Antennas

Reference / Paper · 2020

ON7DQ — The NanoVNA: From Theory to Practice

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Author
Luc, ON7DQ (UBA Section OST)
Year
2020
Type
Reference / Paper
  • nanovna
  • vna
  • smith chart
  • swr
  • antennas
  • measurement

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ON7DQ — The NanoVNA: From Theory to Practice

The nanoVNA ... from theory to practice! UBA Section OST – Luc ON7DQ V2.03 March 2020 Preface  Time is short ... some things will be explained in a “simple" way, so not always scientifically correct … still too difficult ?  Close your eyes, sit back and relax ...  Minimal use of math or formulas, but we can’t do without some essential ones  Only basic nanoVNA with standard firmware is discussed  Halfway ... BREAK ! … You will need a drink !  Powerpoint presentation will be available for download  At the end : lots of links to websites, videos and software nanoVNA – ON7DQ 2 Content  Some basics (actually … a lot !) Complex impedance and admittance, Transmission Lines, Reflection Coefficient, Return Loss, SWR, S-parameters, the Smith Chart  Measuring is knowing - What is a Vector Network Analyzer ? - Functioning, calibration and capabilities of the nanoVNA - Connecting to a PC: using the nanoVNA Saver program - extra features of the nanoVNA  Just do it ! - Practical examples: measurements on cables, antennas, filters, components ... nanoVNA – ON7DQ 3 Basic stuff - Complex Impedance We know : R, L & C : in series : add R’s, add L’s  in parallel : add C’s Combination of R, L & C  COMPLEX IMPEDANCE Z = R + j.X in Ohm (Ω) Reactances also in Ω Real (Re) and Imaginary (Im) part with ω = 2. π. f (angular velocity) XL = ω. L XC = − 1 ω.C e.g. R = 100 Ω, in series with L = 10 nH, at 145 MHz  Z = 100 + j.9,11 Let’s put this in a x/y GRAPH Question : Where would one draw Z = 1000 + j.500 ??? (solution is in the Smith Chart … wait a while …) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 4 Complex Impedance • Where do we encounter complex impedances ? • Transmission Lines (cables) • Components • Antennas • Filters • Amplifiers … they all can present a complex impedance ! • ADMITTANCE 1 1 𝑌= = = G + j.B 𝑍 𝑅+𝑗.𝑋 unit S (Siemens)* (*in USA : mho) [ G = the “conductance” , B = the “susceptance” ] Useful in parallel circuits : just add the admittances ! e.g. R = 150 Ω in parallel with C = 100 pF , at 28 MHz Y = 1/R + j.2.𝝅.f.C = 0,0066 + j.0,0176 S  but Z = 1/Y = ?? Wait a while … ( ↑ NOTE : capacitive susceptance = positive ! ) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 5 Transmission Lines (TL) Consider an ideal TL : it has NO LOSS, and can be drawn as a cascade of small L/C cells (dx is a small unit of distance) : e.g. for RG-58 : l = 250 nH/m and c = 100 pF/m Zg ldx Eg ldx cdx ldx cdx cdx (Zg ,is the SOURCE , ZL is the LOAD impedance) dx Every cable has a characteristic impedance Z0 𝑍0 = nanoVNA – ON7DQ ZL 𝑙 𝑐 (e.g. 50 Ω, 75 Ω) 6 TL – Velocity Factor Radio waves travel in free space at what speed ? …  the speed of light v0 = 300.000 km/s Waves in a TL go much slower … (due to phase shift in the L/C cells), typically 66% of v0, or 200.000 km/s  the velocity factor is k = 0,66 (*USA : VF) It depends on the dielectric constant εr of the insulating material and 𝑘 = 1 𝜀𝑟 e.g. if k = 0,66 , εr = 2,30 the “guided wavelength” is λg = k.