75 years of vector network analyzers

Crafted for impact - when history meets tomorrow

In the 1950s, Rohde & Schwarz developed the first vector receiver capable of displaying S-parameters directly on a polar or Smith chart. This was a pioneering device that formed the basis for frequency-swept vector network analyzers (VNA).

The VNA is like a Swiss Army knife in the test and measurement world, and its versatility contributed to increased efficiency in electronic component R&D. This set the groundwork for many technological advancements in the latter twentieth century. For example, the VNA was key to developing the first generation of computers, which were primarily based on electron tube technology. By providing accurate measurements of electronic components, VNAs facilitated the design and optimization of complex circuits, leading to more reliable and efficient computing systems. The advancements made during this period laid the foundation for the digital revolution that followed.

The VNA strongly contributed to the low-cost mass production of electronic devices. It enabled fast and highly precise measurements, which reduced manufacturing costs and made electronic products more accessible. As a result, everyday consumers could experience the benefits of technology through improved radios, televisions and other electronic devices.

The influence of VNAs extended beyond computing and manufacturing:

Telecommunications: Enhanced characterization of components led to more reliable telephone networks and laid the groundwork for satellite communications.
Broadcasting technology: Innovations in radio and early television sets emerged, establishing them as mass media staples in the 1950s.
Military technology: In the context of the Cold War, the development of superior radar and communication systems was vital for national security.
AI data centers: The current AI revolution relies on high-speed data transfer, and VNAs are central to testing high-speed data cables.

Celebrate the 75th birthday of the VNA

In honor of this anniversary, we are excited to offer you an exclusive opportunity to purchase Rohde & Schwarz VNAs at 75% of the local list price.

This is your chance to upgrade your bench with essential instruments:

R&S®ZNA : high performance and accuracy for complex measurement tasks
R&S®ZNB3000 : maximum throughput for high-volume production environments
R&S®ZNBT : true multiport VNA, supporting up to 24 ports with fully phase coherent receivers
R&S®ZNL : 3-in-1 analyzer that combines a VNA, spectrum analyzer and power meter
R&S®ZNLE : ideal for basic VNA applications

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! The promotion is valid now through August 31, 2025.

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Rohde & Schwarz and the first VNA

In the early 1950s, Rohde & Schwarz developed the foundational technologies of modern VNAs:

Ratioing of test and measurement receiver channels
Using a heterodyne receiver locked to the source frequency
Display the vector ratio directly on a polar or Smith chart

The VNA allowed engineers to investigate components under real-world conditions, leading to more accurate measurements.

Timeline of key milestones

First major invention in the 1950s: The Z-g-Diagraph was the first instrument to show S-parameters and impedance on a Smith chart.
Computer-controlled VNAs in the 1970-1980s: The ZPV system solution was a system error-correcting VNA controlled by a personal computer (PC).
Sweeping systems in the 1980s: The SWOB or "Polyskop" was a network analyzer that pioneered sweeping systems with integrated signal sources. It was used in the mass production of radio frequency devices, e.g., radios and TVs.
Significant technical innovations in the 1990s: The ZVR had the best RF performance of its time. It was ten times faster, had 20 dB more dynamic range than competing devices and was the industry leader for mixer measurements. The instrument also featured an LCD display, very low start frequency and deembedding of external test fixtures.
Four-port and multiport VNAs in the 2000s: The ZVA was the first four-port VNA capable of phase coherent measurements, pulsed measurements for radar applications and phase and group delay measurements on mixers. This was followed by the ZVT, the first real multiport VNA with eight integrated frontends.
Strong midrange platforms in 2011-2014: The ZNB and ZNBT featured industry-leading dynamic range and support for up to 24 ports - and up to 200+ ports with switch matrices.
THz applications in 2014: In-house converter technology addressed applications up to the THz range. These converters incorporate a digital link to our VNAs, facilitating system setup and providing health monitoring of the external converters - a feature that is still unique in the market.
Modern high-end VNAs in 2019: The ZNA had excellent noise figure measurement capability, an internal combiner, internal pulse modulators, independent receivers and four coherent sources for high-end applications, e.g., in aerospace and defense.
Highly portable VNAs in 2021: Handheld VNAs delivered key functionalities and high performance in small form factors.

Rohde & Schwarz continues to modernize and address technical challenges with new generations. Our latest VNA is the R&S®ZNB3000 : it is designed for high-volume production environments and features maximum throughput with ultrafast measurement cycles.

Benefits of Rohde & Schwarz vector network analyzers

Rohde & Schwarz offers a comprehensive range of VNAs that feature excellent RF characteristics and a wide variety of analysis functions.

Choose our VNAs and enjoy:

Support for measurements up to 1.1 THz
Fast and easy configuration of complex measurements
Most comprehensive mixer and frequency converter measurements on the market for aerospace and defense applications
High scalability and future-proof investment, with regular firmware updates, as well as frequency and port upgrade options
Transparent pricing, so you know exactly how much you will spend over an instrument’s lifetime
Excellent support from our service teams around the globe