High frequency sampling oscilloscopes used for vector network analysis: Synthetic vector network analyzer

This paper is about using sampling oscilloscopes to perform Vector Network Analysis measurements. This paper discusses algorithms and hardware required to make vector network measurements and then compares the measurements on a simple low pass filter to measurements taken by a vector network analyzer. Oscilloscopes and digitizers have been steadily increasing in bandwidth. At the same time Interchangeable Virtual Instrument drivers have made porting software between different scopes a simple matter. These technologies make investments in algorithm development more cost effective. The algorithms have a longer life, lower costs to maintain, and ease of porting the algorithms to future scopes.