What are S11, S21 and the other S-parameters over frequency?
One-port reflection
Performance Testing · Electrical & Electrochemical
Vector Network Analysis (VNA)
Measure S-parameters, reflection, transmission and derived RF properties over an agreed frequency band.
- Price
- from£105 per sample per frequency band, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 5 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Keysight N5245B PNA-XCeyear 3672BAgilent E5071C
- Typical outputs
- Complex S-parametersReturn and insertion lossSmith chart or impedance responseDerived permittivity or permeability where valid
Why this service
What VNA can help you understand
Vector network analysis measures complex reflection and transmission versus frequency. Calibration plane, connector or waveguide, fixture, sample geometry and de-embedding determine whether the result…
Where are resonances, losses or impedance mismatches?
Two- or multi-port S-parameters
Can permittivity or permeability be derived from a suitable material…
Material-property extraction
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
One-port reflection
What are S11, S21 and the other S-parameters over frequency?
- Best used when
- What are S11, S21 and the other S-parameters over frequency?
- Typical result
- Complex S-parameters
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
Two- or multi-port S-parameters
Where are resonances, losses or impedance mismatches?
- Best used when
- Where are resonances, losses or impedance mismatches?
- Typical result
- Return and insertion loss
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Material-property extraction
Can permittivity or permeability be derived from a suitable material specimen?
- Best used when
- Can permittivity or permeability be derived from a suitable material specimen?
- Typical result
- Smith chart or impedance response
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Complex S-parameters reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Return and insertion loss supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Smith chart or impedance response provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Derived permittivity or permeability where valid included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
Why is the price stated per frequency band?
Different bands can require different cables, calibration standards, fixtures and sample geometry.
What is the typical turnaround?
Typical turnaround is 5 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope VNA correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth