Network Analyzer Functionality Simulator

Abstract: The objective of this thesis work was to implement all the hardware and software necessary to simulate the functionality of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). With equipment that is already available, and is common in a measurement station, the most common functions of a VNA were implemented, using an Vector Signal Generator, that provide the signal for testing, and a Vector Signal Analyzer, to make all the amplitude and phase measurements. With these instruments and the appropriate software that control them, the basic functionality of a Vector Network Analyzer can be achieved with a reasonable accuracy. With this system, we can reduce costs, avoiding the need of a real VNA and take advantage off instruments that are already available in a laboratory. A Complete measurement system of all four scattering parameters is proposed at the end of the report for future implementation. With this implementation all the different S-parameter measurements were made with an acceptable accuracy that can be comparable to a commercial VNA.