Vector Impedance Analysis

The Echo is a hand-held Vector Impedance Analyzer (Vector Network Analyzer), Spectrum Analyzer, Power Meter, and Frequency Domain Reflectometer (FDR) in one instrument. Echo models come in frequency ranges of 4MHz-to-1.0GHz or 4MHz-to-2.5GHz. The VIA Echo Network Analyzer was designed for performing antenna testing and tuning, transmission line testing and fault locating, cellular site turn-up testing and troubleshooting. It can be used for individual component testing, system or network testing. In a production environment Echo can be used to verify components and assemblies the same as equivalent Agilent (old HP) Network Analyzers at a fraction of the cost.

The VIA Echo’s all come with two ports, S11 and S21, to perform both reflective and loss/gain measurements. The full suit of test parameters in the Echo instruments are:

*SWR
*Return Loss (dB)
* Phase Angle
* Reactance (X)
* Resistance (R)
* Impedance (Z)
*Gamma Magnitude
* Gamma Angle
* Linear Gain
*Phase Gain
* Spectrum Analysis (specific models)
*Frequency Domain Reflectometer (specific models)
* Power Meter (specific models)

In addition to being a 1.0GHz or 2.5GHz Network Analyzer, the Echo is light at 2.2lbs (1Kg), compact, rugged, and weather resistant. It is portable and operates about 3 hours on a single charge. It has a backlit quarter VGA display that can show any two measurements bother graphically and digitally and a third measurement digitally only. Echo is self-calibrating and has a “Cable Null” feature, user friendly menus, and comes complete with a calibration load set.

A new series of miniature near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers is said to offer a cost-effective tool for inspecting incoming raw materials and product quality control. Compact, battery-powered Model 5030 ATOF-NIR Portable Analyzer from Brimrose Corp. of America, Baltimore, allows laboratory tests to be performed anywhere in a plant environment. The instrument, which sells for $28,000 (compared with $40,000 for larger units), is reportedly insensitive to ambient light, vibration, dust, and dirt. Its design allows for quick switchover from solids to liquids, and results appear instantly on its LCD. Applications include material identification or measurement of moisture content and active-ingredient levels. Once the instrument is calibrated, it reportedly can be used by an inexperienced operator.