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DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyser - VNWA2.x Description
This design for a Vector Network Analyser was developed by Thomas Baier DG8SAQ over several years.
The current design titled:
"A Small, Simple, USB-Powered Vector Network Analyser Covering
1 kHz to 1.3 GHz" was published in QEX January/February 2009 and is available here .thanks to ARRL for their permission.
Many VNWA are now successfully used worldwide.
Ready assembled and fully tested USB-powered and controlled VNWAs are now being shipped, however due to big demand there is currently a waiting list. It is expected that Assembled VNWAs can be ordered from stock during the 2nd half of August 2010.
The USB-VNWA Application runs on Windows 64 bit and Windows 32 bit Operating systems, like Windows 7, Vista, XP and Windows 98
Originally the VNWA was produced as a kit of parts for experienced kit builders who have assembled kits with SMD components before. Kits will be made available for a period of time starting from September 2010 onwards. If you are interested and have the required skills see below for more information. You may register on the Kit waiting list by emailing vnwa-orderinfo@sdr-kits.net
Price indication of complete USB-VNWA Kit including enclosure is about GBP 275.00 incl VAT and shipping. An assembled and tested USB-VNWA module is already available.
DG8SAQ USB-Controlled VNWA 2.6 Specification
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USB- Powered and controlled Vector Network Analyser requiring USB port capable of supplying 5V 500mA from a PC with WINDOWS 64 bit and 32 bits Operating Systems supported. (Windows 7, Vista, XP, ME, 2000 and Windows 98)
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Coverage from 1 kHz to 500 MHz with dynamic range of up to 90dB – Useful performance up to 1.3 GHz with reduced dynamic range and accuracy.
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S-Parameter S11, S12, S21 & S22, VSWR
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Component Measurements – Resistance, Admittance Capacitance, Inductance & Quality Factor (Q)
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Time domain & Gating in Time domain - Distance to Fault measurement.
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Logarithmic and Listed sweep: up to 8192 points with sampling time adjustable from 0.2mS to 100mS
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Matching Tool and Complex Calculator, Crystal Parameter tool
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User defined S-parameter calculator
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Basic Spectrum Analyzer useful up to 100 MHz
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Dimensions: Width 10.4 cm, Depth 8.0 cm, Height 4.6 cm, Weight 0.2 Kg
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Power requirement - USB 1.1 interface 5V DC max 500mA
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TX-Out max RF Output as signal generator -12dBm
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Max permissable external RF Input Level TX-Out and RX-In ports: 0 dBm (0.225V RMS)
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Connectors: SMA x 2, USB-B and USB-A
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RoHS Compliant
Caution: Please note that operation up to 1.3 GHz requires configuration of the AD9859 DDS clocks to be in excess of the manufacturers specification which may invalidate the warranty of these devices. Although operation up to 1.3 GHz has been successfully done by hundreds of VNWA Users, no responsibility is assumed for component reliability or for reliable operation above the manufacturers specification.
VNWA Operational requirements - Important
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The VNWA is powered and controlled from a standard USB 1.1 or 2.0 Personal Computer port, capable of providing up to 500mA power. The USB-VNWA runs on recent Windows 64 bit and 32 bit Operating Systems like Windows 7, Vista, XP and Windows 98.. Please check out the Documentation section from where the Helpfile in PDF format can be downloaded which provides more information
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DG8SAQ VWNA User Group on Yahoo. This is where all VNWA users are encouraged to post and share their experiences and from where current Applications and Drivers are readily available. Please register to be come a member.
VNWA Kit of Parts
The DG8SAQ VNWA kit is only suitable for Experienced Kit builders who have already successfully completed advanced electronic kits using at SMD components. Check whether you have relevant Skills set before considering to build this kit.
Kit assembly Manuals can be down loaded from the Documentation link. This gives would-be kit builders a taste of what is required to assemble the kit.
User Support for the DG8SAQ VNWA kit is also done through the DG8SAQ VWNA User Group on Yahoo. where kit builders and VNWA users are encouraged to post and share their experiences.
Warranty
A 90-Day return to base Warranty from date of Shipment date is applicable to the Fully Assembled VNWA or to the unsoldered VNWA Module supplied in the short kit, provided the VNWA was not modified or misused and the maximum Voltage ratings were not exceeded. Warranty claims should be made by contacting SDR-Kits by email in first instance with a description of the issue. Customer is responsible for return shipping to SDR-Kits. SDR-Kits is responsible for return of the repaired or equivalent product and for outbound shipping costs. For kits orders, Claims for Missing or failed kit parts will be honoured within 90 days after shipment of your kit.
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VNWA Documentation Page
Copyright notice: The project design on this page is Copyright 2008, 2009, 2010 by DG8SAQ and SDR-Kits
Assembled VNWA and VNWA kit produced by SDR-Kits with permission of DG8SAQ
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