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NanoRFE V2 Plus4/V2 Plus4 Pro

4GHz second generation NanoVNA vector network analyzer, our own design.

V2 Plus4 fixes the drift and linearity issues with older NanoVNA/S-A-A-2 based analyzers. It is a complete redesign using our new VNA-R architecture, which features the following improvements:

• Temperature drift cancellation, only available in the V2 Plus4 and VNA6000 series, gives you repeatable and reliable measurements, allowing you to keep calibrations for longer (>3 months compared to <30 minutes for earlier versions).
• Synthesizer rated for the full frequency range - V2 Plus4 does not overclock the synthesizer or use harmonics, making accurate measurements without interference from spurious signals.
• Factory tuning of each individual instrument allows the V2 Plus4 to have trace noise 90% lower than previous versions, and improved linearity eliminating harmonic response.
• Improved USB protocol allows full speed streaming of measured data to the PC, achieving 4x faster measurement than our earlier S-A-A-2 (6x faster for V2 Plus4 Pro).
• The all aluminum enclosure and improved shielding allows the V2 Plus4 to reach >90dB real dynamic range, achieving similar results as professional VNAs, and allows measuring duplexers.

You are probably aware of the components shortage situation everyone is in right now, with many small businesses struggling to survive, as well as the flood of low quality clones becoming a major issue. We'd like to thank you for choosing to support us by buying the original version!

New: V2 Plus4 Pro: When our engineers were developing the next generation VNA6000 series and were experimenting with ways to reduce receiver noise to the absolute minimum, we realized that by adding a specially designed IF filter in a critical stage of the signal path, we could offer much improved noise floor while still keeping costs reasonable. This also made it possible to measure narrowband devices like crystal filters. Originally called the "V2 Plus5", it was renamed to V2 Plus4 Pro to signify that it was fully compatible with the V2 Plus4 and runs the same firmware, software, and user interface.

Features:

• Latest original hardware - each VNA produced is verified by the original designers for performance; supported by all official software and firmware updates
• 4 inch display
• Highest performing VNA under $1000
  • Frequency range: 50kHz - 4GHz
  • High measurement repeatability (<0.1dB typ) - Automatic internal compensation corrects for drift errors, no noticeable temperature drift
  • Low trace noise (<0.03dB RMS)
  • High dynamic range (>90dB), can measure duplexers; 96dB typically achievable (V2 Plus4 Pro, see measurements below)
  • Realtime sweep - shows results as sweep progresses, more responsive than other versions
  • Fastest update rate - improved USB interfacing allows full speed streaming of measured data to the PC, achieving faster sweep times than other NanoVNA versions (0.25s for V2 Plus4, 0.16s for V2 Plus4 Pro)
  • Adjustable IF bandwidth (V2 Plus4 Pro) - allows measuring crystal filters
• Advanced measurement capabilities
  • >1024 max sweep points; more points (up to 65535) are possible depending on the performance of your PC.
  • Custom calibration kit parameters
  • S parameter export
  • TDR (time domain reflectometry/distance to fault) allows measuring cable length and discontinuities [example]
  • Can display smith chart, return loss, SWR, complex impedance, series equivalent (RC/RL), group delay, and more
  • Port length extension/electrical delay
  • Enhanced response calibration - improves S21 accuracy
• Supported by latest official firmware, with features:
  • Marker delta and marker search allows easily measuring minimums and maximums
  • Adjustable ADF4350 output power
  • Adjustable averaging
  • Up to 4 traces displayed at once
  • Firmware releases: https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-versions.html
• Can be used standalone or with PC.
• Accepts standard flat-top 18650 lithium-ion battery, includes on-board protection and charging (note: after inserting a battery, connect USB power at least once to activate the battery management IC.)

Full set includes:

• VNA main unit
• 2 x 30cm SS405 test cables
• Calibration kit - SMA male - Short, Open, Load, and Thru
• USB cable
• Touchscreen stylus

Achievable performance (V2 Plus4 Pro, calibrated, IFBW=0.8kHz, AVG=20)

Comparison between V2 Plus4 and Keysight Fieldfox

https://ae5x.blogspot.com/2021/07/1-to-4-ghz-nanovna-2-plus4-vs-keysight.html

Example measurements (V2 Plus4)

Note: an attenuation of at least the gain of the amplifier should be used when measuring amplifiers.

Documentation

NanoVNA V2 official site:

https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2.html

User manual:

https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2-user-manual.html

Software

VNA-QT software download: https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2-software.html

Firmware releases:

https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-versions.html

Support

Customer support: edelswartz123@gmail.com NanoVNA V2 support forum: https://groups.io/g/NanoVNAV2

The V2 Plus4 series come with a 2 year warranty that covers defects in manufacturing. We will exchange any defective device for a new unit in the first year, and offer repairs free of charge after. Please note that user damage to the device, such as mechanical damage of the connectors or exceeding power or voltage input limits, are not covered by warranty. Because the V2 Plus4 is a specialized test instrument with high cost components and limited second hand value, we can not accept returns on bulk orders larger than 2 units (only exchanges under the above warranty).

Specifications:

• Frequency range: 50kHz - 4GHz
• Trace noise: 0.03dB RMS
• Measurement repeatability: 0.1dB typ
• Maximum system dynamic range:
  • 90dB, V2 Plus4, AVG=20
  • 90dB, V2 Plus4 Pro, BW=1.6kHz, AVG=5
  • 96dB typ, V2 Plus4 Pro, BW=1.6kHz, AVG=20
• S11 noise floor (calibrated): -50dB (up to 1.5GHz), -40dB (up to 3GHz)
• Max sweep speed: 0.25s per sweep (V2 Plus4, default settings)
• Max sweep speed: 0.16s per sweep (V2 Plus4 Pro, default settings, BW=10kHz)
• Display: 4'', 480 x 320
• USB interface: USB Type-B
• Power: USB
• Battery: accepts standard 18650 flat-top lithium-ion battery (see below)
• Maximum sweep points: 1024 (with NanoVNA-QT software)
• Port 2 return loss (1GHz): 20dB typ
• Port 2 return loss (3GHz): 17dB typ
• VNA-QT software supported platforms: Linux, Windows (7+), Mac OS
• IF bandwidth: adjustable from 0.8kHz to 10kHz (V2 Plus4 Pro)

Beware of clones with exaggerated specifications that perform poorly:

Battery

Accepts standard 18650 lithium-ion battery. Includes USB charging. Operation without a battery is also supported.

You can insert a standard 18650 flat-top unprotected 3.6V lithium-ion battery like the following:

The NanoVNA V2 Plus4 includes on-board battery protection and charging circuitry and can charge the battery from USB. See here for how to insert the battery.

After inserting the battery, you need to plug in USB power at least once to activate the battery management IC.