In today’s rapidly advancing RF and microwave technology landscape, precision in measurement is critical. The vector network analyzer (VNA) stands as an essential test instrument for characterising electrical networks at high frequencies. One of the pivotal features that significantly enhances VNA measurement accuracy and realism is fixture simulation. This process mathematically models and corrects the effects of the physical test fixtures used during measurements.
This article delves into the fundamentals of fixture simulation using vector network analyzers, explains its technical significance, presents key data and industry trends, and guides potential buyers through the application spectrum, culminating in actionable insights to choose the right solution.
What is Fixture Simulation in a Vector Network Analyzer?
Fixture simulation is a sophisticated technique integrated into modern VNAs that allows users to embed or remove test fixture effects mathematically from the measured data. In practical terms, a test fixture is the hardware setup—such as cables, adapters, connectors, or probes—that holds the device under test (DUT) and connects it to the analyzer. However, these fixtures introduce distortions and losses that can obscure the true performance of the DUT.
The fixture simulator functionality helps engineers:
- De-embed unwanted fixture influences from the measurement results,
- Embed matching or balancing circuits to replicate real-world operating conditions,
- Perform impedance conversions to match specified port impedances,
- Model complex test setups accurately without physical reconstruction.
The data processing happens simultaneously with error term corrections, ensuring measurements reflect as if the DUT were in an ideal, lossless environment.
| Fixture Simulation Capabilities | 説明 |
| De-embedding | Removes fixture effects |
| Embedding | Adds specified circuits (e.g., matching networks) |
| Impedance conversion | Adjusts measurement for target port impedances |
| Balance-unbalance transformation | Converts single-ended to differential modes |
This simulator capability is typically user-configurable via a GUI where multiple fixture elements can be combined in any order to create an infinite variety of simulation scenarios.
Why Fixture Simulation Matters: Accuracy and Efficiency
Effective fixture simulation enables higher measurement precision by eliminating error sources, which is critical in:
- R&D and product design: Accurate parameter extraction ensures optimal design validation and faster product iteration.
- Manufacturing and quality control: Reduces false rejects by distinguishing between fixture-induced errors and real defects.
- System integration: Allows realistic simulation of DUT behaviour under actual operating conditions.
General statistics indicate that precision improvements from fixture simulation can reduce uncertainty by 20-30%, which translates into significant benefits in costly high-frequency component development.
Key Technical Features of Vector Network Analyzers Supporting Fixture Simulation
Modern VNAs incorporate advanced features that complement fixture simulation:
| 特徴 | Details |
| 周波数範囲 | Models covering from kHz to above 40 GHz (millimetre waves) |
| ダイナミックレンジ | Up to 120-144 dB, enabling detection of very weak signals |
| Port Count | Single-port to multi-port (4 or more) configurations |
| 測定速度 | From microseconds to milliseconds per data point |
| Calibration Support | Full SOLT and TRL calibration integration for accuracy |
With continuous innovation, portable USB VNAs now rival benchtop units in performance, offering up to 124 dB dynamic range and noise floors below 0.01 dB, critical for subtle fixture effect corrections.
Market Trends and Industry Growth
The global vector network analyzer market is forecasted to reach USD 95–105 million in 2025 with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 3.5-4.5% till 2030. This growth is driven primarily by:
- Expanding 5G infrastructure and IoT device production,
- Broad adoption in aerospace, defence, telecom, and semiconductor sectors,
- Increased need for precise RF calibration in automotive radar and space technologies.
The Asia-Pacific market is growing fastest at around 5-6% CAGR, driven by manufacturing advancements and government tech investments. North America retains the largest market share with strong R&D investments from major semiconductor players.
Buyers’ Guide
Choosing the Right Vector Network Analyzer for Fixture Simulation
When selecting a VNA with fixture simulation capabilities, consider the following factors:
| Criteria | Considerations |
| Frequency Band | Match with your application needs (e.g., RF, microwave up to mmWave) |
| Number of Ports | Multi-port VNAs allow complex fixture and DUT configurations |
| ダイナミックレンジ | Higher dynamic range means better sensitivity to fixture and DUT effects |
| Calibration Support | Ensure compatibility with SOLT, TRL, and automated calibration routines |
| Software & GUI | Intuitive fixture simulation setup and data visualisation |
| 携帯性（けいたいせい） | USB-based or benchtop according to lab/field requirements |
| Budget | From entry-level models to high-end precision instruments |
Leading manufacturers continue to innovate with solutions tailored for 5G device testing, semiconductor validation, aerospace compliance, and automotive radar development.
