VectorStar™ MS464xB Series Microwave Vector Network Analyzer Calibration and Measurement Guide : Multiport Measurements : VectorStar VNA and Multiport Test Set
 
VectorStar VNA and Multiport Test Set
The VectorStar MN4694B/C Multiport Test Set provides coverage from 10 MHz (70 kHz if supported by the VNA) to 40 GHz and can be paired with the following VNAs equipped with K Connector Test Ports:
• MS4642B or MS4644B VNAs
The VectorStar MN4697B/C Multiport Test Set provides coverage from 10 MHz to 70 GHz and can be paired with the following VNAs equipped with V Connector Test Ports:
• MS4645B or MS4647B VNAs
Below, Figure: VectorStar MN4697C Multiport Test Set and MS4647B Vector Network Analyzer shows a VectorStar MN4697C 10 MHz (70 kHz if supported by the VNA) to 70 GHz Test Set paired with a MS4647B VNA.
VectorStar MN4697C Multiport Test Set and MS4647B Vector Network Analyzer
VectorStar MS4647B VNA, 10 MHz to 70 GHz, V Test Port Connectors (on top).
VectorStar MN4697C Multiport Test Set, 10 MHz to 70 GHz, V Test Port Connectors (on bottom).
Cabling Connections
The front and rear panel setup configurations and system block diagrams are shown in the three figures below (Figure: MS464xB Series VNA and MN469xC Multiport Test Set Front Panel Interconnections and Figure: MS464xB Series VNA to MN469xC Multiport Test Set Rear Panel Connections). RF cables are required to link the source drive as well as the receivers. The receive path is split into two parts with some cabling on the rear panel and some on the front panel. Consult the following documents for detailed installation and cabling instructions:
• VectorStar MN469xC Series Multiport VNA System Technical Data Sheet—11410-00771
• VectorStar MN469xC Series Multiport Test Set Installation Guide—10410-00728
• VectorStar MN469xC Series Multiport Test Set Quick Start Guide—10410-00729.
MS464xB Series VNA and MN469xC Multiport Test Set Front Panel Interconnections
1.Install the VectorStar VNA on top of MN4690C Series Multiport Test Set.
2. Remove VNA b1 and b2 loops.
3. Remove VNA Port1 Source and Port 2 Source loops
4. Install Eight (8) provided semirigid cables between the following ports:
• VNA b1 input to Multiport b1 input
• VNA b1 output to Multiport b1 output
• VNA Port 1 Source input to Multiport Port 1 Source input
• VNA Port 1 Source output to Multiport Port 1 Source output
• VNA Port 2 Source output to Multiport Port 2 Source output
• VNA Port 2 Source input to Multiport Port 2 Source input
• VNA b2 output to Multiport b2 output
• VNA b2 input to Multiport b2 input
MS464xB Series VNA to MN469xC Multiport Test Set Rear Panel Connections 
MN469xC Multiport Semi-rigid Cable Interconnect Part Numbers and Locations (1 of 2)
Index
Part Numbers
Description/Torque
Connection From
Connection To
1
MS469xB VNA Placed on top of MN469xC Multiport Test Set
2
62112-141
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten all connections using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
b2 loop out
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA b2 OUTPUT
3
62112-140
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
b2 loop in
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA b2 INPUT
4
62112-141
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
P2 source loop out
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA Port 2 Src OUTPUT
5
62112-140
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
P2 source loop in
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA Port 2 Src INPUT
6
62112-141
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
b1 loop out
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA b1 OUTPUT
7
62112-140
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
b1 loop in
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA b1 INPUT
8
62112-141
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
P1 source loop out
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA Port 1 Src OUTPUT
9
62112-140
SMA male-male semi-rigid
Tighten using an 8 mm (5/16 in) torque end wrench set to 0.9 N·m (8 lbf·in).
MS464xB port labeled:
P1 source loop in
MN469xC port labeled:
TO VNA Port 1 Src INPUT
10
2100-1
Rear Panel GPIB Cable
1 meter (39.3”) long
IEEE 488.2 GPIB
Dedicated GPIB
Architecture Block Diagram
Many architectures are possible (e.g., [1]) but this one was chosen for optimal high frequency performance.
MN469xC Series Test Set Internal Block Diagram 
The two VNA ports and the two test receivers are multiplexed to the four user ports for these measurements. The switches are of high isolation, low insertion loss, and high speed to allow for good performance even at 70 GHz.
1. VectorStar Series VNA
2. VNA Test Port 1, Port 1 Source, Port 1 a1, Port 1 b1
3. VNA Test Port 2, Port 1 a2, Port 2 b2
4. MN469xC Test Set
5. Test Set Port 3 and Bias Port 3
6. Test Set Port 4 and Bias Port 4
Note 
The VNA application must be started AFTER the Test Set is connected and powered up. If the VNA application is started before the Test Set, the VNA will remain in 2-port mode and the 4-port functions will not be available.
If this happens, exit the VNA application by selecting MENU BAR | File | Exit and then in the dialog box, confirm the exit. The VNA application closes to the Windows desktop.
For MS464xB Series VNAs only, if returning to 100,000 point mode, restart the VNA application by selecting: Start | All Programs | VectorStar_100K | VectorStar.
For MS464xB Series VNAs, if returning to 25,000 point mode, restart the VNA application by selecting: Start | All Programs | VectorStar | VectorStar.
Changing Test Set GPIB Addresses
The MN469xC Series Test Set GPIB address must match the GPIB address set on the VNA (described immediately below) and is set by rear panel Dual-In-Line package switches (DIP-switches). The factory-default Test Set GPIB address is 16 (Switch 1 ON and all other switches OFF) which matches the default VNA address setting. Consult the VectorStar MN469xC Series Test Set Installation Guide—10410-00737 for additional information on DIP Switch Settings.
Changing VNA Addresses for the Test Set
The default VNA GPIB address for the MN469xC Series Test Set is GPIB 16 and must match the address set on the Test Set rear panel DIP switches. To change the GPIB address on the VNA, navigate to the REMOTE INTER. (REMOTE INTERFACE) menu shown below (Figure: REMOTE INTER. (REMOTE INTERFACE) Menu) and select the Multiport Test Set button. Set the same GPIB address as set at the Test Set rear panel.
• MAIN | System | SYSTEM | Remote Interface | REMOTE INTER. | Multiport Test Set
 
REMOTE INTER. (REMOTE INTERFACE) Menu
The REMOTE INTERFACE menu contains the External Test Set/Multiport Test Set button which accesses the addressing and configuration dialog.
Power Up Sequence
When the VNA application starts, the GPIB bus is polled for the presence of the Test Set. If the test set is detected, the VNA enters multiport mode and the response, calibration, and certain other menus switch to those shown in this section. If the test set is not detected, the VNA application remains in the 2-port mode discussed in earlier chapters.
Blocking Test Set Combinations
One may note that not every VNA port can be connected to every test set port (termed a blocking test set). All 16 4-port S-parameters can be easily measured but not with an arbitrary setup. The VNA application handles all of these tasks automatically so this detail is normally invisible to the user. It does, however, have some impact on measurement time since there is a limitation on how many parameters can be measured during a sweep with a single switch configuration (for example, S11 and S21 at the 4-port plane cannot be measured simultaneously). In those situations when multiple switch configurations are required, the VNA application will automatically handle those tasks.