Products > Test Equipment
How do the features in old VNAs and SAs differ from new ones?
ballsystemlord:
Hello,
I've been slowly researching VNAs and SAs because I'll need them. I'm looking to buy used, and, aside from the more obvious specs, such as BW, noise floor, etc, I wanted to know if there are any "killer features" or important improvements that have been done since time immemorial that would hamper ones ability to use these old VNAs and SAs for serious analysis/work? Alternatively, is there something you find particularly helpful that is missing from such aged equipment?
Thanks!
PS: I'm intentionally intending *not* to get a Tiny SA or similar. Please don't suggest these options. But you're welcome to point out how much better they are than older, used, equipment.
tautech:
Actual requirements and budget would be a good place to start.
ballsystemlord:
Budget, about 3K USD for the used SA should net me a 5Ghz or greater one. The VNA will be more. Not that I want to spend more, but I'm looking at about 4K minimum for a 5GHz capable VNA.
Actual requirements (Please understand that this is a work in progress.):
At present, I'm working on developing a wireless device. It will operate via wifi, or via the ISM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_radio_band band (which is the preferable option). So I'm looking to obtain equipment that will enable me to see the output power and performance of the device. At the very least, I will have to make a custom antenna for the device and characterize it's performance.
I also hope to design/build my own oscilloscope. So, I'll need equipment to do that. I'd like to break the GHz barrier with my custom scope.
xrunner:
--- Quote from: ballsystemlord on March 09, 2024, 01:46:50 am --- So I'm looking to obtain equipment that will enable me to see the output power and performance of the device. At the very least, I will have to make a custom antenna for the device and characterize it's performance.
--- End quote ---
I have one of the newer "modern" spectrum analyzers, a Rigol DSA815, which is of course nice in that it has a USB port and can save screen shots and other settings to a USB stick, color screen, networking, and all of that bling.
But truthfully, the older models can do the basic things you need from a spectrum analyzer just as well. I have an Agilent E4411B and an hp 8594E. They both do the things you always need - measure power, check for spurious emissions, markers, trace functions like Max Hold - all the things they were designed for in the Beginning. :)
tautech:
--- Quote from: ballsystemlord on March 09, 2024, 01:46:50 am ---Budget, about 3K USD for the used SA should net me a 5Ghz or greater one. The VNA will be more. Not that I want to spend more, but I'm looking at about 4K minimum for a 5GHz capable VNA.
--- End quote ---
Consider a single device instead of 2.
SSA3050X-R might meet your needs.
Or for that matter, the bit cheaper SVA1075X and getting you to 7.5 GHz capability.
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