Network Analyzer Lab Manual

1. Introduction to the Remote RF Lab

✨ Welcome to the Quaxys Remote RF Lab!

Our innovative platform enables you to access and control state-of-the-art RF measurement equipment from anywhere in the world. Our network analyzer lab is designed to help you master essential RF measurements for both active and passive components, including amplifiers, filters,  and attenuators, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard techniques.


👉 Select one of the experiments below to access the associated lab manual:
📖 Attenuator Measurements
📖 Filter Measurements
📖 Amplifier Measurements
📖Receiver Chain (Amplifier + Filter) Measurements

1. Attenuator Testing with Network Analyzer

1.1 Objective

The objective of these measurements is to evaluate the following attenuator parameters using S-parameter analysis with a network analyzer:

🎯 Attenuation
🎯 Input and output return loss

1.2 Required Equipment

The following equipment and components are needed to measure an attenautor with a network analyzer:

🛠️Vector network analyzer
🛠️VNA calibration kit
🛠️Coaxial cables
🛠️Attenuator
🛠️Quaxys remote RF lab platform

1.3 Test Setup

The test setup is illustrated below:
The test setup consists of the following components:

1.🔗 Receiver chain Connections:
  • The attenuator’s input is connected to Port 1 of the VNA.
  • The attenuator’s output is connected to Port 2.

The VNA can be seamlessly controlled using the Quaxys Remote RF Lab platform. This platform allows you to:

✅ Configure all essential VNA parameters, including:
  • Start/Stop Frequency
  • Number of Points
  • Test Power
  • IF Bandwidth

With the Quaxys platform, you gain full control of your RF measurements remotely. A camera is included to enable remote monitoring of the test setup.

1.4 Measurement Steps

The following steps apply to all VNA measurements.

📋  Step 1: Allow the VNA to Warm Up:
When performing measurements with VNAs, it’s essential to allow them to warm up and stabilize after powering on. As highlighted in the Network Analyzer Course, temperature changes can cause measurement errors.
In our case, since the VNA is already powered on and fully warmed up, this step can be skipped.

📋 Step 2: Set Up the VNA Parameters: 
In this step, configure the following parameters using the Quaxys software:
  • Start Frequency: 100 MHz
  • Stop Frequency: 8 GHz
  • Number of Points: 401
  • Input Power: -30 dBm

📋 Step 3: VNA Calibration: 
To recall the calibration process, refer to the calibration video from the course. 
As calibration can't be done remotely, we’ve already performed the calibration and saved the calibration data on the VNA.

To load the calibration file and prepare the VNA for measurement, follow these steps:

  • Find "recall state" in the calibration menu and choose "state 01".

Once loaded, the VNA is ready for accurate measurements.

1.4.1 Attenuation Measurements

📋 Step 1: Select the attenuator for Testing:
From the Quaxys Device Under Test (DUT) menu, choose the attenuator.

📋 Step 2: Select the S21 Parameter:
From the measurement menu, choose the S21 parameter. Use the marker on the plot to read the insertion loss (|S21| (dB)) at three frequencies, and record the values. 


1.4.2 Input and Output Return Loss 

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 1.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Input and Output Return Loss:
Now, examine the |S11| (dB) parameter, known as the input return loss, which indicates the level of matching at the input. The lower the |S11| value, the better the matching.
Key Questions to Address:
1. Is the |S11| value below -10 dB (indicating good matching)?
2. What is the maximum |S11| value (least matching), and at what frequency does it occur?

Next, repeat the same steps for |S22| (dB), which represents the output return loss and determines the matching at the attenuator's output.

2. Filter Testing with Network Analyzer

2.1 Objective

The objective of these measurements is to evaluate the following filter parameters using
S-parameter analysis with a network analyzer:

🎯 Insertion loss
🎯 Cut-off frequencies
🎯 Stop-band rejection
🎯 Input and output return loss 

2.2 Required Equipment and Components

The following equipment and components are needed to measure filters with a network analyzer:

🛠️Vector network analyzer
🛠️VNA calibration kit
🛠️Coaxial cables
🛠️Filters (low-pass and high-pass)
🛠️Quaxys remote RF lab platform

2.3 Test Setup

The test setups for low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters are illustrated below:
The test setup consists of the following components:

1.🔗 Filter Connections:
  • The filter’s input is connected to Port 1 of the VNA.
  • The filter’s output is connected to Port 2.

