This application note describes the process of configuring a CMT VNA as a signal source, and the expected performance of an analyzer so-configured. Fortunately, any CMT VNA can readily be used as a signal source. For example, a source might be needed as the LO to a mixer, to check functionality of another test equipment like a power meter or spectrum analyzer, or to produce a reference clock for use elsewhere in a test system. Users’ motivations for doing so vary, but most commonly the question arises when an additional source is needed in a test setup but is not available. There are three drawers in total.A common question from users of Copper Mountain Technologies’ USB-based Vector Network Analyzers is whether the analyzer can be used as a signal source. Reading shows resonant fx of tuned circuit or crystalĪ lovely old, very old, set of drawers for the NanoVNA H4 and its various bits and pieces. TO CHECK RESONANCE OF TUNED CIRCUITS, COMMON MODE CHOKES AND QUARTZ XTAL fx – Ports Ch0 and CH1 I’ll soon be adding another video dealing with checking quartz crystals. The notes below take you through the setup procedure for checking SWR and aerial resonance and tuned circuits and quartz crystal frequencies. The box was rather small so it was a bit of a squeeze. Below is the coax wound on the ferrite ring. I’ve checked the results on my NanoVNA… see video above. I’ve wound 8 turns of RG8X Mini8 coax on the ring to form a common mode choke to cover the HF spectrum. The fourth video explains how to set up and use both ports on the VNA for measurement. The third video shows test results from a common mode choke. The second video deals with tuned circuits. The first video concerns SWR and antenna resonance. Too many people are frighten off by in-depth theory and mathematics when all that is needed to get started is a simplified explanation. I say non-technical because I wanted to explain the basic operation of the unit to newcomers to the hobby. Patch leads connect the female SMA ports to the VNA.īelow are a few non-technical videos of my NanoVNA H4 in action. If I were to check VHF, UHF and higher, the lead length would come into play and give me false readings. At the frequencies I’m interested in, medium wave to 30MHz, the length of the crock clip leads won’t affect the test results. Pictured below is a small box I made up for connecting to both VNA ports.

Nanovna as spectrum analyzer