Descriptions:
LibreVNA (TM) is a USB based full 2-port vector network analyzer designed by Jankae. Using 3 ADCs to sample data simultaneously and using FPGAs for signal processing, it is capable of scanning over 10,000 points of full dual-port measurements in less than 1 second. The ultra-low noise power supply design and the use of 16bit ADC, together with the precision CNC's aluminum shielded housing, achieve up to 100dB of effective dynamics. Many aspects are already comparable to lab-grade VNAs, but this is still a work-in-progress project. Some design features may not be perfect, especially the performance will drop when the frequency is higher than 3GHz, please fully understand the possible limitations before buying this machine. If you have any suggestions for future releases, please feel free to contact us as well.
| Specifications | |
| Impedance | 50Ω |
| Test Port Connector | SMA, female |
| Number of Test Port | 2 |
| Frequency Range | 100kHz to 6GHz |
| Frequency Accuracy | <2ppm |
| Number of Measurement Points | 2 to 4501 |
| Speed 2-port - 4000 pts | <500ms (IFBW=50 kHz ) |
| Measurement Bandwidths | 10Hz to 50kHz |
| Dynamic range (IFBW 10Hz) | > 95 dB to 3GHz > 50 dB to 6 GHz (Note 1) |
| Measurement parameters | S11, S21, S12, S22 |
| Reflection directivity | > 40 dB (after calibration) (Note 2) |
| Output power | -40 dBm to 0 dBm (Note 3) |
| Power Supply | DC 5V, 1.5A(USB powered, or 3.5mm connector) |
| Power consumption | approx. 7W. |
| Interface | USB type-C |
| Supported Operating System | Windows, Linux, MacOS. (Only 64-bit software is available for now) |
| External Reference Input | SMA female; 10 MHz; |
| External Reference Output | SMA female; 10 MHz or 100MHz; |
| Further measurement options | Simple spectrum analyzer (Lack of mirror suppression and slower speed) Signal generator (Not precisely calibrated) |
Feature:
★【2021 New Upgraded Vector Network Analyzer】:LibreVNA is a USB based full 2-port vector network analyzer designed by Jankae. Using 3 ADCs to sample data simultaneously and using FPGAs for signal processing, it is capable of scanning over 10,000 points of full dual-port measurements in less than 1 second.
★【Widely Frequency Range】:The LibreVNA Antenna Analyzer provides a 100kHz to 6GHz ultra-wide frequency range(previous vna analyzers are about 10KHz-1.5/3GHz),the Frequency Accuracy is <2ppm,Due to structural limitations, S12 isolation is 10dB worse than S21. Above 3GHz, the performance decreases with increasing frequency, and the port isolation is only 50dB at 6GHz. Below 1MHz, the performance decreases with decreasing frequency, and the effective dynamic decreases to 70dB at 100kHz.
★【Powerful Function & Firmware Update】:The ultra-low noise power supply design and the use of 16bit ADC, together with the precision CNC's aluminum shielded housing, achieve up to 100dB of effective dynamics. Many aspects are already comparable to lab-grade VNAs, but this is still a work-in-progress project.Support Firmware Update,can load a new microcontroller firmware and FPGA configuration into the LibreVNA. Do not disconnect power while updating the firmware!
★【Full S-Parameters Measurements】:In Vector Network Analyzer operating mode, the LibreVNA can measure the complete S11, S21, S12 and S21 parameters. A source signal is generated and alternately applied to the RF ports. The incoming signal at both RF ports is measured, resulting in the four S-parameters S11 and S21 (when the source signal is routed to port 1) as well as S12 and S22 (when it is routed to port 2).
★【Can Be a Signal Generator & Spectrum Analyzer】:Although the LibreVNA hardware is not designed to be used as a spectrum analyzer, the general hardware architecture of a spectrum analyzer is similar enough to that of a VNA to implement basic two-channel spectrum measurements. This is in no way on the same performance level as a dedicated spectrum analyzer but for simple measurements it might suffice if no other equipment is available.
Note 1:Due to structural limitations, S12 isolation is 10dB worse than S21. Above 3GHz, the performance decreases with increasing frequency, and the port isolation is only 50dB at 6GHz. Below 1MHz, the performance decreases with decreasing frequency, and the effective dynamic decreases to 70dB at 100kHz.
Note 2:The use of higher accuracy calibrators allows for higher precision measurements.
Note 3:The output power may decrease when the frequency is lower than 1MHz or higher than 3GHz.
LibreVNAis a trademark that we have registered or are in the process of registering in several countries. If you are building a VNA based on an open source project, please avoid using this trademark.
Package include：
LibreVNA host x 1
USB type-C data cable x1
USB power cable x1
30cm SMA male to male SS405 RF cable x2
SMA male calibration kit - OPEN x1
SMA male calibration kit - SHORT x1
SMA male calibration kit - LOAD x2
SMA female to female connector x2
SMA male to male connector x2
English manual x1
2022 Upgraded LibreVNA 2.0 100kHz-6GHz Vector Network Analyzer
This is an upgraded version of LibreVNA 2.0, New 6-layer PCB design optimizes the S12 port isolation and high-frequency port matching. The S12 can achieve over 90dB of port isolation below 3GHz, allowing measurements above 6GHz using harmonics. In actual tests up to 9GHz, both S11 and S22 have more than 10dB port directivity, and S12 S21 have more than 40dB dynamics.
