VectorStar MS4640A Series Microwave Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) : Overview : VNA Instrument Control
 
VNA Instrument Control
Most menu functions can be directly accessed by pressing the front panel hard keys. Other than test connectors, I/O connectors, and the main power switch, there are no user controls on the back panel.
The MS4640A Series VNA is equipped with an internal hard disk drive for storing and recalling front panel and calibration setups, along with measurement information and data. The instrument can be controlled via:
the front panel buttons and touch screen
an attached USB keyboard and mouse
an Ethernet LAN
a USB LAN
an IEEE 488.2 General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB)
Note 
The VectorStar MS4640A Series VNA does not support Remote Desktop interface.
Graphical User Interface
The graphical user interface (GUI) provides a combination of a menu command bar, icon task bar, and right-side navigation menu for most system functions. All of the on-screen navigation elements can be accessed by the instrument touch screen or an attached USB mouse and keyboard.
Note 
When using the touch screen, a recommended best practice is to use a positive hard press to make sure the required setting in input into the system. A light touch may not change the instrument setting as required.
To recalibrate the touch screen, navigate to the CALIBRATE TOUCH SCREEN dialog box located at MAIN | System | SYSTEM | Utility | UTILITY | Calibrate Touch Screen | TOUCH SCREEN CONTROL PANEL dialog box. The procedure is described in the User Interface Manual – 10410-00307.
A more detailed touch screen calibration and adjustment procedure is described in the
VectorStar MS4640A Series VNA Maintenance Manual – 10410-00268.
Front Panel Hard Keys
Most menu functions can be directly accessed by pressing the front panel hard keys. Other than test connectors, I/O connectors, and the main power switch, there are no user controls on the back panel.
Hard Disk Configuration
The internal hard disk has the following organization:
One Primary Partition
This is the default booting partition.
One Recovery Partition
This contains a backup of the main partition that can be used to restore the main partition if the main partition becomes corrupted. This is set up to be as small as possible (about 5% extra space is allocated in addition to the space consumed by the Recovery utility).
System Identification and Computer Name
All Anritsu instruments are assigned a unique six-digit identification (ID) number such as “080101.” This number is affixed to a decal on the back panel of each unit. Please use this number in any correspondence with Anritsu Customer Service. The computer name is set to SNXXXXXX where XXXXXX is the Anritsu serial number for the instrument.
Precision Component and Calibration Kits
Two types of precision-component kits are available: calibration and verification. Calibration kits contain components used to identify and separate error sources inherent in microwave test setups. Verification kits consist of components with characteristics traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and are used as the most dependable means of checking system accuracy. Each of these kits contains a floppy disk and/or a USB memory device that provides coefficient, characterization, or measurement data for each component. Refer to the relevant data sheet below for detailed specifications on automatic calibrators, mechanical calibration kits, and verification kits:
VectorStar MS4640A Series VNA Technical Data Sheet and Configuration Guide – 11410-00432
Automatic Calibrators
The AutoCal modules provide fast and repeatable calibrations with a single connection to the test ports, eliminating susceptibility to user errors and connector wear. The MS4640A Series VNA controls the AutoCal module directly for 1- or 2-Port calibrations and Thru Updates. Each AutoCal module is shipped with a characterization file and the necessary serial connection cable.
Mechanical Calibration Kits
The mechanical calibration kits provide 50 Ohm calibrations for SMA, 3.5 mm, K, and V devices.
Verification Kits
Verification kits can be used with the provided software and data to verify the calibration and resulting performance of the MS4640A Series VNA. The applicable calibrations are Short-Open-Load-Thru (SOLT) with Sliding Load using the mechanical and AutoCal kits.