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Portable USB

vector network
analyzer
miniVNA Tiny Plus2
Product Overview
 The professional VNA-PC software is used for data analysis and processing. The signal generator function is
integrated. The measurement range is 1MHz~3000MHz, and the S parameter measurement of S11 and S21
is supported.

 The miniVNA Tiny Plus2 has the software open-circuit, short circuit, load, and straight-through calibration
functions (the corresponding calibration components need to be prepared or purchased by the customer).

 The software supports data export in multiple formats, including JPEG, Excel, ZPlots, S1P, S2P, and PDF.

 Windows, Linux, and Mac

 The miniVNA Tiny Plus2 : CNC aluminum shell (red upgrade).


-The upgraded version uses the CNC aluminum shell to enhance the high-frequency anti-interference capability, improve the heat dissipation
of the equipment, improve the consistency and reproducibility of repeated measurement and different time measurement, and make the
measurement more accurate and reliable.

** This product does not contain other accessories. If you need to use it, purchase it separately.
Product Features
 Frequency range: 1MHz~3000MHz
Long: 8cm
 Frequency step: 10Hz
 Port configuration: Dual ports
 S parameter: S11 and S21
 Dynamic rang: 70dB@500MHz
 Z: 1~1000 ohms

Width: 8cm
 Output power: -6dB@500MHz
 Full phase measurement and integration with Smith chart
 With software open, short, load, and pass-through calibration
functions, the test result is more accurate. High: 1.7cm

 Supports data export in multiple formats (JPEG, Excel, ZPlot, S2P, and
PDF).
 Friendly user interface, supporting Windows, Linux, and Mac
 The RF port is an SMA connector (SMA-K).
 USB power supply
 Super mini size, easy to carry (ultra-light and ultra-thin)
Precautions
 Note 1: If the precision is high, you are advised to calibrate the device after the device is powered on and
calibrate it 15 minutes after the device is powered on. Otherwise, the measurement precision may be
inaccurate due to temperature changes.
 Note 2: Because the minVNA Tiny Plus2 needs to dissipate heat effectively, do not cover sundries on the
surface to ensure good heat dissipation on the surface. Because the surface temperature is high after the
device is used for a long time, take protective measures against scalding.
 Note 3: Because the USB current of the device is large, you are advised to connect the USB cable to the
USB port on the mainboard to increase the reliability of the USB power supply.
 Note 4: The USB port of the device must be stable. You are advised to use a fixed or uncommon USB port
of the PC as the minVNA Tiny Plus2 port.
 Note 5: All legends, scanning results, and measurement quantities in this document are for reference only
because of the differences between devices, environments, proofs, and products. The test tools and
accessories involved in this document must be purchased by the customer.
 Note 6: A similar attenuator must be added to the test amplifier. Otherwise, the device may be damaged.
Contents

01 Preparing for the Use

 JAVA installation  Installing the Driver  Querying  Software running


Device Ports and serial port test

02 Use the Equipment

03 FAQ
JAVA Installing Querying Software running
installation the Driver Device Ports and serial port test

JAVA installation
The miniVNA Tiny Plus2 vector network analyzer must be used in the Java environment. Therefore, you need to install the
Java software of version 7.0 or later on the computer. Select the WINDOWS/Linux/MAC system according to the actual situation
and install the Java software of the 7u80 version(http://www.eastchip.com/minivnasoft.asp). If the JAVA7.0 or a later version
has been installed on the PC, you do not need to install it again. If you need to install the Java of 7u80 or later, download the
corresponding version from the official website of Oracle (https://www.java.com/en/download/).
The following uses the Windows 7 (64-bit) system as an example to describe how to install the Java. The file name is jre-
7u80-windows-x64.exe. Run the file as shown in the following figure to complete the installation.