λ0 (with λ0 : the wavelength in free space = v0/f)  so k is also a “shortening” factor e.g. How long is a piece of RG-58 to obtain a λ/4 in the 2m band ? Answer : +/- 34 cm , not 50 cm ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 7 „Waves“ in a TL … and „Reflections“ e.g. : the load is a SHORT … we all know there can’t be any voltage on a short, right ? Ei = incident wave, Er = reflected wave Ex is the sum, at ZL it’s always ZERO, but not so in other places, it depends on amplitude & phase of Ei and Er in those places And so … also the impedance Zx can be any value ! . . . Involves complex math, but …  We’ll leave that to a PC program ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 8 Three ways to express how bad the “mismatch” is  Reflection Coefficient  Return Loss  (V)SWR nanoVNA – ON7DQ 9 Reflection Coefficient : how much reflected voltage ? • the load (e.g. a 150 Ω antenna) is not “matched” to the cable (e.g. a coax with Z0 = 50 Ω ). There will be reflections ! • We want to express in one number how much voltage is reflected, and not only the magnitude, but also the phase : the reflection coefficient : Γ𝑥 (gamma) • 𝐸𝑟 Γ𝑥 = 𝐸𝑖 nanoVNA – ON7DQ It is a complex number : |ΓL| = 0 to 1 (0,05 is GOOD) and ∠ ΓL = 0° to 360° 10 Reflection Coefficient • At the load ZL we have : 𝑍𝐿 − 𝑍0 Γ𝐿 = 𝑍𝐿 +𝑍0 150 −50 100 • For the same example as before : ΓL = = = 0,5 ∠ 0° 150+50 200 or 50% of the voltage is reflected, and in phase • Some special cases : Short circuit : ZL = 0  ΓL = -1 , all voltage is reflected , 180° out of phase Open circuit : ZL = ∞  ΓL = +1 , all voltage is reflected , in phase (and the LOAD will have DOUBLE voltage !) Matched condition : ZL = Z0  ΓL = 0 , no reflected voltage at all • The reflection coefficient will be the basis for the Smith Chart nanoVNA – ON7DQ 11 Measuring in dB ? … the Return Loss (RL) • We send a wave along a TL … some of it will return, we hope it is LESS than what we sent, hi … How many dB will that reflection be LOWER than the incident wave ? This is the RETURN LOSS RL = 20.log ( |Γ𝑥 | ) • NOT a complex number, and always negative ! ( Some (e.g. HP ;-) may say it’s positive … well, tomato - tomato) • At full reflection : RL = 0 dB • No reflection : RL = - ∞ dB • Who can measure = - ∞ dB ? Not possible  limit = internal equipment noise • RL = -26 dB is GOOD • For our example : RL = 20.log (0,5) = - 6 dB nanoVNA – ON7DQ 12 Amateurs are most familiar with „SWR“ , but what is it ? • “Standing Waves” are a misnomer , our waves are always on the move ! (Ei and Er are both travelling waves) BUT … the combination of two travelling waves makes a stationary “voltage pattern” with nodes and anti-nodes in fixed locations • Total voltage is always ‘maximum’, ‘minimum’ or something in between e.g. ZL = 3.Z0 then ΓL = 0,5 (50% reflects,in phase) here : vector  • the sum Ex varies between 0,5.Ei and 1,5.Ei e.g. if Ei = 1V, then Ex = 0,5 to 1,5 V here : modulus  • Note : Ei rotates CCW, Er rotates CW, when moving from load to source nanoVNA – ON7DQ 13 The Standing Wave Ratio or VSWR or for short : SWR (Voltage) Standing Wave Ratio or 𝑺𝑾𝑹 = 𝝈 𝑬𝑴𝑨𝑿 = 𝑬𝑴𝑰𝑵 ( σ = sigma) In our example EMAX = 1,5 V , EMIN = 0,5 V, SWR = 3 (NOT 3:1 … who invented that ?) SWR is always a REAL number, varies from 1 (no reflection) to … +∞ (full reflection) (and 1,11 is GOOD ) Now have you ever … our “SWR meter” does NOT measure SWR at all !! It would require measuring voltage at two seperate locations along the line (it can be done with a “slotted line”) We actually measure the modulus of the reflection coefficient (|ΓL| ) with a “directional coupler” or a resistive “bridge” … and have a scale calibrated for SWR 1+|Γ | ( with this formula : 𝑆𝑊𝑅 = 1 −|Γ𝐿 | ) 𝐿 nanoVNA – ON7DQ 14 Typical SWR meter … and some directional couplers e.g. Google “Bruene bridge” …  nanoVNA – ON7DQ 15 SWR at matched condition … ZL = Z0 No reflection , and no maximum or minimum voltage or EMAX = EMIN = Ei and so SWR = 1 Another handy trick … IF ZL is purely resistive (and only then !) 