Jon Spurlock's blog

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Improving VNA measurement accuracy with quality cables and adapters Saturday, July 29, 2017 by: Jon Spurlock

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) can provide some of the most accurate measurements of any RF instrument. However, using poor quality or defective test port cables significantly degrades the measurement accuracy and is one of the leading causes of VNA measurement problems. Using a VNA with poor quality test port cables is like pairing a quality audio receiver with cheap speakers -- the sound …

The VNA is back – Now it’s time to come up to speed Tuesday, July 25, 2017 by: Jon Spurlock

Did you know vector network analyzers, or VNAs, were invented in the early1950s long before any of our current networks were in place? At that time, they were used to measure network parameters of electrical networks. Now they are also used to test component specifications and verify design simulations to make sure systems and their components are working hand-in-hand. Now that Tektronix has …

VNA Measurements Aren’t as Expensive or Complicated as You Think Thursday, June 1, 2017 by: Jon Spurlock

There are two major misconceptions when it comes to Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs). One is they are very expensive. The other is they are very complicated to use. While historically, VNAs were extremely expensive, that's simply not the case today. With the advent of new technology, every RF engineer that uses a VNA can afford to have one on his or her workbench. VNAs can be very complicated to …