Click Install Waiting Continue waiting Click Close


JAVA Installing Querying Software running
installation the Driver Device Ports and serial port test

Installing the Driver


Use a USB cable to connect the miniVNA Tiny Plus2 analyzer to the computer. Select the WINDOWS/Linux/MAC system
according to the actual situation and download the corresponding driver according to the 32/64 bit. In this example, click
http://www.eastchip.com/minivnasoft.asp or https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/D2XX.htm to download the CDM v2.12.12
WHQL Certified.zip. Run the file as shown in the following figure to complete the installation.
Install the driver software for FT232 USB UART and USB Serial Port according to the pattern on the continue two pages.
JAVA Installing Querying Software running
installation the Driver Device Ports and serial port test

Installing FT232 USB UART


JAVA Installing Querying Software running
installation the Driver Device Ports and serial port test

Installing USB Serial Port


JAVA Installing Querying Software running
installation the Driver Device Ports and serial port test

Querying Device Ports


Use a USB cable to connect the miniVNA Tiny Plus2 analyzer to the computer. Right-click My Computer and
choose Device from the shortcut menu. In the Device Manager window shown in the following figure, check
whether USB Serial Port (COM**) exists in Port (COM and LPT). If yes, the driver installation is complete. In this
example, the COM port is COM78.
JAVA Installing Querying Software running
installation the Driver Device Ports and serial port test

Software running and serial port test


Go to http://www.eastchip.com/minivnasoft.asp , download vna.3.1.9.cn.jar to the directory selected by
the user, and double-click vna.3.1.9.cn.jar. (When vna.3.1.9.cn.jar is executed, the file is decompressed. For
details, see FAQ 1 in this document.)
Note: The folders, parameter settings, calibration files, and exported files automatically generated by the
software are saved in the vna.3.1 folder of the C:\user\Admininstrator.

Click OK. (Note: In reflection or Select Analyzer on the In the dialog box that is After the serial port In the displayed dialog
transmission measurement toolbar and click Setup... displayed, select test is passed (the box, click OK to use the
mode, if there is no miniVNA Tiny in the status in the dialog box software. (The preceding
corresponding calibration data, left column and COM** is green), click Update figure is not displayed for
the software prohibits the in the right column at the lower right the devices that have been
corresponding measurement. (port number queried corner. used and calibrated.)
For details, see the device on the previous page,
calibration and test examples for example, COM78),
in the specification. and click Test.
Contents

01 Preparing for the Use

02 Use the Equipment

 Introduction to the  Device Calibration  Transmission  Secondary


Software Interface Calibration and Test calibration
Cases

03 FAQ
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Software Interface and Functions


The software version vna.3.1.9.cn is used as an example. The menu
bar and three important icons are displayed. You can move the pointer
over the corresponding icon to display the corresponding functions.

File Tool Calibration Export Analyzer Preset


Settings Analyze Frequency CSV Setup Load

Scales Beacon Create JPEG Info Save

Colors Load Pdf Reconnect


Cable length

Language S-parameter Single scan


Cable loss Import

Exit S-parameter Free-running scan


FFT Export collector
Port extension parameter setting, usually used for reflection (S11)
Smith icon. The test Firmware EXCEL
download
Open the dialog box for measurement between device and target measurement device,
result of the positive loading the XML extension cable between device and device (such as PCB board) (this
XML cable should be RF 50 ohm relatively low loss cable), and cable One end
reflection S11 is Generator reference data. For can be directly connected to the DUT port of miniVNA Tiny Plus2. For
displayed in the example, after the last ZPlots example, the other end of the cable needs to be soldered to the PCB
Smith chart. Scheduler measurement is (including the ground wire of the cable to be soldered). In this dialog
Settings box, the speed factor and length of the cable can be entered, that is, in
complete, export the the standard After the reflection is calibrated (see the reflex calibration
Multi-tune
XML data. After the test Auto-Export instructions in the manual), use this operation to remove the
is complete, load the settings measurement error caused by the connecting cable (the cable should be
Pad-Calculator controlled in a few centimeters to ten centimeters, of course, the shorter
XML data. The old data and better, the higher the frequency or the longer the cable, the more
is displayed in the list in the error Large), cable length measurement can be measured in the
the dialog box, you can [Tools] - [Cable Length] in the menu bar (including speed factor
measurement), the recommended cable type and speed factor are
also change the file available to the cable supplier. Note: This operation is currently only for
stop record to compare users to try, and does not guarantee the complete correctness of the
the data before and test results!
after the upgrade.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Common parameters
Common parameters on the main interface of the software (option selector)
Name Content
-none- No data is displayed.