The VNA can be seamlessly controlled using the Quaxys Remote RF Lab platform. This platform allows you to:

✅ Configure all essential VNA parameters, including:
  • Start/Stop Frequency
  • Number of Points
  • Test Power
  • IF Bandwidth

With the Quaxys platform, you gain full control of your RF measurements remotely. A camera is included to enable remote monitoring of the test setup.

2.4 Measurement Steps

The following steps apply to all VNA measurements.

📋  Step 1: Allow the VNA to Warm Up:
When performing measurements with VNAs, it’s essential to allow them to warm up and stabilize after powering on. As highlighted in the Network Analyzer Course, temperature changes can cause measurement errors.

In our case, since the VNA is already powered on and fully warmed up, this step can be skipped.

📋 Step 2: Set Up the VNA Parameters: 
In this step, configure the following parameters in the Quaxys remote RF lab platform:
  • Start Frequency: 100 MHz
  • Stop Frequency: 8 GHz
  • Number of Points: 401
  • Input Power: -30 dBm

📋 Step 3: VNA Calibration: 
To recall the calibration process, refer to the calibration video from the course. 
As calibration can't be done remotely, we’ve already performed the calibration and saved the calibration data on the VNA.

To load the calibration file and prepare the VNA for measurement, follow these steps:

  • Find "recall state" in the calibration menu and choose "state 01".

Once loaded, the VNA is ready for accurate measurements.

2.4.1 Insertion Loss Measurements

📋 Step 1: Select the Filter for Testing:
From the Quaxys Device Under Test (DUT) menu, choose the filter.

📋 Step 2: Select the S21 Parameter:
From the measurement menu, choose the S21 parameter. Use the marker on the plot to read the insertion (|S21| (dB)) at three frequencies in the passband, and record the values.
 

2.4.2 Cut-off Frequencies

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 2.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the cut-off frequencies:
The 3-dB cutoff frequency is defined as the point where the filter's S21 parameter drops by 3 dB below its maximum value. For low-pass and high-pass filters, there is a single cutoff frequency, whereas bandpass filters have two cutoff frequencies. The bandwidth of a bandpass filter is determined as follows:

Filter's Bandwidth = Upper 3-dB frequency - Lower 3-dB frequency

2.4.3 Stopband Rejection

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 2.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the stopband rejection:
  • Identify the stopband region (typically where the signal is significantly attenuated beyond the cutoff frequency).
  • Measure the attenuation level (S21 in dB) within the stopband.
  • Record the rejection at key frequencies, such as 10 dB, 20 dB, and 40 dB attenuation points.  

2.4.4 Input and Output Return Loss 

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 2.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Input and Output Return Loss:
Now, examine the |S11| (dB) parameter, known as the input return loss, which indicates the level of matching at the filter's input. The lower the |S11| value, the better the matching.
Key Questions to Address:
1. Is the |S11| value below -10 dB (indicating good matching)?
2. What is the maximum |S11| value (least matching), and at what frequency does it occur?

Next, repeat the same steps for |S22| (dB), which represents the output return loss and determines the matching at the amplifier's output.

3. Amplifier Testing with Network Analyzer

3.1 Objective

The objective of these measurements is to evaluate the following amplifier parameters using
S-parameter analysis with a network analyzer:

🎯 Gain
🎯 Bandwidth
🎯 Gain flatness
🎯 Reverse isolation
🎯 Directivity
🎯 Input and output return loss

3.2 Required Equipment

The following equipment and components are needed to measure filters with a network analyzer:

🛠️Vector network analyzer
🛠️VNA calibration kit
🛠️Coaxial cables
🛠️Amplifier
🛠️Quaxys remote RF lab platform

3.3 Test Setup

The test setup for the amplifier is illustrated below:
The test setup consists of the following components:

1.🔗 Amplifier Connections:
  • The amplifier’s input is connected to Port 1 of the VNA.
  • The amplifier’s output is connected to Port 2.

