Supply of Vector Network Analyzers

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) at Edinburgh South Australia uses calibrated, high-performance Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) instruments to undertake precision antenna and radar cross section (RCS) measurements.They are an essential part of the calibration of the RCS trials measurement systems operated by the DSTO and which provide the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) with an RCS measurement capability.Two VNAs are used so as to provide cross checking between instruments (inconsistency indicates a system failure) and continuity whilst either of the systems is sent away for calibration.They are located within the DSTO Edinburgh anechoic chamber and at the St Kilda, South Australia, antenna test range.

The current VNAs are a 15+ year old design which is now obsolete and is no longer maintained by the manufacturer, although repairs are made where spares still exist.Failures in calibration have become increasingly common in recent years, requiring increasingly costly and time-consuming repair work of one or both VNAs.

This situation is becoming less and less sustainable as time progresses, and there is a significant and increasing risk that the ADO RCS measurement capability could be suspended and DSTO’s research programme impacted due to unplanned unavailability of the calibrated VNAs.There is also a significant and increasing risk that any repairs will become unaffordable and/or impossible due to unavailability of parts.

The objective is to remove these risks purchasing two new VNAs of modern design, so as to improve reliability and supportability, together with a five year calibration support contract, so that ongoing support costs can be controlled.The opportunity will also be taken to investigate various options to extend the frequency range and functionality of the VNAs, so as to future-proof the VNAs for the next 10 years or so.