Attend Lab 0: The Vector Network Analyzer

Reading:

• Lab 0 Procedure and Assignment Parts 1-4

Videos Tutorials:

• Intro to the VNA: https://youtu.be/-H3PiRIT98w Links to an external site.
• Introduction to S-parameters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pi0UbErHTY Links to an external site.

Reading:

• Lab 0 Procedure and Assignment Part 5
• Why calibration is needed (you'll have to sign up for this): https://learn.keysight.com/vector-network-analyzer-basics/lesson-3-network-analyzer-calibration#main-content Links to an external site.

Video Tutorials:

• Getting started and calibrating the VNA https://youtu.be/_C9aQIpyeLY Links to an external site.
  • Another demo of calibrating the VNA: https://youtu.be/vaof47m3d0M Links to an external site. 
  • Another video of Adding calibration Files: https://youtu.be/FCdkRECQ_7k Links to an external site. 
• Checking a VNA calibration: https://youtu.be/eSEBW6de7RE Links to an external site. 
• Intro to phase error: https://youtu.be/VIktCekYvK8 Links to an external site. 

• VNA measurement tips and tricks (just an extra video) : https://youtu.be/P8y3wChlR6A Links to an external site. 

Supporting Files:

• Ideal calibration standard Ideal.xkt Download Ideal.xkt
• Now that you've learned to do mechanical calibration, check out what electronic calibration (e-cal) can do for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPpXaQAj83k Links to an external site.

Reading:

• Lab 0 Procedure and Assignment Part 6

Video Tutorials:

• Data Aquisition:https://youtu.be/Gcn-X8-xVzw Links to an external site.
• Coding tips and tricks: https://youtu.be/UAAFn3LM9i8 Links to an external site.

Supporting Files:

• The S11DataLoader.m Download S11DataLoader.m file contains an upgraded version of the LoadKeysightData file, basically this version allows for LogMag data or smith chart data to go into the function, and it outputs both Logmag data and Smithchart data. 
• CreateSmithChart.m  Download CreateSmithChart.m will create a Smith Chart from your VNA data. 
• The lab_skeleton.mlx Download lab_skeleton.mlx file is a live script which contains the S11DataLoader and CreatSmithChart functions inside the livescript, and premade graphing code. All the students need to do should they choose to use this, is add the filename of their measurements, and they will get both Logmag and Smith data from the script. 

Here are a few tips for trouble shooting the VNA:

• Keysight Vector Network Analyzer software does not show up in the Start Menu

We are aware that sometimes this happens, and operators from the CADE lab are trying to help resolve this issue. What seems to be happening is that it is there, but substantially delayed at startup. Try finding it in the programs list, but if it isn't there, logout and back in, and it's usually back to working. Sorry. We don't know why.

• Keysight VNA software is there, but the list of instruments that can be selected is blank (the VNA is not there)

Ask your TA for help with this part. First, check to be sure the VNA is turned on. The 'on' button is on the top left of the VNA on the shelf and should show a green LED. If it's turned on, but still not showing up in the instrument menu, try resetting it (turning it off and on). If that doesn't work, unplug the VNA from it's back panel and plug it back in. Close the software. This should reset the hardware. Then re-open the software. The VNA should be there to select.

• Calibration doesn't work the first time.

It often doesn't .Try again.

• Measurements are "glitchy"

Measurements are glitchy and moving around. Suspect your cable or connectors. Check that male connector pins are in their normal position, not pushed into the back plane. Wiggling individual cables may help you identify which is bad.

• Report an issue

For technical issues in the lab (broken equipment, software issues, etc) please send an email that describes the issue, description of setup where error occurred, which bench station, etc to: ecelabs@coe.utah.edu