𝑍𝐿 𝑆𝑊𝑅 = 𝑍0 𝑍0 or 𝑆𝑊𝑅 = (largest one is on top) 𝑍𝐿 In our example : SWR = 150/50 = 3 nanoVNA – ON7DQ 16 Reflection Coefficient – Return Loss – SWR relations ? Print this handy table – see link at the end (here RL is positive) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 17 S-Parameters (scattered parameters) a = wave incident to the network b = wave reflecting from the network ONE-PORT : only one S-parameter : S11 e.g. Antenna, Dummy Load, Component b1 = S11. a1 nanoVNA – ON7DQ or S11 = b1/a1 = Er/Ei = the complex reflection coefficient ! 18 S-Parameters (scattered parameters) TWO-PORT : now we have 4 S-parameters ! Wat do they mean ? s11 = reflection coefficient at PORT 1 (while PORT 2 has a matched load) s22 = reflection coefficient at PORT 2 (while PORT 1 has a matched load) s21 = the forward GAIN (but can be < 1, and always is for passive circuits) s12 = the reverse GAIN (most often < 1, and we hope so for amplifiers ;-) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 19 Properties of S-parameters • S-parameters are complex numbers, they contain phase information • Modulus (the magnitude of the reflection or gain) • Argument (the phase in degrees) • Frequency dependant : you need to measure them for all frequencies, or look them up in a databook Always referenced to a 50  “system impedance” There are three- four- …n- port S-parameters too (think of diplexers etc …) • • • Easy to use if in a computer file in .s1p en een .s2p format • e.g. a BFY90 transistor  nanoVNA – ON7DQ 20 Smith Chart Is a graphical representation of Γ, impedances and admittances, and is a handy complex calculator In the old days : Paper chart, not easy to learn and use Now : Very easy to use program with an appropriate name : SMITH ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 21 Smith Chart It will help us in designing a MATCHING NETWORK Why would we want to MATCH anyway ? • Maximum power transfer • Reflections disturb the stability of amplifiers, distort signals, etc. • Standing Wave pattern may cause a breakdown in the dielectric at EMAX • Constant impedance along the line : lets you connect the source at any point Possible techniques • lumped components (L/C), in series or in parallel  one example given • λ/4 transformer (not now) • TL in series (not now) • stubs (not now) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 22 Smith Chart is a reflection coefficient plane We want to graph ALL possible values of the reflection-coefficient Γx This results in a CLOSED DISK with radius = 1 |Γx | = 0…1 and ∡Γx = 0…360° e.g. Γ1 ≅ 0,5 ∡ 45°  SMITH Γ2 = 1 ∡-90 nanoVNA – ON7DQ 23 Smith Chart is also an impedance plane To be able to plot all possible impedances, we use NORMALIZATION Normalized impedance (z in lower case) ZL zL = = rL + j.xL Z0 R-circles : all points having the same r-value X-circles (arcs) : all points having the same x-value nanoVNA – ON7DQ 24 Smith Chart : impedances Special values on the Smith Chart : The outside border, where |ΓL| = 1, is where all purely inductive (upper half) or all purely capacitive (lower half) impedances are (and r = 0) Horizontal axis is the r-axis = all purely resistive impedances On this line : Left = short circuit Right = open circuit Center = matched, zL = 1 Nodes and antinodes : NODE = lowest z or minimum voltage ANTINODE = highest z or maximum voltage nanoVNA – ON7DQ 25 Smith Chart : impedances Why use normalization ? Makes us independant of the “system” impedance e.g. 100 Ω in a 50 Ω system ... z = 100/50 = 2 600 Ω in a 300 Ω system … z = 600/300 = 2 = the same point on chart ! e.g. : given : Z0 = 50 Ω , load ZL = 50 + j.70 Ω where is this on the Smith Chart ?  