The VNA can be seamlessly controlled using the Quaxys Remote RF Lab platform. This platform allows you to:

✅ Configure all essential VNA parameters, including:
  • Start/Stop Frequency
  • Number of Points
  • Test Power
  • IF Bandwidth

With the Quaxys platform, you gain full control of your RF measurements remotely. A camera is included to enable remote monitoring of the test setup.

3.4 Measurement Steps

The following steps apply to all VNA measurements.

📋  Step 1: Allow the VNA to Warm Up:
When performing measurements with VNAs, it’s essential to allow them to warm up and stabilize after powering on. As highlighted in the Network Analyzer Course, temperature changes can cause measurement errors.
In our case, since the VNA is already powered on and fully warmed up, this step can be skipped.

📋 Step 2: Set Up the VNA Parameters: 
In this step, configure the following parameters using the Quaxys software:
  • Start Frequency: 100 MHz
  • Stop Frequency: 8 GHz
  • Number of Points: 401
  • Input Power: -30 dBm

📋 Step 3: VNA Calibration: 
To recall the calibration process, refer to the calibration video from the course. 
As calibration can't be done remotely, we’ve already performed the calibration and saved the calibration data on the VNA.

To load the calibration file and prepare the VNA for measurement, follow these steps:

  • Find "recall state" in the calibration menu and choose "state 01".

Once loaded, the VNA is ready for accurate measurements.

3.4.1 Gain Measurements

📋 Step 1: Select the Amplifier for Testing:
From the Quaxys Device Under Test (DUT) menu, choose the amplifier.

📋 Step 2: Select the S21 Parameter:
From the measurement menu, choose the S21 parameter. Use the marker on the plot to read the gain (|S21| (dB)) at three frequencies in the passband, and record the values.

📋 Step 3: Measure the Gain Flatness
 Gain flatness is determined as the difference between the maximum gain and minimum gain across the specified frequency range. 

3.4.2 Cut-off Frequencies

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 3.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the cut-off frequencies:
The 3-dB cutoff frequency is defined as the point where the amplifier's S21 parameter drops by 3 dB below its maximum value. The bandwidth of an amplifier is determined as follows:

Amplifier's Bandwidth = Upper 3-dB frequency - Lower 3-dB frequency

3.4.3 Reverse Isolation

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 3.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Reverse Isolation:

The reverse isolation is simply the S12 parameter, and it shows how much the amplifier is able to block the reflected signal and create isolation between the output and input. This is especially important in preventing unwanted feedback and ensuring stable operation in high-gain amplifiers, particularly in sensitive RF systems where signal integrity is critical.

Now, look at the |S12| (dB) at 2, 3, 4, and 5 GHz and record the values to evaluate the amplifier's reverse isolation performance.  

3.4.4 Directivity

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 3.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Amplifier's Directivity:
Directivity (D) is calculated as the ratio of forward gain to reverse gain, often expressed in decibels (dB):

D = ∣S21∣−∣S12∣

3.4.5 Input and Output Return Loss 

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 3.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Input and Output Return Loss:
Now, examine the |S11| (dB) parameter, known as the input return loss, which indicates the level of matching at the amplifier's input. The lower the |S11| value, the better the matching.
Key Questions to Address:
1. Is the |S11| value below -10 dB (indicating good matching)?
2. What is the maximum |S11| value (least matching), and at what frequency does it occur?

Next, repeat the same steps for |S22| (dB), which represents the output return loss and determines the matching at the amplifier's output.

4. Receiver Chain Testing with Network Analyzer

4.1 Objective

The objective of these measurements is to evaluate the following receiver chain parameters using S-parameter analysis with a network analyzer:

🎯 Gain
🎯 Bandwidth
🎯 Gain flatness
🎯 Stop band rejection
🎯 Reverse isolation
🎯 Directivity
🎯 Input and output return loss

4.2 Required Equipment

The following equipment and components are needed to measure filters with a network analyzer:

🛠️Vector network analyzer
🛠️VNA calibration kit
🛠️Coaxial cables
🛠️Amplifier and filters
🛠️Quaxys remote RF lab platform

4.3 Test Setup

The test setup is illustrated below:
The test setup consists of the following components:

1.🔗 Receiver chain Connections:
  • The amplifier’s input is connected to Port 1 of the VNA.
  • The last filter’s output is connected to Port 2.

