Copper Mountain Technologies provides a variety of Vector Network Analyzers and VNA software to accommodate a wide range of test and measurement needs.

Our product line is broadly divided into 4 types: 1-port VNAs or reflectometers usting RVNA software, 2-port 1-path VNAs make S11 and S21 measurements only using TRVNA software, instruments capable of full 2-port measurements (there are the M, S, SC, and Cobalt series VNAs) using S2VNA software, and full 4-port VNAs using S4VNA software.

To download the software, go to http://3.141.29.121/demothesoftware.

Watch the video below for full details on how to download and use the VNA software.

Use the steps below or watch the embedded video to troubleshoot your VNA connection.

First, make sure that the VNA is powered ON and the USB cable is connected to both your VNA and your PC.

Next, launch the VNA software and make sure that it is not in Demo Mode. To check this, use the following softkeys – System > Misc Setup > Demo Mode > OFF.

The bottom right corner of the software reads the status of the device. This usually reads as either “Ready” or “Not Ready”. If the status says “Ready”, you can go ahead with your measurements.

However, if the status reads as “Not Ready”, there are a few ways to determine the cause:

1. Make sure that you are using the latest version of our software. To check the software version on your software, click on System -> About. If your software is out of date, you can download the latest version from our website coppermountaintech.com/download-the-software.
2. The next step is to Power Cycle the VNA and see if the status then changes to “Ready”. If you are unable to establish connection, continue performing the next steps.
3. Open the Device Manager in your PC and scroll down to “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”. Now, expand the drop down menu and check if your VNA is listed under this menu.
4. If your VNA is not listed under “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”, try using a different USB cable and then check the menu again.
5. If you are using a USB HUB and replacing the USB cable did not resolve the issue, try connecting your USB directly to your computer bypassing the hub.
6. Lastly, try connecting the VNA to a different computer, as some PC settings could be the cause of the connection issues.

If you are still having issues after all the steps above, contact support or call us at +1.317.222.5400.

Let’s discuss the two types of calibration – Annual Calibration and Measurement Calibration.

Annual calibration is used to check the instrument periodically to ensure that it is operating within its specifications. We recommend a 12-month calibration interval for all VNAs and ACMs (Automatic Calibration Modules); however, the actual calibration is determined by your organization’s quality policy. Our Indianapolis based calibration lab is accredited in accordance with the recognized international standard ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) and meets the requirements of ANSI/NCSL Z540-1994-1, ISO/IEC 9001:2008.

If you prefer to perform annual calibration yourself, or use a third-party lab, you can use any lab with RF measurement experience and capability. You may also download the VNA Performance Test (VNAPT) software from our website.

Measurement Calibration is needed to ensure that the loss associated with any connector or cable is accounted for when taking measurements on the Device Under Test.

SOLT, otherwise known as Short, Open, Load, Thru, is the most common calibration technique. Calibration can be done by either using a mechanical calibration kit or an Automatic Calibration Module, or ACM.

Watch the video below to learn more about VNA calibration.

Our VNA software application offers a demo mode feature, which does not require a physical VNA to use. Demo mode is easy to access and allows you to simulate the use of various VNA models directly from the software. This mode is particularly helpful for students and new customers who are looking to learn more about our software. You can download our demo software on the website at any time for free.

Watch the video below to learn more about using the software in simulation mode.

Our VNA software application offers a demo mode feature, which does not require a physical VNA to use. Demo mode is easy to access and allows you to simulate the use of various VNA models directly from the software. This mode is particularly helpful for students and new customers who are looking to learn more about our software.

It is very easy to automate CMT VNAs. CMT VNAs support a huge list of available SCPI commands. Watch the video below for some beginning examples on automation. If you want more information on automating your vector network analyzer measurements, you can watch our VNA 101 Bootcamp webinar on automation here.