| Products > Test Equipment |
| nanoVNA vs SVA1015X VNA (Need entry level VNA) |
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| TopQuark:
I have the nanoVNA V2 plus, the SVA1032X and the LibreVNA. I'd recommend the LibreVNA (full 2 port S params), but the nanoVNA V3 (aka VNA6000) is apparently just around the corner, so I would wait and see how that thing performs if you only need to measure S11 and S21 without flipping the DUT manually. I'll be reviewing the LibreVNA in a couple of weeks, but the TLDR is: - Software is not very polished (features are a bit hidden, may freeze up after a few hours of continuous use for some users), but has some advanced features found only in VNAs many times more expensive (TRL cal, time gating, 2x thru de-embedding etc.) - Hardware can get hot and readings may drift, but not a problem if you stick a heatsink (optionally a fan) on it. - 6GHz or even higher if using harmonics, giving good time domain resolution for the price. - Full 2-port (measures S11, S21, S22, S12) - I think it is the best value for money in the low cost VNA market right now, open source everything is a big plus. The SVA1032X IMO is primarily a SA with a VNA tacked on it. The features and usability have improved over time, but is not nearly as powerful as the LibreVNA in terms of being a VNA (T/R vs full two port, advanced de-embedding etc. etc.) . I rarely use the SVA1032X as a VNA after I got my LibreVNA. --- Quote from: nctnico on August 13, 2022, 09:17:17 am ---Thanks. Can you comment on the lowest frequency the LibreVNA is useful at? The purpose I have in mind right now is looking at PDN (power distribution network) and measuring combinations of decoupling capacitors. Measurements go from sub 1MHz to several hundred MHz (close to 1GHz). I have two VNAs; one goes from 10Hz to 300MHz and the other from 5MHz to 4GHz. There is overlap but for some measurements it sucks needing two instruments. --- End quote --- The LibreVNA is designed for 10MHz and up IIRC, but is usable down to 100kHz in my experience (and I do use it down that low), though the S21 dynamic range is only around 40-50 dB from 100k to 1M, not the 90dB dynamic range higher up in frequency. |
| joeqsmith:
--- Quote from: bd139 on August 13, 2022, 09:54:53 am ---I would define what measurements that you need to make carefully before buying one. Write down use cases, examples and test criteria. The existing DSA815-TG may be adequate if you add a directional coupler to it. --- End quote --- Agree. You could end up wasting money that could have been put towards something that actually met your needs. That's the advantage of the NanoVNA. At $50, we are not talking about a big investment. If you are just starting with VNAs, the small investment in your education would be a wise choice, IMO. I have a few of these low cost VNAs now and besides the lack of peripherals, low dynamic range and squarewave drive (pretty much what we would expect), the main problems I have run into have been firmware. I have an H4 I wouldn't give away because the firmware was never stable enough to use it. --- Quote ---- Software is not very polished (features are a bit hidden, may freeze up after a few hours of continuous use for some users), but has some advanced features found only in VNAs many times more expensive (TRL cal, time gating, 2x thru de-embedding etc.) --- End quote --- I'm a little disappointed to read TopQuarks post above about the LibreVNA. It's been available for some time now and I would expect it to be very stable. We had discussed the lack of documentation which would allow a third party to create software for the LibreVNA in another thread. https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/clone-85033e-vna-cal-kit-measured-against-pico-cal-kit-using-librevna/ It's been mentioned that you can write scripts to control their software but if that's not stable to begin with... Then there's that whole heat sink deal. |
| tomud:
@joeqsmith It must be remembered that libreVNA is still budget equipment with a good price / performance ratio. Haves some flaws but at this price they are forgivable. Let's say this, my set of cables and calibrators costs a lot more than libreVNA. However, poor documentation is unfortunately a feature of probably all open source projects. From my practice, whenever I wanted to change something into open source, it required many hours of source code analysis... I also bought NanoVNA once, but more out of curiosity. The offered price is ok. However, if someone wants to measure filters up to 1GHz, it's a pity to spend even $50. IMHO it is better to collect some money and buy something that will work better in these applications (I keep talking about equipment to buy at a low price compared to a professional VNA). Personally, I mainly use nanoVNA in the field to tune HF antennas. Currently, if I had to buy my first VNA, I would start with nanoVNA V2 or better. |
| joeqsmith:
--- Quote from: tomud on August 14, 2022, 06:26:01 pm ---@joeqsmith ... I also bought NanoVNA once, but more out of curiosity. The offered price is ok. However, if someone wants to measure filters up to 1GHz, it's a pity to spend even $50. IMHO it is better to collect some money and buy something that will work better in these applications (I keep talking about equipment to buy at a low price compared to a professional VNA). ... --- End quote --- Exactly my point. If you know what you need, buy tools that fit those needs. If you don't know what you need, start with the cheapest thing out there to at least learn something before you start making poor choices. I'm not in a position where $50 poses a significant financial burden for my family. In the video above, you can see some of my old test equipment for my hobby use. Like you, the costs of what you see far exceed the total amount I have spent on these low cost VNAs. That was hardly the point but rather the goal was to provide an example to a beginner of where these low cost VNAs may fall short. |
| tomud:
@joeqsmith It's not even about money anymore, the price difference between nanoVNA is not that big. However, one gets a bit better dynamics and a wider frequency range. I used to buy a lot of different equipment myself, but suddenly I ran out of space in my small workshop. I ended up giving these devices to my friends for free because I would have wasted more time selling on eBay etc than the hardware was worth. I think that if someone already has a spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator, they already have some knowledge of how to use such equipment so as not to damage it. |
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