Typical vector network analyzers can cost $4,000 on the low end, and many higher frequency models are upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. This cost barrier makes them inaccessible to universities, smaller research labs, or any engineer looking to experiment with RF with a limited budget. Although some relatively lower-cost options exist, they often come with a limited frequency range, poor accuracy, or a lack of calibration support. There is a clear need for a user-friendly, low-cost VNA that provides adequate frequency range and accuracy for most practical applications, while limiting costs through hardware design, FPGA, and innovative RF solutions.
The development of affordable and accessible test equipment remains a challenge in engineering education, particularly for tools such as two-port vector network analyzers (VNAs), which are often cost-prohibitive and complex to operate. This project addresses the need for a low-cost, user-friendly, and accurate two-port VNA suitable for educational environments. The design must achieve adequate measurement accuracy, maintain strong signal integrity, provide sufficient dynamic range, and ensure reliable performance over extended periods of use.