Vector measurements
Start with your own NanoVNA and check the cables and connectors. Then calibrate at the point where you actually want to measure. This calibration plane is crucial: the NanoVNA attempts to correct for everything before it, while everything after it forms part of the device under test.
Use simple resistors, capacitors and inductors to investigate how resistance and reactance combine to form impedance. The Smith chart shows how behaviour changes with frequency and why real components depart from their ideal models at higher frequencies.
View it along the transmission line In the interactive explanation of reflection, phase and S11 you can see how the measurement plane, electrical cable length and forward and reflected waves are related.
Calibration planeS11ImpedanceSmith-chart
After this module you can
- set up a NanoVNA and calibrate at the correct measurement plane
- check measurement cables and connectors
- use S11 for reflection measurements
- measure resistors, capacitors and inductors
- recognise the main regions of the Smith chart
- explain what R, X and Z mean in a measurement