RL Return loss (only for reflection measurement)

RP The signal is a reflection measurement phase.

TL Transmission loss (only for transmission


measurement)
TP Phase of signal transmission measurement

SWR Standing wave ratio

RSS Absolute value of the transmit sensor (not


supported currently)

Rs Rs series equivalent impedance

Theta Phase angle

Tgr Delay

Xs XS series equivalent reactance

|Z| |Z| complex impedance


Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Setting the main interface of the software


Preset settings on the main Selecting the main interface mode
interface of the software (in the
middle of the right part of the
(lower right part of the software)
Setting the start and end
frequencies of the software software) Two measurement modes
main interface (upper right Transmission (S21)
corner of the software) Reflection (S11)

You need to enter the frequency Th e th re e i co n s i n di c ate add i n g,

to be tested in the start and end deleting, and using the preset test

frequencies based on the features and frequency band respectively.

experience values of the target test Add a preset test frequency segment.

components. The minimum star t Enter the value to be set in Start and
End Frequency. Click Add to add a
Single scanning and repeated scanning (at the
frequency of miniVNA Tiny Plus2 is 1 lower right corner of the software) on the
MHz and the maximum end frequency preset test frequency segment. main interface of the software
is 3GHz. The number and K/M/G input If the cursor is in the preset test Single scan: Connect the measurement components and
are supported, generally, it is not frequency segment, click the icon to set all the test parameters. Then, perform a single
recommended that all frequency delete it. measurement
bands be scanned. The mouse pointer is in the preset Repeated scanning: You need to perform a one-time
test frequency segment. Click the icon scan before selecting this option for onsite
to start a single scan. commissioning.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Setting Interface Marking Points


 M: Move the cursor to the measurement result curve and the corresponding measurement data (automatic) of the current mouse position.
 Mark 1: Move the mouse pointer to the measure result curve, click the left mouse button in the desired position, and then move the mouse wheel.
 Triangle: Calculate the absolute difference between the data marked 1 and 2 (automatic).
 Mark 2: Move the cursor to the measure result curve, press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard, and press and hold the Shift key to move the
mouse wheel.
 Mark 3: Move the cursor to the measure result curve, hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard, and click the left mouse button. After the setting,
press and hold the Ctrl key and move the mouse wheel.
Flag 4: Move the cursor to the measure result curve, press and hold the Shift+Ctrl key on the keyboard, and press the Shift+Ctrl key on the
keyboard to move the mouse wheel.
 To cancel the mark point, remove the tick () on the right of the software tag point table area.
On the right of the tag point parameter table, there are two icons.
The following figure takes the parameters in the following figure as an example. The RL
Click , as shown in the following figure. You can view more
and RP parameters in the figure have the maximum and minimum automatic search parameters, including the bandwidth, bandwidth start and end
functions. You only need to use the mouse to point to the RL or RP in the corresponding frequencies, bandwidth limit (dB), and Q value, as shown in the following
flag parameter. figure, for parameters such as C and L, you can view the parameters
related to different bandwidths by changing the value of Limit (dB), as
shown in the following figure (right).

Click , as shown in the following figure. You can view the corresponding
frequency point and SWR value.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Device Calibration
Definition: Calibration is a prerequisite for accurate measurement. It helps users accurately measure parameters. It is
recommended that the miniVNA Tiny Plus2 vector analyzer calibrate the equipment before each test. If the data
requirement is not high, the previous calibration data can be used.

miniVNA Tiny Plus2 can be used to measure the reflection and transmission
modes. Before calibration, you need to set and test the serial port. In the following
SMA Calibration
figure, select the reflection and transmission modes and calibrate them. Select the
Part
corresponding mode in the following figure.
Note: The three calibration parts in the preceding figure need to be purchased
separately (SMA connectors of the calibration parts are internal screws). The
three calibration parts are used for reflection (S11) calibration.