Practical Application Example: De-embedding in Antenna Testing
Consider an engineer testing a miniature antenna embedded in a complex fixture. Without fixture simulation, the measured performance may show inflated losses or phase errors caused by cable and connector effects. By applying fixture de-embedding:
- S-parameter models of the fixture are loaded into the VNA.
- Measurement data of the antenna response are corrected in real time.
- Results reflect the true antenna characteristics, facilitating design optimisation.
This approach reduces prototype iterations and accelerates time to market significantly.
Unlock Precision Testing with Sankorf Vector Network Analyzer Solutions
For engineers and organisations demanding top-tier vector network analyzer capabilities with powerful fixture simulation, Sankorf offers cutting-edge RF and USB VNAs designed for precision, versatility, and ease of use. From rigorous R&D environments to high-volume manufacturing, Sankorf products integrate advanced calibration and fixture emulation to deliver reliable, actionable insights.
Our market-leading technology supports multi-port testing, high dynamic range, and seamless integration with fixture simulators to empower your design and testing workflows.
Discover more about how we can elevate your RF measurement accuracy and efficiency by visiting Sanko. Ready to optimise your testing setup or explore customised solutions? Reach out to us directly and accelerate your journey to more precise, confident RF measurements.
FAQs
- What is fixture simulation in a vector network analyzer, and why is it important?
- Fixture simulation is a feature in VNAs that mathematically adds or removes the effect of test fixtures (cables, connectors, adapters) from measurement results. It is important because it improves measurement accuracy by isolating the true behaviour of the device under test, removing errors introduced by the physical test setup.
- Fixture simulation is a feature in VNAs that mathematically adds or removes the effect of test fixtures (cables, connectors, adapters) from measurement results. It is important because it improves measurement accuracy by isolating the true behaviour of the device under test, removing errors introduced by the physical test setup.
- How do you perform de-embedding with a VNA fixture simulator?
- De-embedding is done by loading S-parameter models of the test fixture into the VNA, which then subtracts the fixture’s influence from the raw measurement. This process allows engineers to analyse only the DUT’s response without fixture distortions, improving design verification and manufacturing quality control.
- De-embedding is done by loading S-parameter models of the test fixture into the VNA, which then subtracts the fixture’s influence from the raw measurement. This process allows engineers to analyse only the DUT’s response without fixture distortions, improving design verification and manufacturing quality control.
- What are the common calibration methods used with fixture simulation on VNAs?
- Common calibration methods include SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Thru), TRL (Thru-Reflect-Line), response calibration, and electronic calibration. These calibrations remove systematic measurement errors and, when combined with fixture simulation, provide highly accurate S-parameter measurements.
- Common calibration methods include SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Thru), TRL (Thru-Reflect-Line), response calibration, and electronic calibration. These calibrations remove systematic measurement errors and, when combined with fixture simulation, provide highly accurate S-parameter measurements.
- What frequency range and port configurations do VNAs supporting fixture simulation usually offer?
- Fixture-simulating VNAs typically support frequencies from low MHz frequencies up to 40 GHz or higher (millimetre-wave range). Port configurations vary from 1-port to 4-port or more, enabling multi-port network testing and complex fixture setups.
- Fixture-simulating VNAs typically support frequencies from low MHz frequencies up to 40 GHz or higher (millimetre-wave range). Port configurations vary from 1-port to 4-port or more, enabling multi-port network testing and complex fixture setups.
- What are common troubleshooting tips if fixture simulation results look inaccurate?Common issues include:
- Incorrect or incomplete S-parameter files for the fixture,
- High fixture losses leading to measurement errors,
- Calibration errors or instability,
- Mismatched port impedances,
- Frequency range mismatch for the S-parameter files vs. measurement sweep.
Verifying fixture models and recalibrating carefully usually resolves such problems
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