noob question about VNA

[fonograph]

I want to make one thing clear,these microwave frequency range VNAs are useless for measuring anything with impedance other than standard 50 ohm.For example,if I had 1 ohm or 400 ohm DUT operating in the 1 to 6 GHz range,then I couldnt measure it with your typical VNA,right?

[Wolfgang]

Hi,

it is indeed true that measuring impedances that are either very small or very large present an accuracy problems for a VNA.

Several strategies exist:

- If you know where to look, you could employ specialized measurement techniques like shunt-thru or series.
  With these, you could measure PDN impedances in the milliohm range or the impedance of Quartz crystals.
  Keysight has very good app notes on this topic, and a specialized machine like the E5061B-3L5.

- Buy a better VNA. The better ones have a broader range, more accuracy and less tolerances.
  In extreme cases, impedances of 0.1Ohm or some kOhm can be measured.

- Do not forget to buy extremely good, phase stable cables and a pro cal kit.

Intelligence can beat blunt money in a lot of measurement tasks.