Rohde & Schwarz ZVA Series Vector Network Analyzers
3 models with full specifications from Rohde & Schwarz.
The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA Series consists of high-end vector network analyzers (VNAs) designed for demanding RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave measurements. Operating with a frequency range starting at 10 MHz, these instruments offer a hardware platform for active and passive component testing. This series covers applications ranging from standard S-parameter measurements to complex multi-port, pulsed RF, and true differential evaluations.
This guide covers the ZVA24, ZVA40, and ZVA50 models, highlighting their shared architecture, frequency limits, and distinct hardware configurations to help technical buyers and engineers choose the appropriate instrument for their testing requirements.
- Frequency Range
- 10 MHz to 50 GHz
- Test Ports
- 2 or 4 (configuration dependent)
- Test Port Impedance
- 50 Ω
- Operating System
- Windows
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Display | EMC Compliance | Frequency Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZVA24 | Vector | Color LCD | IEC/EN 61326-1 / IEC/EN 61326-2-1 | 10 MHz to 24 GHz |
| ZVA40 | Vector | 10.4-inch color TFT active matrix, SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) | IEC/EN 61326-1 Class A, EN 55011 Class A | 10 MHz to 40 GHz |
| ZVA50 | Vector | 10.4-inch color LCD (1024 x 768 pixels) | IEC/EN 61326 Class A, CISPR 11/EN 55011 Class A | 10 MHz to 50 GHz |
Common Architecture and Capabilities
The ZVA series analyzers share a high-performance design architecture. Each model is available in 2-port or 4-port hardware configurations. For example, the Rohde & Schwarz ZVA24 uses a multi-port receiver design featuring a dedicated measurement receiver and reference receiver for each test port. All instruments in this family support standard interfaces including GPIB, LAN, and USB, and operate on standard AC power supplies (100 V to 240 V AC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz) within a temperature range of +5 °C to +40 °C.
Comparing Frequency Limits and Physical Interfaces
The core differentiator across the family is the upper frequency limit and the connector types optimized for those ranges:
- Rohde & Schwarz ZVA24: Covers 10 MHz to 24 GHz, utilizing 3.5 mm male 50 Ω port connectors.
- Rohde & Schwarz ZVA40: Extends coverage from 10 MHz to 40 GHz, using ruggedized 2.92 mm (PC 2.92) male 50 Ω connectors.
- Rohde & Schwarz ZVA50: Reaches up to 50 GHz for high-frequency millimeter-wave measurements.
Physical profiles also differ slightly. The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA40 weighs 27 kg with dimensions of 435 x 232 x 482 mm, whereas the Rohde & Schwarz ZVA50 weighs 27.5 kg with a chassis measuring 435 mm x 271 mm x 532 mm.
Signal Generation and Analysis Profiles
The models vary in their analysis performance and signal generation capabilities. The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA50 features up to two integrated, phase-coherent internal sources on its 4-port configuration, allowing for integrated phase-coherent measurements and differential stimulus. It supports an IF bandwidth of 1 Hz to 15 MHz, a measurement time of 3.5 µs per point, and a pulse profile time resolution of 12.5 ns.
The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA40 offers an IF bandwidth range of 1 Hz to 10 MHz (optionally expandable to 15 MHz), amplitude trace noise below 0.005 dB RMS (at 10 kHz IF bandwidth), and a 1 Hz frequency resolution. The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA24 is capable of calculating derived parameters including impedance (Z), admittance (Y), stability, and VSWR, alongside supporting pulsed RF and true differential measurements, which are option dependent.
Frequently asked questions
- What S-parameters can be measured with these VNAs?
- Standard 2-port configurations support S11, S12, S21, and S22 measurements. For 4-port configurations, such as on the Rohde & Schwarz ZVA24, measurements up to S44 are supported.
- What calibration methods do the ZVA series support?
- Using the Rohde & Schwarz ZVA24 as an example, supported calibration methods include TOSM, UOSM, TOM, TRM, TRL, and TNA.
- What are the display specifications of the ZVA40 and ZVA50?
- The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA40 features a 10.4-inch color TFT active matrix SVGA display (800 x 600 pixels). The Rohde & Schwarz ZVA50 is equipped with a 10.4-inch color LCD display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.