The VNA can be seamlessly controlled using the Quaxys Remote RF Lab platform. This platform allows you to:

✅ Configure all essential VNA parameters, including:
  • Start/Stop Frequency
  • Number of Points
  • Test Power
  • IF Bandwidth

With the Quaxys platform, you gain full control of your RF measurements remotely. A camera is included to enable remote monitoring of the test setup.

4.4 Measurement Steps

The following steps apply to all VNA measurements.

📋  Step 1: Allow the VNA to Warm Up:
When performing measurements with VNAs, it’s essential to allow them to warm up and stabilize after powering on. As highlighted in the Network Analyzer Course, temperature changes can cause measurement errors.
In our case, since the VNA is already powered on and fully warmed up, this step can be skipped.

📋 Step 2: Set Up the VNA Parameters: 
In this step, configure the following parameters using the Quaxys software:
  • Start Frequency: 100 MHz
  • Stop Frequency: 8 GHz
  • Number of Points: 401
  • Input Power: -30 dBm

📋 Step 3: VNA Calibration: 
To recall the calibration process, refer to the calibration video from the course. 
As calibration can't be done remotely, we’ve already performed the calibration and saved the calibration data on the VNA.

To load the calibration file and prepare the VNA for measurement, follow these steps:

  • Find "recall state" in the calibration menu and choose "state 01".

Once loaded, the VNA is ready for accurate measurements.

4.4.1 Gain Measurements

📋 Step 1: Select the receiver chain for Testing:
From the Quaxys Device Under Test (DUT) menu, choose the receiver chain.

📋 Step 2: Select the S21 Parameter:
From the measurement menu, choose the S21 parameter. Use the marker on the plot to read the gain (|S21| (dB)) at three frequencies in the passband, and record the values.

📋 Step 3: Measure the Gain Flatness
 Gain flatness is determined as the difference between the maximum gain and minimum gain across the specified frequency range. 

4.4.2 Cut-off Frequencies

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 4.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the cut-off frequencies:
The 3-dB cutoff frequency is defined as the point where the chain's S21 parameter drops by 3 dB below its maximum value. The bandwidth of a receiver chain is determined as follows:

Receiver Chain's Bandwidth = Upper 3-dB frequency - Lower 3-dB frequency

4.4.3 Stopband Rejection

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 4.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the stopband rejection:
  • Identify the stopband region (typically where the signal is significantly attenuated beyond the cutoff frequency).
  • Measure the attenuation level (S21 in dB) within the stopband.
  • Record the rejection at key frequencies, such as 10 dB, 20 dB, and 40 dB attenuation points.  

4.4.4 Reverse Isolation

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 4.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Reverse Isolation:

The reverse isolation is simply the S12 parameter, and it shows how much the receiver chain is able to block the reflected signal and create isolation between the output and input. This is especially important in preventing unwanted feedback and ensuring stable operation in high-gain amplifiers, particularly in sensitive RF systems where signal integrity is critical.

Now, look at the |S12| (dB) at 2, 3, 4, and 5 GHz and record the values to evaluate the chain's reverse isolation performance.  

4.4.5 Directivity

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 4.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the receiver chain's Directivity:
Directivity (D) is calculated as the ratio of forward gain to reverse gain, often expressed in decibels (dB):

D = ∣S21∣−∣S12∣

4.4.6 Input and Output Return Loss 

📋 Step 1: If not already done, complete the preparation in Section 4.4 before proceeding.
📋 Step 2: Determine the Input and Output Return Loss:
Now, examine the |S11| (dB) parameter, known as the input return loss, which indicates the level of matching at the receiver chain's input. The lower the |S11| value, the better the matching.
Key Questions to Address:
1. Is the |S11| value below -10 dB (indicating good matching)?
2. What is the maximum |S11| value (least matching), and at what frequency does it occur?

Next, repeat the same steps for |S22| (dB), which represents the output return loss and determines the matching at the receiver chain's output.