Rohde & Schwarz Vector Network Analyzers
12 models with full specifications in Analyzers Network.
Rohde & Schwarz vector network analyzers (VNAs) serve a broad spectrum of RF and microwave testing needs, ranging from field-portable maintenance to high-end laboratory component characterization. The manufacturer structures its VNA portfolio into distinct families designed for specific performance tiers, frequency ranges, and applications. This guide outlines the differences between key families, including the portable ZVL, the mid-range and high-performance ZNB and ZVB series, and the high-end ZVA series, alongside legacy ZV-class instruments like the ZVR, ZVRE, and ZVC. Engineers can select the appropriate instrument by balancing frequency coverage, port configurations, dynamic range, and physical form factors.
- Portable VNA Weight
- < 7 kg (ZVL13)
- Maximum Frequency
- 50 GHz (ZVA50)
- Peak Dynamic Range
- Up to 140 dB (ZNB4)
- Max Sweep Points
- 100,001 points (ZNB20 / ZNB40)
All models
| Model | Type | Display | Frequency Resolution | Interfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZVA24 | Vector | Color LCD | 1 Hz | GPIB (IEEE-488), LAN, USB |
| ZNB8 | Vector | 12.1" high-resolution touchscreen | 1 Hz | LAN, USB, GPIB (optional) |
| ZVL13 | Vector | 6.5-inch color LCD, VGA (640 × 480 pixels) | 1 Hz | 10/100BaseT LAN, USB Host, USB Device, DVI-D, optional GPIB (IEC/IEEE 488) |
| ZNB20 | *misc | 12.1-inch TFT color touchscreen, WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) | 1 Hz | LAN (10/100/1000Base-T), USB 2.0 (4 front, 4 rear), GPIB (optional R&S ZNB-B10), External Monitor (DVI-D, DisplayPort), USB Device (Type B), Handler I/O (optional), External Trigger Input/Output, Reference Input/Output |
| ZVA40 | Vector | 10.4-inch color TFT active matrix, SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) | 1 Hz | LAN (10/100/1000 Base-T), GPIB (IEEE 488.2), USB (2x front, 4x rear), VGA, DVI-D, Trigger In/Out, Ref In/Out |
| ZNB4 | Vector | 12.1" high-resolution touchscreen | 1 Hz | USB, LAN, GPIB (optional) |
| ZVC | Vector | Color LCD | 10 mHz | GPIB (IEC/IEEE-488) |
| ZVR | Vector | 9.5-inch active color LCD | 10 mHz | GPIB (IEEE 488.2), Keyboard (mini-DIN), Mouse (mini-DIN), Printer (Parallel), Serial (RS-232), External VGA |
| ZVA50 | Vector | 10.4-inch color LCD (1024 x 768 pixels) | 1 Hz | GPIB, LAN, USB |
| ZNB40 | Vector | 12.1" WXGA color TFT touchscreen, 1280 × 800 resolution | — | USB (Host & Device), LAN (Gigabit Ethernet), GPIB (optional), External Monitor (DVI-D / DisplayPort depending on HW), Trigger I/O, Reference I/O |
| ZVB20 | Vector | 10.4-inch TFT color screen (SVGA, 800 × 600 resolution) | 1 Hz | — |
| ZVRE | Vector | Color TFT LCD | 10 µHz | IEC/IEEE bus (GPIB) |
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Portable and Legacy Platforms
For on-site testing or general-purpose workbench measurements where space is limited, the ZVL family offers a mobile solution. The Rohde & Schwarz ZVL13 covers a frequency range from 9 kHz to 13.6 GHz. It weighs under 7 kg, supports optional battery operation, and features bidirectional 2-port S-parameter measurements alongside optional spectrum analysis capabilities.
Legacy benches may still utilize classic ZV-family platforms running Windows NT, such as the ZVR (10 Hz to 4 GHz), the ZVRE (20 kHz to 4 GHz), and the ZVC (20 kHz to 8 GHz). These legacy models provide a system dynamic range of over 130 dB at a 10 Hz IF bandwidth, offering high-precision measurements for classic components.
High-Performance Benchtop Analyzers
The ZNB family represents the core high-performance workbench offerings from Rohde & Schwarz, recognizable by their 12.1-inch touchscreens and modern operating systems. The family scales across various frequency ranges to meet specific application boundaries:
- ZNB4 and ZNB8: Designed for RF-band component testing, operating from 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz and 9 kHz to 8.5 GHz, respectively. The ZNB4 features a dynamic range of up to 140 dB.
- ZNB20 and ZNB40: Built for microwave frequencies, with the ZNB20 operating from 100 kHz to 20 GHz and the ZNB40 spanning 10 MHz to 40 GHz. These units provide trace-noise magnitude levels below 0.005 dB RMS.
For multiport characterization and balanced device testing, the ZVB20 covers 10 MHz to 20 GHz. The ZVB20 is available in 2-port or 4-port hardware configurations, with 4-port models including two independent internal sources to support multiport measurements.
High-End Laboratory and Active Component Characterization
The ZVA family is engineered for advanced microwave and millimeter-wave testing where phase-coherent stimulus or multi-receiver architecture is required. This class includes the ZVA24 (10 MHz to 24 GHz), ZVA40 (10 MHz to 40 GHz), and ZVA50 (10 MHz to 50 GHz).
These platforms utilize a multi-port architecture featuring dedicated measurement and reference receivers for each port, as seen in the ZVA24. This hardware structure enables advanced measurements such as pulsed RF and true differential stimulus. The ZVA50 supports up to 60,000 sweep points and provides two integrated, phase-coherent sources on its 4-port model for precise phase control.
Popular models
Frequently asked questions
- Which Rohde & Schwarz VNA is suitable for portable field use?
- The Rohde & Schwarz ZVL13 is designed for portable applications, weighing under 7 kg and offering optional battery operation.
- What is the maximum frequency range available in the ZNB family among the listed models?
- Among the listed models, the ZNB40 offers the highest frequency coverage, spanning from 10 MHz up to 40 GHz.
- How do the internal sources differ between ZVB20 configurations?
- The ZVB20 includes one internal source for 2-port models and two internal sources for 4-port models, which aids in multiport and balanced device testing.