Red Pitaya Adds Vector Network Analyzer Capabilities to Reconfigurable STEMlab Instrument

February 16 2018, 02:10
Red Pitaya, the company from Ljubljana, Slovenia, that pioneered the move to low cost, open-source, reconfigurable test and measurement instrumentation with its credit-card-sized STEMlab platform, launched a VNA new bridge module and application that enables STEMLab to function as an affordable vector network analyzer (VNA), a precision measuring tool that tests the electrical performance of high frequency components in the radio frequency.
 

Red Pitaya's STEMlab is a complete test and measurement environment that includes a board, an application marketplace and a source code library. It is designed as a low-cost alternative to many expensive measurement and control instruments. STEMlab is based on high end FPGA technology, enabling software and hardware programming, coupled with very accurate high-end ADCs. Customizable at the FPGA and CPU levels, STEMlab can process real-world signals and can function as an Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer, Signal Generator, Spectrum Analyzer and more, also performing other tasks, now including vector network analysis.

To run the VNA application users need a STEMlab plus an additional VNA bridge module – both available from Red Pitaya’s web store. VNA is a contributed application that runs on Windows and Linux. It covers a frequency range of 500kHz to 62MHz, has a directivity of 42dB (typ.), a dynamic range of 74dB and a noise floor of 88dBm. Software features include: plot formats (Smith chart, impedance, SWR, reference coefficient, return loss); open, short & load calibration modes; measurement export and marker readouts. Included in the VNA module box are an RF SWR bridge module in an aluminum enclosure, calibration accessories (50 ohm, open & short load) and cables.

“Our Vector Network Analyzer running on STEMlab is a great solution that enables engineers to test and optimize the performance of antennas, RF filters, RF switches, couplers and cables. It is the perfect tool for professionals seeking affordable, highly functional test and measurement equipment, educators, students, makers, hobbyists and HAMRADIO amateurs,” explains Rok Mesar, the CEO of Red Pitaya.
www.redpitaya.com
related items