1. VNA / Integrated Antennas Training Concept

This 12-hour, practice-oriented online training course is aimed at beginners who have never worked with a vector network analyser (VNA) before. The training combines theory, interactive video calls and practical measurement exercises with self-assessment. 

Overview

– Duration: 12 hours in total

– Lesson frequency: One lesson every 2 days

– Format per lesson:

– Preparation: Reading or material (approx. 1 hour)

– Video call: 1.5 hours of theory, demonstration & guided measurement exercises

– Follow-up: Self-assessment & practice on measurement objects (2-4 hours)

Materials

– Test boards, cables, adapters according to Antennity price list

– Soldering iron and solder from the learner’s inventory for soldering a matching network

1.1 Lesson 1 – Introduction to VNA and S-parameters

Objectives

– Understand what a VNA measures and what it is used for

– Become familiar with the S1P format and the representations return loss, VSWR, Smith chart

Contents

– PowerPoint presentation ‘What is a VNA?’ with handout for review

– White paper ‘Low cost PCB antenna design for wireless IoT’ as preparation

Exercise

– Read and reflect on the reading

Time

– Preparation: 1 hour

– Video call: 1.5 hours

– Self-study: 2 hours

1.2 Lesson 2 – Calibrating the NanoVNA

Objectives

– Correct calibration with open, load, short

– Perform initial measurements on test board

Contents

– Deconstruction of the calibration procedure using a test board

– Guided measurement exercise in video call

Exercise:

– Self-check exercises with PDF documentation, comparison of return loss and Smith chart curves with sample

Time:

– Video call: 1.5 hours

– Self-study: 2–4 hours

1.3 Lesson 3 – Influence of the measurement setup on measurement results

Objectives:

– Recognising and avoiding typical sources of error in the measurement setup

– Understanding the hand and housing effect

Contents

– Examples of typical errors: defective coaxial socket, incorrectly laid cable

– Measurement with plastic housing and influence of the hand effect on 868 MHz antennas

Exercise

– Practical measurement exercises with different setups

Time

– Video call: 1.5 hours

– Self-study: 2–4 hours

1.4 Lesson 4 – Antenna measurement and evaluation

Objectives

– Understanding different antenna types and how to measure them

– Performing your own antenna measurements and interpreting the results

Contents

– Measurement of three antennas from the evaluation kit

– Methods for data evaluation and self-checking

Exercise:

– Independent measurements and comparison with sample data.

Time:

– Video call: 1.5 hours

– Self-study: 2–4 hours

1.5 Lesson 5 – Simulating and understanding matching networks.

Objectives:

– Fundamentals of antenna impedance matching.

– Using free simulation software (e.g. Atyune).

Contents

Introduction to matching networks

Simulation of networks and evaluation

Exercise

Creating and logging your own simulations

Time

Video call: 1.5 hours

Self-study: 2–4 hours

1.6 Lesson 6 – Fine-tuning IFA antennas using the example of 868 MHz

Objectives:

– Frequency tuning by physically modifying the radiator

– Impedance matching using a matching network and short-circuit arm modification

Contents:

– Practical measurement and tuning exercises for the IFA antenna

Exercise:

– Independent fine-tuning and measurement exercises with self-checking

Time:

– Video call: 1.5 hours

– Self-study: 2–4 hours

1.7 Lesson 7 – Customer-specific application

Objectives

– Direct transfer of what has been learned to the participants’ practical examples

– Deepening of skills on customer-specific antennas and applications

– Calibration of an open coaxial cable and measurement of an antenna from the learner’s existing kit design

Contents

– Selection from LoRaWAN (868 MHz), Bluetooth/WiFi (2400 MHz) or cellular antennas (4G/5G)

– Joint development of solutions and measurements

Exercise:

– Independent measurement and analysis tasks close to the customer application. Measurement of the antennas of the learner’s existing IoT devices.

Time

– Video call: 1.5 hours

– Self-study: 2–4 hours

Summary

– Each lesson builds conceptually on the previous one

– Preparation is important in order to work effectively in the video call

– Self-monitoring with documentation promotes sustainable learning

– Regular breaks, asking questions and practising measurements are the keys to success