Ig Minivna Software
README.md PA7N miniVNA. Software for miniVNA. Created by Erwin van den Bosch PA7N. Current version is Windows only but i'm working on a linux/mac version. IG miniVNA (IG_miniVNA.exe). IG miniVNA is a free program designed to work with the Mini-VNA PRO BT Antenna analyzer device. You can calivrate the device using open.
Hardware Guide for miniVNA PRO. The Software for Mini-VNA Pro BT is continously developed. For this reasons a CD ROM is not included in shipment anymore.
IZ1PMX VECTORIAL NETWORK ANALYZER If an 'miniVNA' is too expensive or if you like to build an useful RF instrument, IZ1PMX vectorial network analyser will be a good choice. T hank you Alfredo for help and for your ham spirit! Features of IZ1PMX VNA: Recommanded upper limit of frequency: 180MHz (AD9951, 500MHz clock). Maximum frequency: 250MHz Dynamical range in detection mode: 70dB (AD8307) Return loss of directional coupler: -25dB.-34dB.
LCD Display: 88x44 (Nokia 5110,3310) or 128x64 (ST7920) PC connection: RS232, USB FT232 or Bluetooth HC-06. PC Software supported: IZ1PMX - ITVNA; VNAJ; IG miniVNA IZ1PMX VNA is capable to use two DDS chips: AD9850 (50MHz) or AD9951 (180MHz).
Bellow i will speak only about AD9951 version. For more details:. The DDS oscillator is capable to generate signals up to 250MHz. Internal PLL multiplier (x20) is used for 500MHz clocking, using 25MHz external crystal.
Software calibration of the output frequency is done at 30MHz. My VNA was limited to 180MHz by using a Cauer LPF 180MHz/-3dB. At the begin, LPF is possible to be bypassed.
LPF must to be recalculated if maximum frequency 180MHz. The coils of filter can be hand made when SMD coils are not available.
Phase noise performances of the DDS are not very good due usage of internal PLL multiplier (like miniVNA). Here is possible to see my spectrum analyzer connected at VNA output: and. The directional coupler is compensated with a small capacitor, in order to increase the return loss (RL). This capacitor will be adjusted for best RL and flat response between 0-180MHz.
Connect a good quality -20dB attenuator between DUT and DET. Adjust the capacitor and directional coupling turns for best RL/phase response. Position of turns inside of directional coupler can improve the RL. After calibration, the turns must to be secured. During RL adjustement.
Binocular ferrites BN43-2402 were used for directional coupler and DDS balun. I experimented with some ferrite types, but BN43-2404 remain a good choice regarding frequency bandwidth and RL. Frequency response is poor under 2MHz. Also insertion loss increase after 160MHz, valid measurements are possible up to 180MHz. Mini-Circuits PDC-10 directional coupler can replace the home made coupler.
Data connection for PC can be RS232 or USB. ADM232 convert serial TTL levels to RS232. I like to use this IC because it required 100nF capacitors for voltage convertors.
Is possible to be replaced with MAX232, check datasheet for more details. I recommend to use an external USB-serial convertor, like as FT232. Do not use PL2303, many problems under Windows 7 (for XP is ok).
Questions & Answers
Cordless connection by Bluetooth is a another possibility. Take care, VNA inputs can be perturbed by Bluetooth radio signal. USB and Bluetooth interfaces (HC-06) are frequently used in Arduino projects.
PC communication is active when pin 15 of uC is connected to ground (i don't use). Is enough to enable PC mode from VNA menu. Select 'PCPMX mode' for IZ1PMX software or 'PCVNAJ mode' for IGminiVNA or VNAJ PC software. The LCD is necessary for calibrations, PC software selection and diagrams. Usually, IZ1PMX firmwares are designed for 128x64 - ST7920 controller.
For LCD 88x44 is necessary a dedicated firmware. This kind of LCD was found in Nokia 5110 or 3310 series. Pinouts are not identically! The resistiv network for keyboard is supplied with 1,8V from a small voltage regulator. IZ1PMX use AD8302 REFOUT to supply the keyboard resistors.
Analogic and digital voltages for AD9951 are supplied by different regulators. My VNA use a single PCB, AD9951 is placed on same board. IZ1PMX kits have some connectors between VNA pcb and DDS board. I like to use wrap wires for connections on top side, to preserve the ground plane. Gicu - YO8RLK made slightly modifications on top side of the PCB, few traces were created.
Both PCBs are available to download. Two SMA connectors offer external connection for Transmission (DET) and Reflection (DUT) ports.
Microstrip lines were calculated for 2,5mm FR4 pcb. SMA connectors can be replaced with good quality BNC connectors. 'Detector port' - uWattmeter function. Because AD8307 is used also for normal VNA Transmisson mode, i modified the schematic. Two variable resistors and one switch are used for separate calibration. In this way, uWattmeter function remain accurate. LPF 180MHz hand made coils: 39nH=4 turns; 56nH=5 turns; 68nH=6 turns.
Wire 0,5mm, internal diameter 2,5mm, air wound, no distance between turns. Update 01.2017 During VNA usage with IGminiVNA software, inaccurate measurements were observed in Transmission Mode. Transmission Loss 'dB' indication is wrong.
The malfunction can be fixed with different calibration value, '790' value required by uC VNA software must to be '870' for IGminiVNA PC software. Is possible to find my modification. After that, insertion loss has good accuracy between 0.-50dB. Before any measurement, do not forget to calibrate IGminiVNA (ConfigureminiVNACalibrate Transmission). VNA power supply using LiPo battery and a step-up DC/DC converter adjusted for 7V output. The battery is charged from USB port using at 450mA, 2K7 resistor). 3,7V/1Ah battery has 60 minutes autonomy.
SCHEMATICS: - link PCB: - pdf + Sprint Layout 5.0 file - only Sprint Layout 6.0 file FIRMWARE ATmega328: - Romanian Language - slowly response. PC SOFTWARE: - link - link (easy to use) - link - link YO4HFU PHOTOS.
Here you can download all relevant files for vna/J application. GUI Application All files for the current version 3.1.19 can be downloaded from For Windows- OS X and Linux-Users downloading the is suffcient, if you do not need the additional files. To get an idea, what changed in this version, have a look at the README. If you're installing vna/J for the first time, please read the prior to downloading these files. Older application versions can be found in the corresponding version directories. Headless Application All files for the current version 3.1.5 can be downloaded from Please check the for details!
MiniVNA pro + miniVNA tiny firmware Please check regarding the firmware update. Support for Windows XP I no longer support vna/J for Windows XP.
Windows XP was introduced 2001 by Microsoft. Finally the support for Windows XP has ended in April 2014 - 13 years - long enough for an operating system in the internet age! You can download old JAVA versions in the which may install and run on Windows XP - a JAVA 6 runtime should be fine for vna/J.