LibreVNA Vector Network Analyzer 100 kHz - 6 GHz

Description:

LibreVNA is an open source two-port vector network analyzer that connects to a PC via a USB interface. The device is an RF module with basic computing capabilities, and all other data processing takes place in a PC application. There are three ADCs and one FPGA on the PCB to handle all signals. The device is capable of measuring 10000 points with two ports in one second and has an effective dynamic range of 100 dB.
With two test ports, this VNA can be used to measure a complete set of S-parameters (S11/S12/S21/S22). Although the LibreVNA hardware is designed like a VNA, the overall hardware architecture is so similar to that of a spectrum analyzer that simple two-channel spectrum measurements can also be made.

Architecture limitation:
The design features of LibreVNA, which is being developed as an open source project, impose some limitations:

• • The isolation at the measuring port S12 is 10 dB worse than that of the measuring port S21.
  • Above 3 GHz, performance degrades, resulting in port isolation of only 50 dB at 6 GHz.
  • In addition, below 1 MHz, performance degrades with decreasing frequency, and the effective dynamic range decreases to 70 dB at 100 kHz.
  • The output power may decrease at frequencies below 1 MHz and above 3 GHz.

The use of high-precision calibrators allows you to increase the accuracy of measurements.

Network analyzer specifications

Characteristics of the signal generator

Spectrum analyzer specifications

General characteristics:

Power supply: 5 V DC, 1.5 A (USB or 3.5 mm jack)
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
Dimensions: 122 x 98 x 16 mm

Development details are available on GitHub:
https://github.com/jankae/LibreVNA

Box & Papers:

• 1 x USB to USB 3.5mm cable
• 1 x USB-to-USB-C cable
• 2 x cables 30 cm SMA male - SMA male
• 1 x calibration standard SMA male - OPEN
• 1 x calibration standard SMA male - SHORT
• 2 x SMA male calibration standards - LOAD
• 2 x SMA female to SMA female adapters
• 2 x SMA male to SMA male adapter