SMA
Reflection measurement (for example, antenna measurement) and transmission straight-
measurement [for example, a filter, a bandpass, an amplifier, and a duplexer (note: through
The miniVNA Tiny Plus2 is not suitable for testing the duplexer.] cable
Note: Generally, one or two SMA straight through cables are required in the
preceding figure. The two ends of the cable are inner screw pins, which are
shorter and better when the test conditions are met. A straight-through
conversion connector (both ends are external screw holes) is required, the
attenuator and other SMA connectors may also be required. other accessories
In the preceding figure, two modes can be selected during calibration. The (fewer accessories) on the non-target test samples must be added to the
default value is Mode2 (Mode1 is used when precise calibration is required for calibration for calibration and removal. this is usually used for transmission (S21)
certain frequency bands, and the frequency band and number of Mode1 are set calibration (mainly for component transmission measurement, because the
accordingly. For details, see FAQ 2 in this document.) The number of scanning times dynamic performance of the miniVNA Tiny Plus2 is insufficient)., which is not
is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10. The number of calibration
applicable to the test of the duplexer. The accessories in the preceding figure
points must be greater than or equal to 100 and less than or equal to 20000. The
more the set points, the more the times, and the longer the calibration time. need to be purchased by the customer.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Reflection calibration 1/2


DUT port. The 350MHz antenna is used as an example
(The three SMA proofs on the left are used Note: Each device
SMA Calibration Part for reflection calibration. The SMA connectors are has a difference. The
internal screws. You only need to perform the calibration curve is
corresponding operations.) for reference only.
In the right pane, select the reflection mode in
the lower right corner, and then choose Toolbar >
Calibration > Create.

Window displayed after the The DUT is connected to the OPEN calibration component. The Connect the DUT to the SHORT calibration kit, Connect the DUT to the LOAD calibration component and click
the read load in the preceding figure until the following figure is
creation default number of calibration points is 10000. Click the read and click read in the preceding figure to short- displayed.
button in the preceding figure until the following figure is circuit the DUT until the following figure is (Do not remove the LOAD calibration part after the
displayed (3000-10000 point calibration is recommended). displayed. calibration is complete.)

Click Save. A dialog box is displayed, as shown in Click Update at the lower You can start to use reflection measurement to check whether the
the following figure. Change the file name at the right corner of the following reflection measurement calibration of the device is correct. The LOAD The following figure shows
lower left corner and click Save at the lower right figure. calibration component is properly connected to the DUT interface. the scanning result.
corner. Click at the lower right corner to perform a single scan.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Reflection calibration 2/2 Note: Each device has a difference. The calibration
DUT port. Take the 350MHz antenna as an example curve is for reference only.

Click the Smith icon in the red box on the menu bar. The red circle in the Remove the LOAD calibration kit from the DUT. The Deselect Auto Zoom in the main interface of
preceding figure shows a green dot (the dot is in the middle of the Smith chart, DUT and DET are not connected to any component. the software. If the preceding figure is
and the DUT is connected to the SHORT on the left side of the Smith chart), when On the menu screen, select Auto Zoom. Click Single displayed, it indicates that the reflector
the DUT is connected to the OPEN, the dot is on the right side of the Smith chart. Scan at the lower right corner of the main screen. calibration of the DUT is normal.
the dot thickness of each miniVNA Tiny Plus2 is different or a small tail is dragged. Wait until the scan result is displayed.
the dots in the figure are for reference only, the three calibration parts only need
to be operated in sequence. check the dot and close the figure.

Connect the target antenna to the DUT port on the miniVNA Tiny Plus2. If
In the upper right corner of the main interface, set the frequency, and click
a feeder is connected, the correction point should be at the end of the
Scan at the lower right corner. After the scanning is complete, click the Smith
feeder. If there are other extension components, the calibration point is
icon . The preceding figure is displayed. The calibration is complete.
also at the end of the miniVNA Tiny Plus2.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Transmission calibration 1/2 Note: Each device


DUT to DET forward transmission. The filter is used as an example has a difference. The
calibration curve is for
Two SMA straight through cables (both ends are inner screws, reference only.
shorter and better if the test conditions are met) and a straight-
through conversion connector (both ends are external screw holes)

Connect the DUT and DET to an SMA


straight-through cable. Connect one Select the transmission mode in Select Create … Page after By default, the number of calibration
straight-through cable to the end of the the lower right corner, and then points in the preceding figure is 1000.
straight-through cable connected to the choose ToolsCalibration > Create. Click read in the preceding figure
DUT port (for reference only). until the legend is displayed.

