Buying Guide
The Ultimate Engineer’s Guide to Buying a Network Analyzer
Introduction
As an engineer, you understand that a network analyzer is a valuable tool. It is essential for testing, characterizing, and troubleshooting the network parameters of an electrical network. This process is critical for monitoring how a network or device functions in a radiofrequency (RF) circuit.
There are many different types and models of network analyzers on the market, so choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. This guide aims to make that choice easier by giving you all the information necessary to make the best purchase.
What questions will we answer, and what information will we consider?
- What is a network analyzer?
- What do you use a network analyzer for?
- Types of network analyzers and their functions
- What aspects to look for in a network analyzer
What Is a Network Analyzer?
A network analyzer characterizes network parameters of electronic devices. The most common is a vector analyzer, which measures the amplitude and phase response of a device under test (DUT). The results are generally displayed as a graph, making it easy to visualize the device's behavior under specific conditions.
The graph represents the device's amplitude (vertical axis) and phase (horizontal axis) response to an RF signal applied to the DUT. You can adjust the conditions to study the device's response under different conditions, such as frequency, power, and time.
Network Analyzers vs. Spectrum Analyzers
Understanding the difference between a network analyzer and a spectrum analyzer is vital because they are often confused. While both can measure the response of a device to a high frequency signal, they differ in a few ways.
Network analyzers measure the electrical characteristics of a network. They characterize the impedance of a circuit and measure the circuit's response to an applied signal. The signal may be sinusoidal or modulated, such as a pulse or square wave.
Spectrum analyzers measure the amplitude and frequency of a signal. They identify spectral components in a signal and investigate the behavior of an oscillator. An oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces continuous waveforms without an external input signal.
Each analyzer has unique capabilities making them suitable for different applications. Using both gives you a complete picture of the device under test.
What Do You Use a Network Analyzer For?
A network analyzer has many applications. Some of these include
- Sound and vibration measurements. Network analyzers measure the sound pressure level in an acoustic environment or the acceleration of an object in response to a vibration input. The wide range of possible applications for network analyzers makes them an essential tool for engineers and physicists who work with sound and vibration. These are low frequency measurements.
- High-frequency measurements. Network analyzers provide voltage and current waveforms to analyze the behavior of a circuit or component. By measuring the impedance, phase, and magnitude of the waveforms, you can determine the characteristics of the circuit or component under test. Additionally, network analyzers measure the frequency response of a system, identify resonances, and optimize the performance of a circuit.
- Filter performance evaluation. Network analyzers determine a filter's frequency response, as well as its impedance and phase shift. By evaluating these parameters, a network analyzer can troubleshoot problems and help optimize the filter's performance.
- Circuit noise performance measurements. Network analyzers measure the noise power of circuits at different frequencies, identifying the sources of noise and tracking their evolution over time. This information is essential for optimizing circuit components' design and troubleshooting problems in existing circuits. By measuring the noise immunity of circuits, a network analyzer provides valuable information for protecting sensitive electronic equipment from interference.
- Various RF-based measurements. Network analyzers measure the reflection coefficient of an impedance mismatch. This information can determine the location and cause of the mismatch and correct it. Network analyzers also measure the insertion loss of a device, such as an amplifier or filter. This measurement is helpful for troubleshooting issues and ensuring the device performs as expected.