SMITH The SMITH program does all the normalization/de-normalization for us ! (see : SETTINGS  Default Z0) And now for that 1000 + j.500 Ω … no longer a problem !  SMITH nanoVNA – ON7DQ 26 Smith Chart : moving along the line Moving along a TL, going from load  source , Ei and Er will have different phases with respect to each other (see standing waves slide). In a lossless line, only phase of Γx will change, modulus remains constant We make a clockwise ROTATION around the center point ( z0) e.g. we move a quarter wave from the load ZL Ei and Er will each change over 90°, and Γx will change a 180° , this is half a turn on the chart.  A full turn around the chart is ? … half wavelength !  Application : use a n x λg/2 cable to measure an antenna : Zin is again = ZL e.g. an antenna was measured as ZL = 50 + j.70 Ω (INDUCTIVE), what is the impedance at λg/4 away from the antenna ? (note : now the velocity factor and the frequency are important) Solution : ZL2 = 17,2 – j.23,5 Ω  SMITH And conclusion : now the impedance is CAPACITIVE ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 27 Smith Chart : even more CIRCLES ? In SMITH, make the ADMITTANCE plane visible (Tools  Settings  Y-Plane (on/off) ) Now we see the g-circles (conductance) and b-circles (susceptance) BEWARE : an inductive impedance IS STILL an inductive admittance, but the sign for the reactive part will change ! (+ j  - j or – j  + j) Constant SWR Circles : concentric circles around z0 (Tools  Circles  SWR  tick the required boxes)  see SMITH nanoVNA – ON7DQ 28 Smith Chart : add L or C, in series or in parallel  We do a SHIFT along an r (in series) or a g circle (in parallel) Remember : L = “eLevate” = move UP C = “Crash” = move DOWN (tnx W2AEW for this trick) Example from a few slides ago : R = 150 Ω , in parallel with C = 100 pF , at 28 MHz Y was = 0,0066 + j.0,0176 S But how to calculate Z = 1/Y ? It’s really simple now  SMITH Solution : Z ≈ 19 - j.50 Ω (see later : my “DUT” measures as 17,7 – j.47,6 Ω ) Let’s make a matching network to 50 Ω, shall we ? It’s “poepsimpel”* with SMITH ! (solution : Lseries = 420 nH**, Cparallel 148 pF) [* that’s Dutch, try translating it with Google Translate, hi] [** without further details : 9 turns on a T50-6 core , see excellent program Mini Ringcore Calculator] nanoVNA – ON7DQ 29 EXTRA : add L or C There are 8 possible L/C combinations What impedances can be matched with what circuit ? The first 4 : source W2AEW video nanoVNA – ON7DQ 30 EXTRA : add L or C And four more networks, now C/C or L/L configurations : source W2AEW video nanoVNA – ON7DQ 31 Smith Chart : add L or C, series or parallel Nice ! But will this be true in practice ? the nanoVNA will tell it … after the BREAK ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 32 Measuring is Knowing … the nanoVNA ! SIZE of a Credit Card nanoVNA – ON7DQ 33 nanoVNA inside nanoVNA – ON7DQ 34 nanoVNA with N-connectors Source K6JCA nanoVNA – ON7DQ 35 Scalar Network Analyzer Only measures the magnitude of reflection Can not measure complex impedance Wideband detector measures any signal picked up by the antenna >> used in most simple antenna analyzers & Arduino projects (e.g. K6BEZ) >> a bit better : the ANTUINO by HF SIGNALS (from India, see Bitx40 & µBitx) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 36 VNA = a Vector Network Analyzer Classic setup nanoVNA – ON7DQ 37 nanoVNA block diagram - operation nanoVNA – ON7DQ 38 nanoVNA specifications Frequency range : 50kHz to 900MHz (300 - 900MHz with harmonics) RF output: -13dbm (maximum -9dbm) , so approx. 