Any advantage of an HP 4195A vs SVA1032x VNA ?

[PartialDischarge]

I have a Siglent SVA1032x, but I could get my hands on a HP 4195A. The 4195A is limited to 500MHz but goes down to 10Hz.

For those who know this old equipment is there any technical advantage having it vs a modern VNA?

[chilternview]

Things I can think of:

- able to do full S parameter measurement (S11, S21, S22, S12) without changing connections.
- flexible as has 2 outputs and 4 inputs, no hardwired directional coupler/splitter
- can display up to 4 traces from 4 separate inputs
- separate impedance measurement as well as vna/spectrum modes
- Able to sweep not just frequency but also power, DC bias can be swept.
- built in BASIC programming

Disadvantages:
- a big heavy beast
- on some settings (narrow RBW) can be very slow.
- needs e.g. 41952 test fixture to provide splitter/directional coupler

THe attached user guide might give some idea on what you can do with it. I find it very useful

[simba15]

I may have a HP 41951A Impedance test set available for sale soon.

Let me know If you go the HP Route and are interested.

[G0HZU]

I used one of these quite often from about 1990 onwards. The HP 4195A is a very capable and versatile instrument but it can be very slow to make a measurement compared to other instruments. The sweep time in VNA mode is very slow, presumably because it uses an old/slow internal processor.

The ability to measure down to a few Hz sets it apart from many alternatives, even today. Otherwise, it is slow and has limited dynamic range. The HP 4195A can also be used as a spectrum analyser but it is going to be quite slow in this mode too.

I've not used the Siglent SVA1032x, but I get the impression from reviews that it is at its best as a spectrum analyser. The performance in VNA mode is fairly mediocre.