You can start to use the transmission


Connect the straight-through In the point calibration dialog box, read The following figure is Click Update at the lower measurement. Check whether the
cable between the DUT and the the loop until the preceding figure is displayed. Change the file right corner. transmission calibration of the device is
DET port through the straight displayed. (Do not remove or disconnect name at the lower left corner correct. The straight-through cable connects
connector at the end. the connection after the straight line and click Save at the lower the DUT to the DET. Click the lower right
calibration is complete.) Then, click Save. right corner. corner to start a single scan.
Software Device Transmission Secondary
interface Calibration Calibration calibration

Transmission calibration 2/2


DUT to DET forward transmission. Take the filter as an example.
Note: Each device has a difference.
The calibration curve is for reference only.

After the scanning is complete, the Cancel the automatic scaling in the main Connect the low-pass filter to the
following figure is displayed. interface of the software. The following DUT and DET respectively.
figure is displayed. (The transmission
calibration of the device is normal.)

Set the frequency in the upper right


corner of the main interface, and
click Scan at the lower right corner.
After the scanning is complete,
disable the TP (°) parameter in the
right column, as shown in the
following figure.
Contents

01 Preparing for the Use

02 Use the Equipment

03 FAQ

 Decompress the driver  Frequency bands and  Software parameter


package based on the points of Mode1 repair
Java driver
Common problem 1:
After the JAVA is installed, the vna.3.1.9.cn.jar file is decompressed.

Perform the solution in sequence. If the solution is solved, you do not need to perform the
following steps:

1. Right-click vna.3.1.9.cn.jar and choose --Java (TM) Platform SE binary from the shortcut
menu.
2. Save the file on the right to the folder where the vna.3.1.9.cn.jar file is stored and run the
Save as… and
file. (Note: The folder path cannot contain Chinese characters. In this case, vna.3.1.9.cn.jar cannot rename .txt
to .cmd before use
be placed on the desktop because the file path on the desktop also contains Chinese characters. this file.

Note: In the preceding information, vna.3.1.9.cn.jar is the software version. If the version is
vna.3.1.8.jar, right-click the saved file and choose Edit from the shortcut menu. Change
vna.3.1.9.cn.jar to vna.3.1.8.jar in English.
Common problem 2:
How Do I Set the Frequency Segment and Number of Mode1 Points?

Open the C:\ user \Admininstrator\vna.3.1\ presets file and open the CalRanges_miniVNA Tiny.txt file. (You are
advised to back up the file.) The following table describes the parameters in red. You are advised to modify only the
number of scan points and the number of scanning times. Save the modification and restart the vna.3.1.9.cn.jar. (The
number of scanning times of each frequency band is greater than or equal to 1.) Less than or equal to 10 The number
of calibration points must be greater than or equal to 100 and less than or equal to 20000.
Start frequency (Hz) End frequency (Hz) Scan points Scan times
1000000 30999999 10000 2
31000000 48999999 500 1
49000000 52999999 2000 2
53000000 142999999 500 1
143000000 147999999 2000 2
148000000 428999999 500 1
429000000 441999999 2000 2
442000000 1229999999 500 1
1230000000 1310999999 2000 2
1311000000 2199999999 500 1
2200000000 2599999999 2000 2
2600000000 3000000000 500 1
Common problem 3:
How to solve software parameter modification can not be restored?

Close the software, open the C:\ user \Admininstrator directory, find the vna.3.1 folder,
delete the vna.3.1 folder (the exported files and calibration data in the folder can be saved as
required), and then run the software to generate the vna.3.1 folder again, all internal
configuration data is regenerated (the folder of vna3.2.X or a later version is vna.3.2).
THANKS

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