0.1 mW Dynamic range : 70dB (50kHz - 300MHz), 60dB (300MHz - 600MHz), 50dB (600MHz - 900MHz) Display: 2.8 inch TFT, resolution 320x240 … like the “new” Nokia 3310 ! USB interface: USB type C (power/charging + data connection to PC) Power: USB 5V 120mA , LiPo battery +/- 500 mAh Number of points : 101 (fixed)  biggest disadvantage ! Display : 4 traces, 4 markers + 5 memories for calibration & settings (C0-C4) Frequency error : < 0.5 ppm (e.g. 50 Hz error at 100 MHz) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 39 Want to build your own ? … here is the schematic ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 40 nanoVNA Manual ? Gunthard Kraus, DG8GB, wrote a nice manual in German and in English 54 pages, lots of nice examples … and it’s FREE! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 41 nanoVNA „standalone“ : basic controls • “Rocker switch” is of little use …  use a PalmPilot or Nintendo DS stylus ! • Tap the screen to see the menu  • Display > Trace > T0 – T4 > the selected TRACE stays active for other operations like FORMAT, SCALE, PORT … • Enter numbers : e.g. STIMULUS > START then tap the “white zone” near the frequency then tap 145.400 and M = 145.4 MHz  • CALIBRATION : first do a RESET ! then CALIBRATE with “SOLT “ (see manual) then SAVE in C0 to C4 (C0 loads as the default at startup) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 42 nanoVNA „standalone“ : the MENU Structure MAIN MENU -------------------DISPLAY MARKER STIMULUS CAL RECALL/SAVE CLOSE nanoVNA – ON7DQ 43 More versatile with PC software : nanoVNA Saver Regular updates … always use the latest one ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 44 Just do it ! … the nanoVNA in practice ! FIRST : Calibrate ! 50 kHz – 900 MHz calibration is the default (in C0), but is only 101 points ! e.g. We want to measure an 80m antenna : first point is at 50 kHz, second point is at 8,9 MHz ! No calibration point in 80m ! BETTER : do a calibration over a limited range or even better : do it on the PC, where you can use “segmented” scanning, and a large number of points, and you can SAVE as many calibration files as you like Measuring cables should be included in the calibration ! And finally : check your calibration by connecting the SOL elements again ! e.g. Lets measure some 50 Ω resistors (commercial load, homebrew loads : carbon, wirewound …) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 45 Just do it ! … the nanoVNA in practice ! An ANTENNA ! e.g. Groundplane for 70 cm, copper wire 1,5 mm², + a ballpoint “spring” to tune it, see the effect  Demo “continuous sweep” , best: narrow band + 1 segment nanoVNA – ON7DQ 46 nanoVNA … in practice Measuring at the antenna ? the nanoVNA is very portable … so you can take it up to your antenna ? At HF not a good idea (RF ingress into the nanoVNA or other unwanted coupling) Also see the many demo’s on YouTube, flapping about a VHF whip on a cable (and no ground) near the nanoVNA … useless ! Use a cable with a “Common Mode Choke” , and calibrate at the antenna end Source : DF9CY nanoVNA – ON7DQ W6LG 47 nanoVNA … in practice : a MATCHING network ! Previous example : match a load of 150 Ω // 100pF at 28 MHz Measure the load : ZL = 17,75 – j.47,6 Ω - Match with L = 420 nH in series, then C = 150 pF in parallel (@28 MHz : my values were L = 438 nH, C = 165 pF) After matching : Z = 58,09 –j.5,62 Ω … We’re a little bit “off”, but it’s good for CB ! ;-) TIP : “Set current as Reference” to compare with previous measurement  blue line = without the C + add SWR circle (e.g. SWR= 1.5) effect of extra board ˅ ▼ nanoVNA – ON7DQ 48  nanoVNA … in practice : a FILTER ! e.g. a LOW PASS FILTER for 30m Design it with ELSIE* , or use the tables by W3NQN* (* see links) Circuit : Realisation : C1,C7 = 270 pF C3,C5 = 560 pF L2,L6 = 1,09 µH (T50-2, 15t) L4 = 1,26 µH (T50-2, 16t) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 49 nanoVNA … in practice LOW PASS FILTER for 30m + CALIBRATION at 505 points with nanoVNA Saver  @10.1 MHz: S21 = -0.55 dB RL = - 12 dB (could be better) @20.2 MHz S21 = -54.5 dB nanoVNA – ON7DQ 50 nanoVNA … in practice LOW PASS FILTER for 30m Another handy function : Automatic Analysis of filters  (the “Analysis ...” button is at the bottom of the Marker Data pane) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 51 nanoVNA … TDR measurement TDR = TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY 2 principles :  The old IMPULSE method = in the low frequency spectrum (~100 kHz) Impulsgenerator Zg = 50 Ohm T-stuk testkabel ZL Oscilloscoop (probe 10:1)  Calculate the response from S11 at several frequencies From frequency domain to time domain using Inverse Fast Fourier Transform* A peak in the time response relates to the PLACE of the discontinuity ! Maximum length that can be measured is determined by the frequency step and the velocity factor (not essential to know this, but here’s the formula anyway …) 𝑘.𝑣 𝐿𝑀𝐴𝑋 = ∆𝑓0 e.g. k=0,66 , step = 1 Mhz  L = 0,66. 3.108 / 1.106 = 198 m nanoVNA – ON7DQ 52 nanoVNA … TDR measurement nanoVNA Saver does all the work … e.g. cable RG223 measured as 1,05 m, k = 0,66 Length measured by nanoVNA Saver = 1,045 m  Also handy : Z0 of the cable is also shown (not very accurate, but good enough to distinguish between a 50 or 75 Ω cable ) nanoVNA – ON7DQ 53 nanoVNA … other method to measure Z0 of a cable The λ/8 method A short TL (called a “Lecher line”), length = λ/8, is left open at its LOAD end. Input Impedance will be : - j.Z0 So on the chart, starting from OPEN, find the frequency where Z = a SHORT There the line is a λ/4 Now measure Z at half that frequency The reactance will be –j.Z0 e.g. the same cable of 105 cm, k=0.66 At 23,038 Mhz it is a λ/8, the reactance is –j.50,39 Ω, so Z0 = 50,39 Ω A 75 Ω cable will not show at -90°, but at it’s normalized impedance of 0 – j.1.5 (or -67°), which equals 0 – j.75 Ω nanoVNA – ON7DQ 54 nanoVNA as a Component Tester Menu STIMULUS > CW FREQ > 50 kHz (or your actual “working frequency”) Component adapter + SOL calibration + two prongs bent out for SMD’s L, C, R are calculated from measured impedance  Also (loss) resistance , Q factor, etc can be measured … see manual nanoVNA – ON7DQ 55 nanoVNA as a Signal Generator • Antenna or cable on CH0 • Menu STIMULUS > CW FREQ > enter frequency • Output is a SQUARE wave (with harmonics) • Level can not be adjusted, it varies between -7 dBm … - 19 dBm • No modulation possible (e.g. VNWA3E has AM, FM and level adjust) • You can set a small sweep range … hear some “ticking” in the receiver • RF generators from China ? … e.g.  more expensive than a nanoVNA ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 56 nanoVNA as a Spectrum Analyzer ? CH1 is an INPUT, so it should be possible ! Connect an antenna or probe to CH1 Put Trace 1 or 