At EuMW 2026, LA Techniques showcased its latest vector network analysis solutions, with Matthew Ireland demonstrating the new systems and software capabilities at the company’s booth. These included a new 9.5 GHz two-port VNA paired with a 2-to-4 switch matrix for multiport measurements, along with time-domain analysis, eye-diagram generation, and automated-test functions. LA Techniques develops and manufactures its instruments in-house, combining cost-effective VNA hardware with software designed to simplify measurement setup and automation. Its broader portfolio includes VNAs, signal generators, synthesizer modules, accessories, and OEM reflectometers.
European Microwave Week (EuMW) 2026, held from 4-9 October at ExCeL London, is Europe’s premier event for the RF, microwave, mmWave, and radar industry, bringing together the companies and technologies shaping the future of high-frequency engineering.
9.5 GHz Multiport VNA Measurement Solution
The solution combines the new LA19-13-04C, a two-port VNA operating up to 9.5 GHz, with the new LA19-17-02 2-to-4 switch matrix. While the VNA has two physical test ports, the switch matrix extends those connections to four ports, allowing engineers to characterize multiport devices without manually moving the test cables for every measurement.
Ireland demonstrated the setup by measuring a four-port RF coupler. The software automatically switched between the required port combinations and displayed the coupler’s measurements in real time. When he disconnected and reconnected one of the cables, the corresponding change appeared immediately in the measured response. The setup is intended for linear devices, where the VNA can measure the required port combinations sequentially and combine the results into a complete multiport characterization. This provides a flexible alternative to using a VNA with a dedicated measurement receiver for every port.
The software is not limited to LA Techniques’ 2-to-4 matrix. It can also work with larger third-party switching systems, including a 4-to-16 matrix from EECL. When paired with a 16-port switch matrix, the two-port VNA can sequentially measure all 16 ports of a compatible linear device. Each connected port can be configured as single-ended or paired with another port for differential measurements. This allows the same system to characterize conventional RF components as well as balanced and differential devices, depending on the measurement requirements. Learn more about LA Techniques’ Products.
Time-Domain Fault Location with the 8.5 GHz VNA
LA Techniques also demonstrated its established LA19-13-04B two-port VNA, which operates from 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz and provides a dynamic range of up to 124 dB. The compact USB-controlled instrument supports full two-port S-parameter measurements and test levels up to +10 dBm. For the demonstration, the VNA measured the reflection response of a 50-ohm transmission line in the time domain. The displayed trace showed the positions of connectors at the beginning, middle, and far end of the board. As Ireland moved his finger along the transmission line, the software detected the resulting disturbance and showed its changing position.
This capability converts the VNA’s frequency-domain measurement into a distance-related view of the signal path. Engineers can use it to identify where a discontinuity or fault is located along a cable, transmission line, connector assembly, or PCB trace rather than seeing only its effect across frequency.
Eye-Diagram Analysis Using a VNA
Ireland also highlighted the software’s eye-diagram capability. The feature uses the channel response measured by the VNA to emulate how a high-speed digital signal would behave when transmitted through the device under test. The resulting eye diagram gives engineers a visual indication of channel quality. A more open eye generally indicates that the receiver can distinguish between signal states more reliably, while a closed or distorted eye can reveal losses, reflections, or other effects that reduce signal integrity. In automated production testing, users can define limits including minimum eye height and automatically pass or fail devices against those requirements. This allows the frequency-domain VNA to support high-speed interconnect and channel testing without introducing a separate eye-diagram instrument into every test setup.
Software Features Included with the VNA
LA Techniques includes its measurement features within the standard VNA software rather than selling them as separate software add-ons. Customers receive access to functions including time-domain analysis and eye-diagram generation with the instrument. The company releases updated software approximately every three months, and existing VNA users receive the new versions without an additional update fee. This allows features and measurement capabilities developed after an instrument is purchased to be added to the existing system. For automated test applications, the software supports remote control through SCPI commands and programmable application programming interfaces. Engineers can use these interfaces to control the VNA, configure measurements, retrieve results, and incorporate the instrument into production-test software.
European Microwave Week 2026 showcased the latest developments in wireless communications, aerospace and defense, radar, satellite technology, semiconductors, antennas, and test and measurement solutions. From advanced RF instrumentation to next-generation microwave components and subsystems, the event highlighted many of the innovations shaping the future of high-frequency engineering. To discover more technologies, product launches, and demonstrations from across the exhibition floor, click here to view everything RF’s complete EuMW 2026 coverage.
Click here to learn more about LA Techniques and its vector network analysis solutions.