 in·lbf (0.8 to 1.1 N·m) for stainless steel connectors.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMA_connector
Tomi Engdahl says:
Just as a note: when changing the span/center frequency, the VNA should be recalibrated.
You can find this out first the hard way
Tomi Engdahl says:
new document on caibration of SAA-2 and SAA2
http://www.hamcom.dk/SAA-2/Calibration_Tindie_SAA2_and_Hugen_SAA-2.zip
Tomi Engdahl says:
Upgrade you NanoVNA v2 to v2 plus (v2.3) to get 2x faster sweep (200 points/s) and noise improvements: https://github.com/eried/Research/tree/master/NanoVNA/v2/upgrade_v2.2_to_plus
Tomi Engdahl says:
NanoVNA V2 Plus
https://www.tindie.com/products/hcxqsgroup/nanovna-v2-plus/?utm_source=hackaday&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fromstore
3GHz second generation NanoVNA vector network analyzer, designed in collaboration with OwOComm.
Specifications:
Frequency range: 50kHz – 3GHz
System dynamic range (calibrated): 70dB (up to 1.5GHz), 60dB (up to 3GHz)
S11 noise floor (calibrated): -50dB (up to 1.5GHz), -40dB (up to 3GHz)
Sweep rate: 200 points/s (140MHz and above), 100 points/s (below 140MHz)
Display: 2.8”, 320 x 240
USB interface: Micro USB
Power: USB, 300mA
Battery: not included. Includes charging circuitry. User can install a 1000mAh – 2000mAh lithium-ion battery with maximum dimensions 6 x 40 x 60 mm.
Battery connector: JST-XH 2.54mm
Maximum sweep points (on device): 201
Maximum sweep points (USB): 1024
Port 2 return loss (1.5GHz): 20dB typ
Port 2 return loss (3GHz): 13dB min
VNA-QT software supported platforms: Linux, Windows (7+), Mac OS
VNA basics
A VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) measures the frequency dependent reflected and transmitted power of a high frequency network (RF Network).
The NanoVNA V2 measures the following:
Reflection coefficient: S11
Transmission coefficient: S21
The following items that can be calculated from these can be displayed:
Return loss
Insertion loss
Complex impedance
Resistance
Reactance
SWR
Performing measurements
The basic operation and menu structure of the NanoVNA V2 is identical to the original NanoVNA.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Brief comparison of NanoVNAV2 with a professional VNA HP-8753E
https://www.dd1us.de/Downloads/Brief%20comparison%20of%20NanoVNA%20V2%20with%20a%20professional%20VNA%20HP-8753E.pdf
The first results with the NanoVNA V2 are quite encouraging.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.keysight.com/upload/cmc_upload/All/Basics_of_RF_Amplifier_Test_with_VNA_pdf.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to properly use a NanoVNA V2 Vector Network Analyzer (Tutorial)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_pjcEKQY_Tk
Is this antenna good or bad, and for which frequency is it useful? A question I am often asked. Because a lousy antenna reduces the range of a device considerably. Or another question: Did the supplier cheat on this filter? At the end of this video, you will be able to answer these questions with confidence. And you know everything you always wanted to know about how to properly use a NanoVNA and the Smith Chart.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-versions.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to properly use a NanoVNA V2 Vector Network Analyzer (Tutorial)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pjcEKQY_Tk
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://nuclearrambo.com/wordpress/reveiwing-the-new-nanovna-v2-saa-2-part-1/
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to properly use a NanoVNA V2 Vector Network Analyzer & Smith Chart (Tutorial)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_pjcEKQY_Tk&feature=share
Tomi Engdahl says:
NanoVNA V2 [Review]-How to Perform Calibration and Measure an Antenna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ti218ZUgaE
NanoVNA-QT (PC software)- How to use VNA_QT Software
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp8hU7yRIYs&list=UUgDFPTh3yf3aNpTxGixYZXQ&t=0s
Tomi Engdahl says:
If you have common mode noise issues, the common mode ferrite chokes attenuation can be measured with NanoVNA as described on the below video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEsmarnM6nE
Comparing the NanoVNA with Rigol DSA815, I’ve got similar results.
Up to 0.4dB difference sounds good for the NanoVNA price.
Tomi Engdahl says:
#359 How to properly use a NanoVNA V2 Vector Network Analyzer & Smith Chart (Tutorial)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pjcEKQY_Tk
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://iz7boj.wordpress.com/2021/03/21/measurement-of-a-nooelec-fm-bandstop-filter-with-nanovna/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simple benchmark of NanoVNA v2 using a notch filter.
Not an exhaustive test, but I share it anyway ..
https://iz7boj.wordpress.com/2021/03/21/measurement-of-a-nooelec-fm-bandstop-filter-with-nanovna/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The NanoVNA does not have enough dynamic range to tune a duplexer properly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GipCVEsiqXc
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2-user-manual.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Here is a source for the original SAA2:
https://www.tindie.com/products/hcxqsgroup/nanovna-v2-plus4/
Here is info on clones etc of the SAA2:
https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Another new nanoVNA version:
NanoVNA V2 Plus4
4GHz 4 inch 90dB dynamic range vector network analyzer
https://www.tindie.com/products/hcxqsgroup/nanovna-v2-plus4/?utm_source=hackaday&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fromstore
NanoVNA V2 Plus4
https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2.html
4GHz second generation NanoVNA vector network analyzer, our own design.
