Rohde and Schwarz ZNH18 - 30 kHz to 18 GHz Handheld Vector Network Analyzer (1321.1611.18)

The R&S ZNH is a full two-port handheld vector network analyzer (VNA) that offers one-port cable and antenna measurement and full two-port S-parameter measurements. The touch-based interface simplifies operation and a configuration overview menu makes measurement preparation more efficient. The R&S ZNH may have a small form factor, but it is complete in every detail and delivers good performance and all the key functionalities.

Maintaining the operation of RF communications systems requires fast identification of any defects in the system components. The R&S ZNH, a multifaceted handheld vector network analyzer, helps on-site field engineers remedy defective components detected in the system. The basic version of the R&S ZNH handheld VNA can perform one-port cable and antenna measurements and four S-parameter measurements. With the addition of an optional power meter, pulse measurement, wave ratio, and wave quantities functionalities, the R&S ZNH enables field engineers to maintain and restore radar and satellite systems swiftly.

The ZNH basic unit includes:

• Distance to fault measurement
• One port cable loss measurement
• Reflection measurement
• Transmission measurement
• Four S-parameters (S11, S21, S12, S22)

There are also several optional measurement modes. More information on these can be seen further below. The part numbers are indicated in parentheses.

• Power sensor support (ZNH-K9)
• Pulse measurement (ZNH-K29)
• DC bias variable voltage source (ZNH-K10)
• Vector voltmeter (ZNH-K45)
• Wave ratios and wave quantities (ZNH-K66)

Several versions available

The ZNH is available in four models, with maximum frequencies ranging from 4 to 26.5 GHz. The following is a brief overview of the main features of each.

Alternately, the antenna system performance can be assessed with reflection measurements. When a minimum amount of the transmitted signal is reflected, it indicates that the transmission energy efficiently covers the intended area. Unnecessarily high reflection makes the system inefficient and can damage components. Reflection measurements can be expressed in terms of return loss, VSWR, and the reflection coefficient.

Four S-parameter measurements

S-parameters are the basic measured quantities of a network analyzer. They describe how the DUT modifies a signal that is transmitted or reflected in the forward or reverse direction. During product development and manufacturing, it is common to test component specifications and verify design simulations to ensure systems and their components work properly. In the field, S-parameter measurement helps to verify and troubleshoot deployed RF and microwave systems. The full two-port R&S ZNH offers the four S-parameter (S11, S21, S12, S22) measurements as standard. The VNA features single, split, triple, and quad display modes and various formats.

Optional measurement modes

DC bias variable voltage source (ZNH-K10)

Certain systems, such as tower-mounted amplifiers (TMA) for mobile communications applications, require DC power to be fed via the RF cable. Standard setups consist of a handheld analyzer, a 110V/230V plug-in power supply, a dedicated bias tee, and cables. The R&S ZNH has an integrated bias tee that does not require these components as additional external devices and can be battery-operated. The VNA acts as a hassle-free variable voltage source to provide the power these systems need for testing, installation, and maintenance.

Vector voltmeter (ZNH-K45)

The R&S ZNH-K45 vector voltmeter option displays the magnitude and phase of a DUT at a fixed frequency. The ZNH can therefore replace a conventional vector voltmeter for many applications. The required signal source and bridge are already available in the ZNH.

The setup is extremely simple, which makes the R&S ZNH-K45 ideal for field use. The results of relative measurements from a reference DUT can be stored at the push of a button. Comparison measurements, e.g. between various RF cables and a reference cable (golden device), can be quickly and easily performed. Typical applications are:

• Adjustment of electrical cable length
• Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of phase-controlled antennas, for instance, localizer antennas used in instrument landing systems (ILS) for air traffic control
• Calibration of monopulse radars

Wave ratios and wave quantities (ZNH-K66)

R&S ZNH offers four fully coherent receivers/channels. This means there are two additional sets of measurement parameters, which have an unambiguous meaning even if the DUT is measured outside its linear range:

• Wave quantities provide the power of any of the transmitted or received waves
• Wave ratios provide the complex ratio of any combination of transmitted or received wave quantities

The wave quantities provide the absolute power and phase at the various receivers of the analyzer ports. Wave quantities are therefore suitable for the following measurement tasks:

• Use of the analyzer as a frequency selective power meter
• Harmonics