Many aspects are already comparable to lab-grade VNAs, but this is still a work-in-progress project. Some design features may not be perfect, please fully understand the possible limitations before buying this machine.
The Librevna 2.0 vector network analyzer will be a nice addition device to the workbench, which is a very fully functional analyzer for electronics engineer, amateur radio operators or radio diy enthusiast.
What you can get?
- LibreVNA host x 1
- USB type-C data cable x1
- USB power cable x1
- 30cm SMA male to male SS405 RF cable x2
- SMA male calibration kit - OPEN x1
- SMA male calibration kit - SHORT x1
- SMA male calibration kit - LOAD x2
- SMA female to female connector x2
- SMA male to male connector x2
- English manual x1
100kHz-6GHz Vector Network Analyzer
LibreVNA is a USB based full 2-port vector network analyzer designed by Jankae. Using 3 ADCs to sample data simultaneously and using FPGAs for signal processing, it is capable of scanning over 10,000 points of full dual-port measurements in less than 1 second.
Many aspects are already comparable to lab-grade VNAs, but this is still a work-in-progress project. Some design features may not be perfect, please fully understand the possible limitations before buying this machine.
- Providing a 100kHz to 6GHz ultra-wide frequency range(previous vna analyzers are about 10KHz-1.5/3GHz),the upgraded Frequency Accuracy is >2ppm.
- Firmware Update:Support Firmware Update,can load a new microcontroller firmware and FPGA configuration into the LibreVNA. Do not disconnect power while updating the firmware!
- We have a detailed introduction and software installation package about this product, please feel free to tell us.
Profesional Better and more accurate VNA measurement
Although the LibreVNA hardware is not designed to be used as a spectrum analyzer, the general hardware architecture of a spectrum analyzer is similar enough to that of a VNA to implement basic two-channel spectrum measurements and perform basic spectrum measurements output CW signals.Which might suffice if no other professional equipment is available.The main differences to a real spectrum analyzer and signal generator pls refer to the product Instruction.
Supported Operating System: Windows, Linux, MacOS. (Only 64-bit software is available for now)
Troubleshooting:
Error Code - Meaning - Possible Solution
Code 1 - Failed to detect FLASH memory - Hardware failure, check soldering
Code 2 - Invalid FLASH content - Perform firmware update
Code 3 - Failed to configure FPGA - Check FPGA bitstream generator settings
Code 4 - Hardware initialization failed - Verify that FPGA bitstream and uC firmware are created from the same release
Full S-Parameters Measurements
In Vector Network Analyzer operating mode, the LibreVNA can measure the complete S11, S21, S12 and S21 parameters. A source signal is generated and alternately applied to the RF ports. The incoming signal at both RF ports is measured, resulting in the four S-parameters S11 and S21 (when the source signal is routed to port 1) as well as S12 and S22 (when it is routed to port 2).
Specifictions
| Impedance | 50Ω |
| Test Port Connector | SMA, female |
| Number of Test Port | 2 |
| Frequency Range/Accuracy | 100kHz to 6GHz, >2ppm |
| Number of Measurement Points | 2 to 4501 |
| Speed 2-port - 4000 pts | <500ms (IFBW=50 kHz ) |
| Measurement Bandwidths | 10Hz to 50kHz |
| Dynamic range (IFBW 10Hz) | > 100 dB to 3GHz,> 50 dB to 6 GHz (Note 1) |
| Measurement parameters | S11, S21, S12, S22 |
| Reflection directivity | > 40 dB (after calibration) (Note 2) |
| Output power | -40 dBm to 0 dBm (Note 3) |
| Power Supply/consumption | DC 5V, 1.5A(USB powered, or 3.5mm connector),USB type-C Interface,approx. 7W. |
| Supported Operating System | Windows, Linux, MacOS. (Only 64-bit software is available for now) |
| External Reference Input | SMA female; 10 MHz |
| External Reference Output | SMA female; 10 MHz or 100MHz |
| Further measurement options | Simple spectrum analyzer,Signal generator |
Some customer concerns and responses
Q1: Has anyone used this with ubuntu (what version) and/or macos (again version/arch) e.g. intel or apple m1?
A1:I've only used mine with Ubuntu (20.04) and MacOS (macOS 12.2; M1 and Intel processors). The software works virtually identically on either platform. I have not used the product with Windows. I've been impressed by the performance of this product.
A2:I've used it with latest Ubuntu LTS release
Q2: Does this come with software and drivers and does the software work with windows 7 x64?
A1: The software is loaded on the VNA. You will need to go to the site to download the latest. It will work with Windows 7 X64 Professional and newer versions of Windows.
A2:it come with software and it can work with win7 64bit
A3:I downloaded the software online from the GitHub page. Used it with Win 10 x64.
Q3:Can this VNA be used to measure crystals?
A: Yes
Q4:How does the LibreVNA dissipate heat?
The VNA is designed to dissipate heat through the metal case itself. When it reaches to a full operation, the device will preheat up to around 60°, which is considered a normal situation and the heat won't damage the device, but do pay attention to be temporarily away from the LibreVNA and avoiding the direct touch when it is heaten up, the heat will disappear in several minutes.