Network Analyzers

Gain deeper confidence on the bench, in the rack, and in the field

PNA-X network analyzer, Streamline USB VNA, ENA, PXI VNA

Trusted by Over 70% of Engineering Teams Around the World

Whether you are testing active or passive components, the right mix of speed and performance gives you an edge. In research and development (R&D), Keysight vector network analyzers (VNA analyzers) provide a level of measurement integrity that helps you transform deeper understanding into better designs. On the production line, our cost-effective vector network analyzers provide the throughput and repeatability you need to transform parts into competitive components. Every Keysight vector network analyzer is the ultimate expression of our expertise in linear and nonlinear device characterization. On the bench, in a rack or in the field, we can help you gain deeper confidence with Keysight VNA analyzers.

Design and Test a Phased Array Antenna

Discover the fundamental principles behind phased array antenna design and testing, including measurement techniques and calibration. Learn how the Keysight phased array test solution integrates and synchronizes digital control of the PNA-X vector network analyzer, VXG-C vector signal generator, and a compact antenna test range (CATR) to deliver fast, fully automated measurements.

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Related Use Cases

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How to Measure Frequency Converter Phase Noise

Measuring frequency converter phase noise requires the capture of many parameters, including gain, phase, delay, intermodulation distortion, and noise figure. Learn how to set up a test to characterize frequency converters using a combination of signal generation and analysis tools.
How to Test Phased Array Antennas

How to Test Phased Array Antennas

Testing phased array antennas with high-accuracy calibration requires spherical antenna pattern measurements. Learn how to use a vector network analyzer and signal generator, compact antenna test range, and advanced calibration and test software to verify your phased array antenna designs.
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How to Measure Impedance Mismatch of Active Devices

Impedance mismatch characterization in high-speed digital application design and test requires understanding the reflection signals in both the time and frequency domain. Learn how to measure hot S-parameter and hot TDR measurement, including eye diagram, using a network analyzer.
How to Maximize Power Amplifier Efficiency and Linearity

How to Maximize Power Amplifier Efficiency and Linearity

Maximizing power amplifier (PA) linearity, while maintaining efficiency, requires a linearization technique called digital pre-distortion (DPD). To provide optimal performance, the DPD technique needs wideband, calibrated vector signal generation and signal analysis.
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How to Verify Frequency Mixer Performance

How to Verify Frequency Mixer Performance

Verifying your frequency mixer performance while ensuring 5G New Radio standard conformance requires a comprehensive test setup. Learn how to conduct fully vector-corrected noise figure, modulation distortion analysis, and vector and scalar mixer measurements up to 44 GHz using a network analyzer.

Extend Your Capabilities With The Right Tools

Technology is constantly changing. So too are the requirements engineers face. Get more functionality out of your existing hardware today by pairing it with the right accessories to improve productivity and the right Keysight PathWave design and test automation software to accelerate your product development.

Fundamental Principles of Vector Network Analysis

Component amplitude and phase behavior determines the electrical system's overall performance, including signal sensitivity and distortion. Discover the fundamental principles of vector network analysis in this application note. Learn about vector network analysis terminology and the common network parameters measured, including scattering parameters (S-parameters). Delve into RF fundamentals such as transmission lines, the Smith chart, and power transfer conditions, as well as network characterization.

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Network Analyzer Featured Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Network Analyzer

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) are test instruments that measure electrical network parameters. They are essential for radio frequency (RF) and microwave component analysis of various passive and active devices, including filters, antennas, and power amplifiers. 

Network analyzers are the go-to instrument to conduct transmission, reflection, impedance measurements, as well as S-parameter measurements during design and production processes. 

For more information, check out: What is a Network Analyzer? 

A “VNA analyzer” is a common misnomer for a vector network analyzer, or VNA. So, the term “VNA analyzer” actually means, “vector network analyzer analyzer”, which is redundant.

Vector network analyzers are also correctly referred to as “network analyzers.” However, VNAs should not be confused with networking testers, which are a different kind of test instrument used to measure Internet or mobile network speeds.

For more information about network analyzers, check out:What is a Network Analyzer?

A network analyzer conducts component characterization tests. Network analyzers provide calibrated stimulus signals to the RF network or device under test (DUT) and measure the vector response over the frequency with phase and amplitude information. A VNA captures transmission (transmission coefficient, insertion loss, gain), reflection (reflection coefficient, VSWR, return loss), and impedance measurements, as well as the S-parameters S11, S12, S21, S22.

A VNA measures a variety of devices and networks with numerous measurements for many different use cases like spectrum analysis, pulse measurements, and active device tests. The following guide describes how to set up network analyzer measurements, calibrate your measurement setup, and interpret results: Making Measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer.

Network analyzers include both signal sources and receivers. The receivers detect changes to the output signal from a device (or network) and compare that to the source signal input. A VNA measures both the amplitude and phase responses to assess the device's effect on current and voltage. The resulting transmission and reflection measurements, impedance, and S-parameters enable test engineers to characterize their DUT. 

There are three categories of network analyzers:

  • Vector network analyzers (VNA)
  • Scalar network analyzers (SNA)
  • Large-signal / nonlinear network analyzers (NVNA)

VNAs, the most common network analyzer on the market today, offer several benefits to test engineers, including simultaneously measuring all four S-parameters and supporting a wide range of frequencies.

A scalar network analyzer only measures the amplitude properties of the circuit, so no phase information gets captured.

Nonlinear network analyzers are less common than VNAs and SNAs, but they offer the advantage of measuring nonlinear circuits. While NVNAs are extremely accurate, they also pose significant operation complexity, often requiring specialized training to use.

Network analyzers come in handheld, benchtop, and modular form factors, including 2-port, 4-port, and 8-port options. Keysight offers five different types of vector network analyzer families ranging from high-end to compact: 

  • Our high-end PNA family provides unrivaled excellence in measurement integrity and repeatability. PNA-X maximizes measurement flexibility, replacing an entire rack of equipment.
  • Our midrange and economy ENA family reduces test cost while providing ​reliable measurements, an intuitive UI, and upgradable instruments. ENAs balance speed, performance, and budget. 
  • The handheld analyzer ​delivers benchtop precision in a rugged, highly integrated handheld unit. ​ 
  • Modular PXI VNAs drive down the lab space needed for multi-port testing. Customize the network analyzer's capabilities to only what you need and get fast, accurate multiport measurements.​ 
  • The Streamline USB VNA enables a compact​ form factor with zero compromises. Streamline USB VNAs offer all the performance of a benchtop instrument, but at a fraction of the size.

Selection criteria for a VNA varies based on the application or use case of interest. Typical selection criteria include frequency range, number of required ports from 2 up to 24 (multiport) or even 48 in a switch matrix, output power, and instrument class from economy to handheld to high-end.

We recommend you consider these seven main network analyzer aspects before purchasing:

  • Frequency Range
  • Dynamic Range
  • Measurement speed
  • Trace noise
  • Number of test ports
  • Size
  • Input power

For more information, check out: Key Vector Network Analyzer Specifications

A vector network analyzer measures a variety of devices and networks with numerous measurements for many different use-cases like spectrum analysis, pulse measurements, power amplifier (PA) characterization, and active device tests. The following guide describes how to set up network analyzer measurements, calibrate your measurement setup, and interpret results: Making Measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer.

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