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Can a VNA replace a tracking generator on a SA? [Sloved]
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ballsystemlord:
Hello,
From what I have read, the tracking gen on a spectrum analyzer allows the SA to perform measurement S21. Is that all? Like, given the choice of using a SA or VNA wouldn't you just go with the VNA? Am I missing something? Is there some feature that the SA+TG can do that a VNA cannot?

Thanks!
shabaz:
An SA can do things a VNA cannot (and vice-versa). An SA can operate without internally generated stimulus from a tracking generator; i.e., an SA will show what's present solely from its input channel. A VNA requires a locally generated stimulus signal for it to operate.

I suspect you're confusing the term "VNA" with "Spectrum Analyzer with Integrated VNA". Some basic spectrum analyzers come with built-in VNA.

tautech:

--- Quote from: ballsystemlord on July 17, 2024, 03:57:05 am ---Hello,
From what I have read, the tracking gen on a spectrum analyzer allows the SA to perform measurement S12.
--- End quote ---
S21 actually. Typo ?


--- Quote ---Is that all?
--- End quote ---

Without a RLB, yes.


--- Quote ---Like, given the choice of using a SA or VNA wouldn't you just go with the VNA? Am I missing something? Is there some feature that the SA+TG can do that a VNA cannot?
--- End quote ---
A few years back and not too long after getting my first SA to explore the black magic field of RF I was in a similar dilemma and all my wishes were answered with the release of the SVA1000X range. SA and VNA in one unit !  :)
I've had 2 of these,1.5 and 3.2 GHz and SVA1032X remains one of my all time fav instruments.
moerm:
Let me put it like this:
There are SAs, often in the form of a base station analyzer or somesuch, who may seem to also have VNA functionality, e.g. by showing a Smith diagram, but very few actually really do.
And there are SAs with a TG who can also serve as a network analyzer - but a scalar network analyzer, not a vector network analyzer. The major difference: the latter also do phase.

If you are in a tight spot and a crude and/or cumbersome measurement is good enough then a VNA may serve as a (somewhat "crippled") SA too. But nowadays with most (halfway modern) scopes doing FFTs, so does a scope.

Hth
ballsystemlord:

--- Quote from: shabaz on July 17, 2024, 04:07:55 am ---An SA can do things a VNA cannot (and vice-versa). An SA can operate without internally generated stimulus from a tracking generator; i.e., an SA will show what's present solely from its input channel. A VNA requires a locally generated stimulus signal for it to operate.

I suspect you're confusing the term "VNA" with "Spectrum Analyzer with Integrated VNA". Some basic spectrum analyzers come with built-in VNA.

--- End quote ---

I knew that. I was asking so that I could determine if it was best to buy a SA with a TG, or if the VNA I also intend to get would do the job just fine.
The architectures of the 2 instruments are different. So I was asking because, for all I know, the SA could do stuff with a TG, that a VNA wouldn't otherwise be able to do.
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