Optimizing VNA Measurement Speed

Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) measurement speeds are often estimated, and thus users strive to optimize their instrument’s measurement speed. Many are interested in the tradeoffs between speed, accuracy, and resolution in VNA measurements, especially when automating the instrument in a larger measurement system or production environment. This application note details the determining factors for measurement cycle time in Copper Mountain Technologies VNAs and how to optimize the measurement speed.

CMT instruments offer an additional user-programmable delay between points, which may be useful for integration with external equipment or DUTs with settling times of their own. Some of the delay components are effectively fixed, while others depend upon the measurement parameters and thus may be optimized by the user.