3 on LOGMAG = spectrum display, but it can not be calibrated + “images” at 10 kHz (twice the IF of 5 kHz), so just good enough to “have a look” NOTE : only 101 discrete frequencies with a 1 kHz bandwidth : what you see is NOT what you get ! (signals not on one of those 101 frequencies are not shown !) e.g. view of the 40m band - In nanoVNA: 7.074 MHz (FT-8) shows up twice Display > Scale > Ref. Pos. = 15 - In nanoVNA Saver : Sweep settings >Average sweep 5/2 nanoVNA – ON7DQ 57 Finally … some alternative software : nanoVNA Sharp nanoVNA – ON7DQ 58 Alternative software : TAPR VNA nanoVNA – ON7DQ 59 Software for Android : nanoVNA WebApp  Needs a USB OTG cable nanoVNA – ON7DQ 60 Other FIRMWARE ? Have not tested this , so not much to tell … do it at your own risk Use a pincet to short two contacts and Power ON, nanopVNA will enter DFU mode (“Device Firmware Update”) Then using PC software, load the new Firmware … it sounds simple ! Many versions around • Only the function Antenna Analyzer • Only 2 traces , but a larger font • Only the basic frequency range (50 kHz – 300 MHz) • With built-in TDR function • With menu item for voor DFU mode • Etc … Still a lot to explore and learn ! nanoVNA – ON7DQ 61 nanoVNA Forum + Wiki = All you wanted to know but … nanoVNA – ON7DQ 62 Sources / Links THEORY Smith Chart http://k6jca.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-brief-tutorial-on-smith-charts.html Video on L/C matching networks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgeRHDI-ukc Table Reflection Coefficient - RL - SWR https://www.markimicrowave.com/blog/wpcontent/uploads/2016/11/return-loss-to-vswr.pdf Arduino Antenne Analyzer by K6BEZ http://www.hamstack.com/hs_projects/k6bez_antenna_analyzer.pdf A better Antenne Analyzer : the Antuino http://www.hfsignals.com/index.php/antuino/ W3NQN Basic LPF tables (from GQRP club) http://www.gqrp.com/harmonic_filters.pdf W3NQN Improved “CWAZ” LPF article https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/9902044.pdf TDR theory on Inverse Fourier Transform https://nuclearrambo.com/wordpress/accurately-measuring-cable-length-withnanovna/ nanoVNA – ON7DQ 63 Sources / Links nanoVNA nanoVNA best video ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKi6s3WvBAM nanoVNA Forum https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users Original manual for standalone use http://nanovna.com/ The menu structure https://oristopo.github.io/nVhelp/html/Menu.htm A more comprehensive manual, many good examples & use of nanoVNA Saver http://gunthard-kraus.de/fertig_NanoVNA/English_NanoVNA_V1.4.2._final.pdf Idea for mounting N-connectors https://groups.io/g/nanovnausers/files/Housing%20and%20Case%20Designs/N%20connectors%20for%20t he%20NanoVNA%20-%20k6jca.pdf nanoVNA – ON7DQ 64 Sources / Links SOFTWARE Program SMITH https://www.fritz.dellsperger.net/smith.html , the site has also a good introduction on the Smith Chart (ppt) and many examples ELSIE Filter Design http://tonnesoftware.com/elsie.html Mini Ringcore Calculator : all calculations for coils with iron powder, ferrite and air cores http://www.dl0hst.de/mini-ringkern-rechner.htm nanoVNA Saver download https://github.com/mihtjel/nanovna-saver/releases + good introduction on its use https://zs1sci.com/blog/nanovnasaver/ nanoVNA Sharp https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JViWLBOIzaHTdwdONX2RP8S4EgWxoND nanoVNA WebApp (Android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.lowreal.nanovnawebapp&hl=nl nanoVNA – ON7DQ 65 Any questions ? You can wake up and go home now ! Digimodes – ON7DQ