Basics Of Rf Amplifier Test With The Vector Net... -

A VNA measures the "system," so you must calibrate to remove the effects of cables and adapters.

Similar to S11, this measures how well the output port is matched to the load. Basics of RF Amplifier Test with the Vector Net...

Perform a Full 2-Port Calibration (SOLT: Short, Open, Load, Through) at the exact plane where the amplifier will be connected. A VNA measures the "system," so you must

If your amplifier has a DC bias on the RF lines, use DC blocks to prevent damaging the VNA’s bridge circuitry. A VNA measures the "system

Once calibrated and connected, you focus on the four primary S-parameters:

Most VNAs have a low damage threshold (e.g., +20 dBm). If your amplifier outputs more power than this, place a high-power fixed attenuator on the output side before connecting it to the VNA Port 2.