The V2 Plus4 is a new design not based on the original NanoVNA, and uses 4GHz synthesizers instead of harmonics. The latest hardware version with 4″ display, aluminum case, higher dynamic range, and 4 times the sweep speed of the original V2.
Features:
up to 90dB dynamic range, can measure duplexers (see comparisons and specifications below)
4 inch display
4x faster sweep speed (400 points/s)
50kHz – 4GHz frequency range
1024 point sweep (with NanoVNA-QT software)
if DHL shipping is selected, includes 3200mAh 18650 battery
Accepts standard flat-top 18650 lithium-ion battery, includes on-board protection and charging
Note: All NanoVNA V2 versions switch on and off the test signal rapidly, can not measure crystals and can not be used as a signal generator.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://etn.fi/index.php/tekniset-artikkelit/13374-moniporttisten-rf-laitteiden-mittaus-onnistuu-2-porttisella-vektoripiirianalysaattorilla
Tomi Engdahl says:
NanoVNA SAA-2N Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCZuQcUr1hk
In this video, I did a comprehensive teardown of a S-A-A-2 NanoVNA (50kHz – 3GHz). Since the design of the S-A-A-2 is open-sourced, you can easily identify all the sub-circuits. You can get one from https://ban.ggood.vip/11peX High resolution pictures can be found at
http://www.kerrywong.com/2022/04/03/nanovna-saa-2n-teardown-pictures/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://github.com/nanovna-v2/NanoVNA2
Tomi Engdahl says:
Teardown of a LiteVNA Vector Network Analyzer
http://www.kerrywong.com/2022/03/22/teardown-of-a-litevna-vector-network-analyzer/
LiteVNA current has two versions: LiteVNA 62 and LiteVNA 64. Besides LCD screen sizes (2.8 inch for the 62 model versus 3.95 inch for the 64 model) and battery capacities (1.3 Ah for the 62 model versus 2 Ah for the 64 model), all other technical aspects are identical. The model I got here is the LiteVNA 62.
Unlike the NanoVNA-F V2 which is enclosed in a metal case, the LiteVNA comes in a plastic case with no additional shielding. But the build quality looks quite decent.
https://eleshop.eu/litevna.html
The LiteVNA is a portable 50 kHz – 6.3 GHz vector network analyzer which design is based on the NanoVNA and SAA2. This vna is designed to measure equipment reflection and transmission coefficients without the need for a large analyzer. The LiteVNA uses one mixer which enables S11 and S21 measurements through RF switching and TDR/DTF measurements through IFFT calculations.
The analyser has a 2.8″ touch-screen display that can show the measurements in 10-1001 data points. Furthermore, the analyser has a built-in 1300 mAh battery and can be connected to an android phone or PC. Connecting to a phone or PC allows for controlling the analyser and displaying the measurements.
Tomi Engdahl says:
LiteVNA 64
https://eleshop.eu/litevna-5341.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
RF Demystified: The Different Types of Scattering Parameters
Sept. 14, 2022
Development of RF applications relies heavily on S-parameters to describe integral structures and constituent RF components at different frequencies and for different power levels of a signal.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21250652/analog-devices-rf-demystified-the-different-types-of-scattering-parameters?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220915019&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.identpull=omeda|7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Scattering parameters (S-parameters), which describe the fundamental characteristics of RF networks, come in many flavors, including small signal, large signal, pulsed, cold, and mixed mode. They quantify how RF energy propagates through a system and thus contain information about its fundamental characteristics.
Using S-parameters, we can represent even the most complex RF device as a simple N-port network. Figure 1 shows an example of a two-port unbalanced network, which can be used to represent many standard RF components such as RF amplifiers, filters, or attenuators, to name a few.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cheap homemade 30 MHz – 6 GHz vector network analyzer
https://hforsten.com/cheap-homemade-30-mhz-6-ghz-vector-network-analyzer.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Exploring power distribution networks (PDNs)
Visualizing the effect of bulk and decoupling capacitors
https://hackaday.io/project/189938-exploring-power-distribution-networks-pdns
We are all taught the importance of bypass or decoupling capacitors, but mostly through rules-of-thumb we ought to follow, such as: “each IC should have a 0.1 µF capacitor”, “add one 1 µF for every eight ICs”, place decoupling capacitors “as close as possible”, and so on. There’s very little about experimentally measuring and verifying the effect of capacitor networks.
The standard for measuring PDN impedance is a vector network analyzer (VNA) in a 2-port shunt-thru connection. VNAs are very expensive, and most VNAs are designed for communications applications instead of general impedance analysis (frequency ranges into the 10s of gigahertz, but bottoming out at hundreds of kilohertz or the low single-digit megahertz range). I’ve been exploring using a more humble setup of a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator to get good results, as long as some reasonable assumptions are guaranteed.