In keeping with the original title, I can vouch for the fact that in 2024, VNA software still needs work.
I'm in the process of returning a new RSA3015N after 2 intensive days of evaluation. I won't go down the long list here but the final straw that broke the camel's back is that in S11, there are NO marker functions. You can't mark a valley and perform a bandwidth measurement, it just ain't there.
This is ridiculous that something like bandwidth of a filter (band or notch) or response of an antenna can't be measured.
This coupled with high noise below 300MHz or so in S11 are just a few of the reasons it's going back. Rigol's support also shows that they are new to VNAs. I will be kind and leave it at that. Two lengthy sessions were a complete waste of time with lack of fundamentals.
Kinda sad because it seems to be a solid product, built "tighter" than Siglent, but Siglent has it all over them for speed, performance and software (with its own minor "niggles"). But taken further, if I had paid close to $10k for an RSA5065N, I would be totally pi$$ed that the product is in this shape.
added - for lower frequency S11, the
Siglent SVA1032X (created from a younger sibling
) cals to under -50dB or less from 100kHz to 3.2GHz. If you're working in the low end, then calibrate in the low end. This will allocated more points to the cal. The same holds true for a log sweep. Cal and test with 1601 points or more for enough data points at the low end of the log sweep.
disclaimer: I have not received any compensation for any glowing comments on Siglent, but would sure like to
For the Rigol side, I would be glad to help with constructive input for development but at the prices being charged, the products should already be complete (more or less).