How to Measure Trace Impedance with a LibreVNA

Multidisciplinary product creation powered by your unconstrained network. Work concurrently across design, sourcing, and manufacturing with real-time insight. 35+ Years of Excellence: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_so... In this episode of Altium Academy, your host Zach Peterson dives into the intricacies of measuring trace impedance using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Addressing a viewer question, Zach breaks down the concepts behind S-parameters, specifically focusing on S11 for impedance determination. The demo utilizes a LibreVNA, providing insights into the calibration process against a 50-ohm reference and interpreting the measured data. Zach walks you through the key factors influencing impedance measurements, such as the reflection coefficient, characteristic impedance, and propagation constant. The video explores how variations in transmission line length affect the S11 curve, showcasing real-world measurements on a test board. As Zach demonstrates the LibreVNA's capabilities, he emphasizes the importance of considering connector contributions and employing de-embedding for accurate measurements. The video includes a comprehensive analysis of the S11 and S21 spectra, revealing characteristic ripples and their correlation with transmission line properties. To validate the measurements, Zach performs a quick check using simulation software. The discussion extends to selecting an appropriate frequency range for analysis and understanding impedance spectrum variations. Whether you're a hobbyist exploring with LibreVNA or a professional using high-end equipment, this video provides fundamental insights into trace impedance measurements. 0:00 Intro 0:43 S-Parameters & S11/S22 3:13 What We Would Expect to See 8:06 LibreVNA Example For more Signal Integrity videos, click here:    • Signal Integrity   For more PCB Design for Intermediate Users videos, click here:    • PCB Design for Intermediate Users   For more Tech Consultant Zach Peterson videos, click here:    • Technical Consultant Zach Peterson   👉 S11 Parameter vs. Return Loss vs. Reflection Coefficient: When Are They the Same?: https://resources.altium.com/p/s11-vs... 👉 How to Extract Circuit Parameters from S-Parameters:    • How to Extract Circuit Parameters from S-P...   Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content. 👉 Follow Altium on TikTok:   / ucqp3thnpsaqhyccjpdwrt8w   👉 Follow Altium on Twitter:   / altium   👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin:   / altium   👉 Follow Altium on Facebook:   / altiumofficial   The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer! About Altium LLC Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products. #Altium #PCBdesign #Electronics